by Jeannie Moon
Jack pulled open the heavy wood and glass door, so Lilly could enter a place that seemed to be filled with magic. Not that Lilly believed in magic, but she believed in the possibility.
Possibilities were always exciting.
“I was wondering when you two would get here. I saw that list Adam dictated. How is it going?” Liam Jennings, tall and blond, flashed an easy smile. He was probably one of the nicest people Lilly had ever met. Even way back, when he was hanging out with her brother Luca, Liam was always the sweetheart of the bunch. He never would’ve teased her. Not like Jack.
Taking three long strides, he wrapped Lilly in a huge hug. “Is he giving you much trouble?” he said, looking at Jack. “I expect he’s being a total pain in the ass.”
“You’d be surprised,” Lilly replied. “He’s actually been helpful. And he brought pastries from Rinaldi’s this morning, so that has to be good for something.”
“Wow! You must really rate. When we head out on the boat, he usually brings grocery store doughnuts and stale coffee.”
Jack grabbed Liam in a bear hug and slapped him several times on the back. “What are you talking about? Stale coffee. Ingrate.”
Lilly made a slow turn, taking in the beautiful items on the rich wood shelves. There were small sculptures, pieces of art glass, nautical artifacts, and tchotchkes that would make her Abuela’s heart go pitter-pat. To her right sat the large case that held Lucy’s compass. Walking over, she thought about Mia and Adam, and Jordan and Nick, and wondered if the compass knew they were destined to be together.
Lilly didn’t believe in such woo-woo, but she was never one to judge other people’s beliefs. Maybe the compass did bring them luck. Not her, though. Right now, she just wanted Gio to keep his distance. Maybe the compass could tell him where to go.
For a big guy, Liam moved very quietly. Before she knew it, he was standing next to her, unlocking the case.
“What are you doing?” Lilly stepped back, not wanting to get too close to something she didn’t understand.
Liam grinned. “Jack wants to hold the compass.”
Mr. Just-the-Facts FBI Man wanted to hold the magic compass? For real? Fishing in her bag, Lilly pulled out her phone. “Hold on, I want to get a picture of his big moment.”
Jack glared at her. “Did we talk about you being a brat?”
“Yes, and we came to the conclusion that I would always be a brat. Lucky you.”
Pretending he wasn’t annoyed, Jack stuck out his hand toward Liam. “Hit me, bro.”
The whole scene was surreal. The big strong G-man was falling into a romantic trap. But there was something charming and sweet about Jack opening himself up, letting himself be vulnerable enough to hold a centuries-old symbol of love and commitment. Especially since he was Mr. No Commitment.
She had to admit, her body and heart warmed from the inside out. Wasn’t that what always attracted her to him in the first place? The sweetness of the act, the good humor and genuine curiosity, made him damn near irresistible.
Of course he is, dummy. That’s why you fell in love with him in the first place. Her inner voice, which had been relatively quiet since she’d returned to Compass Cove, decided now was the time to make an appearance.
Stupid voice. Lilly hated that it was always right. The only time it led her astray was when she got up the nerve to tell Jack how she felt all those years ago. That had ended badly for all concerned, and she wasn’t about to make that mistake again.
Lilly and Jack were older, wiser, but at the core they were still the same people. If Lilly had learned anything from her experiences with Gio, it was that you couldn’t change a person. Jack was a good man, but he wasn’t going to fall in love with her. Same story, different decade. That was that.
Holding up her camera, Lilly watched as Liam gently lowered the antique compass into Jack’s hands. Very old, but not fragile, it was a beautiful instrument. The polished brass case held a delicate face made of mother-of-pearl, and on top of the crystal was a tiny sundial that folded flat so the case could be closed. Hand-carved, hand-painted, and made to last, it was an amazing piece of history.
She took her picture, completely delighted by the image.
Jack walked around the shop, holding the compass in the cup of his palm. He walked toward the window, toward the cases full of tiny glass sculptures, and then back to where they were standing. He was quiet, which was unusual in and of itself. Finally looking up from the compass, he locked eyes with her, but said nothing.
“What?” she asked.
His expression was confused, shaken. “Nothing. It’s just… weird. I dunno.”
“Weird how?”
Liam leaned over, looked at the compass, and then looked at Lilly. “Well, well, well. That is interesting. The compass needle is pointing at you, Lilly.”
“No, it’s not. If it is, you’d better fix your compass.” The thought made Lilly’s stomach jump. The compass was obviously out of its little magical mind.
Jack handed it back to his friend, shaking off whatever spell it had cast over him. “Enough fun. We have stuff to do. We’re supposed to check on the rings.”
Thank God Jack had snapped out of it. “Good idea. Adam said if they’re done, we should take them with us.”
Securing the case, Liam nodded, and headed to the back of the shop. His huge frame had to duck a little under the short doorway in the old building.
She and Jack stood in awkward silence, the compass needle obviously on both their minds. But it shouldn’t have been. They were both adults, and they knew better than to believe in magic.
Once Liam returned from the back room, they headed back to the display counter, where he had spread out a length of black velvet. Opening the two jewelry clamshells, he placed both rings on the dark field. Lilly heard herself gasp.
Mia’s ring was magnificent. Two bands of platinum wound around each other, creating an interwoven pattern that was so simple yet so intricate, it was hard to describe. Set in the channel on top of each band were diamonds. Many, many diamonds. The ring sparkled, reflecting light all around the room.
“Liam, that is stunning. I can’t believe you made these rings.”
“My hidden talent. While you guys were making movies and chasing bad guys, I learned a few things.”
The corner of Jack’s mouth tilted into an admiring grin. “You sure did. Wow.”
Adam’s ring was made of matching platinum, but it was simple, the band having no beginning and no end. Endless, like Adam’s feelings for Mia.
“The rings are ready,” Liam said. “Let me give them a final polish, and you guys can get going.”
Without warning, Lilly felt swamped by emotions. Weddings always did that to her anyway, but knowing everything the bride and groom had gone through to be together was moving. Needing a little space, she stepped away from Jack.
Nestled against the front window was a roughhewn wooden bench where Lilly sat. She was so happy for her friend, a knot formed in her chest, and tears welled up in her eyes. “They are going to have a great marriage. Talk about opposites, but they’re perfect for each other.”
Jack, not believing in personal space, had followed. “I think you’re right. It’s a nice thought, you know? That something so right can come without warning. It’s good. Hopeful.”
Lilly glanced out the window toward Main Street, trying to keep her emotions in check. “Sorry I’m getting so mushy, but it’s just so wonderful… happiness. Hope.”
“It is,” Jack responded. “It is.”
*
The morning had flown by, and once they left Liam with the rings tucked safely away, they’d decided it was time for lunch.
They’d settled in at a table by the big window on the side of Rinaldi’s Café, and Lilly was studying the menu like she’d never been there before. Her eyes were focused, her brows drawn together.
“You look like you’re pondering world peace,” Jack whispered so he didn’t startle her.
&nbs
p; “No, just looking at the salads. I always get the turkey club and onion rings, but I should be watching what I eat. Maddie will kill me if I don’t fit in my dress.”
“You look fine. Eat what you want.” Taking a pull on the straw in his soda glass, Jack marveled at the way she studied the menu.
“I do not look fine. You just can’t see all my flaws in this dress.”
He saw plenty, but no flaws to speak of. In his opinion, Lilly’s curves were a freaking miracle. Jack wanted to tell her to buy a hundred of those dresses. Instead, knowing such a suggestion would get him the look of death, he changed the subject. “Tell me about Maddie. I’ve never met her.”
“Oh, Maddie is great. So talented. Mia’s dress is spectacular.”
“You know her from California, is that right?” Jack was careful to keep his questions pointed, and away from what she’d endured with her ex. The thing was, he already knew the answer. He’d done a thorough background search on anyone and everyone in Lilly’s orbit when she was in California. “She’s new around here.”
“Yes. We worked on a bunch of films together. She’s good people.”
That didn’t tell Jack a whole lot. Jack wanted to know if Maddie knew what happened between Lilly and Gio, or did Lilly keep that part of her life hidden from everyone? “I’ll have to meet her sometime.”
Lilly smiled. “You will. Right after lunch.”
“That’s right. After lunch.” Jack had forgotten about that part of their to-do list.
“Don’t argue with me. You need to get measured.”
Before he could say anything, the server came over to take their order. Lilly may have been thinking about a salad, but she ordered a loaded specialty burger with Lina’s famous onion rings. Good. He hated when women obsessed over what they ate. Jack never really worried about his waistline, so he followed her lead and ordered the giant Reuben with an extra helping of fries. The two of them were going to feel like lead this afternoon, but it would be so worth it.
The bell over the door of the café jingled, and a jumble of voices had Lilly’s head snapping toward the front of the store. Her face dropped. Jack may have been living in stakeout mode, but even he knew a movie star when he saw one. Kat Barnes was the darling of romantic comedies. Tall and built, the auburn-haired bombshell had looks men loved and attitude women admired. However, the way Lilly looked at her, he could see there was no love. At all.
“Oh, my God.” Kat didn’t wait to be seated like the sign said. No, she wandered right over to their booth and slid in next to Jack. “Lilly Vasquez, as I live and breathe.” A tinge of southern drawl slipped from the woman’s dark plum colored lips. “I heard you lived around here, but what are the odds we’d run into each other like this?” She turned toward Jack and extended a slender hand. “Hi, I’m Kat.”
“Jack Miller. Nice to meet you.”
“Not shooting today, Kat?” Lilly’s eyes narrowed as she considered the woman across from her. The saying ‘if looks could kill’ definitely applied. Jack was fascinated at the dynamic.
“No. I’ve been dying to get a look at this little town everyone has been talking about. It is adorable. Reminds me of the little town in West Virginia where my Memaw lived.” Kat was giving him the onceover while she talked, and he wasn’t so sure he liked being in her sights. There was something not right about her. Something seemed off. “So, are you Lilly’s boyfriend?”
Lilly’s eyes widened and she gave him a barely noticeable head shake.
“Ah, no. Close friends. We’ve known each other forever.”
Kat grinned just as the tip of her tongue teased the curve of her lips. “Well, doesn’t that make this my lucky day.”
Like she’d rehearsed it a thousand times, Kat lowered her chin into her hand and locked her gaze on his. Jack felt like he was being stalked by a hungry animal. He glanced in Lilly’s direction and moved his foot close to hers. Did that make him safer from the woman who was still staring? Probably not.
Jack knew now why Lilly had reacted the way she did. He was in the presence of a maneater. “Right… well. You should go, you know, have your lunch. Coming to Rinaldi’s is a great way to get to know Compass Cove.”
“Are you shooing me away, Jack?” Her drawl had become more pronounced, dripping with saccharine sweetness. “That is not at all gentlemanly.”
“Yes, he is shooing.” Lilly jumped in, no patience to spare. “Your entourage is waiting. Don’t they want to feed?”
“Hmm, yeah, yeah, whatever. So, what do you do, Jack?”
“I’m with the government.” He was going to be as vague as possible.
“Kat?”
“Be still, honey. Jack and I are just getting acquainted.” Kat’s eyes were a pale shade of green, almost like a snake’s. It was creepy.
The muscle in Lilly’s jaw twitched and then tightened. Damn. Was she pissed? Jealous? “Kat!” Her voice cracked through the noise of the café, stopping a dozen people in their tracks.
“Oh, for Pete’s sake, Lilly. What is your problem?”
“People are waiting on you,” she began. “This isn’t some Hollywood bistro where your presence is an event.”
When Kat looked up, her group was waving her back over. Chances were, Lina wanted the whole group there before she seated them. “Damn.” Kat paused and pursed her lips before plastering a pained smile back on her face. Jack found himself relieved. “Well, it was good to meet you, Jack. Maybe we can have a drink sometime.” The actress patted his hand before addressing Lilly. “Try to relax, sugar. You’re going to have a stroke.”
Kat slid her long body out of the booth and slithered over to her friends.
“She hasn’t changed a bit,” Lilly hissed. “Always pressing buttons.”
“I got that; she’s pretty intense.”
“In the worst way possible.”
“I guess it comes with the territory.” Jack’s line of work was about as far away from show biz as you could get.
“She’s not well liked. All those people fawning all over her are very well paid. But to be fair, there are a lot of really decent people in the business. She’s an outlier.”
That was the first positive thing Lilly had said about her time in the movies. He had the feeling if she let herself remember, there would be more good memories than bad.
“I’m sorry she made you uncomfortable,” he said without knowing why.
“Not uncomfortable exactly. Like I said, she pushes my buttons. The woman knows how to get to me.”
“The guy I was just on a stakeout with was the same way. Such a tool.”
“We all have our crosses to bear. She was mine. And for some reason, she always asked for me to do her hair.” Their food arrived, and Lilly quickly ordered extra specialty sauce for her rings.
“Now, correct me if I’m wrong, but you were planning on going into media or film or something, right?”
She was shocked he remembered.
“That was the plan. I made it through three semesters at UCLA. Great program, but I wasn’t…” She paused. “I wasn’t focused. I’d gotten a part-time job in a salon near campus and one of the stylists took me on a film shoot with her.” Lilly took a sip of her water. “I was hooked. I loved the buzz and the activity on the set. Noel was the key hair designer and took me under his wing. I learned everything from him. Styling, color, special effects hair design, wigs…”
“It sounds very involved.”
“It is. The key stylist reports to the production designer. It’s all about how the film is going to look. I could spend two hours creating bedhead.”
“So, you’re an artist?”
Lilly nodded. “Yes.”
Watching her talk about her life in California made him admire her more than he already did. She’d not only gone through hell, she’d made some tough decisions to get her life back.
“Anyway, it’s in the past.” Lilly shrugged before she reached for an onion ring and nibbled on it to see if it was too hot to eat.
Jack tilted his head and examined the Reuben that was overflowing with corned beef and sauerkraut, while the cheese and dressing oozed out from between slices of thick rye bread. “I’m going to regret this.”
“You won’t regret it until later, so enjoy it now.” Lilly took a healthy bite of her burger and dabbed the specialty sauce that dripped down her chin.
There was a world of good advice in that statement. He wondered if she would listen to herself.
Chapter Nine
“So how are your folks?” Jack asked. He polished off his Reuben and fries in record time. Lilly, on the other hand, was still working on her burger and worrying about every calorie she put in her mouth.
“They’re good. Dad’s still working at the college, and my mother has her hands full managing a new surgical practice affiliated with Harbor Hospital. She’s out of town until right before the wedding, learning some new patient management system.”
The truth was she probably only saw her parents a couple of times a month. It wasn’t because she didn’t want to—okay, maybe she avoided it a little—but they were very busy with their careers. The other thing was whenever they were together, Mom would ask a lot of questions. A lot of question. Even now, two years later, her mother was fixated on why she’d come home. Not wanting to cut herself off totally, on her off days Lilly would go to the old house and spend time with her Abuela while Mom and Dad were at work. If Abuela ever sensed there was something off, she never asked. She never pushed for answers or reasons. It wasn’t that she didn’t care, it was that she did, and she understood Lilly better than anyone else.
“Has Luca been around at all?”
Luca, her big brother, hadn’t been home in almost a year and a half. If anything broke her mother’s heart, that was it. At least when Lilly lived in California, she’d make it home for holidays and at least once in the summer. Her family was always close. But lately, not as much.