Page 39 of Resting Beach Face
“Everything from Hot Buns Bakery is amazing,” Cash said. “Declan is spoiling you all.”
Janice laughed. “You never told us these pastries came from a place called Hot Buns, you naughty man!”
“Oh, ah, well…it didn’t come up.”
“Right.” Tom looked back to Cash. “So, where else should we go in town while we’re here?”
Cash launched into a recitation of some of the best spots in Swallow Cove. He brought up Little Clay Pot, which his friend Poppy ran with her dad; Just The Sip, sending the group into more stitches over Danny’s naming conventions; and a few less touristy spots like The Dirty Hoe garden store and the Red Hot Cod Pieces food cart.
I hadn’t planned to share breakfast with the guests, but with Cash playing host, it was easier to join them. I’d forgotten the way he drew all attention to himself. All those mornings he’d joined a guest at the table I’d been too annoyed to think about the fact that I didn’t have to fumble through small talk.
Cash charmed everyone he met.
I took a tart from the platter and bit into its flaky crust, eyes slipping closed as the sweetness of the fruit coated my tongue. Abe had really outdone himself with these.
There was a brief lull in the conversation. I opened my eyes to see Cash watching me. I dabbed at my mouth with a napkin, concerned I’d smeared the fruit filling over my lips. A quick glance at the napkin showed nothing but a few crumbs.
“Where is your favorite place to take a date, Cash?” Tom asked. “Ellen and I are celebrating twenty-eight years tonight.”
Cash blinked, seeming to come back to himself. “Wow, twenty-eight years. Congratulations. That’s impressive.”
Janice added her congratulations, and after a pause, I did the same. “Right, yes. A big milestone.”
“It is,” Ellen said, smiling at Tom with blazing hearts in her eyes, and he enfolded her hand in his with a sappy smile.
The display made my chest hurt.
“So, a good place for a date?” Tom asked again, looking to Cash. Because I obviously wasn’t the guy offering helpfultidbits of information. I certainly knew the town well enough, but I didn’t know how to inject irreverent stories into my recommendations.
I was like a prickly bush blending into the background of the garden, while Cash was the brilliant splash of flower petals.
“Cash doesn’t go on dates,” I said, the words slipping free without my permission. “He justhooks up.”
“Appropriate for a fishing town,” Janice joked.
Cash flashed her a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Now you’re getting the hang of the lake town puns.” He shot me a pointed look. “Declan’s right. I haven’t dated since high school. Not that Iwouldn’t go on a date for the right person.”
My face heated. “Sorry, I didn’t mean that to sound…”
Judgmental? Jealous? Petty? Maybe all three.
“It’s fine,” Cash said, though it really wasn’t. “Luckily, I have some very sappy friends. So, most people will tell you to go to The Savory Swallow. It’s our high-end fine dining option, but it’s run by a real snob. If you want a real life at the lake experience, you should book a sunset dinner cruise.”
Ellen brightened. “That sounds lovely.”
“Is it too late to get a cruise for tonight, though?” Tom asked.
“You know, I might be able to pull a few strings for you. Let me make a call.”
Cash pulled out his cellphone, stepping out of the room to call in his favors.
Janice turned to me as soon as he was gone. “Where on earth did you find such a charming man?”
“He really is lovely,” Ellen chimed in.
“Hey now,” Tom said with a chuckle. “Don’t leave me on our anniversary.”
Ellen giggled, cheeks flooding with color. “Oh, you!”
