Hilary took two coffee mugs down from the hook above the kitchen counter. “You’re not rude, just truthful. I don’t mind it, but I’ll be the first one to admit the place could do with some attention from someone who knows what to do.” She poured the coffee. “And I just happen to know the perfect person.”
Mia took the mug she offered and followed her back outside to sit at the table in the sun not sure she was impressed or annoyed at being recognized here on the island.
“Anyway, you didn’t come her to offer to decorate my house. I know who you are, Mia. Most of my apartment in Seattle was decorated from your store. You have incredible style and your range of items was mostly in my budget too.”
She was a breath of fresh air. “You look familiar too. Matt said you had a restaurant in Seattle but I almost didn’t recognize you.”
“I did.” Hilary pointed to her face and did a circle with her fingers. “This face made headlines in gossip papers a few times. Not my proudest moments, but I did what I thought was best at the time. I was the chef of my own restaurant, but lost it to my less-than-fine business partner. Should’ve read the small print at least. It was a kick in the gut, but I got over it and started the new business.”
Mia nodded. “Now I remember. You did that Taste of Seattle event to showcase the oysters, right?”
Hilary’s mouth dropped open. “Don’t tell me you were there?”
“Yep. Sure was. Had a business meeting with an out-of-towner and my assistant made the booking. Thought it would be impressive to show the buyer something unique to Seattle.” She laughed when she remembered how that had turned out—a bit of excitement and an altercation that had been the talk of the town.
“Wow. I don’t know whether to be embarrassed or impressed.”
Mia liked this woman—straight to the point and down to earth. She wasn’t used to people being so open with her. “I’d go with the latter. You certainly made an impression on me and amused my dinner companion to no end. He signed the best deal at a price I was aiming for, no negotiation needed.”
Hilary slapped her leg and roared with laughter. After a couple of moments she got control of herself and peered over at Mia. “So, tell my why you’re really here.”
Mia sighed, deciding to tell the truth. She could use someone who understood what it was like to be pushed aside, even if in her case it was only for four weeks. She told Hilary what had happened at the board meeting. “I guess it’s deserved, but I have to admit to feeling a bit cheated. The hardest thing is trying to do nothing after so many years of doing everything.”
“I know exactly what you mean. Chefs work their asses off. When I lost the restaurant, I vegged out in my apartment for weeks on end. I couldn’t do a thing, you know? It was like someone had taken away my very being. I found it hard to breathe without a knife or spoon in my hand and a hot pan on the stove.”
“Exactly how I feel, minus the tools. People don’t understand that.”
“If it wasn’t for my best friend coming over and kicking me in the butt, I’d probably still be sulking.” Hilary touched her mug to Mia’s. “You have a friend in me, lovely.”
How sweet! “Thank you. It means a lot. I don’t have many friends. In fact, I probably don’t have any really.” She felt the heat rush up her cheeks. What an admission.
“Are you kidding?” Hilary stared at her with her mouth open.
“Nope. Everyone I see during the work week are business associates.” Saying that out loud made her sad. She didn’t have a best friend to kick her butt.
“What about on the weekend?”
“I work from home.”
Hilary raised an eyebrow. “Girl, you need to take some serious steps to break the overworking cycle, to learn to relax and enjoy life. I’ve been there, but now you’ve come to the right place.”
* * *
“Down, Bear.” Matt held up his knee as the big dog launched himself at him. Bear only bounced around his legs and pushed against him instead. Matt gave up and wrapped him in a big hug, ruffling his fur and playing with him until he calmed down.
“Hey, brother,” Matt called as he glanced down from his position on the jetty at the ocean below. Arlo and one of the workers were thigh deep in water in their wading boots, working the oyster beds. Matt crouched down to speak to him. “How’s it going?”
“Really good. Hanging up the oyster bags before the storm hits tomorrow or the next day. Tides are expected to be higher so what we don’t do today will have to wait until it’s over.”
“Good idea.” He looked past Arlo. “How’re you doing, Bryce?”
Arlo’s manager waved a hand and lifted the next bag onto the line strung between posts that would hold the baby oysters up off the seafloor and give them good water flow. “Good.”
“Who’s the lady? You didn’t say much on the phone.” Arlo tipped his chin to the laughing women over by the house.
Matt had hoped Hilary would be able to lighten Mia’s mood, and it sounded as though it was working out. “Guest from Seattle. Overworked company boss who’s about to hit burnout.”
“Sounds like a whole bunch of fun.” Arlo waded over and pulled himself up onto the jetty. “Who does she work for?”
Matt filled his brother in on his visitor and her business. “Thought it might be nice for her to meet Hilary since they have similar backgrounds. They seem to be hitting it off.”
“Good.”
“It’d be nice for her to have a friend here. She’s not used to sitting still so I’d like to help out if I can, encourage her to relax.” He glanced over at the girls and smiled. Mia laughed at something Hilary said and his smile grew bigger.
“Ah, so you’re arranging her life already. Is she staying or are you going to let her get away?”
What the heck? Like he had any control over his guests. “She’s here for a month to destress. That’s it.”
Arlo nodded. “Right and you’re already acting like you’re her best friend. So, I repeat: Are you going to let her get away after that or are you going to do something about it?”
His brother had the weirdest way of communicating sometimes. “Don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Arlo stood, put his hands on his hips and looked out to sea. “I can see the moony look in your eyes from here, bro. And you had your say when I fell for Hilary. Just returning the favor.”
Matt jumped up, ready to deny his brother’s words but stopped short. Was it even possible that he liked her? She was driven, business oriented, focused on her company, and a city girl. “I haven’t thought about it. I don’t even know if I like her, not like that.”
“Funny. You seem to be more cheerful than usual. Or is there some other secret you’re keeping from us? Won the lottery or something?”
Matt shook his head. He’d never been keen on a woman before. Not really. Apart from the occasional casual fling, no one had ever made him sit up and think about building a future together. “No.”
“It’ll hit you when you least expect it, so be warned. And it’ll make you say and do stupid things. Make you act like a twelve-year-old again. Fair warning.”
“Nah, man. You’re wrong. I’m just showing her around to get her mind off work. I mean, she’s nice and all, but her focus is to get this holiday over with so she can go back to Seattle.”
“Sounds a lot like Hilary to me,” piped up Bryce from the water.
“Ha.” Arlo pointed a finger at him. “Says you, who’s never had a relationship last longer than a week. What do you know about love?”
“More than you think, pal. Just calling it like I see it.”
Later on, when Mia accepted Matt’s offer to continue their tour of the island, he drove her up to the lighthouse. Mia sucked in a breath as they got closer to the point where the lighthouse rose majestically out of the rock and towered over the ocean. “That is so pretty.”
Matt pulled into the parking lot and she climbed out as soon as he turned off the engine. Together they
walked up the path toward the stark white building on the remote end of the island. Wind tugged at her clothing but Mia faced the weather head on. Matt took her hand and pulled her down the grassy embankment away from the tourist trail. “You get a better view down here but don’t tell anyone. The locals don’t like to advertise it because it’s kind of our secret place.”
They climbed over rocks and come to a large ledge jutting out over the sea that wasn’t visible from the parking lot. He tucked her in against him as the ocean spray hit them full on. A hint of pink brushed her cheekbones, and he caught his breath. Drops of water clung to her hair and Mia smiled, sending a jolt to his gut. Matt felt himself gravitate toward her, unable to help himself. It took a couple of moments before he could come up with a coherent thought.
“It’s stunning here when the sea is rough. Not that you’d want to be down here, though. It gets a bit too wild. I have some amazing photos at home I can show you.” He watched her as the white tops of the waves crashed against the rocks, sending spray into the air.
“Hard to believe how wild this end of the island is. Compared to Hope Harbor, this is so different and untamed.” Her blonde hair whipped around her face but her smile was unwavering. “And to think I never would’ve seen this place if not for you. Thank you, Matt. You’re the perfect host.”
“I aim to please. Let me know when you’ve had enough and we can head back home.”
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to stay a bit longer. I’ve never seen anything like this before.”
“Sure. I could sit here for ages; I love the outdoors.”
She turned her head and looked at him, a smile lighting her eyes. “I didn’t think I did, but now that I’m here, I want to stay.” Taking in a deep breath, Mia watched the waves cresting and felt the sea breeze stinging her cheeks.
“Tell me about yourself, Mia. What was your favorite thing to do growing up?”
“That’s a hard one. If we’re talking before my parents passed away, I’d say the movie nights we used to have. Mom would make popcorn and Dad would take us to the old drive-in theater. I’d have my pillows and blankets and always fall asleep before the end but it didn’t matter. We were together as a family and that was all that mattered.”
“I’m sorry. It must be hard without them. And after?”
“Thanks.” A sigh escaped her lips. “Nothing was the same. I had my uncle. He tried, but nothing could make up for what we’d lost. We’re close though.”
Matt tried to get onto a lighter subject. “Favorite food?”
“Fish. Nearly always fish. Yours?”
“Cake. Can’t help myself.”
Mia chortled with laughter. “No wonder you’re such a great baker.”
He shrugged. “Fair call. Favorite time of year?”
“Autumn. I love the colors of the leaves when they turn.”
“Me too. Hope Island is magical just before the snow comes. I love it. I have the fire going and extra blankets out. When a hearty soup cooking on the stove fills the air with the scent of vegetables and spices, I’m in heaven.” Matt laughed and held a hand in front of Mia’s face as a large wave crashed against the lighthouse, covering them in salt spray.
Water trickled down her face but nothing could wash her smile away. The more he got to know her, the more he thought she was amazing.
After talking to Arlo, he had to wonder if her appeal was based on the fact that he already loved her blog and homewares or if it was due to something special about her. He was usually helpful but didn’t often take visitors for a drive around the island, and he’d never taken anyone to Arlo’s before. No wonder his brother was saying the things he was.
She turned toward him, her gaze focused on his lips. Something flickered in her eyes but it disappeared before he could react. “Well, that was certainly worth the drive and I thank you. Better not let that ice in the cooler melt or we won’t be having Arlo’s fish for dinner tonight.”
His hopes of having something with Mia were dashed as fast as they’d surfaced. If Arlo had seen something, it must be one-sided. Matt would have to watch himself if he didn’t want to end up with a broken heart.
Chapter 7
The wind had whipped up in the last couple of hours on their side of the island, and he had the candles ready in case they lost power. Matt sat back and stared at the flames in the living room fireplace. He sipped his whisky as his thoughts rumbling through his head.
“Matt. Hey, what’re you thinking about?”
He startled and looked across the room at Mia who sat in the matching wingback chair in front of the fire. With her hair hanging around her face after a shower to get rid of the sea spray, she looked very different from the stressed out executive who’d arrived only three days ago. The trip to the lighthouse had been worth it; she hadn’t stopped talking about what a good time she’d had.
“Sorry. Thinking about the attic. I was so sure what I wanted to do with it, and now I’m having second thoughts.” He hadn’t been, but he could hardly tell her he was thinking about them being together. That would be creepy after only just meeting.
Still, images of her by his side for longer than her mandatory break fluttered through his head. Thoughts of picnics on the beach, tramping through the walking trails up past the lighthouse, and shopping in the weekly markets rose unbidden. Even images of them sitting in front of the fire snuggling together instead of in opposite chairs as they were now tugged at his imagination.
She smiled. “Tell me what you had planned.”
He leaned forward, his hands on his knees. “I thought the space would be a good office-type room. If anyone wanted to get away from other guests and work, it’d be quiet. And I could use it to do my bookwork instead of sitting at the kitchen counter.”
“What makes you think it’s not a good idea now?”
He shrugged. “Not sure. Maybe it’s because there’s so much junk up there and I’m too lazy to move it so I’m having second thoughts. Or perhaps because my guests don’t really need to work when they come here. Take yourself for example.”
She gave a strangled laugh. “Hopefully there aren’t too many misguided fools like me around.”
Matt smiled. “You’re hardly a fool, Mia. I’d have said driven.”
“You’re very kind but I know what I am. After talking to Hilary today, I’ll freely admit it. My uncle was right. I’ve been neglecting myself and putting everything I had into the business.”
“Understandable. Do you think when you go back that you’ll change things?” Or maybe she doesn’t want to go back. But he couldn’t even consider those thoughts.
“Maybe. I don’t know what I’ll do. After what you said yesterday about thinking of new things, I’ve been doing exactly that. The business runs well now the way we’ve set it up, but being the face of the company and the main buyer, I don’t know how I’d step away from it even if I wanted to.”
Matt took another sip of his drink and contemplated his reply. “Concentrate on enjoying your break and see how you do after that. But I’m glad you got along with Hilary. She’s lovely and has managed to make it work living here.”
Mia put her glass down on the side table. “She’s done a great job. And she invited me to the family gathering on the weekend up at Drew’s place, is it? A baby-shower-slash-housewarming, she said.” Mia gave him a soft smile. “I don’t want to intrude, Matt. A baby shower seems such a personal thing, and they don’t even know me.”
“That’s not how our family works, believe me. You’ll be more than welcome and I’m sure if April—the mom-to-be—knew you were here, she’d insist on you being at the party.”
“Really?”
“Yep. Big brother Drew the doctor lives up around the bay in a stunning house with views to die for.” And the wife he’d wanted since he was a teenager. Now April was almost ready to give birth to their first baby together and Matt couldn’t wait to be an uncle.
“I’ll have to get a gift for her. What a shame I ca
n’t go back to work beforehand. I have so many perfect baby pieces in stock.”
“Don’t fuss. April will be happy just to meet you. Gifts are optional.”
The look on her face was priceless. “Are you kidding? Every woman wants baby shower gifts. People are often judged on the gift and how it’s presented. I see this so often in my industry. Just look at what flies through Instagram and how everyone is trying to outdo each other. It’s a very different world than when my parents were alive.”
“Not here, it’s not. It’s all about family and supporting each other.” Matt finished his nightcap and held the empty glass between his hands.
She cast him an uncertain gaze. “Sorry. I have a reputation to uphold in the industry so maybe I’m overthinking things. Regardless, I have to find her something. If I go, I refuse to go empty-handed.”
It was hard not to find her conundrum funny. People were different on the island, but she didn’t know that. “When the storm clears, you can go shopping then. Find something suitable.”
Mia relaxed. “Fine, but in the meantime, I’m going to help you with the attic. If I don’t do something with my hands, I’ll go nuts.”
Matt grinned. He wouldn’t say no. “Thanks. I will bow down to your skills and take on board whatever you suggest.” He stood and reached for her glass. “How about saying goodnight while we still have power? With the way that wind sounds, I wouldn’t be surprised if we wake up without anything.”
“How are you going to cook breakfast?” She pouted.
He grinned. “See, you’re used to eating in the morning already. And just to reassure you that you won’t starve, I have gas appliances. The fancy coffee machine will have to wait, but I can put a pot on the stove to keep us going if need be.”
She draped a hand over her forehead and gave an exaggerated and funny sigh of relief. “Thank goodness.” She stood and reached for the glasses, her fingers brushing his. “I’ll pop these in the dishwasher and see you in the morning then.”
Worth Fighting For (Hope Harbor Book 4) Page 5