IT’S NOT REALLY the coward’s way out, Ben rationalized as he called Ella. He could have emailed or texted, which would have been inconsiderate after not having contacted her since her return to the Cove yesterday morning. To make matters worse, he couldn’t even tell her about the company fraud issue, a legitimate reason for not getting in touch the past several hours.
His guilt had been heightened by Grace’s reply to his text asking if she knew where Ella was.
She’s upstairs now. I just texted her to see if she wants company for supper, but she said she has a work deadline and will call me in the morning. Maybe she wants to be alone for a bit?
The message suggested going to see her might not be a good idea, so he opted to phone. Perhaps hearing her voice would reassure him that everything was still okay between them.
“Ben?”
He closed his eyes, savoring the lilt in that question. It was a promising start. “Hi. Listen, I’m so sorry I haven’t gotten in touch with you sooner. Something came up at work that I had to deal with.”
“That’s okay. I know you were tied up with the presentation yesterday, as well. It was great, by the way. Have you had any feedback from the council yet?”
“I think they’re voting on it when they get the results of a survey from residents in town and in the subdivision. Um, is there any chance of seeing you sometime tomorrow? I mean, before the dinner party.”
“Sure. I’m a free agent.”
“Grace said you had a deadline.”
“Yes. My weekly op-ed piece for the Globe.”
“How’s it going?”
“Just wrapping it up now.”
“I have to go to Portland in the morning but could meet you for lunch somewhere.”
“That sounds nice, Ben. Where and what time?”
He thought about the meeting with Harold and officials from Harbor Lights. It could be a long morning. “How about if I text you when I’m finishing up? Maybe we could go to Mabel’s or The Lobster Claw.”
“Or someplace entirely different?”
He laughed. “Yeah, guess it’s about time for a change. I’ll think of a new place and if you spot any in your wanderings, let me know. We can decide tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
“And, uh...I’m really looking forward to seeing you again, Ella. Thanks for coming back, and for going to the meeting last night. I appreciate it.”
There was a brief silence. “I’m glad I went, Ben. See you tomorrow.”
He closed his eyes, cringing at his thank-you—the kind a person would extend to an acquaintance, not someone they’d known for most of their life. Well, except for that huge gap of seventeen years.
* * *
HALF AN HOUR into his meeting, Ben began to relax. He and Harold had met earlier to discuss options. They agreed that the company didn’t need the publicity that a full investigation and police charges would bring. Ben and Harold had discussed the possible negative effects on their promised bank loan as well as permit approval from Lighthouse Cove’s council. Then an executive from Harbor Lights broached the option of firing the men without laying charges. Both had confessed and were remorseful. Such a move would avert public attention and bad press.
His head was spinning with all the scenarios—none of them good—by the time he was getting into his car. It was just past noon and he texted Ella, suggesting The Lobster Claw, only because the pub wouldn’t be busy at that time of day and reservations weren’t needed. Her reply was a bit of a surprise.
I found a great deli in town and bought some food. We could eat here at Grace’s.
He liked the idea of a casual lunch with just the two of them, though knowing Gracie, she might decide to pop upstairs. He wrote back.
Let’s go to my place for a winter picnic. I’ll turn the heat on! Meet you there about two?
A thumbs-up emoji was her reply. Ben felt better than he had all morning. There was time now to change and maybe talk to his father about what was happening at work. He turned his phone off and drove home.
His mother was on the phone in the solarium. She held up a finger, signaling him not to interrupt. Last-minute plans or glitches for the dinner party? Judging by her creased forehead, maybe so. He waved and went into the den. This time his father muted the volume first.
“If you’re looking for your mother, she’s in the solarium, I think. Some problem with one of the courses tonight.”
“The caterers?”
“I guess. Maybe we’ll have to order in from The Lobster Claw or The Daily Catch instead.”
Ben saw the glint in his father’s eyes and smiled. “I’d be okay with that.”
“Me, too. Better than some fancy wee bit of a thing on a plate that leaves you hungry an hour later.”
Ben smiled. That’s more like the dad I remember. Although he and Harold were handling the situation, Ben was in a dilemma about his father. Should he confer with him as a courtesy? Or would the information lead to an argument? He decided to risk it. His gut told him Charles might appreciate being in on the problem.
“Something has come up at work,” he began. His father clicked off the TV and looked expectantly at Ben. “One of our employees has conspired with an employee from Harbor Lights Supply to rig a false invoice and payment scheme. They’ve both confessed.”
“Who was it from our company?”
“A guy in accounting. Someone we hired more than a year ago. The thing is, both men have financial problems and are remorseful. Our employee blamed his lack of health insurance. His wife is seriously ill.”
“Maybe our benefits plan isn’t enough these days, what with rising costs.”
Ben hadn’t expected his father to focus on the company benefit package, much less imply that it might need upgrading. Instead he’d anticipated a rant against employee theft. Encouraged by this, he outlined what he and Harold had discussed at the meeting with Harbor Lights executives—the plan to discuss with company lawyers the possibility of firing the employees rather than laying charges. They’d call police if necessary, once the scope of the fraud was known.
After listening quietly, Charles finally said, “Harold’s got lots of experience, even in a situation like this. I’m glad you’re discussing it with him.”
Ben waited for more. “What do you think about our plan, though?”
“If you want advice, Ben, ask for it.”
“Okay. I’m asking.”
“Choose the option you can live with. This man’s life will be affected by your decision. But you also have to consider the ramifications of handling this on your own, without laying charges.”
That was it? Did he think the idea was good or not? Ben worried about that for a minute until he realized perhaps he didn’t need affirmation. Perhaps Charles trusted him to make the right decision all by himself.
The TV clicked back on, drawing Charles’s attention once more.
Ben sat quietly next to him a moment longer before getting up. “Thanks, Dad,” he said, lightly touching the top of his father’s head as he left.
* * *
OPENING THE DOOR of his new house to greet Ella Jacobs was the highlight of Ben’s difficult day. Her breathless “Hey!” and rosy cheeks from the brisk wind—or maybe at seeing him?—were exactly what he needed to put the morning out of mind.
“The furnace is on, and I thought to bring a couple of cushions and a blanket from home.”
The color in her face deepened. She held out a large cloth bag. “Here, then. I’ll let you do the honors.”
He took the bag in one hand and reached for hers with his other, drawing her in out of the cold. They went into the kitchen, where he’d set a couple of plastic glasses and a bottle of chilled white wine on the island counter.
“Nice,” she said, looking about. “If we had a sunny day—”
“It’d be even better,” he cu
t in, smiling at her as he opened the wine and began to pour. “I’m designing a deck. Lots of room for a big one.”
She peered out at the yard. “Uh-huh.” She stared for a while longer before moving back to where he was now unpacking the food she’d brought and laying it on the counter.
“Glad you brought plates and cutlery. I didn’t think of that.”
“Grace found them for me.”
“You told Grace we were having a picnic here?”
“I had to when I asked her if she had any plastic stuff.”
“I’m surprised she didn’t ask to join us.”
“I think she wanted to but thought better of it.”
“I’m sure she has enough to do for tonight. She asked Henry to take over the store so she could leave early. I’ve just come from home. Apparently, there might be a problem about the catering order.”
“Nothing serious, I hope.”
“Nothing that will affect our picnic here, that’s for sure.” Ben handed her a glass of wine. “Let’s get some food. I’m starving.”
“Me, too.”
Her eyes locked onto his. Ben was a happy man. They took plates of cheese, pickles, cold cuts and baguettes into the living area, where he’d laid out the blanket and cushions. They ate and made small talk, which was fine by Ben. It allowed the storm in his mind to calm. When she got around to asking him about his important meeting, he was able to dismiss it without breaking his mellow mood. “An employee situation that will be worked out eventually. And how about you? Did you send off the piece you were writing?”
“Yes, I did,” she said while gazing down at her lap to brush away some cookie crumbs. “What time is the dinner tonight, by the way?”
“Mom says cocktails at six.” Ben was about to ask more about her article when she abruptly stood up.
“I guess we should go. I’m sure your mother would like some help, and I’m planning to pamper myself beforehand. Maybe a long bubble bath. My room has one of those old-fashioned, claw-foot tubs as well as a shower.” Her grin was mischievous.
Ben got to his feet and pulled her into his arms. “I’m happy you came back, Ella. After you left, I... Everything seemed so hopeless. I wanted so much to have another chance to show you...no, to tell you that I love you and—”
“I’m here now, Ben,” she whispered, looking up at him.
His heart felt like it might burst. “I do love you, Ella. I hope you know that.”
She nodded, but the expression in her eyes shifted and Ben’s confidence faltered. Instead of kissing her, he rested his chin on the top of her head. He could have stayed like that with her for hours, feeling her heart beating against his, but he knew the moment had passed.
“Guess we should pack up,” he murmured. He heard her sigh as she moved out of his arms, and he was about to reach for her hand to draw her back, when she began picking up the remains of their picnic.
Ben watched her, wishing he could replay the last few minutes, cursing himself for perhaps reading too much into every change in her face or tone of voice. He needed to relax and not make so many assumptions about what she was—or wasn’t—feeling.
“Ella.”
She was putting the used dishes and cutlery into the bag and turned to look at him.
“Thanks for this. It was exactly what I needed. And not just the food.” He managed a small laugh over the lump in his throat. “The last forty-eight hours have been tough. Being with you, even for a short time, has made everything so much better.”
“It’s what I needed, too, Ben. The chance to be with you, just the two of us. Like an ordinary couple.”
“We can be.” He kept his eyes fixed on hers, the emotions he saw in them, the desire and doubt.
“I...I hope so, Ben. I’d like that.”
His heart swelled. Inhaling a deep, steadying breath, he said, “Guess we should finish up here, then. You have a bubble bath to enjoy, and I’m sure my mother will have a list of tasks ready for me.” He paused. “We still have tonight to...you know...talk some more.”
“Yes” was all she said, but it was enough for Ben.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
THE DRESS WAS a good choice. Elegant but not fussy; formfitting without being seductive. Appropriately sexy enough to turn heads—Ben’s in particular, she hoped. She tucked a strand of hair into the loose knot at the nape of her neck and smiled at her reflection one last time before collecting her purse, coat and gloves. She’d decided not to wear boots. The sidewalk outside the store was clear enough, and Grace had told her the entrance to her parents’ home had also been shoveled. Ben was picking her up in ten minutes, so she descended to wait near the front door.
The day had been almost perfect. There’d been no talk of the past, and she wanted to keep that harmony as long as she could. When he’d mentioned her column, she’d avoided talking about it. Although she’d opted in favor of the condo development, citing the benefits and advantages of community growth, she knew there would be people in town who might feel otherwise. They’d made their opinions clear at the public meeting, and the op-ed could lead to some pushback against Winters Building Ltd. Thankfully it was going to be published in Boston, a long way from Lighthouse Cove.
Car headlights flashed across the door as she tucked the phone back into her purse. Ben was here. Ella locked up behind her and, bracing against the wind, climbed into the passenger side. “Getting breezy out there,” she laughed, buckling up and tidying her hair.
“Supposed to be a storm headed our way in the next couple of days. Maybe you’ll have to extend your stay.” The look he gave her wasn’t at all subtle, and Ella felt a small thrill.
As soon as they walked into the Winters home, Ella realized they were among the first to arrive. Grace, who looked striking in a dark cherry-red dress, rushed to greet them. “I’m glad you got here a bit early so we can have a chat before I have to take on guest-of-honor duties.”
“Are we putting coats in Mom and Dad’s room?” Ben asked, removing his.
He was wearing the same suit he’d worn to the council meeting, with a powder blue shirt this time, and Ella couldn’t take her eyes off him. When he helped her out of her coat, his fingers brushed against the nape of her neck and she shivered. “You’ll warm up quickly, and you look beautiful,” he whispered. “Your hair and...um...especially the dress.” His fingers lingered a second longer on her neck.
Grace loudly cleared her throat and grinned. “Yes, Ben. Coats are upstairs. Can you take them, please? Ella and I are going to my room for a few minutes.”
“Don’t keep her too long,” he called out as he dashed up the stairs.
Grace and Ella smiled at one another. Subdued voices and dishes clattering in the kitchen drifted down the hall. “I’m afraid we’re unfashionably early,” Ella apologized.
“Mom always gives Ben a fifteen-minute leeway ’cause—”
“He’s usually late.”
“You know my brother. Drew’s picking up Henry, and Mom is busy with a couple of catering staff. We have a few minutes before the others come.”
As she followed Grace up the grand staircase, Ella thought how beautiful the old home looked at Christmastime. Strings of white fairy lights were draped over the large gilt-framed mirror above the antique console near the front door. A giant red poinsettia plant stood at the base of the stairs and another at the second-floor landing. Garlands of fresh spruce boughs wound in and out of the stair railing, filling the entire area with the fragrance of a forest, and LED candles in red-and-green glass holders flickered prettily around the entire entry hall.
The house was magnificent in an old-world way, and she’d always been awestruck visiting here as a kid. But as an adult, she couldn’t picture herself living in such an overwhelming home. Even now at Christmas, the glow of LED candles and fairy lights barely managed to overcome the dark wood paneling and di
m lighting. From the stories Grace had told Ella when they roamed the place as kids and then teens, both the house and hotel had been built by Grace’s grandfather. Recalling her brief stay at the hotel, Ella decided the house had been loved and cared for more attentively. Of course, it had always been a family home.
Grace’s room was almost as Ella remembered, except for some minor changes. The bunkbeds had been deconstructed into two singles and painted white, and the cork bulletin board above the matching desk had been cleared of rock-star posters and celebrity photographs. But Grace’s favorite Raggedy Ann doll still perched on top of her bookshelf along with other childhood treasures that Ella recognized.
“I feel like I’m in a time warp.”
“I know. It’s both comforting and creepy at the same time.”
They both laughed.
“You look lovely, by the way. Red is your color.”
“Thanks, Ella. And your dress is stunning. Black works for you. I remember that last summer when you favored black T-shirts and cutoff jeans.”
“Yeah. That was because my mother decided I could do my own laundry while we were here.”
“Or maybe you were going for the dramatic effect.”
Ella smiled again. “You could always see through me.” The silence that fell between them felt natural. Two old friends reminiscing without delving too deeply into painful memories. “So is Drew staying here, too?”
“Yep. He’s in the guest room on the second floor.”
Ella grinned at Grace’s wink. “Too bad.”
“And Ben is just across the landing, in his own turret.”
“Like old times.”
“What did you think of his new house?”
“It’s lovely. He must be eager to move in.” She ran a finger along the edge of the desk between the two beds, avoiding Grace’s eyes.
“Soon, I think. Now that things are settled between him and Dad.”
“Settled?”
“You know, the company.”
“What about it?” Ella saw a flush of pink rising up from the neck of Grace’s dress.
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