Later that evening, Marina strolled into Beaches, feeling confident in the new black linen sundress that fit her perfectly. She ran a hand along the smooth fabric that skimmed her hips. Even if she didn’t have a bikini body anymore, this dress hid her imperfections and made her look like a million dollars. She could say that with confidence because Ginger had approved it, and she never lied. Except when her grandmother embellished old stories. But that was allowed under dramatic license, Ginger would claim.
Marina caught a glimpse of her profile in a mirror. Gone, too, was her sun-frazzled hair. Brandy had sprinkled golden-auburn accents throughout her natural brown hair, bestowing a second helping of confidence upon her.
She lifted her chin and touched Ginger’s silvery-gray South Sea pearls nestled at her neck. She’d even touched her wrists with her finest perfume.
Tonight was her night. For once, everything was going her way.
When the maître d’ greeted her at the entry, Russell’s eyebrows arched, and he stepped back to admire her updated appearance.
“Oh-la-la! You’ve been hiding all this fabulousness under your chef jacket and sensible shoes.”
Marina laughed and dropped a little curtsey in her high heels. “Think Jack will like it?”
“If he doesn’t, you’ll have no trouble finding a replacement.”
Russell often visited the Coral Cafe for lunch on his days off from Beaches. They’d become friends after the Scout catastrophe at the restaurant. Jack had worked to get back on Russell’s good side.
If Marina felt a sliver of self-consciousness over her new look, Russell quickly dispelled the feeling with an approving smile. Not that she needed his validation, but it was fun to be admired as if she were twenty again.
Russell tapped his reservation book. “I saw Jack’s request on the list, so I’ve held the best table for you. The sunset should be magnificent tonight.” He glanced at his watch. “Perfect timing, too.”
He gestured toward a table near a plate-glass window where waves crashed against rocks outside, sending up sprays of misty crescendos. “Would you like to sit down now?”
“I’ll wait for Jack.”
“Have a seat at the bar then. We have some interesting guests you can talk to.”
Russell led the way. As Marina passed, she nodded at a few people she knew. One man, in particular, looked familiar, but she couldn’t place him. From the double-takes and smiles, she knew she was making an impression.
Russell stopped by a polished wooden bar. A pianist played nearby, and ornate bottles gleamed in the low lights.
“We’ve just opened a new bottle of champagne—a very fine one. I’ll tell Chef Marguerite you’ve arrived.”
“That sounds wonderful, thanks. I’ve been dying for her food ever since the Taste of Summer Beach cook-off last year.”
“We gained a lot of new customers from that event. Are you planning another one?”
“Next year. It was a lot of work, and with the opening of the cafe and the summer rush, I’ve been slammed.”
Not to mention the new food truck. It had passed inspection, and she had wired Judith a deposit through her bank. She would have it painted when she had time, as that process would take a few days. That meant the new look wouldn’t be ready for Kai’s opening night at the Seashell, but she’d figure out how to make it work. All she needed to do was cover the submarine illustration and logo.
The amphitheater would provide a good trial run, as customers could collect their preordered picnic boxes there. Marina had a simple menu already planned, and she could hardly wait.
“Glad your place is doing well.” Russell pulled out a chair at the bar for her. “With the high tide, you’ll see some spectacular waves tonight.” He gestured toward the bartender. “Chef Marguerite’s special reserve champagne for Chef Marina.”
She thanked Russell before he made his way to the front to greet another couple who’d just arrived.
While she watched, the bartender slowly poured a glass for her. As she raised the glass, pale golden bubbles tickled her lips. Sipping, she watched the sun sink toward the purple horizon as waves crashed intermittently against an outcropping of rocks. This was the most dramatic dining view in Summer Beach.
Jack should be here any minute.
She glanced around the restaurant. The sunset was already bathing the dining area in a rosy glow. Shell-pink tablecloths and a profusion of coral and pink flowers graced every table. Casual, well-dressed couples lingered over bottles of wine and some of the best cuisine in Summer Beach. From a nearby table, crystal chimed as a couple toasted one another. Exquisite aromas wafted from the kitchen.
This was Marina’s version of heaven. She swept her hair across her bare shoulder and cradled her chin in her hand. As the minutes ticked, she sat enjoying the privilege of being a guest tonight, watching the servers carry Chef Marguerite’s artistically rendered dishes to delighted diners.
A few minutes later, a stout woman in a white chef jacket bustled out. Her hair was swept back, and she wore the same sturdy shoes Marina wore in her kitchen.
“I’m glad you’re joining us tonight,” Chef Marguerite said. “And I love your hair. Did you have that done in town?”
“Brandy at Beach Waves did it.”
“If I ever get out of the kitchen, I’ll have to see her.” The two women laughed, and Marguerite added, “You look like you’re ready for a very special occasion.”
“Anytime you’re cooking for me is special,” Marina replied, sidestepping the question. “I’ve been dreaming of your shrimp Provençal for months.”
Marguerite chuckled. “And I’ve been drooling over your seafood pizza that won the Taste of Summer Beach.”
They talked for a short while, comparing dishes they’d had at other restaurants that they’d enjoyed. Marguerite mentioned how much she’d enjoyed Kai’s shows at the Seashell theater, and Marina shared that Kai and Axe had moved up the wedding. She didn’t know how Kai was going to manage the new summer show she and Axe had planned.
“They make a great couple. Happy to have you all at Beaches for a rehearsal dinner.”
“Kai is still making plans, but we’ll keep that in mind. This would be a lovely venue for the family.”
“And a professional discount for you, of course.” Marguerite excused herself to return to the kitchen.
Sipping her champagne, Marina chatted with the bartender and other patrons at the bar. The attractive man who looked oddly familiar seemed interested in her, and although she didn’t encourage him, she was flattered by his attention.
Finally, he leaned his tall frame over the stool that separated them. “I’m Jay, and I’ve just moved to Summer Beach. I’ve heard this is one of the best restaurants in town.”
Marina couldn’t resist. “Along with the Coral Cafe.”
He snapped his fingers. “That’s the other one people have been telling me about.”
With a trim physique and a sprinkling of gray in his glossy black hair, Jay seemed about Marina’s age. They chatted for a few minutes, and she asked what brought him to Summer Beach.
“I’m a pediatrician,” Jay replied. “I’m acquiring a small practice here. Do you know Dr. Singh?”
Marina nodded. Now she remembered. Gilda had pointed him out at the Seabreeze Inn during Vanessa’s wedding. “Everyone around here knows her as Dr. Dede. She often comes to my restaurant for lunch—that’s the Coral Cafe. I heard she was retiring soon, so you must be the new guy.”
“That I am.” Jay chuckled.
“And is she really your aunt?”
He nodded. “I guess word travels fast here.”
“Especially if you’re a good-looking single doctor.” As soon as the words left her mouth, Marina wished she could take them back.
Jay tilted his head back and laughed. “Well, I’ll admit to two out of three.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Marina’s face grew warm. “I’d heard you weren’t married.”
His deep, dark eyes twinkled. “They got that part right.”
And modest, too, she thought. He asked about her cafe and seemed genuinely interested, asking questions about how she’d started it and what her most popular dishes were. “I hope you’ll visit. It’s close to the village and your office.”
“I’ll be sure to stop by as soon as I can.”
As they chatted, the sun slipped beneath the horizon, and Marina felt as if her heart were doing the same. She kept glancing at the door. During a lull in the conversation, she checked the time.
Jack had missed the spectacular sunset he’d planned for. She prayed nothing had happened to him or Leo.
Russell approached Jay and his friends. “Your table is ready,” he announced.
“It’s been a real pleasure speaking with you,” Jay said, lingering behind the others. “Are you sure your friend is coming? Because if not, you’re welcome to join us.”
“Thank you, but I’m sure he’ll be here soon.”
He hesitated. “I hope I’m not being too forward, but you look lovely tonight. And it’s been a real pleasure talking to you.”
Marina tilted her head and thanked him. A warm glow gathered in her chest. Jay was a nice addition to Summer Beach.
She waited at the bar, nursing her glass of champagne as she sent a text to Jack. Something must have delayed him. He didn’t answer, but maybe he was driving. Jack often ran late. Still, he could be here any minute, she told herself.
A woman on the other side of her struck up a conversation, which helped pass the time. She noticed that Jay’s table was served, but there was still no sign of Jack.
Her worry escalated. Something was definitely wrong.
When the other woman and her husband left to be seated, Marina took her phone from her purse again and tapped another message.
I’m here.
She waited.
This time, he replied. I don’t see you.
She turned around, looking for him. At the bar.
He replied: ?????
She wasn’t getting anywhere with texts. With a sigh, she tapped his number. “Hi, honey.”
“The door is open. Just come in.” Jack sounded rushed.
“No. I’m at—”
“Okay, look, I can’t talk right now. Call you later?”
“What? Jack, I’m—”
“Sorry, really can’t talk. I’ll explain later.”
Click.
Marina stared at the phone, dumbfounded. What was that all about? Maybe something had happened to Leo. Her heart raced with worry.
She tapped his number again.
“What?” he said sharply.
“Is Leo hurt?” She rushed out the words before he could hang up again.
“What? I’m sure he’s fine. He’s spending the night at Logan’s house. Look—”
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, yeah,” he said, brushing off her concern.
“Then what?”
“Can’t talk. Gotta go.”
“I’m at Beaches!” She hurled out the words. This was confounding—and not at all like Jack.
Jack let out a curse. “What day is it?”
“You know what day it is. I’ll wait.” She blew out a breath of exasperation. “They’re holding a table for us, but not for much longer.”
“No, I can’t. Not tonight. I’m sorry. Just have dinner without me.” He paused. “Look, we have to talk.”
“You’re right about that.” Seething now, Marina hung up.
She blinked back hot tears that sprang to her eyes and guided her glass to lips trembling with anger, worry, and disappointment. What was going on with him?
She motioned to Russell, who quickly strode toward her. He had already checked in with her a couple of times. She knew she was holding up their reservations queue.
“I just talked to Jack.” Marina shook her head, barely able to speak. “He’s not coming.”
Russell’s expression fell. “I hope he’s alright.”
“He’s being…I don’t know, just Jack,” she spat out, embarrassed at the situation.
“I’m so sorry for you. Another time?”
Marina nodded mutely. She’d been sipping champagne, pleased with her new look and anticipating their conversation tonight. And now this. How dare he tell her to have dinner by herself?
A pivotal evening. Indeed it was. A hot wave of anger surged through her. How could he have forgotten? They had talked about tonight several times. He was making up for the disaster Scout had caused, not that it was the dog’s fault. That had been all Jack’s.
Feeding hot sauce on a taco to a dog? With an inflamed mouth, Scout had charged for her at the restaurant after he’d seen her go in with Cole. She squeezed her eyes shut, remembering the way poor Scout had sought shelter—and a lot of water and hugs—from her.
Now, once again, Jack had ruined what should have been a beautiful evening. And maybe the rest of their lives.
Worse, it sounded like he was wrapped up in some story—she recognized that distracted sound in his voice from her years in a newsroom. But what could possibly have been more important? It didn’t matter. Whatever it was, it was more important to him than she was. He lived mere minutes away. He still could have changed and joined her. She bit her lip to hold back her tears.
Just then, Jay’s deep voice washed over her. “I know we’ve just met, but is there anything I can do for you? It looks like you’ve just received some unfortunate news.”
Marina wished she could disappear. “I need to leave. My…boyfriend—” She stopped. What exactly was he now?
She fumbled with her purse, letting her hair fall over her face to cover her shame. Had she been expecting too much of Jack tonight? Kai must have been wrong about what she’d seen. Clearly, because the man just couldn’t deliver.
Jay was staring at her with magnificent dark eyes that seemed steeped in kindness. This was a man devoted to caring for children.
“If you need a ride home, I can take you.”
Marina shook her head and eased off the stool. “You’re having dinner. And I live just down the beach.”
He frowned. “Is it far?”
“It’s a short walk.” She pushed her hair aside and forced a smile at his thoughtfulness. “I’ll be okay. I’m just upset about my date.”
“Big mistake on his part.” Jay’s gaze traveled down to her feet. “You shouldn’t have to walk in those lovely shoes. My car is just outside. I promise I’ll deliver you safely.”
When she hesitated, he added, “Relax, I’m mom-approved.”
Marina smiled through her anguish. “Do you know how corny that sounds?”
“Guess it’s good that my stint as a stand-up comic in college didn’t work out.”
A hero with a sense of humor. She managed a wan smile.
As Jay waved goodbye to his friends and held the door for her, she could feel all eyes on them. This news would certainly travel around town. Serves Jack right, she thought, setting her jaw against another wave of angry disappointment.
How could Jack have done this to her—and with such a flimsy explanation?