“Hi, Willow. Are you enjoying the buffet?”
She stood and hugged Mrs. Johnson. “The food is delicious. You look amazing.”
“Thank you. I can’t wait to see your photos.”
“They’ll be ready in a few days.” Willow turned to Zac. “Have you met Zac Hilary? He’s my neighbor and a friend of Levi’s.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Zac. I’m Virginia. Brooke told me you flew here from Afghanistan.”
“I did. Barring an airline strike or a humanitarian crisis, I was determined to be here.”
“I’m pleased you made it. I’m sorry to interrupt, but I need to tell Willow the band has arrived.”
Willow checked her watch. Earlier in the day, the band had set up their instruments and completed a sound check. “Are they having dinner?”
“They are. Do you want me to tell you when they’ve finished?”
Willow shook her head. “We’ve got plenty of time. I’ll see them after I’ve eaten.”
“That sounds great. Thank you for doing this for Brooke and Levi.”
“I’m happy to help.”
“I know you are, but I also know how much you like to keep a low profile.” Virginia’s cell phone beeped. As soon as she saw who was calling her, she frowned. “I need to go. My husband is looking for me. Let me know if there’s anything you need.”
“I will.”
After Virginia left, Willow ignored the surprise on Zac’s face. When he didn’t say anything, she sighed. “It’s only two songs. After that I’m back to being a photographer.”
A smile pulled at the corner of his mouth. “Can I have your autograph?”
Despite her nerves, Willow smiled. “I haven’t sung anything, yet.”
“You don’t need to. I have a feeling you’re going to be better than anyone I’ve ever heard.”
Willow sighed. “If you’re trying to make me feel better, it isn’t working. But I promise to give you my autograph as soon as I return to our table.”
“You’re nervous?”
“I’m always nervous before I perform. What if I forget the words or sing off key?”
“Has that ever happened?”
She shook her head.
“Then you’ve got nothing to worry about.”
That was easy for Zac to say. He wasn’t about to sing two of her best friend’s favorite songs.
He handed her a glass of water. “You’ll be fine. Just pretend you’re only singing to Levi and Brooke.”
That’s what she’d planned on doing. But a certain brown-eyed, dark-haired doctor was messing with her heart and making it hard to think about anyone else. “I’d better tell you about Sapphire Bay before I leave.”
The gleam in Zac’s eyes calmed her nerves. “You can start by telling me more about your cottage. Are you planning on doing any more remodeling?”
“I don’t think that’s what John had in mind when he asked me to tell you about living here.”
“It could be incredibly relevant. Especially if you want to drive piles into the ground for an extension. The noise and vibrations could send me back to Kabul.”
