Page 50 of Sunset Serenade
“I know Craig was apprehensive you might not like the house,” Rose said, accepting a glass of champagne. “It seems like the debut has gone well, though?”
“I can’t get over the shock,” his mom said. “But yes, we love it!”
“It’s about time he did something for us,” his dad said with a laugh.
His mom ignored her husband and focused on Rose. “Craig tells me you’re a matchmaker. How did you get into that line of business?”
“Well,” she smiled. “Craig convinced me.”
He nodded. “I did, and it’s the best business decision I’ve made in a decade.”
“Are you single?” his mom asked.
Great, the two of them were going to work together on this.
Time to change the subject. Craig loudly cleared his throat. “You guys remember The Grand Madrona Hotel?”
His dad set his champagne glass down. “It was the first place I stayed when I came to the island. I haven’t been there in twenty years.”
“Rose’s mom owns it now,” Craig said brightly.
Rose nodded. “Yes, she does! It’s just a beautiful place. She’s been fixing it up with her husband, Chip.”
“I would love to see it,” his dad said. “Are there still those little madronas out front?”
“Yes, but they’re not little anymore,” Rose said. “My mom just started a new high tea service on the weekends.”
His mom gasped. “I wouldloveto go to a high tea. Do you think there are any openings today?”
“Uh,” Craig stammered, “I’m sure they’re booked.”
“I’m sure we’re not,” Rose said. “Come on over. I’ll give you the grand tour!”
There was no way for him to stop it, and further, he wasn’t sure he wanted to. Yes, his dad was being pushy, but his mom was excited, and it gave him an excuse to spend more time with Rose.
Within minutes, they were walking out to their cars, Craig trailing behind with his dad.
“So, Dad, I bet you didn’t expect to get a house today,” he said, grinning.
“No. It’s amazing. Really, it is.” His dad bumped him in the arm. “If only there was something I could do to pay you back.”
Before Craig could respond, he hopped into the driver’s seat and shut the door. Craig reached for the backseat just as the locks clicked shut.
His dad rolled down the window. “Why don’t you ride with your friend?”
“Dad!”He lowered his voice. “Let me in.”
His dad couldn’t contain his glee. “Bet you didn’t think you’d be going on a double date with your parents today. See you there!”
Chapter Twenty
The turnout for their second high tea was underwhelming, but Claire wasn’t upset by it. It was the offseason, after all, and it gave them time to perfect the tea service before boatloads of tourists returned in the summer.
Besides, it was such a fun experience, and it gave her an excuse to have the girls at the hotel, something she always relished.
Lucy insisted on serving as quality control, and Lillian was happy to tag along. Rose was going to stop by, too, fitting them into her ever-packed schedule.
“Good news,” Claire said, rejoining the table. The tea had just arrived and each of them had their own teapot. Claire had selected the black currant tea, Lucy the pomegranate oolong, and Lillian the lemon ginger.
