Maddy had no idea what that meant, so she just nodded vaguely.
“It was really nice of you to help him out with the restaurant,” Tara said. “He was running himself into the ground.”
“Well, he needed a stand-in manager, and I had some time on my hands. I’m glad it worked out for both of us.”
“Are you single, Maddy?” Lexie asked.
“Lexie.”Tara nudged her sister and addressed Maddy. “Sorry. She’s the impetuous one.”
“Well, it was your idea to come check her out.”
A thump sounded under the table and Lexie jumped. “What? It was.”
Heat flooded Maddy’s face. “Connor’s just a friend. Hardly even that. I don’t think he likes me much, to tell you the truth. And that’s just fine since I’ll be headed back to Charlotte shortly.”
The hostess sat a couple at the table next to them before Maddy could mention that the server was on break. Oh well, now was a good time to get back to work.
Chapter 14
Every year after June twelfth passed it felt as if a weight lifted off Connor’s shoulders. Then, day by day, little by little, the weight returned. And by the time the day rolled around again it was just as difficult as it had been the year before.
Connor ran the caulk down the length of the window seam, then smoothed it out with his index finger. The sun was low in the sky, and a breeze blew across his deck, cooling his skin. A sea gull landed on the railing, studying him with marble-black eyes.
“No food for you. Get on with you, now.”
The bird cocked its head.
Connor wiped the caulk on his old T-shirt and continued the bead line. He was just smoothing it out when he heard a car pull up, followed by the sounds of car doors shutting and a young voice.
“Around back!” he called, but his voice was swallowed up by the wind and the crash of surf.
Lexie found him a moment later, niece on her hip and four-year-old nephew in tow. Logan caught sight of Connor and dashed ahead of Lexie, brown curls bouncing adorably.
“Uncle Connor, we’re here! We’re here!” The boy threw himself at Connor’s legs.
The sea gull took flight.
Connor set down the caulk gun and ruffled Logan’s hair with his clean hand. “I see that. How’s my favorite nephew?”
“I brought my new dune buggy!” He held up the toy Connor had gotten him for his birthday, then dashed down the deck steps to the beach, his little legs working fast. “I’m gonna make a race track!”
“Don’t you go past the dunes!” Lexie called.
“I won’t!”
“He loves that thing.” Lexie made herself at home on one of his Adirondack chairs, propping little Lily in the cradle of her elbow. The six-month-old held her own bottle and eyed Connor over her pudgy feet.
“Hi, baby girl. How ya been?” he asked.
Lily smiled at him around her bottle and continued drinking, her eyes steadfast on him.
Connor gave Lexie a wry look. “Babysitting tonight?”
“Thought I’d bring the munchkins over to keep you company.”
His sisters had descended on his house only a couple days ago. He was still a little testy from that invasion.
“You guys ever think of calling?” He finished smoothing the line of caulk, feeling a prick of guilt for being cranky with her.
