“It’s all right.” But it wasn’t.
“Maybe you could deliver Indian food to her? I bet she’s a better tipper than I am.”
“Maybe. Have a nice meal.”
“You betcha. I’m expecting it to be the best meal I’ve ever eaten. Thank you for treating Marisol and me.”
“You’re welcome.”
Wendell and Marisol trailed the hostess into the restaurant. They were holding hands as if they feared they’d lose each other if they let go.
He’d done a good deed for them. He saw the evidence of it, but his own disappointment kept him from experiencing satisfaction in it.
If Remy returned to Islehaven before he had a chance to see her . . . then what?
Resting both elbows on the bar’s shiny surface, he stared down at the dark wood. Minutes passed. Gradually the thing that had always met him in moments of discouragement filtered in.
Determination.
How could he salvage this? Remy had seemed to like Jude. He could ask Jude to reach out to her. Except that would seem strange to Remy and she’d likely avoid contact with anyone in his family.
What about Anton’s wife, Camille? He remembered Remy and Camille had gotten along well the night Anton and Camille had hung out with them at Appleton.
He found Camille’s name in his list of contacts and sent her a text.
Jeremiah
Did Remy give you her number, that day at my place?
Thirty seconds later her reply came.
Camille
Yes! I really like her.
Jeremiah
Can you do something for me? Can you send her a text saying you'd like to see her the next time she's on the mainland? When she says she's here now, can you invite her out to do . . . whatever it is women do?
Camille
Sure. How would all of that be helpful to you?
Jeremiah
I need to know a time and place where she’ll be so I can “coincidentally” run into her there.
Camille
Anton told me you guys broke up. It sounds like you’re wanting to get back together with her?
Jeremiah
Very much.
Camille
I’m your ally in the cause of love. Hang on. I’ll reach out to her and get back to you.
