After her tennis match, Cassy surprised herself when she curled up on the bed for a nap and actually slept for several hours. It was after eight when she awoke, a bit disoriented. As she stretched, easing tight muscles in her shoulders, her sister came to mind.
Maybe Sarah was right—she did need the rest. Keeping the inn running smoothly had been a demanding job, but she loved every minute of it. As she grew older, Cassy realized that she was more like their grandmother in that she genuinely loved caring for others—cooking for them, putting smiles on their faces.
It had been a highly stressful time with her sister on bed rest for so many months. Cassy had certainly shared Sarah’s worries for the baby. Because of Sarah’s age and complications, it had not been an easy time for any of them.
Cassy had not minded the added work that her sister’s pregnancy had placed on her own shoulders. But it was the preparation and presentation of the food that she truly enjoyed.
She smiled; her happiest memories were of helping her grandmother in the kitchen of their big, rambling old rooming house when she was too young to even use a knife safely. That didn’t stop Cassy. She learned how to mix and sift flour with glee, loving the warm kitchen smells and her grandmother’s tender encouragement. She was lucky; she came from a long line of great cooks.
Grandma Mosley had made spectacular homemade breads and pastries. Her hand was light and her crusts were exquisitely tender and flaky. Cassy had learned the knack from a master chef. She often made her grandmother’s sweet potato nut bread for the diners at the inn. It had become a local favorite, along with her four-cheese omelet and cream pies.
She had no regrets as far as her chosen career. She had been lucky to be able to travel and work under talented chefs in Toronto, Paris, San Francisco, and the Caribbean.
In fact, she had been so comfortable with her culinary skills that when their grandmother retired to live with their Aunt Rose in North Carolina, Cassy knew she could head any restaurant with ease. But the Parkside Garden Inn was a dream come true for both sisters, and it was something they had done together. Plus it had brought Sarah and Cassy back home to Oakland after years away.
It was only lately, after Sarah’s marriage, that Cassy started taking a hard look at her own life. The years were passing much too quickly and she had met her career goals, but she had not met that all-important personal goal.
As she stood on the balcony staring at the stars, she wondered if it would not seem so urgent if she were not approaching her fortieth birthday in less than a year. Or if she were not so deeply in love. Or if she had not witnessed how difficult a pregnancy could be for an older woman.
Maybe none of that mattered as much as the knowledge that she’d loved Gordan with her entire heart for years. But that love had stopped being enough, and she had stopped pretending that it was.
Telling him that she longed for his name and the right to carry his baby had been particularly difficult for her. Did he even suspect how painful the process had been for her? Or had he only considered how it affected him? More than likely the latter, she decided sadly.
Brushing away a single tear, Cassy went to dress for a late dinner. She changed into a burgundy slip dress that she teamed with a velvet floral silk-lined jacket. After a quick brush-through of her hair, she applied a touch of gray shadow to her lids, highlighted her dark eyes with black mascara, and finished with a deep rose lipstick. After stepping into black patent-leather stack heels and grabbing a small, black evening bag, filled with the bare necessities, she left the room.
She decided to eat at the Martinique Room, which highlighted local cuisine. It was located on the ocean side of the hotel on the tenth floor. Even at this late hour, it was crowded. A small band played in the background and grass-green carpet was underfoot. The restaurant provided a spectacular view of the water and the marina in the distance.
“Cassy! Bonsoir.” Jacob Winslow greeted her at the entrance, kissing her cheek. He was a good friend of the Halleys. Cassy had even gone out with him a few times when she had worked in the hotel. That was before she had met Gordan. “It’s good to have you back with us,” Jacob grinned.
“It’s good to be back. How have you been?”
“Busy,” he laughed. “Boss man keeps me hopping.”
“Is Renee cooking tonight?”
“Oui! Only the best for the boss’s lady. Will Mr. Kramer be joining you tonight?” Jacob asked, as he escorted her to a small table near the windows.
Cassy momentarily stopped before she recovered herself and continued on. When she was seated, she said, “No, I’m dining alone. Please, tell Renee hello for me.”
She graciously accepted the menu, thinking that if she had to explain to one more person why she and Gordan were not together, she would start screaming and never stop.
It was her own fault for coming to this hotel—his hotel. Her sister certainly had warned her. She was the one who did not belong here. Perhaps she should be thinking about changing hotels. Running away—hadn’t Gordan accused her of doing just that?
“I will send the wine steward over. And please enjoy your meal.”
Cassy nodded her thanks and studied the view out of the floor-to-ceiling windows rather than the menu. It was a lovely night—a night meant for romance. Candlelight, crisp linen tablecloths, fine china, and flowers, all designed to add to the mood.
Her entire body had stiffened at the mentioned of Gordan’s name. She should have expected it. Gordan was well liked and respected by his staff. Whenever she traveled with him, she’d always been proud of him, especially because of his fairness and generosity.
Tonight she didn’t want to so much as think about the man. As she looked at the menu, she knew that what she was worrying about was the distinct possibility of running into Gordan again that day. She had not recovered from their earlier encounter.
Determined to push him away from her thoughts, she tried to recall the last time she had seen Jacob. Oh, yes, it had been in the Kramer House—Jamaica, where she had been spending a long weekend. If she remembered correctly, the Jamaican complex had been a promotion for Jacob and he had been very pleased with himself.
Jamaica...She closed her eyes and recalled romantic walks with Gordan in the moonlight, late night swims in the Caribbean. Her eyes popped open in mute frustration. Cassy’s hands were unsteady as she sipped from her wine glass, swallowing too quickly and nearly choking in the process.
Her waiter smiled, “Mademoiselle, may I take your order?’’
She nodded and placed her order, even though food no longer seemed to matter. Maybe she should go home—just pack her bags and get on the next plane back to the States.
That was bound to upset her family, given the sacrifices they had made to send Cassy to the island. She had to stay. She told herself that if seeing him had not already killed her, surely it would make her stronger—heal her aching heart.
This very minute, Gordan was probably having dinner with Jillian. The woman would gladly soothe his wounded pride and damaged ego. Cassy would be fooling herself if she thought anything else.
When her meal was placed in front of her, Cassy smiled her thanks. Although everything was excellently prepared and presented, Cassy could only pick at the meal. Her appetite had vanished.
“Don’t tell me you don’t like my Pithiviers, Cheri?”
“Renee!” Cassy quickly rose and hugged her dear friend. “It’s so good to see you. You look wonderful!”
The older woman’s rich pecan-colored skin was just as smooth and unblemished as it had been the last time she saw her. Her thick, wavy, black hair reached the middle of her back and had a few more strands of gray in the braid that had been twisted into a coil at her nape, but Renee’s smile was still warm and engaging. She was dressed in a coral chef hat and coat.
“I couldn’t believe it when Ralph told me you were back. And then Jacob tells me you are here in the restaurant tonight. I had to come out and see you. How are you, Cheri?” Renee’s French Creole accent was as charming as she remembered.
“I’m fine. Just decided to take a few weeks off. Ralph tells me that your babies are all grown up now. You have reason to be proud of them both.”
Renee laughed. “We have been blessed with both of them. You’re looking wonderful. I take it running your own inn has kept you too busy to come and see us, oui?”
Cassy said, with a smile, “I apologize. I have missed you all so much. Tell me how you’ve been. Still in love with that wonderful island man of yours?”
Renee giggled like a school girl. “Can’t help myself. It gets better as time goes on. I’m still as sassy as ever. Sister girl, why you not eating my food? My pastry crust not as tender as yours?”
Cassy was pleased when Renee took the empty chair across from her. “Everything is marvelous. I think I’m suffering from a bit of jet lag.”
“Why you here alone?”
Cassy shrugged, deciding to change the subject. “It’s so good to be back. So good to see old friends. I missed you all.”
“Cassy, what is wrong? Where is your man tonight? Ralph tells me that you are at one table and Gordan at another.” She hesitated, suddenly shaken by the unhappiness she saw in Cassy’s eyes. Reaching for her hand, Renee squeezed it gently. “Forgive me, I did not mean to upset you. Ralph say I ask too many questions. Excusez-moi.”
“No, stop apologizing. I’m fine, or at least I hope to be. Gordan and I are no longer involved. It ended a few weeks ago.”
“Oh, no! Cassy, I’m so sorry. I know how much you two loved each other.”
“Thank you.” Cassy averted her face, then, forcing a smile, said, “It takes getting used to.”
“It’s not another woman, is it? That assistant? She has been after him for years. And does not try to hide it!”
Cassy shook her head no, but she could not say more, even to Renee. Not now. It hurt too much.
Squeezing her friend’s hand, Renee asked, “How are you coping with this?”
Cassy shrugged. “Not as well as I would like. That was one of the reasons why I came back. I must get over my feelings for him and go on with my life.”
“But, Cheri, how can that be? You two are both here— together?”
“Not together. He followed me,” Cassy whispered, so she would not be overheard.
“What!” Before she could finish, the waiter rushed over and whispered in Renee’s ear. She nodded. “Cassy, excusez-moi. A small problem in the kitchen. You must stop by the cottage and visit with me. Promise?”
“Yes. Are you still at the end of...”
“The same.”
Cassy kissed her cheek. “Don’t let me keep you. I know you’re working.”
“Come for a visit. I’m free most mornings. Off on Tuesdays. Please stop in, so we can chat.”
“I will. ‘Bye.”
Alone again, she knew she’d had enough with pretending that everything was fine. She needed some privacy—needed to think. Her reasons for their separation might be very different than his. He had not made too much of a protest at the time. Did Jillian have something to do with why it took him weeks to contact her after their breakup? After signaling for the check, Cassy quickly signed for her meal and left.
Instead of returning to her room or going into one of the night spots available in the hotel, Cassy made her way down to the softly lit garden. The night air was a bit brisk, but refreshing. And the scents of the well-tended garden always captivated her. The sound and smell of the sea were a bonus in her estimation.
Jillian and Gordan...She had told herself that he was more than welcome to the woman. So why then did even the possibility bother her that he might have been involved with his lovely assistant since their breakup? She had given up all claim to the man, hadn’t she?
“Excuse me,” she said, suddenly, stepping back quickly after having nearly bounced off a man’s chest. “I was not looking...”
“Cassy.” Adam held her arms, steadying her. “Are you all right?”
“Yes. I was thinking and wasn’t paying attention. Forgive me.”
“No harm done.” He chuckled before asking, “Out for a late night stroll?”
“Trying to walk off my dinner. I ate in the Martinique Room. Renee, one of my friends, is the chef there. We had a short visit.”
“Another old friend. You seem to have your share,” he said pointedly.
Cassy was a little taken back, certain that he was referring to his meeting with Gordan during lunch—something he had made no mention of during their tennis match that afternoon. The very last thing she wanted to discuss was Gordan.
“It’s good seeing you, Adam. If you will excuse me.”
Blocking her retreat by stepping directly into her path, Adam said, “Don’t you think an explanation is called for?”
“No! I don’t.” She was unexpectedly angry. She had enough man trouble; she did not need or want more of the same.
“No, you don’t,” he agreed, quietly. “You’re right, you don’t owe me a thing. We only met a few days ago.” He sighed. “Cassy, you’re such an easy person to be around. I enjoy your company.” Adam’s smile was engaging.
Cassy looked away then, uncomfortable with the trend of the conversation. “Have you toured the island yet?”
“Not yet. I plan to rent a car tomorrow and go into Fort de France. I hear the z’habitants is fabulous. I must try some.”
Cassy laughed at the mention of one of her favorite local dishes.
Adam was smiling, tucking her hand into his arm and leisurely moving along the path.
Even though it was quite late, they passed couples here and there, either seated on one of the small, white, wrought-iron benches placed throughout the garden or strolling as they were on the path that eventually led down to the shore.
“I love it here. I have no idea why I haven’t been back before now. Too busy I guess. The old French chef that was here then was such a great teacher. I think I finally mastered my pastry dough while I was here—something I had not quite done even while I lived in Paris.”
“Tell me about Paris.”
Cassy giggled. “My French was atrocious. But in spite of the language difficulty, I enjoyed my time there. Paris is so exciting. The food!” she exclaimed. “Well, it’s the best in the world. The art and fashions...” She trailed off with a soft laugh. “You have to go, even if it’s only for a short visit.”
“I’m looking forward to it someday. I enjoy traveling. Lately, I’ve been concentrating on the Caribbean. How long were you in France?”
“Almost a year. That’s one of the perks of striving to be a world-class chef. If you wish to learn, you must travel.” She giggled. “I worked my way through the country. That sounds so much better than to say I ate my way through.” She sighed. “But I loved the Caribbean, especially Martinique. There is no place on earth that can compare. Perhaps it has to do with feeling an affinity for the African people who have put down their roots deep into this part of the world. I can’t explain it, but I always feel so at home here.”
“I understand. The islands can be addictive.” He smiled down at her, saying, “Well, my friend, any time you want a volunteer to try out a new recipe on, please—call me. I bet your pastries are exceptional.”
Cassy laughed. “I do try. And I’ll keep that in mind. I must admit after cooking for our guests in the inn back home, it’s still a challenge. But whenever I take certain things off the menu, the locals who frequent our restaurant complain, so I have to put them back. It certainly keeps me on my toes.”
“I must stop by when I’m in the Bay area. I do travel that way on business from time to time.”
She stopped, pulled her hand free, and laced her fingers together in front of her. Her voice was somber when she said, softly, “My life is somewhat complicated at the moment.”
“I gathered that much. Kramer is very much a part of that complication,” he said, dryly.
She looked away. “It’s a long story and I really don’t want to get into it. Let’s just say it ended badly.”
“I take it this was a recent ending?”
“A few weeks,” she reluctantly admitted.
“When it comes to business, he’s a brilliant man. When it comes down to keeping his woman, he’s a fool.”
“Adam, please.”
“Any brother who lets a sister like you get away, has to be outta his mind. Seems to me that he finally realized it. That’s why he’s here, isn’t it?” Adam didn’t wait for a response, before he said, “Kramer’s trying to get you back. Have you two been involved long?”
“Adam, I don’t want to talk about Gordan. Our relationship is over. Let’s talk about something else—anything.”
“I’ve been there, Cassy. I know how it is to be in an unhappy relationship. I’m forty and I’ve had my share of involvements.” He sighed, then started again. “What I’m trying to say, is that if you need someone to talk to, please call on me. I’d like to be your friend.”
“Thank you. But, let’s be honest,” she said, staring up at him. “I think you want more than friendship. To be perfectly frank, I’m in no condition to even consider becoming involved with another man right now. It would not be fair to him or me.”
He chuckled good-naturedly, before saying. “You’re right. I do want more from you than friendship. You’re a lovely lady. And I would be lying if I said I’m not attracted to you. Given time, I think you’ll find that I’m a patient man. I know how to wait for what I want. You’re worth waiting for, Cassy.”
“There are no guarantees.”
“Fair enough.”
Cassy frowned, biting her lip, then said, “It would not be fair to you.”
What she could not very well say was that she was hopelessly in love with a man who did not understand the first thing about commitment.
“Let me be the judge of what risk I’m willing to take.”
She shook her head. “I’m not into games.”
“Neither am I. Aren’t we already friends?”
“Yes.”
Taking her hand, he linked her fingers with his. “Let’s concentrate on having a good time, enjoying each other’s company when we can while we’re on the island.”
Cassy was reluctant, wondering if she was asking for yet another complication. All she wanted was for the hurt to go away. And she wasn’t willing to hurt anyone else in the process of healing.
She was so long in answering that he prompted, “Cassy?”
“Okay. I have some shopping to do tomorrow. I want to buy souvenirs for my family.”
“Shall we go into Fort de France—spend the day doing a little sightseeing and shopping?”
Cassy unknowingly rewarded him with an engaging smile. “I’d like that. Around nine-thirty?”
“Great.”
They were silent for a time as they slowly began to retrace their steps, rather than continue on to the path that led to the outside staircase and the beach beyond.
As wind brushed her face and ruffled her hair, Cassy said, thoughtfully, “You don’t talk very much about your family, Adam. Did you come from a large family in San Diego?”
Thrilled by her interest in his personal life, he said candidly, “No. Both my parents are gone and I’ve never married. Too busy making money. So, it’s just me and a few distant cousins scattered around California.”
Adam shocked her when he said, “This would make a perfect spot for a honeymoon.”
Cassy laughed. “Yes, I imagine it would. Where did that come from? Are you planning to make that move?”
“I have my eyes open, looking for that special woman. I’m at a point in my life where I realize something is missing. I’ve traveled, dated, and had a really good time. My career is established. I’m a good corporation lawyer and I own my own firm.” He chuckled. “Most guys would never admit that they’re lonely and want more. Oh, yes, there was a time when I probably wouldn’t either. As the years pass, reality has a way of smacking you in the face. The truth of the matter is that I want a wife and a family someday.” His gaze rested on her when he asked, “What about you?”
“Someday,” she said, around a soft sigh. “Unfortunately, life isn’t always that cut and dried.”
“Now that’s where you’re wrong,” he teased.
“Oh?”
“Life is what you make it,” he said, with a grin. “When it comes to romance there should be no games, no misunderstandings. If the ladies were as upfront as the brothers, then there wouldn’t be so many problems,” he finished, unable to hold back a chuckle.
“Oh, really.” Cassy tried to keep a straight face and failed. She ended in a fit of giggles.
“Absolutely.”
“You are sooo wrong.”
“Would you care to elaborate?” He chuckled, clearly hoping she would take him up on his challenge.
“Perhaps another time. It’s late and I think I’ll say good night.”
“I’d be happy to walk you to your door.”
She smiled. “No thanks. I’m a big girl now. I won’t get lost. Good night, Adam.”
“Good night, Cassy. See you in the morning.”