Tea & Comfort (Madrona Island Series Book 2), page 5
“Just a moment or two. I wondered who was poking around in my field.”
His field. He’d said that very clearly. “I had to do a little pruning and picking and I didn’t want to bother you. I’m sure you’re very busy with the winery.”
“Very busy,” he said. “But I still don’t miss much.” Luke leaned over the fence, checking everything out. When he looked up, his grin was maddening. “When did you learn how to grow herbs?”
“A long time ago,” she said.
“I didn’t know that.”
“There’s lots you don’t know about me,” Kyla said.
His look was gentle. “I’m sure there is. But I’d like to know more.”
Kyla stood. She didn’t miss how Luke’s eyes followed her hands as she brushed off her bottom. She walked along the fence toward the gate, and he trailed her on the other side. A light breeze brushed through the plants, and a faint scent of lavender caught in the air.
She knew the subject of her garden had to be addressed. “This land is very important to me,” Kyla said.
Luke nodded. “At least we have that in common.”
Kyla stopped walking and faced him. “I hope you’ll continue to lease me this land so I can grow my herbs on it.”
“I’ll think about it,” he said. His eyes wandered to her canvas bag. “What are you picking today?”
Kyla pulled out a sprig of mint, its sweet scent mixing with the sharpness out of the air. She held it up to him for a smell. “It’s mint and can be very calming in tea.”
Luke touched her hand with his long, graceful fingers as he pulled the mint closer to smell. “Perhaps we should have had mint tea instead of coffee the other day?”
Very clever, she thought pulling her hand back. “I’m not sure that would have helped anything.”
“Well, you’re the expert,” Luke said. “But I’d be willing to try.”
She looked up at him. A glimmer of hope crossed her heart.
“Kyla,” he said, holding her gaze, “I’m sorry for the way I acted at the café.”
She paused, staring deep into his soul. “I understand.” Kyla pulled a few more sprigs of mint from her bag and handed them to Luke.
“For you. A peace offering.”
CHAPTER NINE
Kyla held her breath tight and cinched the laces on the muslin bodice of her costume. The emerald-colored satin gown with the flaring sleeves complimented the green shoes she had decorated with fall leaves held in place with tiny sequins. She tilted her head, admiring her sparkly headpiece adorned with dried flowers, herbs, and berries. In her family’s culture, she was celebrating Samhain, or All Hallows’ Eve, the Celtic New Year’s Eve. Kyla remembered as a child, her grandmother made mulled wine and delicious Colcannon with a buttery center. And Barmbrack cake with a ring baked into it. Whoever found the ring was sure to be married before the year was out. Kyla used to hope it was not her.
Kyla entered the shop and smiled. It was the most magical night of the year and she and Becca had worked all day to get ready. Lights twinkled where they’d strung them around the shelves, and the scent of cinnamon and cloves floated in the air.
“You look amazing,” Becca said.
“And you make the perfect sprite in your gauzy little dress and tiny wings,” Kyla said.
“Trick or treat,” someone yelled from the front of her shop.
Kyla slipped a copper bracelet on. Her mother had given it as a gift. She hurried out to greet her early guests.
Jude and Lily waved hello. “What do you think?” Jude asked. She twirled around in her old-fashioned bar maid costume with a scooped neckline and short, full skirt.
“Seductive,” Kyla said.
“Ryan will certainly take notice,” Lily chimed in.
“Kyla, you are a knockout,” Jude said. “You look more like a nature goddess than Mother Nature.”
“It is all in the eye of the beholder,” Kyla said. She looked over at newly pregnant Lily. “And you, Lily, look radiant as a member of the faerie folk,” Kyla said.
“Ian made my gossamer wings. I love the way they glow in the light.”
Kyla walked over and gave them both a hug.
“Look at the three of us,” Jude said. “Great friends and all so different. Kyla here could rule the world, Lily dwells with forest folk, and I hang out in a bar!”
“Earth, air, and fire,” Kyla said. “We are missing the water element.”
As if on cue, Ian walked in looking handsome as Neptune, King of the Sea. He held up his pitchfork. “Trick or treat, ladies, or I will bring the ocean waves upon you.”
Lily giggled. “You better get him some of your famous truffles before the floods begin.”
Kyla offered each of them a treat. Guests were pouring into the store, so she waved her goodbyes as Jude hurried out back to the café. The town folk loved when the shops stayed open late and offered treats or, in some cases, tricks. People gathered around tasting her fragrant, hot apple cider mulled with spices from her own garden. Some purchases were made, but the night was about celebrating with your neighbors and friends.
“Trick or treat,” a deep voice said behind Kyla. She turned to see Frank from the bookstore dressed as a deep sea fisherman. “And look who’s hooked on my line,” he said. “Mr. Darcy himself.”
Kyla smiled at the handsome young man. His dark hair curled over his forehead, setting off his black eyes. Long sideburns, a black waistcoat, and vest accented with an old-fashioned cravat fit his character perfectly.
“Marco?” she asked. “It’s been a few years.”
“You recognized me,” he said with a grin.
Kyla noticed Becca at the counter, her eyes transfixed on the young man. Kyla swore she saw sparks fly off her.
“Some good news,” Frank said. “Marco is going to take over the bookstore next month and I can head south for the winter.”
“Congratulations,” Kyla said. “Let me know if we can be of any help getting you settled.”
“Thanks so much,” Marco answered.
“Please help yourself to some treats.” Kyla pointed to the tables of goodies. She watched as Marco turned and Becca came into his line of sight. The jolt through his body was visible. This new neighbor might prove quite interesting.
Would Luke make an entrance tonight? Her heart fluttered. She was sure he would.
***
Luke couldn’t take his eyes off her. Kyla’s red hair glowed from beneath her flowered crown. Beauty surrounded her as she flitted around the customers. Luke was impressed by the quality of Kyla’s shop. Its offerings were much more than tea. Handmade candles, lotions, and culinary herbs, most in Kyla’s own brand, lined the shelves. The round, wooden tables by the window were covered in baked goods, and the smell of cinnamon filled the air. Tea & Comfort was an apt name for the cozy place with its nooks, shelves, and displays filled with decorative tea sets.
Suddenly he was face-to-face with a goddess. “Nice shop you have here,” Luke said. He watched her face register his presence. Her eyes scanned his carefully constructed costume.
Kyla raised an eyebrow. “A pirate. And just who do you plan to rob and pillage?”
He gave her his best smile. “No one, ma’am. I am more the pirate of the Caribbean type.”
“You certainly look like one in your black, laced-up shirt and bandana. The dreadlocks are particularly effective.”
She started to turn away. “And where is my treat?” he asked.
Her eyes narrowed. “If you are looking for a bottle of rum, you best go to Jude’s place.”
“A piece of bread or a cup of tea would do, my lady.”
Kyla’s eyes twinkled. For a moment he almost reached out to kiss her.
She pointed to the tables filled with spiced brownies and cookies. “Help yourself,” she said, turning again to go.
“I am settled in at the winery now. When would you like to discuss continuing to grow lavender in my newly acquired fields?”
His words stopped her in place.
“If looks could kill” crossed his mind as her eyes bore into his.
“Not now. If you haven’t noticed, we are in celebration mode. Perhaps you want to trick or treat some other place in town while you have time.” He watched her back straighten as she crossed her arms in front of her.
He stood his ground. “I will give you a call then.”
“I’m sure you will,” she said.
She turned her back and left him standing there. Satisfaction raced through his veins. A part of him wanted to see her working in the lavender field next to the winery, force her to see him almost every day. But who would it be torture for? Her or him? Something was very wrong. Her eyes betrayed her and showed the same love and connection with him they used to. Luke was sure of that, just as he knew his own heart. Of course he would let her grow her lavender at his place. But why wouldn’t she tell him the truth?
He watched her smile at neighbors and friends mingling in the shop. Her laugh rang through the air as a masked man flirted with her. Perhaps he was fooling himself and it was disdain he saw in her eyes, not love, or her laughing at his pathetic attempt to chase her across the country. On second thought, maybe he would evict her rights to the field until she confessed. Blackmail? Maybe.
Luke stomped out of her shop and headed down the street. Witches and princesses paraded by in all shapes and sizes. A strong brew sounded pretty good about now. He walked into the Island Thyme Café and almost turned around and left. The noise level was off the chart. The place was packed with people celebrating the holiday in high spirits. He noticed Ian dressed as Neptune, pitchfork and all, sitting at the bar. Lily, in gossamer wings, was squeezed in next to him.
“Hey, buddy,” Ian said. “Come join us for a drink.”
“I could use one,” Luke said.
“Nice costume,” Lily said. She held up a cup of coffee. She must have been the only one in here without an alcoholic beverage.
Luke ordered a glass of the award-winning blend Jude bought from his winery. He loved the mix of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec.
Jude placed a full glass before him. “A booth just opened up over by the window if you guys want to run over and grab it. It would give you more room.”
Ian jumped up wine in hand. “I’ll get it.”
Lily laughed. “So sweet.” She turned to Luke. “I’m pregnant, and he wants me to be comfortable.”
“Congratulations to you both.” Luke put his hand out to help Lily off the barstool. He grabbed his wine glass and Lily’s coffee and followed her over to the booth.
Chef Ryan waved over to them. He made his way across the room carrying a platter of appetizers. “Some eyeballs,” he said with a grin as he held the tray before them.
“Are we supposed to eat those?” Lily asked.
“Of course.” He pointed to the deviled eggs. “This one is mixed with avocado with the desired green appearance and drizzled with a red pepper aioli to create the bloodshot effect and topped with a black olive.”
Luke lifted one off the tray and took a tentative bite. “Surprisingly delicious,” he said.
“And the other one?” Lily asked.
“Ah, the green eyes appeal to you,” Ryan said. “Freshly made mozzarella cheese with a green picholine olive.”
Lily nibbled a piece. “Why don’t you leave them here for us,” she said with a smile.
Ryan put the whole tray in the middle of the table. “Mind if I join you?” He scooted in next to Ian. “Good to see you in here, Luke. So, how’s the winery business coming?”
Luke was glad to get his mind back to business. “Actually, I was hoping to talk to you and Ian about a few plans I have.”
“What do you have in mind?” Ian asked.
“Starting in the spring, I would like to start having a concert series at the winery with tastings and small bites included. I was hoping to feature some of your artwork as well, Ian.”
“Done,” Ian said.
“Spanish tapas are my specialty,” Ryan said. “Happy to be included.”
Luke shook both men’s hands. “Let’s plan a meeting for next week.” He turned to Lily. “I was hoping you might have some ideas for local musicians. The ones at your grand opening were top notch.”
There was hesitation in Lily’s eyes. It was important to Luke to have them all as friends. To show them he was not “the bad guy” after all.
“I’ll see what I can come up,” Lily finally said.
Chef Ryan rose and took the now-empty platter with him. “I better get back in the kitchen before the boss fires me.”
That was never going to happen if Luke was right about the way Jude looked at Ryan. He knew that look and it was definitely not about firing anyone. Ian’s hand covered Lily’s on the table. Luke knew their look, too, and was happy for them both. The familiar ache in his heart surfaced. He would be patient. Kyla was worth it.
“Cheers,” a group at the bar yelled, holding their glasses in the air.
Luke glanced over to see what the commotion was for. “Looks like someone has some good news,” he said.
Lily stood up and waved toward the bar. “It’s Grandpa John, my neighbors, Betty and Shirley, and someone else,” she said.
The group was dressed like they’d all just come from a country square dance: the ladies in full skirts and the men in suspenders. A waiter followed behind them with a tray of wine glasses.
Luke stood to shake John’s hand.
“Nice to see you again, young man,” Grandpa John said. “I hope you’re settled in to your new place.”
Luke nodded. “I am. The next sunny day, why don’t you come over and I’ll give you a tour of the vineyards.”
Grandpa John laughed. “That might not be ‘til spring, but I’ll take you up on that.”
“Or summer,” Betty said with a grin.
Shirley edged her way in front of the group, pulling an older gentleman with her.
She waved the waiter to put the drinks on the table. “I’d like to introduce you all to Ron.”
Luke noticed Betty roll her eyes. That one was a character all right.
“Drinks are on us tonight,” Shirley said, her cheeks flushing red as she stared into Ron’s eyes. “We’ve found each other again after almost fifty years.”
Everyone lifted a glass and held it up to make a toast. “I hope you don’t mind my using water,” Lily said, “with the pregnancy and all.”
Shirley beamed. “Of course not. The next toast is for you.”
Grandpa John held up his glass. “To two lovers reuniting,” he said.
The glasses clicked as they repeated the toast.
“Are we the last to know?” Lily asked.
“No, dear. I haven’t told a soul until today. Ron has been courting me for a few weeks. We’ve decided not to waste any more time, so he’s moving to Madrona. We wanted to wait to surprise everyone until all the plans were made.”
Betty coughed. “And that you have.”
Luke wondered if love was in the water on this island. He’d certainly come to the right place. Shirley must be at least eighty, and Ron looked the same.
“We’re just going to take a seat in the booth here next to you,” Ron said, leading his group to the table.
“I want to hear the whole story tomorrow,” Lily yelled after them.
Shirley turned and winked at her. “Tomorrow.”
CHAPTER TEN
Kyla slipped on her jeans, pulled on a soft black sweatshirt, tied her tennis shoes, and slung her purse over her shoulder. She ran out her front door. Jude was waiting in her car to pick Kyla up and whisk them over to Madrona Island B&B for a 10:00 a.m. girls’ powwow. Important news required full attendance of the trinity—Kyla, Lily and Jude—so Tea & Comfort would have to open late today. There was a promised special guest as well.
“Morning,” Kyla said as she snapped in her seatbelt.
Jude held up a chai-latte-to-go from the café. “For you.”
“You’re a life saver,” Kyla said, taking a long sip. There would be great coffee at Lily’s, but Kyla’s favorite was spicy chai.
Jude backed out of the drive and headed for the main highway that split the island east and west.
“So, what’s the ‘can’t wait to tell you’ news?” Kyla asked. She hated to be the last to know.
Jude looked over and winked. “There’s another romance a-brewin’ on the island.”
Kyla thought she might throw up right there in the front seat. If it was Luke…
“Hey, it’s good news,” Jude said. “Cheer up.”
“Give,” Kyla said, staring down her friend.
Jude slowly sipped her latte, drawing out the suspense until Kyla wanted to hit her.
“It seems our friend Shirley has been very busy surfing the Internet.”
“Doing what?” Kyla asked. “Looking for garden supplies? Baking pans?”
“Not exactly. Something, or should I say someone, much more interesting. Shirley’s been holding out on us. She tracked down an old flame from her college days. His name’s Ron. He has been coming over here from Seattle and dating her for a few weeks.”
“That’s great.” Kyla considered the eighty-two-year-old Shirley. She was an attractive woman, well-coiffed, and, except for her arthritis and bad hip, her health was good and her will strong as steel. She was happy for Shirley, but something did not sit right in her heart. Seeing Shirley’s once-lost-love rekindled caused Kyla’s own hope for her and Luke to flicker. She forced the thought out of her mind when they pulled up to the inn.
“One other thing,” Jude said. “Your, ah, friend, Luke, spent some time in the bar last night.”
“Did he? Doing what.”
Jude coughed. “Mostly making friends and a few plans.”
“Like what?” Kyla asked.
Jude pulled into the driveway of the inn. “He asked Ryan to do some cooking for him for events at the winery. And Ian some artwork.”
“Next thing you know, he’ll ask to join the writing group at the library.”
“Writer’s group?” Jude asked.
“Why not? He’s ingratiating himself everywhere else.” Kyla opened the car door and headed up the porch steps. She turned to Jude behind her. “I don’t want to hear any more about him.”
His field. He’d said that very clearly. “I had to do a little pruning and picking and I didn’t want to bother you. I’m sure you’re very busy with the winery.”
“Very busy,” he said. “But I still don’t miss much.” Luke leaned over the fence, checking everything out. When he looked up, his grin was maddening. “When did you learn how to grow herbs?”
“A long time ago,” she said.
“I didn’t know that.”
“There’s lots you don’t know about me,” Kyla said.
His look was gentle. “I’m sure there is. But I’d like to know more.”
Kyla stood. She didn’t miss how Luke’s eyes followed her hands as she brushed off her bottom. She walked along the fence toward the gate, and he trailed her on the other side. A light breeze brushed through the plants, and a faint scent of lavender caught in the air.
She knew the subject of her garden had to be addressed. “This land is very important to me,” Kyla said.
Luke nodded. “At least we have that in common.”
Kyla stopped walking and faced him. “I hope you’ll continue to lease me this land so I can grow my herbs on it.”
“I’ll think about it,” he said. His eyes wandered to her canvas bag. “What are you picking today?”
Kyla pulled out a sprig of mint, its sweet scent mixing with the sharpness out of the air. She held it up to him for a smell. “It’s mint and can be very calming in tea.”
Luke touched her hand with his long, graceful fingers as he pulled the mint closer to smell. “Perhaps we should have had mint tea instead of coffee the other day?”
Very clever, she thought pulling her hand back. “I’m not sure that would have helped anything.”
“Well, you’re the expert,” Luke said. “But I’d be willing to try.”
She looked up at him. A glimmer of hope crossed her heart.
“Kyla,” he said, holding her gaze, “I’m sorry for the way I acted at the café.”
She paused, staring deep into his soul. “I understand.” Kyla pulled a few more sprigs of mint from her bag and handed them to Luke.
“For you. A peace offering.”
CHAPTER NINE
Kyla held her breath tight and cinched the laces on the muslin bodice of her costume. The emerald-colored satin gown with the flaring sleeves complimented the green shoes she had decorated with fall leaves held in place with tiny sequins. She tilted her head, admiring her sparkly headpiece adorned with dried flowers, herbs, and berries. In her family’s culture, she was celebrating Samhain, or All Hallows’ Eve, the Celtic New Year’s Eve. Kyla remembered as a child, her grandmother made mulled wine and delicious Colcannon with a buttery center. And Barmbrack cake with a ring baked into it. Whoever found the ring was sure to be married before the year was out. Kyla used to hope it was not her.
Kyla entered the shop and smiled. It was the most magical night of the year and she and Becca had worked all day to get ready. Lights twinkled where they’d strung them around the shelves, and the scent of cinnamon and cloves floated in the air.
“You look amazing,” Becca said.
“And you make the perfect sprite in your gauzy little dress and tiny wings,” Kyla said.
“Trick or treat,” someone yelled from the front of her shop.
Kyla slipped a copper bracelet on. Her mother had given it as a gift. She hurried out to greet her early guests.
Jude and Lily waved hello. “What do you think?” Jude asked. She twirled around in her old-fashioned bar maid costume with a scooped neckline and short, full skirt.
“Seductive,” Kyla said.
“Ryan will certainly take notice,” Lily chimed in.
“Kyla, you are a knockout,” Jude said. “You look more like a nature goddess than Mother Nature.”
“It is all in the eye of the beholder,” Kyla said. She looked over at newly pregnant Lily. “And you, Lily, look radiant as a member of the faerie folk,” Kyla said.
“Ian made my gossamer wings. I love the way they glow in the light.”
Kyla walked over and gave them both a hug.
“Look at the three of us,” Jude said. “Great friends and all so different. Kyla here could rule the world, Lily dwells with forest folk, and I hang out in a bar!”
“Earth, air, and fire,” Kyla said. “We are missing the water element.”
As if on cue, Ian walked in looking handsome as Neptune, King of the Sea. He held up his pitchfork. “Trick or treat, ladies, or I will bring the ocean waves upon you.”
Lily giggled. “You better get him some of your famous truffles before the floods begin.”
Kyla offered each of them a treat. Guests were pouring into the store, so she waved her goodbyes as Jude hurried out back to the café. The town folk loved when the shops stayed open late and offered treats or, in some cases, tricks. People gathered around tasting her fragrant, hot apple cider mulled with spices from her own garden. Some purchases were made, but the night was about celebrating with your neighbors and friends.
“Trick or treat,” a deep voice said behind Kyla. She turned to see Frank from the bookstore dressed as a deep sea fisherman. “And look who’s hooked on my line,” he said. “Mr. Darcy himself.”
Kyla smiled at the handsome young man. His dark hair curled over his forehead, setting off his black eyes. Long sideburns, a black waistcoat, and vest accented with an old-fashioned cravat fit his character perfectly.
“Marco?” she asked. “It’s been a few years.”
“You recognized me,” he said with a grin.
Kyla noticed Becca at the counter, her eyes transfixed on the young man. Kyla swore she saw sparks fly off her.
“Some good news,” Frank said. “Marco is going to take over the bookstore next month and I can head south for the winter.”
“Congratulations,” Kyla said. “Let me know if we can be of any help getting you settled.”
“Thanks so much,” Marco answered.
“Please help yourself to some treats.” Kyla pointed to the tables of goodies. She watched as Marco turned and Becca came into his line of sight. The jolt through his body was visible. This new neighbor might prove quite interesting.
Would Luke make an entrance tonight? Her heart fluttered. She was sure he would.
***
Luke couldn’t take his eyes off her. Kyla’s red hair glowed from beneath her flowered crown. Beauty surrounded her as she flitted around the customers. Luke was impressed by the quality of Kyla’s shop. Its offerings were much more than tea. Handmade candles, lotions, and culinary herbs, most in Kyla’s own brand, lined the shelves. The round, wooden tables by the window were covered in baked goods, and the smell of cinnamon filled the air. Tea & Comfort was an apt name for the cozy place with its nooks, shelves, and displays filled with decorative tea sets.
Suddenly he was face-to-face with a goddess. “Nice shop you have here,” Luke said. He watched her face register his presence. Her eyes scanned his carefully constructed costume.
Kyla raised an eyebrow. “A pirate. And just who do you plan to rob and pillage?”
He gave her his best smile. “No one, ma’am. I am more the pirate of the Caribbean type.”
“You certainly look like one in your black, laced-up shirt and bandana. The dreadlocks are particularly effective.”
She started to turn away. “And where is my treat?” he asked.
Her eyes narrowed. “If you are looking for a bottle of rum, you best go to Jude’s place.”
“A piece of bread or a cup of tea would do, my lady.”
Kyla’s eyes twinkled. For a moment he almost reached out to kiss her.
She pointed to the tables filled with spiced brownies and cookies. “Help yourself,” she said, turning again to go.
“I am settled in at the winery now. When would you like to discuss continuing to grow lavender in my newly acquired fields?”
His words stopped her in place.
“If looks could kill” crossed his mind as her eyes bore into his.
“Not now. If you haven’t noticed, we are in celebration mode. Perhaps you want to trick or treat some other place in town while you have time.” He watched her back straighten as she crossed her arms in front of her.
He stood his ground. “I will give you a call then.”
“I’m sure you will,” she said.
She turned her back and left him standing there. Satisfaction raced through his veins. A part of him wanted to see her working in the lavender field next to the winery, force her to see him almost every day. But who would it be torture for? Her or him? Something was very wrong. Her eyes betrayed her and showed the same love and connection with him they used to. Luke was sure of that, just as he knew his own heart. Of course he would let her grow her lavender at his place. But why wouldn’t she tell him the truth?
He watched her smile at neighbors and friends mingling in the shop. Her laugh rang through the air as a masked man flirted with her. Perhaps he was fooling himself and it was disdain he saw in her eyes, not love, or her laughing at his pathetic attempt to chase her across the country. On second thought, maybe he would evict her rights to the field until she confessed. Blackmail? Maybe.
Luke stomped out of her shop and headed down the street. Witches and princesses paraded by in all shapes and sizes. A strong brew sounded pretty good about now. He walked into the Island Thyme Café and almost turned around and left. The noise level was off the chart. The place was packed with people celebrating the holiday in high spirits. He noticed Ian dressed as Neptune, pitchfork and all, sitting at the bar. Lily, in gossamer wings, was squeezed in next to him.
“Hey, buddy,” Ian said. “Come join us for a drink.”
“I could use one,” Luke said.
“Nice costume,” Lily said. She held up a cup of coffee. She must have been the only one in here without an alcoholic beverage.
Luke ordered a glass of the award-winning blend Jude bought from his winery. He loved the mix of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec.
Jude placed a full glass before him. “A booth just opened up over by the window if you guys want to run over and grab it. It would give you more room.”
Ian jumped up wine in hand. “I’ll get it.”
Lily laughed. “So sweet.” She turned to Luke. “I’m pregnant, and he wants me to be comfortable.”
“Congratulations to you both.” Luke put his hand out to help Lily off the barstool. He grabbed his wine glass and Lily’s coffee and followed her over to the booth.
Chef Ryan waved over to them. He made his way across the room carrying a platter of appetizers. “Some eyeballs,” he said with a grin as he held the tray before them.
“Are we supposed to eat those?” Lily asked.
“Of course.” He pointed to the deviled eggs. “This one is mixed with avocado with the desired green appearance and drizzled with a red pepper aioli to create the bloodshot effect and topped with a black olive.”
Luke lifted one off the tray and took a tentative bite. “Surprisingly delicious,” he said.
“And the other one?” Lily asked.
“Ah, the green eyes appeal to you,” Ryan said. “Freshly made mozzarella cheese with a green picholine olive.”
Lily nibbled a piece. “Why don’t you leave them here for us,” she said with a smile.
Ryan put the whole tray in the middle of the table. “Mind if I join you?” He scooted in next to Ian. “Good to see you in here, Luke. So, how’s the winery business coming?”
Luke was glad to get his mind back to business. “Actually, I was hoping to talk to you and Ian about a few plans I have.”
“What do you have in mind?” Ian asked.
“Starting in the spring, I would like to start having a concert series at the winery with tastings and small bites included. I was hoping to feature some of your artwork as well, Ian.”
“Done,” Ian said.
“Spanish tapas are my specialty,” Ryan said. “Happy to be included.”
Luke shook both men’s hands. “Let’s plan a meeting for next week.” He turned to Lily. “I was hoping you might have some ideas for local musicians. The ones at your grand opening were top notch.”
There was hesitation in Lily’s eyes. It was important to Luke to have them all as friends. To show them he was not “the bad guy” after all.
“I’ll see what I can come up,” Lily finally said.
Chef Ryan rose and took the now-empty platter with him. “I better get back in the kitchen before the boss fires me.”
That was never going to happen if Luke was right about the way Jude looked at Ryan. He knew that look and it was definitely not about firing anyone. Ian’s hand covered Lily’s on the table. Luke knew their look, too, and was happy for them both. The familiar ache in his heart surfaced. He would be patient. Kyla was worth it.
“Cheers,” a group at the bar yelled, holding their glasses in the air.
Luke glanced over to see what the commotion was for. “Looks like someone has some good news,” he said.
Lily stood up and waved toward the bar. “It’s Grandpa John, my neighbors, Betty and Shirley, and someone else,” she said.
The group was dressed like they’d all just come from a country square dance: the ladies in full skirts and the men in suspenders. A waiter followed behind them with a tray of wine glasses.
Luke stood to shake John’s hand.
“Nice to see you again, young man,” Grandpa John said. “I hope you’re settled in to your new place.”
Luke nodded. “I am. The next sunny day, why don’t you come over and I’ll give you a tour of the vineyards.”
Grandpa John laughed. “That might not be ‘til spring, but I’ll take you up on that.”
“Or summer,” Betty said with a grin.
Shirley edged her way in front of the group, pulling an older gentleman with her.
She waved the waiter to put the drinks on the table. “I’d like to introduce you all to Ron.”
Luke noticed Betty roll her eyes. That one was a character all right.
“Drinks are on us tonight,” Shirley said, her cheeks flushing red as she stared into Ron’s eyes. “We’ve found each other again after almost fifty years.”
Everyone lifted a glass and held it up to make a toast. “I hope you don’t mind my using water,” Lily said, “with the pregnancy and all.”
Shirley beamed. “Of course not. The next toast is for you.”
Grandpa John held up his glass. “To two lovers reuniting,” he said.
The glasses clicked as they repeated the toast.
“Are we the last to know?” Lily asked.
“No, dear. I haven’t told a soul until today. Ron has been courting me for a few weeks. We’ve decided not to waste any more time, so he’s moving to Madrona. We wanted to wait to surprise everyone until all the plans were made.”
Betty coughed. “And that you have.”
Luke wondered if love was in the water on this island. He’d certainly come to the right place. Shirley must be at least eighty, and Ron looked the same.
“We’re just going to take a seat in the booth here next to you,” Ron said, leading his group to the table.
“I want to hear the whole story tomorrow,” Lily yelled after them.
Shirley turned and winked at her. “Tomorrow.”
CHAPTER TEN
Kyla slipped on her jeans, pulled on a soft black sweatshirt, tied her tennis shoes, and slung her purse over her shoulder. She ran out her front door. Jude was waiting in her car to pick Kyla up and whisk them over to Madrona Island B&B for a 10:00 a.m. girls’ powwow. Important news required full attendance of the trinity—Kyla, Lily and Jude—so Tea & Comfort would have to open late today. There was a promised special guest as well.
“Morning,” Kyla said as she snapped in her seatbelt.
Jude held up a chai-latte-to-go from the café. “For you.”
“You’re a life saver,” Kyla said, taking a long sip. There would be great coffee at Lily’s, but Kyla’s favorite was spicy chai.
Jude backed out of the drive and headed for the main highway that split the island east and west.
“So, what’s the ‘can’t wait to tell you’ news?” Kyla asked. She hated to be the last to know.
Jude looked over and winked. “There’s another romance a-brewin’ on the island.”
Kyla thought she might throw up right there in the front seat. If it was Luke…
“Hey, it’s good news,” Jude said. “Cheer up.”
“Give,” Kyla said, staring down her friend.
Jude slowly sipped her latte, drawing out the suspense until Kyla wanted to hit her.
“It seems our friend Shirley has been very busy surfing the Internet.”
“Doing what?” Kyla asked. “Looking for garden supplies? Baking pans?”
“Not exactly. Something, or should I say someone, much more interesting. Shirley’s been holding out on us. She tracked down an old flame from her college days. His name’s Ron. He has been coming over here from Seattle and dating her for a few weeks.”
“That’s great.” Kyla considered the eighty-two-year-old Shirley. She was an attractive woman, well-coiffed, and, except for her arthritis and bad hip, her health was good and her will strong as steel. She was happy for Shirley, but something did not sit right in her heart. Seeing Shirley’s once-lost-love rekindled caused Kyla’s own hope for her and Luke to flicker. She forced the thought out of her mind when they pulled up to the inn.
“One other thing,” Jude said. “Your, ah, friend, Luke, spent some time in the bar last night.”
“Did he? Doing what.”
Jude coughed. “Mostly making friends and a few plans.”
“Like what?” Kyla asked.
Jude pulled into the driveway of the inn. “He asked Ryan to do some cooking for him for events at the winery. And Ian some artwork.”
“Next thing you know, he’ll ask to join the writing group at the library.”
“Writer’s group?” Jude asked.
“Why not? He’s ingratiating himself everywhere else.” Kyla opened the car door and headed up the porch steps. She turned to Jude behind her. “I don’t want to hear any more about him.”
