“I can hardly believe my work is on the cover.” Deb touched the new issue of Coastal Design & Living with reverence, thrilled with the exposure. Page after page of the magazine featured her interior designs.
Seated next to her at a table on the Majestic Hotel’s sunny patio cafe, her friend April lifted her champagne glass. “To Crown Island’s most celebrated interior designer.”
April’s mother, Ella, raised her glass, too. “I’m so proud of you, dear. The career you’ve worked so hard for is now on an even higher upward trajectory. It must feel wonderful.”
Deb touched their glasses and sipped her well-deserved bubbly, courtesy of Ryan Kingston. “This project is my largest job and best work so far. I have to give Ryan credit for the publicity firm he engaged.”
As the new owner of the vintage Majestic Hotel, Ryan was determined to showcase his beloved hotel’s renovation through extensive publicity and advertising campaigns.
The glossy pages of the hotel’s transformation documented their team’s work with before-and-after photographs that captured their attention to detail. They had worked diligently to preserve the original character of the Victorian-era beach hotel.
Deb had refurbished or chosen every new piece, including the wrought-iron table where she sat under a marine-blue umbrella with her closest friends.
April was like a sister. Her mother, Ella, had been like an aunt to her. She’d known them all her life because her mother and Ella were friends.
Pride shimmered in Ella’s eyes. “Would you ever leave us if an amazing opportunity came up?”
“I’ll always come back to the island. I have plenty to do here.” Deb appreciated their enthusiasm, but she enjoyed living and working here. Her entire family lived on Crown Island, just off the coast of Southern California.
She loved her boisterous older brothers, but when she was younger, they had intimidated and chased off every one of her boyfriends.
Although she usually beat them to it now.
Her brothers were inescapable on this island. Even now, she spied one of them across the patio with new clients and nodded at him. David was just a year older, and he worked as an architect. He grinned and lifted his hand in a brief wave.
“Who is that with David?” Ella asked.
“The Hunts,” Deb replied, folding back the sleeves of her white linen shirt. The sun was warmer now, and the light breeze carried the fresh scent of the sea.
Deb went on, “They’re here for the summer, and they’ve asked David to design a new beach house for them. I might bid on the interior design work.”
A smile played on Ella’s face, barely lined by her years. “You’re a star now. You’ll have to think like one.”
Deb nodded, grateful for the opportunity she’d pursued. “I haven’t forgotten that Ryan took a risk hiring local talent. Most developers would have brought in a New York designer, gutted the old beauty, and created a modern atmosphere. Luxurious but generic, devoid of Crown Island personality or history.”
Ella pressed her lips together. “That’s what the community fought against.”
“The Historical Society must help preserve the island charm,” April added, brushing her hair over her shoulder.
Fresh highlights, new yellow sundress, Deb noted, approving of April’s evolving look. Love looked good on her, and Deb was pleased for her.
She sipped her champagne as April and Ella perused the article. She counted herself lucky to have friends who were like a chosen family, not that she didn’t love the one she was born into.
As a retired nurse, Ella had been a beloved force in the community for decades. Just last year, April had returned to her hometown after her divorce to start a new chapter in her life. A historian and former university lecturer, she deserved every good thing that had recently come her way, from Ryan Kingston to the historical society she’d conceived and created.
Ella paused and looked up. “I’d like to read this at my leisure. Did you buy out Ace’s newsstand, or can I still find a copy of this edition?”
Grinning sheepishly, Deb said, “Actually, my mother bought them all, so Ace is trying to get more copies. But you can have this one.”
They flipped through the pages, pausing at a photograph of the lobby restoration. The three-story rotunda was a masterpiece of original design, with a ceiling finished in white oak, cedar, and hemlock. The vintage wooden panels had taken artisans weeks to restore, but the effect was breathtaking. It was a beautiful balance of historic craftsmanship and casual beach elegance.
Now more than a century old, the beachside resort was an island landmark, known for movies filmed on the property and presidents who’d vacationed there. Significant deliberations that changed the course of history had taken place at the Majestic. The grand hotel was polished to perfection once again.
Deb turned the page to a photo of her with Ryan and Knox MacKenzie, who oversaw construction. To pull off the job before the high summer season, the three of them had worked many long days for months.
“That’s a great photo of Ryan.” April’s cheeks colored slightly.
“Look at you.” Deb nudged her friend’s shoulder. “Practically glowing whenever you mention his name.”
Laughing, April bumped her shoulder back. “I never thought I’d feel this way again.”
Deb folded her arms and leaned in. “He’s the lucky one. You chose well this time around.”
April’s husband had left her for a much younger woman with whom he’d had an affair, and her friend had been devastated. Now, to her credit, April was thriving again.
Ella fixed a gaze on Deb. “Which brings us to another question. Are you seeing anyone now?”
“I’ve hardly had a moment to spare this past year,” Deb replied.
April traded a glance with her mother. “There must be someone out there for you.”
Laughing, Deb said, “You’re drunk on love and want everyone to share your happiness. But it’s not that easy, especially at my age.”
Ella shook her head. “You’re at the peak of your career, my dear. You’re brilliant, accomplished, and gorgeous. Never undersell yourself.”
“I don’t think she ever has, Mom.” April grinned and wrinkled her nose at the champagne bubbles.
“I know what I’m worth. And I’m happy with my life. Besides, I have Duke.” Deb stretched her long legs beneath the table. Now in her mid-fifties, she loved her work. She had her freedom, earned good money, and still jogged daily on the beach with her dog. Flipping up the collar of her shirt, she smiled, satisfied with her life.
“Don’t be so quick to give up.” Ella smoothed a hand over Deb’s.
“After five turns as mother-of-the-groom, Mom has finally accepted that she’ll never help plan a wedding for me. Still, the grandkids keep her busy.”
Ella studied her. “Are you sure you don’t have regrets?”
“I’m Auntie Deb to a slew of nieces and nephews. I’ve changed diapers, wiped tears, and thrown birthday parties. That’s enough family time for me.”
Deb had built her life by choice. She preferred to embrace what was rather than mourn what might have been. She’d been in love before and had received her share of marriage proposals, but she knew they weren’t quite right. Now, the chance for a family of her own was long past.
Eager to change the subject, Deb gestured toward the hotel. The sprawling wooden structure gleamed in the sunshine, its fresh white paint complemented by red-and-white cupolas and a new red roof. “The exterior is complete, but I still have more to tend to inside before the official debut party.”
April shielded her eyes from the sun as she gazed up. “This was a major achievement, and everyone will be impressed. What did your father have to say?”
Deb’s smile turned wry. “Dad finally admitted that he’s proud of my work. Remember when I tried to join Whitaker Construction after graduation? He told me everyone would assume I got the job because I was his daughter, not because I earned it. The same could be said of my brothers, and believe me, I did. But he didn’t budge. Knowing my brothers had all started work there only made it worse.”
“That was typical of Wilt then,” Ella said, shaking her head. “Making you prove yourself twice as much as anyone else.”
Deb nodded. “Funny thing is that it worked.”
“And to your advantage,” April added. “You might not have built your business otherwise. You were determined to prove him wrong.”
April was right. Deb was known for creating beautiful, livable interiors with meticulous attention to detail, whether the project was a hotel, a business, or a summer retreat. On an island of this size, she had to do it all.
And now, her work spoke for itself.
“You’re in a good place in your life,” Ella said, studying her. “You’ll soon have more time to date.”
Deb laughed and shook her head. “You’re not letting go of that, are you?”
“And neither should you.” April tapped the table for emphasis.
Ella leaned forward with a conspiratorial look. “Several friends from my yoga class have met interesting men on dating apps they have on their phones. They swipe right or left if someone catches their fancy. I don’t recall which is which, so that could be a problem if people are directionally challenged like me.”
“Not that you need to worry about that, Mom.” April inclined her head toward Whitley, the hotel’s distinguished manager, who was speaking to a pair of boys in swim trunks and T-shirts at a nearby table.
Must be brothers, Deb guessed, sizing up their freckled, sunburned faces. They had been wolfing down hamburgers and fries, and now they’d moved on to hot fudge sundaes.
Young as they were, every guest was a VIP at the Majestic.
Something about them seemed vaguely familiar. Probably because they reminded her of her nephews. They looked about eight and twelve years old.
Wearing a vivid coral jacket today, Whitley approached their table with his usual impeccable bearing. He took Ella’s hand in greeting. “Ladies, I trust everything meets with your approval today?”
Deb smiled at his formality, but that was Whitley. He’d upheld traditions at the Majestic for decades. “We’re having a wonderful time. Except for these two matchmakers.”
Ella lowered her voice. “Have any interesting men checked into the hotel?”
Whitley smiled at her. “You know I can’t divulge that, my sweet.”
“Maybe not in public,” April said, lowering her voice.
Deb laughed. “You two are incorrigible. Really, that’s enough. I can take care of myself.”
And she had for many years. From an early age, she’d learned not to count on others, especially men.
“We haven’t much time before the grand reopening party,” Ella said with a pointed look.
While she and April talked about the event and what they planned to wear, an unbidden memory flashed to mind. Deb recalled waiting under the Majestic’s porte-cochère entrance at the top of the wide front steps, wearing an ocean-blue organza dress she’d saved for from her summer job.
Her first serious boyfriend was one of the summer boys. Every year, their wealthy families descended on Crown Island like exotic birds on a migratory path, soaring higher than the locals.
Except that summer, she’d been soaring high, too. They’d met when she was chosen to be the Crown Island Princess in the annual island parade, and he was there with his friends. At the party later, he took her hand to dance and never let go. They were virtually inseparable all summer.
You can count on me, he often told her, and she lost her heart to him, imagining the future they would share.
But then, on the night of the summer’s last dance party, he vanished. Swept up in the migration home without so much as a goodbye.
She’d waited hours in her new dress by the entrance, sure that he would come. Finally, she’d given up.
Embarrassed to go to the party alone and feeling broken-hearted, she raced to April’s home to confide in her. Thankfully, her friend listened and held her, never judging her for the mistake of falling in love. After sobbing all night, Deb ripped off her new dress and never wore it again.
From then on, she decided who to date and when to call it off with her dignity intact. Being left behind was far too painful.
April’s breakup had reminded her of that. If she had been the one to leave Calvin, her confidence wouldn’t have been shattered.
April tried to make her marriage work for the sake of her daughters, which Deb respected. Good friends didn’t judge. Good friends were there to listen and hold you when your world fell apart.
As April had once done for her. Deb helped her recover after Calvin filed for divorce, but April could have been spared much of the trauma and heartache if she’d left her husband on her terms.
Whitley turned to Deb, pulling her from her thoughts. “Before I forget, another editor called. She asked if she could send her best writer to interview you and Ryan before the big event.” Whitley named a popular travel columnist they all recognized.
“See, you’re famous now,” Ella said with a wink. “I wonder what he’s like. Maybe you’ll swipe on him.”
When Whitley looked confused, Deb explained. “Your sweetheart just heard about a dating app. These two are trying to set me up.”
Whitley’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “I doubt you need any help.”
“Only with an escape route,” she said, grinning. Whitley knew how to read people, so they had formed an understanding and a special signal over the years. “You’re always good for an urgent call for me at the front desk when I need it.”
Whitley’s eyes crinkled with amusement. “Simply protecting Crown Island’s most distinguished jewel. None of them were worthy of you, princess.”
Looking up at him, she smiled. “You still remember that?”
“The Majestic never forgets its royalty,” Whitley replied. “Speaking of treats fit for a queen, might I suggest an assortment of the pastry chef’s desserts? She’s outdone herself today.”
Ella beamed at him. “That sounds wonderful, darling.”
“I’ll send it right out.” After a charming, courtly kiss to Ella’s hand, Whitley left.
Deb watched him go. She suspected he had admired Ella for years, maybe even before her husband passed away. Not that he would have acted on impulse. That wasn’t Whitley’s style.
A few minutes later, a young, freckled-faced server appeared with a tray of desserts and fresh plates. “You’re getting the royal treatment today.”
“Thank you, Kelsey,” Deb said as the young woman placed the sweets in the center of the table. They each put a few small bites on their dessert plates.
Since she had been here almost every day for months, Deb knew most of the staff, and she was fond of Kelsey. In the fall, she would return to finish her degree in hospitality management at the University of San Diego. She had worked here every summer throughout school.
“What a heavenly celebration,” Ella said, swooning over a chocolate mousse.
While they continued chatting, Deb and April sampled a slice of cheesecake drizzled with mango sauce and a passionfruit crème brûlée.
As they were finishing their champagne and desserts, April’s eldest daughter arrived at the table.
Maileah eyed the empty champagne bottle and dessert spread. “This looks like a celebration. Did I miss someone’s birthday?”
“Deb’s work is featured in this month’s Coastal Design & Living.” April hugged her daughter.
“What brings you here?” Deb asked.
“I’ve been taking photos of Junie’s shop for the new advertising campaign I’m starting for her.”
Deb had watched April’s two daughters grow up, so they were like family. Maileah handled advertising for Junie’s specialty boutique in the hotel, as well as for her growing online shop.
Maileah was dating Sailor, a local surfer, and it seemed like they were having fun together. Her sister Junie was seeing Knox MacKenzie, who’d bought the house next door to hers on Sunshine Avenue and worked for Ryan at the hotel.
When April and Ella broke into laughter at something between themselves, Maileah arched an eyebrow in amusement. “If you’re finished with your party, I can give you a ride home. If Blue were to stop you, I might have to post bail.”
At the mention of the local police officer, Ella took her hand. “You’re right, dear. I should leave the golf cart here. Unless Deb would like to take it.”
“I still have work to do.” Deb rose to say goodbye to her friends. “Thanks for joining me to celebrate my first magazine cover.”
After April and Ella left with Maileah, Deb sat again. A strong cup of coffee, and she’d be fine for her last tasks of the day.
Ella would soon forget about her matchmaking ideas, and Deb could cast her memories out to sea and go back to what really mattered.
Her work.
Still, as she gazed over the waves to the distant horizon, an old recollection nipped at the edges of her mind. Why she’d thought about that summer boy was beyond her. It had been years since she’d thought about that magical summer or the heartache that ensued.
Had to be the champagne, she thought, nodding to Kelsey again. Strange how the mind works.
She ordered, and Kelsey quickly returned with a small silver pot of coffee on her way to drop off the check for the two boys, who’d finished their sundaes.
Deb found the soft chatter across the outdoor cafe soothing. She sipped her coffee, making notes on the to-do list she kept on her phone while watching guests and locals on the beach.
Couples and families cycled lazily along the boardwalk on beach cruisers from the hotel bike concession. Children and their parents frolicked among shallow waves, and teenagers giggled in sun loungers by the pool, watching boys splash in the water.
She sighed happily. She loved living here and seeing visitors delight in what the locals enjoyed every day. Crown Island was a special, artsy community. Its assortment of brightly painted houses and murals was an island tradition.
Her home on Hibiscus Heights was splashed with purple and lavender, inspired by the lavender hibiscus flowers that had bloomed on the property for years, even before she’d bought it.
A local artist extended the floral theme on the fence that edged her garden, creating an oasis that bloomed year-round for her. A row of lavender grandiflora roses with ruffled petals filled the area with their delicate scent.
Roses. Yet another memory sprang to mind, the scent of soft pink roses, the first she’d ever received from a boy.
She ran a hand over her forehead. It was strange how old memories she’d tried to forget were still lodged in her brain. And why were they taunting her today?
Even if that boy had changed how she lived her life.
Behind her, the two youngsters spoke in worried tones, and Kelsey turned back to her. “Is there anything else you’d like?”
“No, I have work to do before the big event.” She signed the tab Kelsey gave her with a practiced flourish. Another furniture delivery was due shortly, so she rose to leave.
Kelsey swiveled back to the boys. As they dug into the pockets of their swim trunks, Kelsey asked, “Are you sure you don’t have a room card?”
“We forgot it,” the younger boy said, his wide blue eyes set off by his sun-bleached hair.
“How about the room number?”
The older one shook his head, looking embarrassed. “We can’t remember it. That’s why we’re still out here.”
The younger boy’s eyes filled with tears. “I wish Mom were here.”
“So do I, but you know she can’t.” The older brother put his arm around the other.
As Deb listened, her heart went out to them.
“What’s your parent’s name?” Kelsey held her pen aloft, ready to make a note.
“We’re staying here with my aunt,” the older boy replied.
“Okay, what’s her name?”
The younger brother wiped his tears. “Her name is Aunt Jen.”
Deb hid a smile at that. They were clearly part of the summer crowd.
Kelsey tried again. “That’s a pretty common name. What’s her last name?”
The older brother’s face turned even redder under the sunburn, and he shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “I don’t know. She just got married again, and she told me her new name, but I can’t remember it. It’s Jennifer, if that helps. When she comes back, I can ask her and tell you. Maybe they’ll eat here tonight.”
Deb saw displeasure growing in Kelsey’s expression, even though she was clearly trying to be patient.
Feeling sorry for the boys, Deb took a step toward the server and said softly, “Put their order on my tab.”
Still, they heard her. The younger boy brightened, but the older one shook his head and lowered his eyes. “We can’t do that. Our dad wouldn’t like it.”
Deb tried again. “I respect that, but this woman’s shift will be over soon, and she’ll have to close her orders. She’ll get in trouble if the numbers don’t balance. What’s your name?”
The older boy stood awkwardly. “I’m Mason, and this is my brother Teddy. I’m really sorry about this.”
Deb smiled and waved off his concern. “It’s my pleasure, Mason. I work here. And your dad doesn’t need to know about this.”
While Mason wavered, Deb nodded at Kelsey to transfer the order to her account. She’d had signing privileges on a hotel account long before Ryan acquired the Majestic. Many of the locals did.
Looking relieved, Mason said, “Thank you, ma’am. We’ll pay you back. You can count on that. Our dad would insist.”
“He’d be really mad, and he’d beat us like this. Pow, pow.” Teddy made motions with his small fists.
Mason caught his hands in warning. “Don’t do that in public. Remember what Dad said.”
Teddy’s eyes widened. “People could take us for that.”
Deb was alarmed by the looks the two shared. “Really, it’s fine. I’m happy to do it.”
Mason seemed embarrassed, but not only about the lunch bill. “Don’t pay any attention to my brother. Thank you again.” He stuck out his hand.
While Deb shook his hand, Teddy flung his slender arms around her waist and looked up at her. “I like you. You’re nice.”
She tapped his nose. “So are you. You two have fun today. And put on more sunscreen.” She reached into her bag, brought out a tube she always carried, and gave it to Mason.
She wiggled her fingers in a wave. “See you two around.”
“Bye,” Mason said shyly.
The two boys hurried off toward the beach. They were smiling now and looked like a huge weight had been lifted from their young shoulders.
“That was kind of you to do that,” Kelsey said.
“They’re just a couple of kids on vacation.” Deb was glad to help.
Still, thinking about the conversation, she drew her brow. “Did you see the look on the older brother’s face? He seemed genuinely frightened. And the younger one with his punching motions was scary. Who knows what their father might do if he were to find out. Removing that worry for them is well worth it to me.”
Kelsey pursed her lips. “That was a little shocking. I bet he’s a real ogre. You wouldn’t believe the parents I see here screaming at their kids. I know it’s tough to raise children, but some parents overreact to simple mistakes.”
“People come here because they need to unwind. Hopefully, they leave in better spirits.” Deb watched the boys on the beach, thinking about how embarrassed the older boy was. “I’ll bet Mason never forgets this.”
While Kelsey rang up a new charge, Deb wondered about their father. The more she thought about how the boys had reacted, the more disturbed she was.
She’d bet the parents were divorced, and the dad barely spent time with them. She’d known her share of men who paid little attention to their children.
That was always a huge red flag to her. She swiped them out of her life fast.
At least they had their aunt to look after them.
When Kelsey gave Deb the new bill to sign, she asked, “Out of curiosity, why did you think to do this? No one else was ready to step up to pay for a couple of kids.”
Deb signed for the charge. “I like to pay kindness forward. When they’re older, maybe they’ll remember and rescue someone else.”
Tucking the receipt away, Kelsey nodded. “I hope the universe works that way.”
“I like to think it does. Doing things for other people lifts my spirits, too. See you later.”
Deb glanced back at the boys and chuckled at their playful antics. She would keep an eye on them during their stay.
As she hurried through the hotel toward the delivery docks, she decided that if she ever met Mason and Teddy’s father, she’d have a few choice words for him.
