Page 46 of Visions of You

“So what are you going to do?”

I raked my hand through my hair. “I don’t know yet. Dad already took out a loan at a shitty interest rate, and I hate debt anyway. I’m hardly eager to add more.” I was essentially supplementing the resort with my own funds at this point, since I was living off my savings to roll my resort CFO salary back into the business.

“I’m glad you’re here, Gabe. I’m sorry I didn’t give you the warmest of welcomes.”

We stared at each other, two brothers who loved each other but weren’t afraid to get in each other’s faces. “Don’t worry about it. I’d have probably felt the same way if our roles had been reversed.”

“Can we start hiring people again? I’ve got two restaurant workers moving and a landscaper retiring at the end of the month.”

“Yeah, go ahead and replace them.”

Evan cracked a smile. “I’m sure it’s a relief to confirm you won’t need to let any divemasters go, huh?”

I kept my poker face on. “I’m glad I don’t have to let anyone go.”

He took another drink, then laughed. “Oh, don’t be all strait-laced and stiff! How was your date with April?”

I rolled my eyes. “How do you know about that?”

“You told Maia, remember?”

A reluctant smile raised my lips. “How could I forget? April and I had a great time, little brother. She’s a lovely woman I’m enjoying getting to know.”

“In other words, you’re not going to tell me a thing.”

“Exactly. Except to mind your own damn business.”

April and I had just started what sounded like the perfect relationship. We’d be devoted to each other, yet not expect anything more. Even better, I couldn’t wait to see her again. None of which I wanted to discuss with my brother. I set my beer on the table and stood. “Come on. Let’s jump in the pool.”

Evan peeled off his shirt, revealing he still maintained a regular weight routine. “Excellent. That will give me a chance to show your daughter what an awful arm you have.”

We strolled across the patio. As we neared the edge, I shoved Evan in the shoulder. He lost his balance and fell into the water. But not before he grabbed my arm and pulled me in with him. Family might have its complications, but I couldn’t deny my attitude regarding moving back here was changing.

And a certain blond divemaster was part of the reason why.

Chapter Eighteen

April

DoveKey’s residential district lay in the northwest portion of the island. As with most islands, parking was at a premium and I finally found a spot nearly a block away from the one-story cottage that was my destination. A lovely, early summer sun warmed the island.

As the weeks had gone by, Gabe and I settled into a routine. Everyone around the resort knew we were a couple, and after the inevitable teasing had run its course, no one remarked on us anymore. We worked well together, and I enjoyed the days he drove the dive boat. From his smiles, he did too. Hot Grumpy Guy still made an appearance now and again, but Gabe was much more approachable now.

Turning to the passenger seat, I grabbed the wine I’d just bought at Dove Market. A bottle of white and another of red would be the perfect accompaniment to our monthly-ish Sips and Pages meeting.

As I stepped onto the sidewalk, a woman with a head of long, brown, curly hair exited her car in front of me. I quickened my step, a smile rising on my face.

“Liv!”

I’d met Olivia Jacobson at my first book club meeting. She was also new to the area and looking to make friends. About my height and a few years younger, she had round curves and a fun personality that had made me quick to warm to her.

Liv’s head whipped around at my call, and she met my smile as she waited on the sidewalk. Her face fell at the bottle I held in each hand. “You brought two bottles? Crap! I only thought to bring a white wine.”

As we fell into step together, I nodded with my chin at the pinkSweet Dreamsbox she balanced on one arm. “Don’t worry. You’ll always be welcome wherever you go.”

Liv had recently opened a bakery on Main Street. From the sampler she’d brought to our last get-together, Sweet Dreams would be a giant success.

“Besides,” I said. “There will be plenty of wine there, if last time is anything to go by.”

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