“False,” he countered as I pictured him passed out, barely breathing in the bottom bunk. “I am never awakefirst.” He smirked. “Today must be a fluke.”
“Try a once-in-a-lifetime event,” I quipped, then I turned to hunt for some clothes more acceptable than my silky pajamas. My heart flipped when Connor stood and spun me around for a kiss.
“Come to breakfast with me,” he murmured afterward, breath warm on my lips. “I was thinking Waterside Market, in Vineyard Haven. You haven’t been to VH yet, right?”
“You want to go out for breakfast?” I asked, but of course he did; the Carmichaels weren’t his family, and he was on vacation.
He nodded. “Breakfast is almost always a high-stress time for me. I want to enjoy it for once.” He paused. “I also want to give Ashley some space with her boys.”
That made sense too.
“Okay,” I said, pulse picking up—thrilled at the thought of being alone with Connor. “Yes, I’d love—”
“Olivia!” I heard someone emphatically knock on Summer Camp’s door, and my sister’s muffled voice. “Olivia, are you alive?”
“What is it, Maisie?” I called back.
“You need to hurry up! We’re getting ready for the game, and Nana’s also going to announce tonight’s theme…”
Oh, right, I remembered. Last night at dinner, Peggy had casually mentioned another family activity today. And we werealso going out to some type of themed dinner tonight, another Carmichael tradition.
I’ll be right there!I tried to muster, then looked at Connor. He gave me a thumbs-up in understanding, but that didn’t make me feel better.
“I actually have plans,” I told Maisie, reaching for Connor’s hand. He started shaking his head, but I squeezed his fingers. “Connor and I are grabbing breakfast in town.”
“Well, you didn’t need to dragmeinto it…” he whispered.
“There’s nothing for you to be dragged into,” I whispered back. Because attendance wasn’t required, was it?
“Oh, okay,” Maisie said, still out in the hall. “I’ll let everyone know.”
I grimaced, not loving the sound of that.
“Will you be at dinner, though?”
“Yes, of course,” I said. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Promise?”
“Promise,” I told her, and five seconds later, she retreated down the hall. Ten minutes after that, Connor and I left the house by way of our porch. Swede bounded up to us as we crossed the driveway, and when Connor opened the Jeep’s passenger door for me, I had to stop my golden retriever from leaping into the car.
Nice try, buddy, I thought as I gave him three big pets goodbye.
Connor offered me his aux cord, and after DJing for a handful of songs, we cruised into Vineyard Haven. Like preppy Edgartown, there were countless cedar-shingled houses, but fromthe storefronts and people strolling the sidewalks, I could tell Vineyard Haven had its own vibe.
Eclectic, I thought. Homey.
Waterside Market was on Main Street, with a black-and-white awning and porch covered with wicker tables and chairs. There was not one empty seat, and the aroma of fresh coffee, blueberry pancakes, and bacon made my stomach rumble.
Thankfully, the line wasn’t that long. There was more seating inside, a massive beverage case, and tables that showcased homemade chocolate chip cookies, baskets of fruit, and a selection of wine. Plus, shelves lined with jellies, jams, and hot sauce. Two fancy chalkboards flanked the front registers, one advertising breakfast and the other Waterside’s signature sandwiches.
“You first,” I told Connor when we hit the front of the line.
Smiling, he shook his head. “No, you first.”
“I can’t decide what to order.” I bit my lip in consideration. “I’m torn between the Tex-Mex and flapjacks.”
“Ah, the never-ending debate between sweet and savory,” he said before shifting his gaze to the cashier. “We’re going to share the Tex-Mex and flapjacks…” He glanced at me. “Chocolate chip?”
