“But why did you keep helping her? Why didn’t you . . . ?” She couldn’t even force the words to come.
“Why didn’t we give up on her?” Shelley asked carefully. “Because she was my friend long before she lost herself to alcohol. She was family, sweetheart, just like so many other people here on the island. I could no sooner turn my back on her than I could turn my back on you or Deirdra.”
“But those parties and dinners? Wouldn’t I have heard about you hosting some of those events?”
Shelley was quiet for a moment. “We didn’t host them, honey. We had them catered for the assisted living facility to keep income flowing through the restaurant.”
Tears welled in Abby’s eyes, and she tried to will them away. “Thank you doesn’t feel big enough, Shelley. You have a huge family, and you continually went out on a limb for ours. I need to pay you back.”
“You are, Abby. Yours and Deirdra’s happiness is our payback.”
Abby swiped at the tears sliding down her cheeks, and Shelley stood up and pulled her to her feet, enveloping her in a maternal embrace. “Let it out, baby,” she said, patting Abby’s back. “You are loved by so many. It’s okay. Just let it go.”
“I’m sorry,” Abby said through her tears.
“It’s okay, darlin’. No need to be sorry.” Shelley held her, doling out reassurances, along with the maternal love Abby had missed out on for far too long. She held her until she had no more tears to cry, and then she touched Abby’s cheek and said, “You okay, baby girl?”
Abby nodded, but her sweet words made her eyes dampen again. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m so emotional.”
“For years your life has been shaken up like a snow globe, and you’ve always been good at catching all those little pieces. But now those pieces are settling, and you’re realizing the storm is over. That’s why you’re crying, and crying is good. It cleanses your soul, gets all that sadness out so your happiness has room to breathe.” As they settled back into their seats, she said, “You know, before your mom started drinking, if the tables had been turned, I have no doubt she would have done the same for our family.”
“She was so different before my dad died.”
“I know, honey. I trusted your mother implicitly. She was a good friend. When you kids were little, she was always there for us. She got lost. I don’t understand why or how, but I know she’s in a better place now.”
“I hope she’s with my dad.”
“I believe she is, and I’m sure he’s taking good care of her.” She sipped her iced tea, giving Abby a moment to breathe, and then she said, “Now that you know all of my secrets, perhaps you can share one of yours.”
“What do you mean?” Abby asked as Shelley’s mother, Lenore, came out of the carriage house where she lived. Lenore was everyone’s surrogate grandmother, and Abby loved her dearly.
Lenore waved and headed their way. Shelley looked nothing like her mother. Lenore was tall, with a blond pixie cut, a flair for fashion, as evident in her wide-legged slacks and chic, colorful top, and a sense of humor as big and beautiful as her daughter’s.
“The grapevine is buzzing about you and your new beau. Should we be booking a winter wedding?” Shelley asked.
“Shelley! We just started dating, and I know I’m crazy to be redoing and reopening the restaurant and starting a relationship with a guy who has a life somewhere else. But he’s so damn easy to be with.” That was the hardest part. Being with Aiden was easy, fun, and exciting. She felt like she’d known him forever, and she was already looking forward to spending time with him after he left. And every day she learned even more wonderful things about him, like how he thought of everyone else before himself. Despite asking Remi for space, he’d been keeping in touch with her via texts so she wouldn’t worry about him, and he’d already bought skates for them and for Cait to use over the weekend. And then there were the other things, like that he enjoyed cuddling, and when he thought she was asleep, he whispered the sweetest, most intimate things, such as You’re so unexpected and How did I get so lucky to find you? Her heart squeezed just thinking about them. She was learning things about herself, too, like the fact that she loved cuddling as much as he did and how deeply words alone, and Aiden’s actions toward others, touched her.
“Sounds like I’m just in time for the good stuff,” Lenore said, and Abby got up to greet her.
“Hi. How are you?” Abby said as they embraced.
“If the rumors are true, I’m not nearly as good as you.” Lenore sat down and leaned her elbows on the table, setting her mischievous blue-gray eyes on Abby as she said, “So? Are the rumors true? Are you dating Mr. Coffee? Jules said he’s scrumptious.”
“Ohmygod.” Abby felt her cheeks burning. “I am going to have to duct tape Jules’s mouth shut.”
“That won’t stop her. She’ll send a group text,” Lenore said. “I love my Julesy.”
Shelley tapped Lenore’s arm and said, “I asked Abby if we should plan a winter wedding.”
“Why wait for winter?” Lenore asked. “Fall weddings are beautiful.”
“You two are impossible. We’re only dating. He’s on vacation, and believe it or not, he has a real life to go back to.”
“Don’t give me that nonsense,” Shelley said. “That man set up a romantic evening with all the trimmings at our vineyard. That means something, and I see that blush on your cheeks, honey. There’s no hiding your feelings for him.”
“Mm-hm,” Lenore agreed. “That’s a hotsy-totsy glow if I’ve ever seen one.”
“Oh my gosh.” Abby covered her face. “I’m not talking about this with you two.”
“Chalk one up for naughty Mr. Coffee,” Lenore said cheekily, sparking a litany of jokes between her and Shelley, which sent them all into fits of laughter and reminded Abby of even more reasons why she loved living on the island.
There was nothing quite as embarrassing or as fun as being teased by people who had changed her diapers. The people who loved her despite her family’s messes.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
EVENING ROLLED IN with clear skies and a brisk breeze for their dinner with Abby’s friends at Rock Bottom Bar and Grill, which overlooked Rock Harbor. Even though it wasn’t yet tourist season, the parking lot was packed. Wells’s restaurant was much larger than the Bistro, with ample indoor and outdoor seating and a boat dock with designated waitstaff so boaters didn’t have to leave their vessels to eat. The rustic restaurant had a nice setup, but it was very different from the romantic environment Abby hoped to create.
As Cait climbed out of the back seat, Aiden took Abby’s hand and pulled her into his arms, whispering, “How am I going to keep my hands off you in that dress?”
His affection and constant attention made her feel desired and feminine, and she’d wanted to look sexy for him. She’d gotten all dolled up in her favorite beige knit minidress and had paired it with knee-high leather boots. When he had arrived to pick her and Cait up, he’d taken one look at her and stumbled over his words, making Abby feel fantastic.
“The same way I’m going to have to keep my hands off you,” she countered.
He was strikingly handsome in a dark gray button-down and jeans. Even in jeans he had a commanding presence, drawing the attention of everyone around him. Abby had noticed that in great detail last night when they’d gone to the market to buy fresh fish and vegetables for dinner. She’d never seen so many women ogle one man before, but he hadn’t seemed to notice. He’d been too focused on sneaking kisses from her.
“Are you two done making googly eyes at each other?” Cait asked. She had arrived a couple of hours ago, and she looked pretty in black jeans and a peach sweater.
“Done sounds so final.” Aiden draped an arm around Abby as they crossed the parking lot. “Ready to check out the competition, ladies?”
“If Wells opens his mouth when the judges are around, we’re sure to win,” Cait said. “The guy thinks he’s the cat’s meow.”
“Abby, wait up!”
Abby turned at the sound of Leni’s voice and ran to greet her auburn-haired bestie with a big hug. Leni always looked well put together, and today was no different. She wore a short navy blazer, a blue-and-white-striped shirt, and jeans. “I’m so glad you came!”
“You said you needed my help with marketing, and I had to check out the guy Jules and my mom are absolutely raving about and your new sister. I still can’t believe you have another sister.” Leni gave Abby a once-over and said, “Girl, you look smokin’ hot. Your new man must be lighting all your fires.”
“And then some . . .”
“Lucky you!” Leni glanced over Abby’s shoulder and said, “Wow, your sister is beautiful, and he is drop-dead gorgeous.”
“I know, right? You’ll love them both.” Abby took her hand, hurrying toward Aiden and Cait. “You guys, this is Leni. She’s been my best friend since we were kids. Leni, this is Cait and Aiden.”
“Hi,” Cait said shyly.
Aiden extended his hand and said, “Aiden Aldridge. It’s nice to meet you.”
Leni’s eyes widened for a split second, and then she shook his hand. “I’m looking forward to getting to know both of you.”
As they headed inside, Leni held Abby’s arm, falling a few steps behind the others, and whispered, “You didn’t tell me you were seeing Aiden Aldridge. He’s Remi Divine’s brother and manager. Shea is Remi’s PR rep.” Shea Steele was Leni’s cousin. “I’ve heard his name dozens of times in the office. Shea raves about how classy he is because he’s not a jerk like other celebrity managers.”
“Shh. I know,” Abby said quietly. “But he doesn’t want everyone knowing about Remi being a celebrity, so please don’t bring it up. He wants to keep a low profile while he’s here.”
“Gotcha. My lips are sealed. Things are good, though?”
“Amazing,” she said quietly. “In every way.”
“I’m so happy for you.”
Aiden held the door open, placing his hand on Abby’s back as he followed them in. Abby was glad that Leni struck up a conversation with Cait right away. She was so good at making people feel comfortable.
Aiden whispered, “I bet you two could cause some trouble together,” and kissed her cheek.
The hostess directed them to a table by the window, where Jules, Grant, Jock, and Daphne were talking. Jules let out a squeal and jumped to her feet. “I’m so glad everyone made it!” She threw her arms around Abby.
“That’s my little pixie, sprinkling her happy dust on everyone,” Grant said as he came around the table to greet them.
“I’ve missed her happy dust,” Abby said as she hugged him. Abby loved how he called Jules Pix or Pixie, which suited her perfectly.
“And you must be Cait,” Jules exclaimed.
“Let me introduce everyone before we get into a flurry of hugs and conversation.” Abby took Cait’s hand and said, “You guys, this is my sister Cait.” She reached for Aiden’s hand, unsure of how to introduce him. Was it too much to say he was her boyfriend? She chose a safer route and said, “And this is Aiden, aka man of many talents, including the best handyman around. I’m only going over names once, so take notes. The happy-dust sprinkler is obviously Jules, and this shaggy brown-haired dude is Grant, her fiancé. The gorgeous blonde is Daphne, and the guy holding on to her like someone’s going to abscond with her is her husband, Jock. And here come the family ties. Jules, Jock, and Leni are siblings. Got it?”
“Not even close,” Cait said. “But it’s nice to meet all of you.”
“That’s okay. We’ll help with names,” Jules said as she embraced Cait.
Everyone said hello as they took their seats around the table.
Aiden held Abby’s hand under the table as he and Jock got reacquainted, and Abby chatted with the girls.
“Is it tough being a celebrity on this small an island?” Aiden asked.
Jock scoffed. “The only celebrity here is Grant. He’s our local hero.”
“Shit.” Grant shook his head. “Hero, my ass.”
“You have the medal to prove it,” Jock said.
Grant said, “I’ve got a prosthetic leg that says otherwise.”
“I’m sorry to hear about your injury,” Aiden said.
“Thanks. What do you do, Aiden?” Grant asked. “Any military service in your background?”
“No. I’m a finance guy . . .”
Abby liked listening to Aiden getting to know the guys.
“Why do guys always talk about work? I want to know more about you, Cait,” Jules said.
Cait was staring across the room.
Abby followed her gaze to Brant Remington, who was heading their way. Brant was everyone’s friend, with wily eyes and a love of all things outdoors. Abby nudged Cait, startling her out of her lustful leer, and said, “I can introduce you.”
“What? No. I wasn’t . . .” Cait’s cheeks burned red.
“Oh, yes you were,” Jules said as Brant sauntered over. “We forgot to mention that we invited Brant to join us. I hope that’s okay.”
“Did I hear my name?” Brant flashed a grin, and the dimples that had gotten him dates with all the hottest girls on the island appeared. His wavy brown hair and year-round tan made his blue eyes pop.
“The Bee Gees are back,” Abby said, pushing to her feet. “What have you been up to, Brant?”
Brant embraced her and said, “Stayin’ alive, baby,” amusing their friends, except Grant, who shook his head.
“We used to call Brant and Grant the Bee Gees,” Abby explained to Cait and Aiden. “Aiden, Brant is the one I said you should talk to about renting a boat. Brant, this is my friend Aiden.”
Aiden stood to shake his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“You, too.”
“And this is Cait,” Abby said. “Cait and I recently learned we’re sisters.”
Cait offered a tentative smile.
“Well, any sister of Abby’s is a friend of mine,” Brant said as he sat in the empty seat beside Cait. “Don’t worry. I don’t bite,” he said, making Cait blush again.
“Unless you ask him to,” Jock said.
“Damn right.” Brant high-fived Jock across the table.
“You’re going to embarrass her,” Daphne said. “Don’t worry, Cait. I’m a blusher, too.”
“I swear you guys will never grow up,” Leni said as the waiter came to the table. “I need a stiff drink if I’m going to survive dinner with these people.”
They ordered drinks, and Cait looked relieved to have the spotlight off her.
“You okay? He’s a nice guy,” Abby whispered to her.
“I’m fine,” Cait answered quietly.
“So what brings you to the island, Aiden?” Grant asked.
“My sister booked a monthlong work-free vacation for me. I was ready to pack it in and get back to work after three days.” Aiden lifted Abby’s hand to his lips, kissing the back of it, and gazed adoringly at her as he said, “Then I met Abby, and she showed me how fun a no-work and all-play vacation can be.”
“Go, Abby,” Leni cheered, earning giggles from Daphne and Jules.
“Sounds like a dream vacation to me,” Brant said.
“I feel island fever coming on,” Jules said in a singsong voice.
“That’s a real thing, Aiden. Watch out.” Daphne snuggled closer to Jock and said, “I came for a weekend and knew I never wanted to leave.”
Aiden and Abby exchanged a glance. She could tell by the spark in his eyes that he was thinking about what he’d said to her when they were lying in bed earlier that morning. We’ve only been together for a week and a half, and already I can’t imagine not seeing you every day.
“I’m all for vacations, but I’d go nuts if I didn’t keep busy,” Leni said.
“Don’t let Aiden fool you. He’s a total workaholic,” Abby said. “He might not be working in an office at his real job, but he and Cait have been helping me get the Bistro into shape, and
Aiden has worked all day, almost every day since we met.”
“How’s that going?” Grant asked.
“There’s a lot to do, but it’s getting there, and looking better every day.” She told them about how they were changing the restaurant into a window service for lunch and offering more elaborate sit-down dinners. Everyone thought it was a great idea, since that side of the island didn’t have any walk-up restaurants along the beach.
The waiter came with their drinks, and they took a moment to place their dinner orders.
After the waiter left, she said, “I’m really excited to put our own spin on the Bistro. But it’s stressful. Someone entered me in the Best of the Island Restaurant Competition.” She grinned at Aiden. “I’m scouring my father’s recipes to come up with the best ones to enter.”
“Babe, you’re going to win,” Aiden said with such confidence, she almost believed him.
“That was really smart, Aiden,” Leni said with a nod. “I’d have pushed her to do the same thing. Abby, if you win, you’ll get months of free advertising, and that could have a big impact on your visibility. We can talk about that tomorrow when we go over marketing strategies.”
“I can help with marketing ideas,” Jules offered. “I know a lot about spreading the word on the island, and Daphne came up with great grassroots marketing ideas for the winery.”
“That’s true,” Leni said. “Are you free for a few hours tomorrow morning, Daph?”
“Sure. I have a bridal shower at three, but I can do it before that,” Daphne said.
“You guys really want to help?” Abby said.
“Yes,” they said eagerly.
“Thank you. That’s fantastic. Aiden and I have been working on budgets. Maybe you can take a look at those, too, in case we missed anything. Want to say ten tomorrow morning? Cait? Does that work for you?”
“Yes, perfect,” Cait said. “I’ve got a few logo ideas, and I’d love to get everyone’s input.”
Maybe We Will (Silver Harbor) Page 23