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FARREN SAT WITH DENNY outside his unit as they watched his oldest boy and middle boy line up to get a hot dog and a bag of chips. The baby was asleep inside and the door at their backs sat open in case she woke from her nap. Denny expected to hear her at any moment.
“The boys won’t stand near each other,” Denny lamented as each boy looked stiff and unyielding, cold shouldering each other.
“They’re strangers, right?”
“I guess. But they’ve known about each other for months. They’ve both said they forgive me.” The boys moved up a place in line.
She chose to be forthright with Denny because they went back so far and if he didn’t like it, he could leave. “Let’s face it; you needed them to say they forgive you, so they did. They said what you wanted to hear.”
He stared at her, then blinked. “Don’t pull your punches, Farren. Give it to me straight,” he said sourly. His shoulders sagged, but he stayed seated. He’d probably been lectured by every other woman in his life.
He didn’t need another lecture. He needed someone to help him move on from here. With his children. Farren had no ax to grind, no personal pain to excise. Fair enough.
“Talking around the issues won’t help,” she said. “You all need honest conversation. Forgiving you doesn’t mean your sons are willing to accept each other yet.” She was blunt, but he needed to hear the truth. “They need time, and this weekend is just the beginning. A year from now, they’ll be accustomed to each other. Maybe not best buddies, but they’ll have come to terms with the changes.” She hoped. Her heart broke for Denny’s children. Their loss of innocence, their sense of betrayal and anger.
“You were always wise, Farren. That was one of my favorite things about you.” He gave her a lopsided smile. “Sometimes I wish I’d never left town.”
“I’m glad I stayed.”
His eyes filled with affection she didn’t want. Not from him. She looked toward the breezeway and wondered what Grady was doing.
“We should’ve gone to college together,” Denny said. “I don’t know why we didn’t.” He shook his head and she realized he didn’t remember that he hadn’t asked her.
She watched the two boys. The older one, Jamie, was tall and long limbed while the younger looked like a small tank. Billy was sturdy and solid. Neither boy smiled and their body language was stiff and pained. They were handed their hotdogs at the same time and moved to the table set up with condiments.
Billy set his bun on the table and the dog immediately rolled off the bun, then the table, and hit the ground. The shock on his face was comical and Denny snorted. “Poor kid. I better go help. He’s gonna blow up over that. He loves hot dogs, and his mom won’t let him have them.”
She placed her hand on Denny’s arm. “No, wait.”
Denny subsided into his chair as he watched Billy and Jamie. “Are you kidding me? I can’t believe it.”
“I think, in the long run, things will work out,” she said softly. She blinked away a tear.
Jamie had handed Billy his hot dog and moved back to the barbecue to ask for another for himself. Despite all that the boys needed to adjust to, Jamie the only child had suddenly become a big brother.
Billy’s face looked thunderous at the kindness, but his expression turned to acceptance as he watched Jamie get another hotdog for himself.
There may have been the flash of a small smile between the boys.
“They’ll have to work things out themselves, won’t they?” their father said. “I can’t make this easier for them, or tell them to just do it, or make them be friends.”
“You can encourage and support them and explain yourself if they ask. And love them just as they are.”
“All of that sounds easy, but I messed up bad and nothing about these kids will be simple.” He looked at her with eyes that brimmed with tears. “But I’ll give it my best shot.”
* * *
GRADY AND DELPHINE stepped out of his door to watch the gathering of children and adults for the barbecue. Nothing smelled quite like grilled dogs. Nothing made people smile quite like them, either.
“Is that Farren across the way?” Delphine asked, although there was no mistaking her. She looked to be in a serious conversation with Denny whatsisname.
“Yes.”
“Who’s that man she’s sitting with?”
“I think they must be friends from another time. He brought kids with him.”
Delphine cocked her eyebrow. “I see.”
He gave her a side-eye. “Farren had a life before you threw her into mine.”
“She’s never been married. Doesn’t date much. She told me so.” His sister frowned. “But they look cozy,” she said as they watched Farren slip her hand to the guy’s forearm.
“Yeah, they do.” He frowned and felt a tightness in his chest. “She’ll tell me about him later.”
“I hope she does. After what you told me about Veronica, I’m doubting my judgment.”
He snorted. “Tell me about it.”
“Wait a minute,” she said consideringly. “If he’s here with kids, then he’s here for Singles Fest, right?”
“I would assume so.”
“Then he’s looking for a wife and mother for his children.” Delphine turned to him, her shoulders square and her back straight. “Who better than a woman he’s known before who doesn’t have children of her own? Someone kind and sweet like Farren.”
His sister had echoed his thoughts. “She’ll tell me about him later,” he said, repeating himself. And for reinforcement, he said it again in his head.
* * *
AFTER A QUICK SHOWER and a change of clothes into a comfortably loose summer dress, Farren knocked on Grady’s door. This visit was much later than she’d planned because the time she’d given Denny had eaten into her evening. She was tired, but excited to share all that had happened with Grady.
After the Fourth of July parade, she had a dinner at The Captain’s Table planned for the adults. They’d needed a full complement of babysitters, but Eva had pulled it off.
She waited for Grady to answer his door, but no voice sounded from inside. Maybe he’d given up on her and gone out. As far as she knew he hadn’t come looking for her since he’d arrived. But he’d likely been hard at work and catching up with Delphine. She wanted to believe he was here for her, but it was more likely that he was putting on a show of support so Delphine would believe their lie.
She knocked again. If he didn’t answer, she’d walk through the breezeway and take a look up to the balcony over the veranda in case he was up there.
She hoped Grady and Delphine had cleared the air between them. Siblings shouldn’t be at war. Her brothers had certainly caused her grief as they’d grown up, but she couldn’t imagine anything coming between them now.
Even if she hadn’t seen Grady for long, she’d been aware of his presence all day. While talking with Denny, she’d been warmed by the idea that at the end of her day, she’d have Grady to talk to. She wouldn’t betray Denny’s confidences but unwinding with Grady would smooth some of her disappointment in her old boyfriend and concern for his innocent children. She’d mention Denny, of course, but she’d never share the details of the mess his life had become.
Wired and too excited to sleep, she needed to unwind and talk some things through before she settled in for the night. Hoping Grady hadn’t given up on her and gone out, she raised her hand to knock one more time when the door opened with a flourish.
She gasped because suddenly she was face to face with Grady who held out a gorgeous display of flowers. Lilies, roses, and Chrysanthemums with Baby’s Breath to separate the color palette filled the cellophane wrap in his hands.
“Oh, you didn’t!” He placed the bouquet into her waiting hands, and she held them to her nose to sniff. “These are too much. You shouldn’t have.”
He crowded her to step outside, confusing her. She’d assumed they’d talk in the house.
Over the sweet-smelling bouquet, she saw his eyes light up. “I’m proud of how you brought this together so quickly. You’re amazing, Farren.”
“Oh, thank you, but I couldn’t have pulled this off without you. And Eva.” She wanted to cry with gratitude. “And even Delphine helped me with the job interviews.”
“I feel like a jerk for not seeing your dream immediately.” He shook his head and turned to lock his door. He was dressed in cargo shorts and a Hawaiian shirt and smelled better than any man had a right to.
“What’s happening? I thought we were going to talk. But if you have plans, that’s fine,” she embarrassed herself by asking. He had somewhere to be, and she’d held him up waiting for her.
“I have plans, all right,” he said with a mysterious smile that looked half mischievous.
“What are you up to?” She demanded as he turned her shoulders to face the pool.
“Walk this way.” He urged her gently forward, toward the center court. When she set off, he kept his right hand on her right shoulder. He tugged her close to his side. Held this way, she could smell his aftershave and feel the heat of his body.
Warmth and support emanated from Grady into her weary, overexcited mind. She was too tired to think and his arm around her felt like heaven. Her conversation with Denny had been emotional and she felt the aftereffects. But she still couldn’t share. That was okay. Denny would work things out on his own. He had to learn to clean up his own mess.
“I’ve missed you,” she blurted, stupidly. They’d only been together a handful of times, but nothing she’d done for Singles Fest had happened without her wondering what Grady would think of it. Every night he’d applauded her decisions or offered a different, male, view of her business.
“We’ve talked at night for a month. That’s more talking than we did when I was here,” he said. “More talking than I’ve done with any other woman.”
That seemed an odd comment, considering he’d been engaged. “Yes, but we know each other better because of our late-night chats.”
“That’s true,” he said, with a slight squeeze on her shoulder.
“Why are we leaving the property?” They’d stepped onto the wooden walkway, heading for the beach. Up ahead she saw fancy lanterns set in the sand. “Oh, my!” She stopped dead. “What have you done?”
On the sand, surrounded by two-foot-high lanterns, sat a table set for two. Ladder back chairs sat kitty-corner to each other so the occupants could watch the distant waves. As she drew nearer, she saw fine linen, and a flowered centerpiece.
“Oh, Grady. This is lovely.” She recognized the table, chairs, and linens from The Captain’s Table, at the Sands. “How?”
As he held out her chair for her, a server stepped out of the shadows with a bottle of champagne.
“Just a small celebration for two,” Grady said as he took his seat. “I took the liberty of ordering a light meal. I wasn’t sure if you’d grabbed a hot dog or not.”
She grimaced. “I didn’t have time. But they smelled great.”
“I slipped out toward the end and grabbed one,” he confessed. “Nothing like a hot dog on the Fourth of July weekend.” He held up his champagne flute. “To success and dreams coming true.”
“Thank you.” She tapped her glass to his and took a sip. “Crisp and delicious.”
A green salad appeared on a plate in front of her, and another landed in front of Grady. The server was quietly efficient; she’d hardly noticed the arrival of the food. “How did you arrange all this?”
She forked up some lettuce and a cherry tomato and found it had been drizzled in her favorite dressing. The kitchen at the Sands knew her preferences because she’d worked at the hotel. James, the chef at The Captain’s Table had a knack for remembering details.
“Thank you. This is so thoughtful.” She smiled, feeling warm all over at this special touch. “I appreciate this.” This was the perfect ending to a stress-filled, exciting, and emotional day. Between the pressure of the launch and chatting with Denny, she was exhausted on all levels.
Care and attention to detail were what the Sands was known for, but this seaside meal was superb. From the table setting, lanterns, and the food, it was perfection.
“It seems as if I’ve been running all day,” she explained. “My head is a whirl of thoughts, trying to see if I missed anything today or forgot something for tomorrow. And now, here we are, sharing a quiet meal in a romantic setting.” She smiled because it was all so perfect. He was perfect. “You’ve outdone yourself on the fake boyfriend front.” The last was said in a joking tone because they both knew this was done for the rumor mill and not because he felt romantic. Not when he’d lost his fiancée only months before. “You know the chef is a major source of gossip in town.”
He shook his head. “I did not know that, so I guess this meal works for more than one reason.”
She wondered about his other reason for going to all this trouble, then set the wonder aside. He was being gracious on her launch day. End of story.
“From the laughter and the squeals coming from the pool and playground, I’d say you hit all the right notes for your clients,” he was saying. “This was their first evening. Some have driven for hours, others flew in, but you gave them what they needed, a way to blow off steam and have fun.” He chuckled. “And grilled hotdogs.”
She cocked her eyebrow at his change of attitude. “You didn’t mind the sound of children and families?”
He shrugged and chuckled. “I think I’ve grown since I made those comments.” His teasing tone coaxed a smile from her. “What else happened today? Any surprises with the guests?”
“A boy asked if we had swimming lessons planned and I asked Eva if she could arrange some. It was a great suggestion, and we’ll list them in the future. Even if kids only learn to keep their head above water or float, it’ll be a win.”
“Great plan,” he said with a nod. “That’s something kids won’t forget. Most people remember when they learned to swim. They’ll clamor to come back and if the parents have a good time, you’ll have repeat business.”
“It will also be good for Last Chance Beach. Families will return even if it’s not a Singles Fest weekend.”
He winked at her and then for a few moments they focused on their salads and as soon as they finished, their plates were whisked away.
“Another thing happened today,” she offered as she recalled her time with Denny. “An old friend from high school arrived with his children.”
“Oh?” Grady thanked the server for their entrees. Steak and small roasted garlic and rosemary potatoes and delicate asparagus spears topped with almond slivers filled the plate.
She drank in the scent of the food. Her mouth watered. “I thought you ordered a light meal?”
“The steak is half-size. And the potatoes and asparagus are lunch portions.” He picked up his knife and fork. “I’m famished. I ate on the plane hours ago and the hot dog I snagged off the grill is long gone.”
“The meal may be lunch sized but the bread is fresh-baked and that’s temptation beyond resistance for me.” The French loaf from the Sands baker was heaven wrapped in a delicate crust.
“That’s what the chef said. He made sure you’d have all your favorites.”
Warmth spread through her at Grady’s efforts to give her this perfect meal in this perfect setting.
“I wonder if I could offer this to the group.” She looked around the beach, felt the gentle salt-scented breeze and sighed with the peace of it. A gentle roar came on the breeze as the waves lapped the shore. “We could set up more lanterns and have four or five tables set apart for privacy. The Sands could cater if people ordered in advance from a set menu.” Her previously tired brain woke up to the possibilities for romance. “It would have to be an extra charge, of course. Not everyone will want a meal with a special person.”
“It could work well for those couples who find someone they’re interested in.” He followed her gaze around the space with approval in his eyes. “A last evening meal so to speak. Their kids tucked in with a sitter while they enjoy this.” He looked pleased with himself, and he deserved to. “Being here would be something to remember when they go home and back to work.” He spoke softly as if it meant the same to him.
When he returned to her, he focused on her eyes. And OH! She wanted to lean in for a kiss. But she remembered the truth of their situation just before she made a fool of herself.
He straightened in his seat. His tone changed, became brisk. “You were saying a friend from high school showed up?”
The change of topic and his tone brought her back to reality. “Denny. Yes. He has three children. Two boys and a girl. We dated a bit in school and it’s hard to believe he’s a single parent.”
Not that Denny didn’t deserve to suffer for what he did, because she believed in fidelity and honesty. He’d lacked in those areas, the most basic of relationship rules. Not once, but twice and at the same time. The pain he’d caused was immeasurable. Unforgivable. For the first time, she was glad he’d left her behind when he left for college. She smiled to herself and let a small piece of her heart heal an almost forgotten wound.
“Time moves on and life happens,” Grady said with a bland expression and a shrug. Of course, Grady assumed Denny’s situation was typical. One divorce from one woman typical. “Nice guy?” The question was blithe and dry.
“I always thought so,” she replied, ruminating on the strangeness of life. If asked last year if she thought Denny could be anything but what he seemed to be, she’d have sworn he was one of the good guys. His terrible failure of decency was a lot to process. “He’s struggling as his children adjust to their new circumstances.”
It wasn’t fair to say anything more about Denny’s poor choices. Grady didn’t know him and while the locals would gossip amongst themselves, it was wrong to share the truth about Denny with Grady.
“This steak is marvelous,” she said with determination that Grady didn’t miss. The change of subject was clear.