Finally, Caleb broke the silence. “We met in Los Angeles.”
“Before I left for New Zealand,” Misty added, a slight tremor in her voice. “Why are you here? Are you stalking me?”
“I would never. You know me better than that.”
“Clearly, I don’t know anything about you. Why would you visit my family’s inn?”
Caleb ran a hand through his hair. “I’m starting a practice here. You told me you were from Boston. You never mentioned Summer Beach.”
“Neither did you.”
Sunny’s eyes widened with realization. “Wait. Isthisthe guy you were talking about?”
“Don’t,” Misty hissed, a flush creeping up her neck.
Ivy cleared her throat, trying to reduce the tension. “Well, this is unexpected. But it’s Thanksgiving, and everyone is hungry. Misty, have a seat, and I’ll start your breakfast.”
Caleb pulled out a chair for Misty.
She hesitated, then carefully selected a chair that putmaximum distance between herself and Caleb. “Red-eye flights are brutal.”
Sunny, Poppy, and Shelly joined them, talking over each other as they peppered Misty with questions about the film and New Zealand.
Conversations resumed as plates were passed and coffee poured. Ivy watched Misty and Caleb studiously avoid eye contact, each speaking only to those seated nearest them. There was a story there she’d probably hear about later.
When Caleb finished his breakfast, he thanked Ivy and excused himself. To Misty, he said in a thick voice, “See you around.”
Misty dipped her chin in response and watched him go. Once he was gone, she drew her hands over her face. “Of all the men to find in the kitchen.”
“And I thought I was the queen of the awkward moments,” Shelly said. “I can’t believe you know the hot tattooed veterinarian.” She glanced at Mitch. “Sorry, babe. You’re hotter, though.”
Mitch grinned. “You’re only saying that because I feed you.”
“You have to admit, that’s pretty hot.” Shelly laughed. “But really, spill it all, Misty.”
Misty shrugged between bites. “I don’t know if you’d call it dating. My French press broke, so I went out for coffee one morning and all the tables were taken. I sat next to him at the coffee bar, and we started talking. That went on and on. I still haven’t replaced the French press.”
“Neither would I,” Shelly said. When Mitch threw her a look, she looked sheepish. “Sorry, babe. Figure of speech.”
Misty shook her head. “He was like my best friend, butit was more than that. We just fit. After a couple of days, we’d walk a little after coffee, and a couple of times we met for a cup at the beach. We didn’t see each other for very long, but it was magical. We talked about everything and nothing at all.”
“Everything but Summer Beach,” Sunny said.
Misty shook her head. “I knew Caleb wanted out of L.A. And he should have known how much I wanted that part in the film. We were in a bubble of our own making, I guess. Then, the original actor fell ill. My agent called and asked how fast I could get myself to Auckland. I didn’t have a chance to say goodbye to Caleb. I missed our morning brew and didn’t call him until I landed, and it was a long flight. He said he was worried about me and disappointed. And that was the last time we ever talked.”
“Is that what you wanted?” Ivy asked.
“No, but I needed that part.”
Ivy understood. They each had their goals, and they hadn’t been honest with each other. Clearly, they would have some emotional currents to navigate today.
Caleb came downstairs with a small bag. “I think it’s best that I find another place through the holidays.”
Panic flashed across Misty’s face. “You don’t mean that, do you?”
“I’m not going to interfere with you and your family on a holiday weekend.”
“Let’s go for a walk first,” Misty said, rising.
