Page 72 of Hibiscus Heights

Maileah hurried toward the sumptuous spread of delicacies. Glancing around, Deb spotted Kitty, looking elegant in a navy-blue silk sheath that showcased her diamond starfish necklace. Jen and Daniel were with her, so Grant couldn’t be far away.

She didn’t have to wait long to find him.

Grant touched her shoulder. “Everyone agrees that you’ve created something magical here.”

Deb looked up, and her heart skipped. He wore a formal suit well, and the sincerity in his voice caught her off guard.

“It’s been a team effort from the beginning. Where are the boys?”

“At the kid’s beach party. That was a great idea, and they needed that.” He hesitated for a moment. “Teddy has been pretty upset.”

Deb was instantly alarmed. “About what?”

“It’s an old problem, but I need to address it again. A classmate posted a comment about the poor kid online. Mason saw it because I won’t allow Teddy online anymore. It’s too painful for him. However, it seems he overheard Mason telling my sister about it.” He sighed and shook his head. “At least they’re having fun tonight. I’ll pick them up later.”

“Credit April and Junie with that one.” The children’s activities coordinator organized a supper and activities for the guests’ children this evening. Still, Deb was concerned about Teddy and Mason and hoped they were having a good time now.

Admiration filled his eyes as he stared at her. “You look sensational tonight. You’ve outdone every woman here. And the earrings are sublime.”

She waited, but he didn’t say anything else. “They were a surprise from my father, I think. Did you know anything about them?”

Grant shook his head, seemingly puzzled.

“My parents should be here, but I haven’t seen them yet. They’ll be seated at a table next to mine.” Her parents would likely want to invite him to their summer open house.

“I’d like to meet them again, but we need to talk first.” Grant’s gaze lingered on her as if he wanted to say something but couldn’t. “Is there anything I can get for you?”

She wondered what was so urgent, but it would have to wait. “I’m dying for a glass of water.”

“I’ll be right back.”

However, before Grant could return, Matteo appeared with two flutes of champagne. He looked distinguished in a perfectly tailored suit.

“The evening is a triumph,” he said, offering her a glass. “I’ve been speaking with potential distributors for my wine. What a party. And your dress is extraordinary.”

She waited a beat, but he didn’t comment on her earrings. “Notice anything else?”

“Your jewelry is superb. Family heirlooms?”

“You don’t know?”

“I’m sorry. Know what?”

“Never mind. I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.”

“You should, too. This is your night as much as Ryan’s. I overheard a couple talking about how they wanted you to decorate their Hamptons beach house. You’ll be jetting all over soon. This is what you wanted, right?”

“It’s what I’ve worked for.” She’d yearned for this recognition for as long as she could remember. But was it all she wanted now?

As if reading her mind, Matteo said, “You always have the freedom to choose.”

“Excuse me,” Whitley said. “Dinner service begins soon. Would you take your seat so that others will follow?”

“Of course,” Deb replied, glancing around for Grant, but he had disappeared.

Matteo held his hand to her. “Let’s find our seats now.”

Moments later, Deb and Matteo sat at a large round table among her cherished friends and colleagues. April and Ryan were seated next to her, with his parents on the other side. Junie and Knox were there, as well as Whitley and Ella.

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