Carter offers his hand, and she pulls him into a warm embrace.
“Honey, we hug here in Coconut Beach. You’d better get used to it.”
Carter stiffens until she releases him.
“So …” Lucille holds her mimosa with a pinkie out. Her rings sparkle in the morning sunlight. “What does a handsome young man like you do for a living?”
“Young?” He chuckles. “I’m forty-one.”
“Still a baby,” Birdie says.
I can’t tell if his smile is real or fake as he moves to the coffeepot and pours himself a cup. No sugar or cream. Carter drinks it black, like he’s all business. He grabs a napkin and two breakfast burritos.
“Oh, you’re Carter Banks,” Gran says like she remembered the reservation she forgot to tell me about. “I believe I spoke to your girlfriend on the phone to make your reservation.”
Carter chuckles. “That was my assistant.”
“Oh. So, you’re single?”
I shake my head, knowing she’d find a way to fit that question in. Shealwaysdoes.
There’s no version of this where he escapes the Bees unscathed. When they’re together, they tag-team. If he knows what’s best, he’ll walk away before they begin the real interrogation. They already have their pens ready to take notes.
“I can see you’re all very busy. Have a beautiful day, ladies.” Carter smiles politely, completely ignoring her question.
My mouth falls open because no one has ever avoided answering Gran so flawlessly. I snap the small mirror shut and shove it back in the drawer, actually mortified.
Carter walks away with his burritos and coffee in hand, and they continue their hushed conversation. I track him in my peripheral vision, but mind my business. As he reaches the counter, his stride slows. It’s the slightest hesitation, like he’s considering if he should say something, but then he moves up the stairs.
The Bees erupt into giggles the second he’s out of sight.
“But notice how he didn’t answer my question,” Gran says to her friends. “Did any of you check to see if he was wearing a ring?”
“You know a man on an island alone tends to lose his ring, if you know what I mean,” Lucille says.
I swallow hard. That didn’t cross my mind, but now it’s the only thing I can think about. A man who books two months alone at a beach and dodges every personal question like it’s his job is hiding something. He could have five wives and eighteen kids, and the less I find out about Carter Banks, the better.
When my stomach growls, I move to the dining area for food. Gran talks in a hushed tone while the Bees scribble in their notebooks.
I move behind Gran to take a peek at her notes. They flip their notebooks closed so I can’t spy.
“The three of you should leave that man alone. You’re being a menace,” I whisper.
“He’s here for two months. Maybe we can help find him an island girl,” my grandmother says, chuckling. “We’ve dedicated our summer to helping four couples find love.”
I shake my head. “Trust me, no one my age wants you three meddling. Pretty please stop with the matchmaking thing. I’m sure he’s more than capable of finding someone without your help. You’ve seen him.”
“Maybe we’ll addyouto our list instead,” Lucille says.
“Absolutely not. I’mnotinterested,” I say.
“Someone is in a bad mood,” Gran says, and they go back to their hushed whispering.
“I’m in agreatmood actually. I just want you to respect our guests. Please don’t run him off. We can’t afford it.” I grab a burrito for myself.
Gran waves me away.
I step outside and close my eyes, bakingin the morning sun. I look up at the upper balcony, and Carter’s feet are propped up on the edge. He’s on the phone, his voice low enough that I can’t make out the words. Three floors should be enough distance between us, but somehow, it’s not.
