Page 2 of Hibiscus Heights (Crown Island #4)

Wearing a vivid coral jacket today, Whitley approached their table with his usual impeccable bearing. He took Ella’s hand in greeting. “Ladies, I trust everything meets with your approval today?”

Deb smiled at his formality, but that was Whitley. He’d upheld traditions at the Majestic for decades. “We’re having a wonderful time. Except for these two matchmakers.”

Ella lowered her voice. “Have any interesting men checked into the hotel?”

Whitley smiled at her. “You know I can’t divulge that, my sweet.”

“Maybe not in public,” April said, lowering her voice.

Deb laughed. “You two are incorrigible. Really, that’s enough. I can take care of myself.”

And she had for many years. From an early age, she’d learned not to count on others, especially men.

“We haven’t much time before the grand reopening party,” Ella said with a pointed look.

While she and April talked about the event and what they planned to wear, an unbidden memory flashed to mind. Deb recalled waiting under the Majestic’s porte-cochère entrance at the top of the wide front steps, wearing an ocean-blue organza dress she’d saved for from her summer job.

Her first serious boyfriend was one of the summer boys. Every year, their wealthy families descended on Crown Island like exotic birds on a migratory path, soaring higher than the locals.

Except that summer, she’d been soaring high, too. They’d met when she was chosen to be the Crown Island Princess in the annual island parade, and he was there with his friends. At the party later, he took her hand to dance and never let go. They were virtually inseparable all summer.

You can count on me, he often told her, and she lost her heart to him, imagining the future they would share.

But then, on the night of the summer’s last dance party, he vanished. Swept up in the migration home without so much as a goodbye.

She’d waited hours in her new dress by the entrance, sure that he would come. Finally, she’d given up.

Embarrassed to go to the party alone and feeling broken-hearted, she raced to April’s home to confide in her. Thankfully, her friend listened and held her, never judging her for the mistake of falling in love. After sobbing all night, Deb ripped off her new dress and never wore it again.

From then on, she decided who to date and when to call it off with her dignity intact. Being left behind was far too painful.

April’s breakup had reminded her of that. If she had been the one to leave Calvin, her confidence wouldn’t have been shattered.

April tried to make her marriage work for the sake of her daughters, which Deb respected. Good friends didn’t judge. Good friends were there to listen and hold you when your world fell apart.

As April had once done for her. Deb helped her recover after Calvin filed for divorce, but April could have been spared much of the trauma and heartache if she’d left her husband on her terms.

Whitley turned to Deb, pulling her from her thoughts. “Before I forget, another editor called. She asked if she could send her best writer to interview you and Ryan before the big event.” Whitley named a popular travel columnist they all recognized.

“See, you’re famous now,” Ella said with a wink. “I wonder what he’s like. Maybe you’ll swipe on him.”

When Whitley looked confused, Deb explained. “Your sweetheart just heard about a dating app. These two are trying to set me up.”

Whitley’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “I doubt you need any help.”

“Only with an escape route,” she said, grinning. Whitley knew how to read people, so they had formed an understanding and a special signal over the years. “You’re always good for an urgent call for me at the front desk when I need it.”

Whitley’s eyes crinkled with amusement. “Simply protecting Crown Island’s most distinguished jewel. None of them were worthy of you, princess.”

Looking up at him, she smiled. “You still remember that?”

“The Majestic never forgets its royalty,” Whitley replied. “Speaking of treats fit for a queen, might I suggest an assortment of the pastry chef’s desserts? She’s outdone herself today.”

Ella beamed at him. “That sounds wonderful, darling.”

“I’ll send it right out.” After a charming, courtly kiss to Ella’s hand, Whitley left.

Deb watched him go. She suspected he had admired Ella for years, maybe even before her husband passed away. Not that he would have acted on impulse. That wasn’t Whitley’s style.

A few minutes later, a young, freckled-faced server appeared with a tray of desserts and fresh plates. “You’re getting the royal treatment today.”

“Thank you, Kelsey,” Deb said as the young woman placed the sweets in the center of the table. They each put a few small bites on their dessert plates.

Since she had been here almost every day for months, Deb knew most of the staff, and she was fond of Kelsey. In the fall, she would return to finish her degree in hospitality management at the University of San Diego. She had worked here every summer throughout school.

“What a heavenly celebration,” Ella said, swooning over a chocolate mousse.

While they continued chatting, Deb and April sampled a slice of cheesecake drizzled with mango sauce and a passionfruit crème br?lée.

As they were finishing their champagne and desserts, April’s eldest daughter arrived at the table.

Maileah eyed the empty champagne bottle and dessert spread. “This looks like a celebration. Did I miss someone’s birthday?”

“Deb’s work is featured in this month’s Coastal Design & Living. ” April hugged her daughter.

“What brings you here?” Deb asked.

“I’ve been taking photos of Junie’s shop for the new advertising campaign I’m starting for her.”

Deb had watched April’s two daughters grow up, so they were like family. Maileah handled advertising for Junie’s specialty boutique in the hotel, as well as for her growing online shop.

Maileah was dating Sailor, a local surfer, and it seemed like they were having fun together. Her sister Junie was seeing Knox MacKenzie, who’d bought the house next door to hers on Sunshine Avenue and worked for Ryan at the hotel.

When April and Ella broke into laughter at something between themselves, Maileah arched an eyebrow in amusement. “If you’re finished with your party, I can give you a ride home. If Blue were to stop you, I might have to post bail.”

At the mention of the local police officer, Ella took her hand. “You’re right, dear. I should leave the golf cart here. Unless Deb would like to take it.”

“I still have work to do.” Deb rose to say goodbye to her friends. “Thanks for joining me to celebrate my first magazine cover.”

After April and Ella left with Maileah, Deb sat again. A strong cup of coffee, and she’d be fine for her last tasks of the day.

Ella would soon forget about her matchmaking ideas, and Deb could cast her memories out to sea and go back to what really mattered.

Her work.

Still, as she gazed over the waves to the distant horizon, an old recollection nipped at the edges of her mind. Why she’d thought about that summer boy was beyond her. It had been years since she’d thought about that magical summer or the heartache that ensued.

Had to be the champagne , she thought, nodding to Kelsey again. Strange how the mind works .

She ordered, and Kelsey quickly returned with a small silver pot of coffee on her way to drop off the check for the two boys, who’d finished their sundaes.

Deb found the soft chatter across the outdoor cafe soothing. She sipped her coffee, making notes on the to-do list she kept on her phone while watching guests and locals on the beach.

Couples and families cycled lazily along the boardwalk on beach cruisers from the hotel bike concession. Children and their parents frolicked among shallow waves, and teenagers giggled in sun loungers by the pool, watching boys splash in the water.

She sighed happily. She loved living here and seeing visitors delight in what the locals enjoyed every day. Crown Island was a special, artsy community. Its assortment of brightly painted houses and murals was an island tradition.

Her home on Hibiscus Heights was splashed with purple and lavender, inspired by the lavender hibiscus flowers that had bloomed on the property for years, even before she’d bought it.

A local artist extended the floral theme on the fence that edged her garden, creating an oasis that bloomed year-round for her. A row of lavender grandiflora roses with ruffled petals filled the area with their delicate scent.

Roses . Yet another memory sprang to mind, the scent of soft pink roses, the first she’d ever received from a boy.

She ran a hand over her forehead. It was strange how old memories she’d tried to forget were still lodged in her brain. And why were they taunting her today?

Even if that boy had changed how she lived her life.

Behind her, the two youngsters spoke in worried tones, and Kelsey turned back to her. “Is there anything else you’d like?”

“No, I have work to do before the big event.” She signed the tab Kelsey gave her with a practiced flourish. Another furniture delivery was due shortly, so she rose to leave.

Kelsey swiveled back to the boys. As they dug into the pockets of their swim trunks, Kelsey asked, “Are you sure you don’t have a room card?”

“We forgot it,” the younger boy said, his wide blue eyes set off by his sun-bleached hair.

“How about the room number?”

The older one shook his head, looking embarrassed. “We can’t remember it. That’s why we’re still out here.”

The younger boy’s eyes filled with tears. “I wish Mom were here.”

“So do I, but you know she can’t.” The older brother put his arm around the other.

As Deb listened, her heart went out to them.

“What’s your parent’s name?” Kelsey held her pen aloft, ready to make a note.

“We’re staying here with my aunt,” the older boy replied.

“Okay, what’s her name?”

The younger brother wiped his tears. “Her name is Aunt Jen.”

Deb hid a smile at that. They were clearly part of the summer crowd.

Kelsey tried again. “That’s a pretty common name. What’s her last name?”

The older brother’s face turned even redder under the sunburn, and he shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

“I don’t know. She just got married again, and she told me her new name, but I can’t remember it.

It’s Jennifer, if that helps. When she comes back, I can ask her and tell you. Maybe they’ll eat here tonight.”

Deb saw displeasure growing in Kelsey’s expression, even though she was clearly trying to be patient.

Feeling sorry for the boys, Deb took a step toward the server and said softly, “Put their order on my tab.”

Still, they heard her. The younger boy brightened, but the older one shook his head and lowered his eyes. “We can’t do that. Our dad wouldn’t like it.”

Deb tried again. “I respect that, but this woman’s shift will be over soon, and she’ll have to close her orders. She’ll get in trouble if the numbers don’t balance. What’s your name?”

The older boy stood awkwardly. “I’m Mason, and this is my brother Teddy. I’m really sorry about this.”

Deb smiled and waved off his concern. “It’s my pleasure, Mason. I work here. And your dad doesn’t need to know about this.”

While Mason wavered, Deb nodded at Kelsey to transfer the order to her account. She’d had signing privileges on a hotel account long before Ryan acquired the Majestic. Many of the locals did.

Looking relieved, Mason said, “Thank you, ma’am. We’ll pay you back. You can count on that. Our dad would insist.”

“He’d be really mad, and he’d beat us like this. Pow, pow.” Teddy made motions with his small fists.

Mason caught his hands in warning. “Don’t do that in public. Remember what Dad said.”

Teddy’s eyes widened. “People could take us for that.”

Deb was alarmed by the looks the two shared. “Really, it’s fine. I’m happy to do it.”

Mason seemed embarrassed, but not only about the lunch bill. “Don’t pay any attention to my brother. Thank you again.” He stuck out his hand.

While Deb shook his hand, Teddy flung his slender arms around her waist and looked up at her. “I like you. You’re nice.”

She tapped his nose. “So are you. You two have fun today. And put on more sunscreen.” She reached into her bag, brought out a tube she always carried, and gave it to Mason.

She wiggled her fingers in a wave. “See you two around.”

“Bye,” Mason said shyly.

The two boys hurried off toward the beach. They were smiling now and looked like a huge weight had been lifted from their young shoulders.

“That was kind of you to do that,” Kelsey said.

“They’re just a couple of kids on vacation.” Deb was glad to help.

Still, thinking about the conversation, she drew her brow.

“Did you see the look on the older brother’s face?

He seemed genuinely frightened. And the younger one with his punching motions was scary.

Who knows what their father might do if he were to find out.

Removing that worry for them is well worth it to me. ”

Kelsey pursed her lips. “That was a little shocking. I bet he’s a real ogre. You wouldn’t believe the parents I see here screaming at their kids. I know it’s tough to raise children, but some parents overreact to simple mistakes.”

“People come here because they need to unwind. Hopefully, they leave in better spirits.” Deb watched the boys on the beach, thinking about how embarrassed the older boy was. “I’ll bet Mason never forgets this.”

While Kelsey rang up a new charge, Deb wondered about their father. The more she thought about how the boys had reacted, the more disturbed she was.

She’d bet the parents were divorced, and the dad barely spent time with them. She’d known her share of men who paid little attention to their children.

That was always a huge red flag to her. She swiped them out of her life fast.

At least they had their aunt to look after them.

When Kelsey gave Deb the new bill to sign, she asked, “Out of curiosity, why did you think to do this? No one else was ready to step up to pay for a couple of kids.”

Deb signed for the charge. “I like to pay kindness forward. When they’re older, maybe they’ll remember and rescue someone else.”

Tucking the receipt away, Kelsey nodded. “I hope the universe works that way.”

“I like to think it does. Doing things for other people lifts my spirits, too. See you later.”

Deb glanced back at the boys and chuckled at their playful antics. She would keep an eye on them during their stay.

As she hurried through the hotel toward the delivery docks, she decided that if she ever met Mason and Teddy’s father, she’d have a few choice words for him.