“You do?”
She smiled. “A woman called earlier and said you’d be arriving with a guest. She didn’t say when, but our owner had just come in, so he spoke with her.”
Brandon rolled his eyes.
Maddie laughed.
They both knew that the woman had been his mother. Resilient Evelyn.
* * *
The table was by a large window that offered a close-up of sunbathers on the decks of the gleaming yachts; others in their company sported broad-brimmed hats and were lounging with their feet resting on railings. A few powerboats glided past at low speed; a couple of dinghies transported passengers from their pleasure vessels to what looked like the town dock. Edgartown Harbor had a much different look than the up-island one.
Maddie and Brandon were seated less than a minute when the big man named Rex came over and greeted them.
“Maddie,” he said with a wide grin, “nice to see you again. And, Brandon, always a pleasure.”
“Did my mother tell you to say that?” Brandon snickered.
“Actually, she did. Right after she said I had to show you a wedding menu that you won’t be able to resist. By the way, congratulations, man. It’s about time. Jeremy’s a lucky guy.”
Brandon blushed.
“I didn’t realize you’re also a caterer,” Maddie said.
“Technically, we’re not. But Brandon’s family and mine go way back. My mother worked for her sometimes.”
“Was she a chef, too?”
“My mother?” Rex asked. “Nope. She couldn’t boil an egg. She played the flute, though. But as far as I know, not for Evelyn. She did secretarial work for her. Or rather, for the charitable foundation that Evelyn was the chairperson of.”
Brandon laughed. “What he’s too shy to say is that Mrs. Winsted was an accomplished flautist. She played at the Metropolitan Opera in Manhattan. Until she met Rex’s father and moved to the Vineyard. Where he was born and raised.”
“I’m impressed,” Maddie said.
“Don’t be. Please. And I’ll only cater the wedding if Brandon chooses the menu.”
“And if my mother approves,” Brandon said, a Cheshire grin forming.
“Some things are better left unspoken.” Rex winked at Maddie, then pulled out a chair. “Mind if I join you for a minute? Unless you’re in a hurry for food.”
“I’m fine,” Maddie said.
“I’m hungry,” her lunch partner said. “So make it quick.” His simpy grin implied that he was toying with Rex.
“I’d like to amend what I said earlier,” Rex said. “You are definitely the lucky groom. Lucky that Jeremy can put up with you.” He pulled a sheet of paper from his white chef’s jacket and handed it to Brandon. “But seriously, here’s what I have in mind. Look it over. Show Evelyn. Share it with Maddie, if you want. I have a feeling her taste is much more refined than yours.”
Maddie lowered her gaze as warmth rose in her cheeks. She had no idea why Rex assumed that.
“Touché,” Brandon said. “Now, please, get us each a glass of champagne. We’re in Edgartown, so we need to look the part. Unlike the owner of the Lord James.”
Rex stood up and swatted Brandon’s arm with the wedding menu. “Shall I select something for your lunch?”
“Please,” Brandon said. “Shellfish, Maddie?”
“Absolutely.”
“You heard the woman. But try to make it something that hasn’t been kicking around in the freezer for eight or ten months.”
