I scramble around my brain for the restaurant Carter took Eliza after he proposed. “Sure, I know just the spot.”
“You go ahead and text me the location,” Blanca says. “I have an appointment at the gallery on Main Street. My mom reserved a sculpture weeks ago, and she must have itnow.” She hoists her designer bag onto the crook of her elbow. “Who knew this town had such…hidden gems?”
The restaurant, tucked into the far curve of the bay, is still quiet. Eliza said the real summer crowd won’t arrive for another two weeks.
The hostess shows us to a table that has a perfect view of the water, with the endless blue of the ocean and a handful of early-season yachts.
“What do you suggest?” Will’s eyes crinkle over the menu.
“Believe it or not, I haven’t gone out to eat too much. But I guess the seafood should be good,” I say. “Everything’s fresh around here.”
He lowers the menu and reaches across the table, covering my hand with his. “I wish I could take it all away.”
“Seeing you is helping already.”
We order and fall into our usual easy conversation.
“Father is considering a new branch in Sydney,” he says. “Which means I’d be there quite a bit.”
“Maybe you’ll finally manage a tan,” I say, a laugh bubbling up. “Sport some flip flops, hit the waves.”
The deadpan expression is so him, it only makes me laugh harder.
But then his gaze shifts, and Will decides to burst the surface of ease by bringing up the last time we saw each other.
“I feel we’ve left things…unresolved after that dinner.”
“Well, not long after, things went from bad to worse.” A shudder runs through my limbs at the memory of the break-in.
“I wish you’d called me. I was still in town. I can’t imagine how frightened you were.” His thumb moves in gentle circles on the back of my hand.
“Everything escalated so quickly. I was pretty much packed up and shipped straight here.” I don’t want to talk about my home. That feeling of violation to have your sanctuary ransacked. The message. The public doesn’t know about that.
“I understand,” he says comfortingly. “Your brother acts decisively. I’ve always admired that about him.”
I want to point out I’m not a prop, solely depending on Carter. But I know Will’s words come from a good place.
“I’m lucky he’s got my back.”
“I was wondering if I could meet you where you are,” Will says playfully. “Literally and otherwise,” he chuckles. “Perhaps spend a bit of time together while you’re marooned here.”
My chest thrums with a flutter I could mistake for excitement.
“Don’t upend your life for me.”
“I have a few days before Australia,” he replies, a flicker of hope in his eyes. “A pause won’t hurt. Would you mind having me here?”
“Of course not. It’ll be fun,” I say cheerfully. “All three of us. Speaking of. What’s taking Blanca so long?”
Will sips his elderflower tonic. “She probably lost track of time shopping.”
I hum. “Does your father know you’re here?”
He lifts a brow. “Is there anything Father doesn’t know?”
I laugh, genuinely this time. “How’s Cecil?”
“Persistent,” Will says, gazing over the rail at the calm waves. “He’s been urging me to convince you to return to London.”
