After their morning walk on the beach, Marina trailed Ginger through Java Beach, where neighbors greeted her grandmother like a celebrity. Even at her age, she still had an elegant bearing, her eyes sparkled with mischief, and her smile could light a room. Marina remembered her grandfather calling Ginger his secret diplomatic weapon. With her keen intelligence, charisma, and charm, she could disarm even the most taciturn guest, yet she didn’t suffer fools or rude behavior. That was as true today as ever.
Ginger had standards, and they were as high as Mount Everest.
“Ms. Ginger, howdy do today?” An older man in a wrinkled Hawaiian shirt stood and tipped a battered straw hat. His cohorts at the table quickly shoved an assortment of folding bills aside as they acknowledged Ginger, too.
“Charlie, you wouldn’t be tallying wagers this morning, would you? You know how Chief Clarkson frowns on that.”
“No, ma’am, we’re just settling the breakfast tab. Right, fellas?”
“Sure, sure,” the men muttered in a chorus of uncertain agreement.
A woman with royal blue hair encircled with a sparkly rhinestone visor let out a chortle behind them. “Did Mitch raise his prices?” Darla asked. “Because breakfast never costs that much around here, Charlie.”
Charlie pressed a finger to his lips and winked. “You didn’t see anything, Darla.”
“Two caramel macchiatos,” the proprietor called out. Mitch stood behind a counter festooned with fishing nets and coconuts to resemble a Tiki bar. When Marina approached the counter, he said, “Good to see you. How’s business?”
“Better now that I hired another cook.” She’d hired Cruise to help her run the food truck and give her more flexibility. Cruise was more than a surfer bum—he’d worked in large hotel kitchens but had burned out. When she’d interviewed him, he’d told her that he wanted to have a more chill life in Summer Beach.
Marina picked up the whipped cream-topped coffees, licking the extra cream off her fingers as it spilled over the side. “This is delicious.”
Mitch slid a few napkins across the counter for her. “You’ll be glad to have help in the kitchen. That was one of the best moves I made here.”
“I think it will be. Then I can relax for a couple of days during the week. And do things like catch up on the local gossip here.”
“Always plenty of that. Lately, everyone has been wondering when the wedding is going to be. Kai’s, I mean.” Mitch gave her a sheepish grin.
Marina ignored the implied reference to herself.
“Guess they can’t wait.” He swiped the counter with a rag and smiled. “I know how that is. When it’s right, why wait?”
Without expecting an answer to that, Mitch raised his hand to the next people in line, and Marina moved on.
Soon, she and Jack might be the topic of conversation at Java Beach. Holding the coffees aloft, Marina cut through the crowd. Half the people were dressed in shorts and swimsuit coverups for the beach, while the locals were nearly as casually attired. Many, like Arthur from Antique Times and George from the hardware store next door, would spill out to their shops soon, and Summer Beach would be open for business.
Marina and Ginger selected a table beneath a vintage travel poster advertising the South Pacific, and nearby patrons made room for them in the small space. The tables were so close it was almost impossible to have a private conversation here. Fortunately, the table behind them was leaving.
Marina waggled her fingers in a wave at Louise, a sturdy, steel-haired woman who ran the village laundry and dry cleaners. She often ordered the spinach salad at the Coral Cafe.
Ginger turned to Arthur. “Anything interesting come into the shop lately?”
Arthur ran a hand over his smoothly shaven head. “A square Lalique bowl with a rose pattern,” he replied in his English accent. “Very fine quality. One of your granddaughters might fancy that. And I just received a pair of Gorham candlesticks once used at Las Brisas del Mar on consignment. Sterling silver with interesting mixed metals, more than a hundred years old. Fine art pieces, in my opinion.”
Ginger raised her brow in alarm. “Oh, dear. Is Ivy selling pieces from the inn?”
Heads swiveled their way, and Marina touched Ginger’s hand in warning. Though Ivy had her challenges converting the old house to an inn, Marina didn’t want people to think her friend’s business was in trouble—especially Darla, who was Ivy’s neighbor. She was the town’s busybody, yet she had a soft spot for Mitch and regarded him as a son.
Arthur shook his head. “These date from before Ivy took over the old beach house. Amelia Erickson gave them to one of her friends, as I understand. The woman’s son consigned the candlesticks. They’d make a fine wedding gift.”
“I’ll stop by.” Ginger pressed a hand to her chest. “Not for myself, of course, but for someone who would appreciate them.”
Arthur grinned. “Would that be Kai or Marina?”
Again, the conversation level dimmed, and Marina felt her chest flush. Sipping her macchiato, she braced herself.
In a loud whisper, Darla asked, “Have you and Jack set a date?”
Ginger cleared her throat. “Darla, I promise you’ll be among the first to know if Marina deems Jack worthy of her many attributes.”
At that, Marina nearly choked on her coffee. Ginger was always quick to come to her defense.
The women at Darla’s table began speaking about Jack among themselves, and Marina wished she could melt through the floor. Instead, she put a tight smile on her face. “I can hear you all. I’m sitting right here, ladies.”
One of the women leaned forward. “We want to know if you and Jack are still seriously dating. Because if you’re not, my niece would—ouch!” She glared at Darla and leaned down to rub her shin. “Why did you do that?”
“Because you’re making a darn fool of yourself,” Darla replied. “Let’s go and leave these two in peace.” She mouthed the word sorry to Marina.
Darla might be abrasive, but beneath her rough exterior, she cared about people. She must have realized her question made Marina uncomfortable.
After the table of women left, Ginger leaned forward. “That was a little awkward.”
Marina caught her meaning. “Not my fault.”
“No, indeed.” Ginger inclined her head and tapped her chin in thought. “I met with Jack last week about illustrations for the book.” She hesitated. “Have you noticed any change in Jack’s behavior lately?”
“He can be preoccupied, or maybe he’s nervous about you know what.” Marina could read Ginger. “Or he’s still adjusting to having Leo. A boy that age can be very active.” Leo was a curious, inquisitive youngster, probably much as Jack had been. “I wonder what Leo will think about...”
Ginger reached for her hand and squeezed it. “You’ll tell me all about it tomorrow.”
“Of course.”
Ginger gave a satisfied nod. With that seemingly settled, she went on. “Has Kai shared her wedding plans with you?”
“Not much, other than she wants to move it up.”
“And did she tell you why?”
The obvious thought struck Marina. “No, but they’re clearly committed to one another.”
“Thank heavens for that.” Ginger gave her a pointed look.
“Regardless of the situation, we should help Kai have the wedding she’s always dreamed of. I’ve offered, but she’s been very secretive about their plans. Except for needing a dress right away.”
“Kai is certainly moving quickly.”
“Her friends are in between shows. Maybe that had something to do with it, too.”
“Perhaps that’s the reason for the rush.” Yet Ginger’s doubtful expression belied her words. A moment later, her eyes brightened. “I have some items I know you’ll both want to look at. Every bride needs something old. And something new.”
“I’ll be sure to tell Kai.”
They chatted a little more before returning to the cottage, making their way through the village this time. Shops were opening, and throngs of tourists were already out in shorts and flip-flops. High season in Summer Beach meant lively crowds all summer, eager to spend money and make memories. After working hard all season, some shopkeepers closed for a month or more in the winter, taking their holidays.
As they approached a boutique, Ginger slowed. “Do you have anything to wear to Kai’s wedding?”
“I have no idea where it will be. Knowing Kai, it could be on a boat.”
Ginger paused and nodded toward a window display of a chic, black linen dress paired with sunny yellow and white accents. “That dress would be stunning on you.”
“For the wedding?” Marina raised her brow. “But it’s black.”
Ginger shook her head. “For your date with Jack tonight. You should try it on.”
Marina hesitated. She loved the scooped neckline, and it looked like it would flatter her silhouette and flare around her calves. “I’ve already put out a dress to wear. I don’t really need it.”
“Maybe not, but you certainly deserve it. Let’s go in. My treat,” she added.
Ginger led the way into the boutique, where an array of sundresses were artfully paired with sandals and accessories. Mango-scented candles filled the shop with their sweet scent, instantly lifting Marina’s spirits.
By the time they emerged, Marina had the lovely black linen dress in a bag looped over her arm, along with a pair of strappy, high-heeled sandals. Her grandmother had promised to lend her a strand of silvery-gray South Sea pearls and earrings that Marina adored.
“That ensemble looks fabulous on you,” Ginger said. “Like something Audrey Hepburn might have worn.”
Marina laughed. “I’m not sure how far I can walk in these shoes until I break them in.”
Arching an eyebrow, Ginger asked, “Isn’t Jack picking you up tonight?”
“He asked me to meet him there.” Marina didn’t know why, but she assumed it had something to do with his plans. “I’m sure he’ll bring me home.”
“I would certainly hope so. I have to go out later, so I can drop you off at Beaches.”
Marina quickly agreed. “And I love this new outfit, but you didn’t have to buy it for me.”
“Nonsense. A woman needs to feel pampered from time to time. You do so much for others. Besides, I have a good feeling about tonight.”
Marina sighed at the thought. With Kai’s wedding plans shifting into high gear, the longing Marina felt for Jack filled her thoughts more often.
Ginger paused and peered at Marina’s hair.
“What’s wrong?”
“Your hair has become so long. It’s lovely, but why don’t you call that new salon and see if they could fit you in today?”
“You mean Beach Waves?”
“That’s the one. I’ve heard the owner is a magician with hair. And don’t worry about the cost. Ask for a relaxed, modern cut, not like those ultra-sleek lacquered styles you used to wear on the news program. Maybe a fresh color, too. Surprise Jack with a new look. My Bertrand always enjoyed that.”
Marina had been wearing her hair up in a clip while she worked in the kitchen. As a news anchor, she’d once had to spend a fortune on her hair, but since moving to Summer Beach, she’d ditched the straightened locks, red nails, and stiletto heels that had been her on-camera uniform. It had felt good to do that, but she had to admit she wasn’t as polished as she used to be. Natural didn’t mean sloppy.
Suddenly excited at the prospect, Marina hugged her grandmother. “I’ll see if I can get in this afternoon.”
Later that day, Marina eased into a chair in front of a large mirror at the new, artsy salon in the village. Pink divans popped against aquamarine walls, which showcased photos of women with flowing locks of various styles.
She leaned in, inspecting the lighter strands in her brown hair. Most were sun-bleached, but a few around her face were undeniably white. She frowned at the daring interlopers.
“Not today, you don’t.” She yanked one out. How long could she keep doing that?
The owner of the shop walked up behind her and touched her hand. “Hold up. I can take care of those if you want. But silver is a hot trend. What would you like today?”
“I’d like a natural, beachy look,” Marina said, raising her gaze and eyeing different styles. “But I’m not sure what I mean by that.” She pointed to a poster of a lean woman with a mane of hair. “How about that look? And the body to go along with it.”
Brandy smiled and shook her head. “You’re beautiful just as you are, but I can give your hair some highlights and shine that will bring out your eyes and complement your skin tone. That one you like is a technique called Balayage. Essentially, it means to sweep or paint light-kissed accents throughout your hair.” Circling the chair, Brandy inspected Marina’s hair. “That style is subtle but sexy. It would look fabulous on you.”
“That’s exactly what I need.” Excitement fluttered through her. “Let’s do this.”
Marina was confident that she was in the talented hands of an artist. The younger woman, whose own hair shimmered like golden cognac with a masterfully shaded ombre look, was the proprietor of Beach Waves, a new salon that specialized in trendy beach hair. Her hands bore an intricate henna design, and she wore washed silk palazzos with beaded slippers and a tank top.
Brandy had told her that she had recently moved from Malibu, trading the glitz of the celebrity beach colony for the slower pace of Summer Beach.
Closing her eyes as Brandy worked, Marina imagined how pleased Jack would be when he saw her. She could hardly wait to surprise him with her new look. Ginger’s comment floated into her mind.
It wasn’t often that Marina took the time to pamper herself, so she relaxed into the experience, enjoying every moment. She had a feeling that tonight would be a pivotal point in their relationship. She could feel it all the way to her toes, which she wriggled in delight. Her future stretched ahead of her.
Tonight would be a night to remember.