"You're clenching your jaw," Sloane observed mildly, setting her suitcase against the railing and slipping into an empty chair. "But don't worry, only someone who knows you as well as I do would notice.” She winked at the others as Jess performedthe introductions, watching as Sloane assessed each with quick, cataloging glances.
Nadine's perfectly coordinated resort wear, all the way down to her purse and phone case. Megan's comfortable, slightly rumpled dress, Sloane absorbed details like the professional observer she was, filing away impressions for later reference, Jess knew.
"So this is the famous Dune Deck," Sloane said, looking around with appreciation. "Home of the best sunsets on the Eastern Seaboard, if the tourism brochures are to be believed."
"They undersell it, actually," Nadine replied, proudly gesturing toward the horizon where the sun now balanced at the edge of the sea, its light fracturing across the water in a path of molten gold. "Wait for the green flash at the very end."
Their drinks arrived - a generous pitcher of pale pink mojito garnished with fresh mint and watermelon cubes, the condensation on the glass catching the fading light. The server distributed frosted glasses, each rimmed with pink sugar that sparkled like tiny crystals.
“Now that we’re all here ladies - a toast,” the maid of honor declared, raising her glass once everyone was served. "To the bride-to-be - island girl turned city sensation, home for her perfect Nantucket wedding."
"To the bride-to-be,” the others echoed, as Jess raised hers in return, blushing a little.
The mojito was exactly as she remembered - sweet watermelon balanced by tart lime and fresh mint, with rum warming beneath the chill. She took a long sip, letting the familiar flavors ground her in the moment, pushing all thoughts about schedule changes to the back of her mind. But to be fair, Nadine had taken Julian’s news like the champ she was.
“Hey, look who the tide washed in …” A warm, authoritative voice drew Jess’s attention then, as Lila - the bar’s proprietor- appeared beside their table, arms crossed over her chest, her dark hair twisted into a casual knot.
"Lila!" She set down her glass and stood to embrace the older woman, breathing in her familiar scent of salt air and rosemary. "Sorry, we probably should have called ahead for a table.”
"Since when does a native need a reservation?" Lila held Jess at arm's length, examining her face with the frank assessment of someone who had known her since childhood. "Looking more like your grandmother every day I see. Same stubborn chin."
"She means that as a compliment," Nadine explained to Megan and Sloane, who were watching the exchange with varying degrees of amusement. “Jess's grandmother was apparently the only woman who could out-argue Lila’s husband Jack, which on this island was considered a superhuman feat."
"Damn right it's a compliment," Lila agreed, greeting Nadine with a familiar nod. "Mizz Pike, keeping everyone in line as usual?" Her then gaze shifted to the others. "And these must be your bridesmaids."
More introductions were made, Lila absorbing each name with the easy memory of a career bartender. Her attention lingered briefly on Sloane. “Journalist, huh? Writing about anything interesting these days?"
"Climate change impact on coastal communities," Sloane replied. "Specifically, how historic places like Nantucket are adapting to rising sea levels."
"Well, you've come to the right place. Us islanders have been adapting to the ocean's whims for three hundred years." Lila's tone was light. She then turned back to Jess. "So, wedding week. Your mom’s been talking about flower deliveries like she was coordinating a military operation."
"Sounds like Marianne," Jess laughed. "Has she tried to convince you to make the place exclusive for the after-party yet?"
"She's working on it." Lila's eyes crinkled with amusement. “As if I could keep out my regulars on a Saturday night.” She straightened then, shifting back into proprietor mode. "So, time for another round?”
The women placed their orders, with Nadine requesting extra napkins and lime wedges on the side. As Lila moved away, Jess noticed the older woman pause and say something to her barman Graham as he passed her on the way out. He laughed, a deep, genuine sound that carried across the deck and his hand brushed Lila’s briefly, the touch lingering just a moment longer than necessary.
“Ten bucks says those two are together," Sloane murmured, missing nothing, while Jess smiled, pleased that Lila had found love after the passing of her beloved Jack, The Dune Deck’s co-founder.
As they debated the romantic life of their hostess, the sun finally touched the horizon, spreading its glow across the water in a path that seemed to lead directly to their table.
Around the deck, conversations quieted as diners automatically turned toward the spectacle, a daily occurrence that somehow never lost its appeal.
For a brief, perfect moment, everything was washed in golden light - the weathered wood of the deck, the white sails of distant boats, the faces of Jess’s bridal party gathered around the table. Then, just as the final edge of the sun disappeared, a flash of green sparked at the horizon line - so quick that if you blinked, you'd miss it entirely.
"I saw it!" Megan exclaimed to Nadine, delighted. "The green flash! I thought that was just a myth."
"Science, not myth," Sloane corrected. "Light refraction through the atmosphere at just the right angle and humidity level."
"Don't ruin magic with practicality," Jess chided, bumping Sloane's shoulder affectionately.
“Hey, that’s your speciality not mine,” her old friend challenged with a wink, her keen insight a little too close to the bone for Jess’s liking, and she picked up her drink, suddenly ready to move inside.
16
While waiting for reinforcements,Caroline returned to the storage room. It had since stopped raining, but the trash can was already a quarter full, and more worryingly a second drip point had developed.
Just as darkness fell, the shop bell jingled, announcing Finn Calder’s arrival.
