Page 10 of Hibiscus Heights (Crown Island #4)

“ S pecial delivery,” Deb called out.

Balancing an iced mocha java for April and trying not to spill it on her white dress, she opened the back door to the Crown Island Historical Society.

April looked up and smiled. She was with a customer.

The new Historical Society occupied a former dance hall on the hotel’s property. Every time Deb visited, April had added or changed the decor or merchandise mix. This time, Deb noticed crystal-accented ceiling fans circulating the ocean breeze from open windows.

Deb was impressed with how April had taken advantage of a favorable lease rate negotiated before Ryan acquired the hotel. She’d also raised donations for the renovation, which Deb had overseen for her. Her friend was living the life she’d dreamed of now.

Deb’s heeled sandals tapped on the original wood floor as she made her way toward April and a woman who was making a purchase.

She placed the iced coffee on the table behind April.

“Don’t go anywhere,” April said. “We need to talk.”

Deb had a little time before she had to meet David and their potential new clients, so she waited, gazing around the welcoming space.

The enlarged windows she’d selected for April flooded the space with sunshine.

New artwork by local artists lined the walls.

April had added walking tours with audio recordings, available to rent for a modest donation, as well as other locally crafted gifts and souvenirs.

Deb’s favorites were the fresh beach candles and fringed patio umbrellas. April had placed one over a table and chairs on the walkway in front with a sign that read, Handcrafted Umbrellas Now on Sale!

Smart display , Deb thought.

When April finished ringing up the customer’s purchase of a Crown Island historical guide, she picked up the cool beverage, her face shining with excitement.

“Thanks for the coffee. Rachel told me your date was incredible last night. What’s this about eloping?”

“I was only joking about that,” Deb replied, surprised that her sister-in-law was already spreading the word. She told April about Matteo’s ex-wives and children and how he split his time.

Looking surprised, April sipped her coffee. “Sounds complicated.”

“I’m used to it. At our age, everyone has a past.”

“Guess that applies to me, too.”

“You were always a prize,” Deb said. “I’m sure our meeting was more of a business deal to him. He wants to pitch his wine to Ryan, and he saw an opportunity. I can’t fault him for that because his wine is excellent, and he believes in it. Plus, he has a lot of people to support.”

April sighed in disappointment. “What makes you think that’s all it was?”

“Because that’s essentially what he said. But he was interesting, good looking, and very well mannered.”

“Since when don’t you like that?” April expelled a puff of air. “Remember when you told me to update my style and go for my dreams?”

“You were starting a new chapter in your life. I’m hardly in the same situation. In my case, I just keep writing the same chapter, and I know how it ends, all too well.” That reminded Deb of one of her favorite songs. She hummed as she picked up a candle.

April shook her head. “When did you become so cynical?”

“Ouch.” That comment hit Deb hard, especially from her closest friend.

“I call it being practical. I’ve seen a lot more than you have.

And frankly, I’m happy on my own. I don’t know why you and Rachel are so concerned about my personal life.

And that goes for Ella, too, although I know she has good intentions. ”

April arched an eyebrow. “If you’re so happy by yourself, why are you still agreeing to meet men for a glass of wine after dinner?”

Good question , Deb thought. “You know how persistent Rachel can be.”

April just shook her head, clearly seeing through that excuse.

Deb let out a breath. The real reason she agreed?

There was still an infinitesimal chance that someday she might meet her soulmate, which sounded so juvenile for a woman her age that she couldn’t even say it. She longed for that experience and those feelings again. That’s why dating apps were filled with people over forty.

“With all your experience, you think you know people,” April said, tidying the counter. “What if Matteo is just a nice guy who made a couple of mistakes when he was younger and is now trying to do his best for everyone involved?”

“He probably is.” Deb picked up a shell and turned it over.

“So what if Matteo wants to meet Ryan? I’m happy to introduce them if he has something to offer the Majestic. Are you still afraid of getting hurt?”

“That’s not fair,” Deb replied. “That was a long time ago.”

“I don’t understand you. It sounds like this guy has a fabulous lifestyle. You’d love that.”

Deb picked up a spiral conch shell and held it to her ear. “As kids, we thought we could hear the ocean inside. But then I learned this shape acts as a natural amplifier, particularly for low-range ambient sounds. See? I know too much now. The magic is gone.”

“You’re stalling,” April said, taking the shell from her. “Come on, what’s the matter with you?”

“Here’s what’s wrong,” Deb said slowly. “Do you know that warm feeling you get when you look at Ryan? When he touches your hand or surprises you?”

“Of course, that’s called love.”

“Well, I don’t feel it. Matteo is nice, but I don’t feel the thrill like you do. I see how your eyes brighten and your face flushes. Those are physiological reactions, and I simply don’t have them.”

“Ever?” April’s lips parted with curiosity, and she seemed perplexed. “There are different types of love, like those that grow from friendship.”

Deb shook her head, ignoring April’s initial question. “Love is like choosing the right design elements for a room. You instinctively know when it’s right. I don’t need a friendly roommate. I have Duke, and he makes me happy enough.”

“But if?—”

Deb clasped April’s hands. “Do we have to talk about this? Honestly, it’s a little painful, and I wish people would think before asking me personal questions to satisfy their selfish curiosity. I don’t mean you,” she added quickly. “I know your concern comes from a genuine place of love.”

“I didn’t mean to upset you.” April bit her lip.

Deb squeezed her hands in reassurance. “It wasn’t only you. But can you understand why I was upset?”

April nodded. “You said that I’m in love with love. Maybe a little, but I only want to share that magic with those I love most.”

“Whether I want someone in my life or not is my choice and my decision,” Deb said. “I’ve worked hard and earned the right to treat myself well. I don’t need to compromise my standards for anyone. Surely you can understand that.”

April sipped her mocha java. “I love Ryan, and he’s also my best friend.

It’s more than that, though.” Her eyes shimmered with happiness.

“We’re better together because we raise each other to better versions of ourselves.

We’re committed, and I know he’s the one for me.

So, I understand what you mean about instinctively knowing. ”

Deb was surprised; she’d never heard April talk about her first husband like that. “Are you sure you’re not moving too fast?”

“I’ve considered that,” April admitted. “But we’re so in sync with each other. We’re planning for our future and creating it together. Ryan respects my responsibilities to my family, and he encourages my dreams. I never thought I’d say this, but in retrospect, Calvin did me a huge favor.”

Deb saw something shift in April’s expression. “Wait a minute, are you engaged?”

April only smiled. “We’re going in that direction, but I don’t know if we’ll formalize it like that. I’ll let you know.”

Realizing this was a massive step for her friend, Deb embraced her. “Maybe you’re the one eloping. If you do, you have my blessing. I only want what’s best for you.”

“And that’s what I want for you,” April said, sipping her coffee.

“That’s why I’m being honest with you. You’ve never held back on pursuing your career dreams. And you’ve always wanted a real connection with someone.

Now that I have that, I can see what was missing all along.

Don’t hold yourself back because you expect men to let you down. Not all of them do.”

Deb was quiet for a moment, considering this. “There are some good guys out there, and Matteo might be one of them. But you said yourself that besides respect and shared goals, there must be an element of magic, a spark of love. That’s not easy to find, especially at my age.”

“You’re an amazing woman at any age.”

“I know that, but the fact that we qualify that statement shows how we’re conditioned.

” Deb shook her head. “It’s not just me.

The single-male inventory level is lower in our age bracket.

Here on the island, it’s even lower for me.

I’ve known most of the guys around here for years, and there’s never been any unrequited love.

I don’t need a marriage of convenience. I have?—”

“Duke, I know.” April chuckled. “Just try to be open to possibilities. The universe can bring people and relationships together in the most unexpected ways. I never thought I’d ever return to Crown Island or find love here. What if your destiny comes cloaked in coincidence?”

“It would have to be,” Deb said, laughing. “But you and your mother must promise me that if I don’t find a man to share my life with, you’ll let this go and respect my decision.”

April started to speak. “You can’t just give up.”