Page 38 of The Beachgoers
“Really good.” Carol glances up at the illuminated inn. “And I can’twaitto tour this place later. What a perfect night for Elsa’s grand opening.”
“Absolutely.” And Maris knows itwould’vebeen perfect as they head toward the crowded veranda. There’s something special in the air tonight. Something fun. Magical. Easy. Everybody’s ready to have a good time. She sees it when Jason reaches for that bulky platter Mitch carries, then asks what the hell’s under its cover.
Sees it in Cliff switching on the big bulbs strung around the veranda ceiling, then moving on to light tiki torches on the lawn.
“Coca-Cola layer cake,” Mitch is saying as he hands the platter to Jason after they climb the veranda steps. “A little something for the hostess.”
Just then, Elsa—dressed to the nines in her black lace-trimmed jumpsuit—flies out the door. Problem one? She bumps first into Mitch. Problem, or rathernear-catastrophetwo? When she jumps back, she nearly topples the large cake in Jason’s arms.
“Oh!I didn’t even see you there!” Elsa exclaims to both as she holds a hand to her heart.
“Evening, Elsa,” Mitch says, tipping his safari hat as he does. “Brought my specialty cake for you. For your extraordinary event.”
“Mmm,” Elsa manages as her eyes briefly flutter closed. “And if it’s asdivineas that sunrise sampling of chocolate frosting,” she murmurs, “we are in for a sweet treat, indeed.”
Standing there holding the cake, Jason raises an eyebrow as he glances at Maris behind him—who just shrugs with a cautious smile. “Elsa,” Jason says then. “Point me toward your dessert table and I’ll set this down there.”
“Of course, yes.Dinnerwill be served inside. But dessert? Back outside.” She moves to the veranda railing and motions to a catering table covered with hors d’oeuvres. “You can put the cake right over there.”
“Here,” Shane says, climbing the steps toward Jason. “Allow me.” As he says it, he takes the heavy platter from him.
“Oh, Shane!” Elsa calls out. “Celia told me you made it! I’m so happy to see you.”
Shane sends an easy wink her way before descending the stairs and crossing the lawn. “Check your refrigerator, Elsa,” he calls back. “I left a corsage in there for you.”
On the outskirts, Maris takes it all in. She feels every moment of Elsa’s big night. Of happiness and excitement. Yes, the undercurrent of energy is palpable—and bittersweet. Because she knows the evening will sadly turn.
When Shane walks off with that now-famous—okay, and somewhatflirtycake, apparently—she sees Celia approach him in the dusky shadows. Wearing her fitted black sheath, she catches up beside him and briefly touches his jaw. As Maris watches them unawares, the last thing she hears is Shane’s voice.
“How’re you doing this evening, Celia?” he asks, leaning comfortably close as he shifts that big cake in his tattooed arms.
