Page 58 of Hibiscus Heights

“So do I,” she said, looking down. Her forehead furrowed slightly.

Before she could bring up his failure to contact her again, he leaned forward, taking a chance. “The boys talk a lot about you. You’ve made quite an impression on them.”

Deb’s expression softened in a way that surprised him. “They’re wonderful kids. Smart, curious, funny, well mannered. I know I didn’t think so at first, but you’re doing something right.”

He chuckled at that memory. “At times, I wonder if I’m enough for them. Kids don’t come with an owner’s manual.”

“I guess everyone makes it up as they go. But you’re their father, so that counts for a lot.”

Candy whisked to their table with another glass of water and a stack of napkins. Without commenting, she swept the soggy ones away, much to Grant’s relief.

Deb smiled at that. “Candy keeps this place running with Jo.”

“I can see that, and she gave me some recommendations.”

Candy’s smile was quick. “What can I get you two tonight?”

Deb didn’t hesitate. “A hamburger with Monterey Jack cheese, grilled Anaheim chiles, and extra avocado. And sweet potato fries with that garlic aioli Jo makes.”

Grant put down the menu. “Sounds good. I’ll have the same.”

After Candy left, Deb grinned. “You used to tease me about my big appetite.”

“I liked that about you.”

“Jo’s food is too good to pass up.” Deb’s laugh was easy for the first time since she’d arrived. “Remember when we used to hit that fish taco stand after surfing?”

“Those were the best. Is that place still around?”

“Sure is, and people still dance on the beach there. You should take Teddy and Mason there.”

The memories came more easily for him now, tinged with warmth rather than pain.

Grant relaxed in Deb’s presence while Adrian transitioned to a bluesy ballad.

This might be a good night, after all.

They fell into comfortable conversation about old times, talking about their friends’ beach parties where they’d roasted marshmallows over driftwood fires. They reminisced about days spent surfing and exploring the nature reserve. That summer they sailed around the island every chance they got and trained to run a marathon to raise funds for charity.

Deb sipped her water. “Running together was fun.”

“Maybe for you. You always won.”

“I was used to competing against older brothers.”

When their food arrived, Grant watched Deb attack her burger with the same enthusiasm he remembered. Nothing delicate or self-conscious about it. She was simply enjoying her meal.

People relaxed here. That’s what he remembered most about Crown Island.

Deb grinned at him. “You should bring the boys here for breakfast sometime. Although I promised them before their dad showed up.”

Grant had to know more about the intervening years. “You never wanted to have children of your own?”

Deb’s hand stilled halfway to her mouth, and she put her burger down. A pained expression flickered across her face.

“That’s not a question you should ask. You, of all people.”

He quickly realized his mistake, but now he was in deep. “I’m sorry. Did you ever marry?”

---