Page 56 of Hibiscus Heights

“First, let’s make a distinction between need and want,” Ella said, tapping the table. “It’s okay to want it all in life.”

Deb felt her face flush. “I realize that.”

Ella rested her chin on her hand and peered at Deb as if looking into her soul. “Second chances don’t come around every day. At my age, finding love again was the farthest thing from my mind.”

“You had a wonderful life with Dr. August.”

“We did it all,” Ella said, nodding. “We built a hospital for the community, and though it seemed we would never have a family, April was delivered to us. And she gave us two beautiful granddaughters in Junie and Maileah, who are as different as they can be. No, I couldn’t have asked for more in life. But I’m not foolish enough to turn down a second chance on principle.”

Deb smiled at her. “Meaning Whitley, of course.”

“August and I had known him for years and always thought highly of him. My husband would approve now, I’m sure. Why shouldn’t I have another chance to care for someone who also cares for me?”

“It’s not the same,” Deb said. “Those boys need a mother.”

“Their mother is gone. They need people who’ll simply love them.”

She’d already lost her heart to them, but it was more complicated than that. Deb pushed her chair back and stood.

“I don’t know why we’re even talking about this. They’re leaving soon. Grant has his life in Tiburon. Maybe a girlfriend, for all I know.”

Ella folded her arms. “You don’t want to get hurt again.”

“No one hurts me anymore. And certainly not Grant.” Deb snapped her fingers toward her dog. “Come on, Duke. Let’s finish that run.”

After hugging Ella, Deb hurried out, sprinting as far as she could away from the thought that there might be a future with Grant.

There never was, and there never would be.

16

Grant opened the door to Cuppa Jo’s, a vintage diner that was clearly the place to be. Laughter, chatter, and the aroma of hamburgers and fries spilled out. He remembered coming here with Deb years ago, although it looked different now.

A younger woman with short dark hair greeted him. “Welcome to Cuppa Jo’s. I’m Jo. How many?”

“Table for two.” Feeling nervous about tonight, he’d arrived fifteen minutes early. “I’m meeting someone here soon. Maybe you know Deb Whitaker?”

“Everyone on the island knows Deb,” Jo said, grinning. “I’ll seat you in my best booth.” She led the way through the crowd.

Cuppa Jo’s buzzed with the excitement of a Friday night. People in animated conversations packed the red vinyl booths.

Adrian, the owner of Regal Bikes, played guitar on a small stage area. As he strummed Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville” song, Adrian recognized him and nodded.

Grant had rented bikes from him for the boys a few days ago at Regal Bikes. Adrian hadn’t remembered him from years ago, and Grant didn’t remind him. Now that his mother was buying a beach house, he would see Adrian about purchasing bikes for all of them.

Jo stopped beside a semi-circular booth and tapped a young guy who looked barely twenty on the shoulder. “Hey, would you guys sit at the bar? Deb is coming in. It’s worth a banana split to you.”

“Cool, let’s go.” He grabbed his girlfriend’s hand and slid out.

“You didn’t need to kick them out,” Grant said.

“Oh, yes, I did.” Jo laughed. “Deb’s a VIP around here. Besides, that’s my kid brother.”

Grant smiled at the small-town vibe going on here. “In that case, put their desserts on me.”

Jo put a hand on her hip, appraising him. “I like your style. What’s your name? I want to remember you.”

After introducing himself, Grant slid into the booth, facing the entrance so he could see Deb enter. A familiar discomfort tightened his shoulders. Even after three years, he felt awkward being alone in social situations.

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