Page 57 of Hibiscus Heights

It was hard to fit in when half of you was missing.

A server wearing a red-and-white striped shirt with a name tag placed two glasses of water on the table. “I’m Candy, and I’ll be taking care of you and Deb tonight. Do you need a menu?”

“Sure do,” Grant replied.

Candy handed one to him. “Thought so. You’re new around here, aren’t you?”

He didn’t want to bore her with his history, so he simply nodded. “We’ll be here for the rest of the summer.”

“Who’s we?”

“I have two boys. You’ll probably see them here. They have big appetites.”

“We’re known for the best burgers and fries on the island. Deb likes the avocado burger and the sweet potato fries. Our fresh fish and chips, chili-cheese fries, and ice cream shakes are good, too. Or if you’re health conscious, we serve green smoothies, salads with local produce, and vegan burgers.”

Grant thanked her and studied the menu for a few moments, which gave him something to do. With Jen’s encouragement, he was starting to go out again, but it still felt odd to be on his own. He hoped Deb would arrive soon.

A few minutes later when she did, Grant caught his breath.

Deb paused in the doorway, scanning the crowd for him. He rose to meet her, but she saw him and cut through the crowd. She moved with the same easy confidence that had initially impressed him.

And it still did. His pulse quickened at the sight of her, just as it always had.

She was dressed casually in a pink knit top, white golf skirt, and sneakers. She wasn’t trying to impress him. While her outfit wasn’t date wear, the short skirt showcased her long, toned legs. After seeing her running on the beach, he’d thought about taking up running again. Feeling a little self-conscious, he sucked in his abs.

The right woman will do that to you, he thought, mentally ordering new running shoes.

His khaki trousers, blue collared shirt, and loafers suddenly seemed a little overdressed. He blew out a breath to calm his nerves.

Sliding from the booth to meet her, he knocked over a glass. As water seeped across the table, he quickly grabbed the napkins Candy had left to sop it up. He already had one strike against him for clumsiness.

Feeling embarrassed, he said, “Oh, hi. You look well.”

Inwardly, he winced. How lame, he thought. He’d be talking about the weather next if he wasn’t careful. He needed to do better, especially if he was competing against the worldly Matteo.

Grant couldn’t begin to match the other man’s sophisticated accent. Jen told him about meeting Matteo. A little later that day, they were at the Library Bar when Matteo came in with Ryan Kingston to talk to the bartender about Matteo’s wines.

“Good to see you.” Deb slid into the opposite side, maintaining a distance between them.

“This place is packed tonight. Looks like a Friday night tradition.” He gestured toward Adrian. “The live music is nice.”

“Adrian has been playing here for years. Jo treats the local musicians well.” She motioned at Candy. “Where are the boys tonight?”

“They’re with my mom.” He paused, trying to read her noncommittal body language.

Definitely not a date. His shoulders sagged a little.

She laced her fingers and leaned forward. “How is Teddy doing on those crutches?”

Grant warmed to the genuine interest in her voice. “He’s fine, and I think he enjoys the attention. Looks like the wound will close well, just as Ella said. I sure appreciate your quick thinking.”

“I was glad to do it.” Deb started to say something, but she held back.

“April’s mother is as kind as I remember.”

“I was surprised you did.”

“I remember everything. Even this place.” His heart tightened, and he longed to reach for her hand.

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