Page 15 of Hibiscus Heights (Crown Island #4)

A t five o’clock, Deb arrived to find Kitty already seated in the busy bar. The other woman wiggled her fingers in a small wave, looking pleased to see her. Even at Kitty’s age, she was attracting her share of attention.

Looking forward to their conversation, Deb started toward her.

The Library Bar at the Majestic was a masterpiece of restoration and one of Deb’s favorite historical parts in the hotel. Knox’s construction team had taken care to restore the mahogany shelving that lined the walls. The shelves housed leather-bound classics and contemporary bestsellers.

The late afternoon sun sparkled through vintage leaded glass panels, painstakingly restored. She had furnished the bar with chic, comfortable pieces in navy, cream, and ocean blue.

When Deb joined Kitty, the other woman’s face lit up. “The work you’ve done here is remarkable. I’ve been enjoying all the fascinating details.”

“You’re very observant,” Deb said, smiling at Kitty’s perception. She enjoyed working with clients like this. She hoped she’d have the chance.

The bartender, Maxine, nodded at Deb. “It’s good to see you again. What will you have?”

“I’m having the signature Majestic cocktail,” Kitty said. “Champagne cocktails are my favorites.”

“That’s a special one, but I’ll have the mocktail version without alcohol. I still plan to run on the beach with my dog before sunset.”

“Smart choice,” Kitty said. “You’re very disciplined.”

Maxine filled a glass with a blend of juices and fizzy water before adding a twist of lime for Deb. “Enjoy, ladies.”

Kitty raised her glass. “Here’s to living life to the fullest.”

Deb tapped her glass to Kitty’s. “And to new acquaintances.”

They chatted easily, with Kitty asking thoughtful questions about the hotel renovation and Deb’s design philosophy. Deb appreciated Kitty’s genuine interest and lack of pretense.

“What brings you back to Crown Island?” Deb asked.

“I’m considering my options,” Kitty replied. “My husband passed away, and with the children gone, the family home in Tiburon suddenly seems terribly empty.”

“I’m sorry for your loss,” Deb said sincerely.

Kitty nodded, her silver hair catching the light.

“Thank you. It’s been an adjustment. With all our dinner parties and entertaining, my husband and I lived a big life for many years.

But people live differently now. Neither of my children want the house.

It’s too large, and the cost of upkeep and taxes would be quite high.

I don’t want them to feel burdened to carry on our dusty memories. They’ll make their own.”

Deb heard similar stories from other clients. “Do your children live near you?” she asked.

“They have for many years. However, my daughter just married, and I think they have other plans. My son’s children are young, but they will grow up faster than he realizes.”

Deb waited a beat for the usual question of whether she had children, but Kitty refrained. She appreciated that.

“Tiburon is a lovely community,” Deb said.

“It is, and I want to keep a townhome there to be close to my grandchildren. I’d also love a beach house here. They can spend their summers on the island if they want.”

“I can’t imagine they wouldn’t.” Still, Deb wondered what her grandchildren were like.

Kitty gestured toward the window and the ocean beyond. “I’d love a house with plenty of bedrooms for guests. And near the beach so I can walk and hear the ocean waves at night.”

“That’s what I enjoy,” Deb said.

“Do you know a good real estate agent? I’d rather not build again. At this stage of my life, I want instant gratification.” Kitty laughed. “I would also love to hire you to help me make it my own.”

Deb was interested. “I can recommend several excellent agents. Crown Island has some beautiful homes that would—” She stopped mid-sentence as Kitty’s gaze shifted to someone approaching behind Deb.

“Why, here’s my son,” Kitty said, standing. “Perfect timing. If you’ll excuse me for a moment, I’m afraid I must visit the ladies’ room. Please, do get acquainted with each other.”

What could Deb say? She hoped she wasn’t being set up but dismissed the thought. She’d only just met Kitty.

As the older woman hurried away, pausing only for a moment to direct her son, Deb turned to greet him.

Instantly, she froze. Standing before her was the man she’d seen with Mason and Teddy.

Their dreadful father. She’d had no idea that Kitty was related to them.

The man wore sunglasses, but he looked equally surprised to see her, his easy smile shifting from pleasant to wary in a split second.

“I’m Deb,” she said coolly. The tension between them was immediate.

He seemed taken aback by the unexpected encounter. “How long have you been talking to my mother?”

That question struck her as odd. Her tone remained deliberately distant. “We’ve only just met.”

He appeared to be processing the situation. Finally, he asked, “Do you have a dog named Duke?”

“I do.” She wasn’t sure where this was going.

“My boys told me they’ve been playing with someone named Deb and her dog. I thought they meant another child. That’s you?”

Slowly, she nodded. This was an uncomfortable situation.

Kitty would return soon, and she didn’t want to spend any more time with a man who didn’t even have the decency to remove his sunglasses, whether he was Kitty’s son or not.

He was probably good looking behind the dark shades—and used to getting his way.

But he needed to hear the truth about his boys.

“I don’t usually say this to people I’ve just met,” Deb began, leaning forward slightly. “But there’s something you should know. Your sons seem frightened about what you think of them.”

Furrowing his brow, he drew back.

But before he could respond, Deb said, “The other day at the cafe, they forgot their money. They were terrified that you’d find out and would be disappointed in them.

” Deb watched his face closely. “Since you and your wife are divorced, you probably don’t see much of them, but you might want to work on your relationship with them before it’s too late. ”

His expression shifted from confusion to disbelief. “Look, you have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I’m just an observer.” Deb pressed on, speaking over him. “They’re wonderful boys who only want your approval. Whatever happened between you and their mother shouldn’t affect your relationship with them.”

Deb snatched her purse. “I have to go,” she said abruptly, rising from her chair. “Tell your mother I couldn’t wait.” She’d probably just lost a job with Kitty, but she cared more about those two young boys.

She could feel his gaze on her as she strode away. And to her dismay, Kitty came around the corner, and she nearly collided with her.

“Leaving so soon?” Kitty asked, clearly sensing the tension.

“It was lovely seeing you again,” Deb said, her words edged with remorse. “I’ll leave real estate agent recommendations with the concierge for you.”

Kitty flicked a glance in her son’s direction, looking perplexed. “Did you meet my son?”

“We spoke, but I have to leave.” Deb nodded politely, inching away toward the exit.

“Let’s see each other again soon,” Kitty called after her, charging down the hallway toward an exit.

A fresh breeze off the ocean cooled her heated face as she stepped outside, not far from the employee parking area. She paused by the steps to catch her breath.

The beach run she’d planned with Duke now felt essential. She needed to outpace her discomfort and clear her head.

She’d likely offended both Kitty and her son with her opinions, but those boys had seemed genuinely afraid of disappointing their father. She couldn’t ignore that.

She could have said even more, but if Ryan and Whitley heard about this, she’d lose her job.

If speaking up meant losing a potential client, so be it. First the Hunts, now Kitty. Yet, she could choose who she wanted to do business with, now more than ever.

The door opened behind her, and a male voice growled out a comment that sounded more like an accusation. “You’re Deb Whitaker.”

She whirled around to face the offensive man-child. “All my life.”

“It’s Grant. Grant Emerson.” He took off his sunglasses and held up his hands. “I should have introduced myself when we met, but when I saw you and realized who you were, I was stunned.”

The shock of recognition left her reeling.

Deb sucked in a breath as a torrent of memories flooded her.

He’d changed, and she tried to reconcile this man with the younger version she recalled.

His once smooth skin now bore lines around his eyes and forehead, though instead of diminishing his looks, they only made him more attractive.

The sprinkle of gray hair at his temples added an air of experience and wisdom.

This isn’t fair , she thought. “Why did you follow me?”

“Look, you’ve got me all wrong. You know me.”

“No, I knew you. People change, and not always for the better.”

She crossed her arms, shielding herself, and lifted her chin. He couldn’t hurt her now. She wasn’t a lovesick teenager anymore. But his kids were another matter.

“First, I’m not divorced.” Grant’s voice was heavy and halting. “My wife died three years ago in a freak accident on a ski slope. We were devastated… Nothing has been the same since then.”

Seeing the raw grief on his face, Deb was acutely embarrassed for what she’d incorrectly assumed.

His voice cracked, and he added, “That’s why the boys don’t want to disappoint me, but they never could. I swear to you, they’re my life. I would never mistreat them.”

Her original assessment was rapidly waning. “Then why did you send them here with their aunt?”

Grant’s hazel eyes shone as bright as they always had, unnerving her.

“This is their summer holiday. My sister has been helping my mother sort through the house. I took over to give Jen a break, and she invited the boys so I could work uninterrupted.”

That made sense, but Deb wasn’t quite ready to concede defeat.