“Yeah, for sure.” He turns the keys in the ignition.
I hesitate, feeling certain something’s up. Not that I know him well. Call it a hunch. Maybe his meeting with the council didn’t turn out the way he wanted? I’m definitely not the person he should seek sympathy from for city council issues. “We don’t have to do this, you know.”
He shoots me a knowing look. “You trying to wriggle out of your end of the deal?”
“Nope. Just seems like your heart’s not in it. Which I totally understand. I wouldn’t want to spend my evening trying to be a cheerleader for Sunset Harbor, either.”
He laughs and presses the pedal. “That’s my other part-time job. Sunset Harbor cheer squad. I’m hoping you’ll try out by the end of tonight.”
“Dream on, Officer.”
“Captain,” he corrects me.
My brows draw together. Can an island with only one law enforcement officer have a captain?
“Cheer squad captain,” he clarifies.
“Ah, right. The default position when you’re the only one on the squad.”
He shakes his head as we reach the main square. “Very rigorous training and killer squad politics to navigate. Becoming the island’s police chief was a cinch in comparison. All right,” he says, slowing down as we drive through the square. “Here we are.”
I stare at the colorful boxy buildings that surround us. “This is where you’re taking me? I’ve been here a million times.”
“And how many years ago was that again?”
“Irrelevant.”
“We’re just grabbing a little something to take with us,” he assures me, pulling the cart to the curb in front of Sunrise Cafe.
I reluctantly get out and follow him to the door, which he opens for me. I stand to the side so the guy heading toward us can exit first.
“Park,” Beau greets, grinning as the two of them shake hands. “How’s it going?”
“Going good,” the guy responds. He’s got jet-black hair and straight brows that give him a bit of a stern look. But he’s definitely good-looking. He glances at me.
“This is Gemma Sawyer,” Beau says. “An old friend of mine.”
Before I can clear up that massive lie, he’s talking again. “Gemma, this is Phoenix Park, one of my best friends. He took me in until I moved back into my parents’ place with Tristan.” He glances at the bag of food Phoenix is holding. “That for Holland?”
Phoenix is unamused. “Why would you assume that?”
“Am I wrong?”
“Not completely,” Phoenix replies reluctantly. “But it’s for me too.”
Beau squeezes his shoulder. “You’re a good man, Park.” He jerks his head at me, signaling for me to head into the cafe.
“Is Holland his girlfriend?” I ask as the door closes behind us.
“No,” Beau says. “I mean, not if you ask him.”
“And if you ask her?”
“Also no.” He laughs at the look on my face. “Their relationship is…complicated. They can’t go five minutes without arguing, but—hey, Ivy! How’s it going here?’
I stare at the woman behind the counter, putting together the name and the hint of familiarity in her face. She’s got curly, light brown hair that’s tied back. “Ivy Brooks?”
Her eyes scan my face, lighting up with hesitant recognition. “Gemma?”
