Page 29 of Hibiscus Heights (Crown Island #4)

Moments later, Deb and Matteo sat at a large round table among her cherished friends and colleagues. April and Ryan were seated next to her, with his parents on the other side. Junie and Knox were there, as well as Whitley and Ella.

When Deb saw her parents at the adjacent table with old friends, she excused herself to visit them. Her brothers and their spouses were seated at other tables.

Bitsy Whitaker clasped her hands when she saw her. “Why, you’re a vision. I’m so proud of you, darling. Wilt, isn’t she lovely?”

Her father put his arm around her. “Don’t tell your brothers, but I think you’ve surpassed them.”

“Certainly in the class department.” Still, his words meant a lot to her, even if they weren’t quite true.

She touched her earrings. “Thank you for these. That was such a surprise.”

Wilt turned to Bitsy. “Did we give Deb a gift?”

“Oh, my,” her mother said, leaning in for a closer look. “You must have a serious admirer.”

“These aren’t from you?” Deb drew the card from her purse and showed it to them. “Did they belong to my grandmother?”

“Not that I know of.” Wilt stroked his chin. “Could have been your great-grandmother, too. They shared the same name, as you know. Both were real spitfires in their day.”

“That card looks quite old,” her mother said. “But you wear them well. I’m sure one of your admirers will speak up. Are you sure it’s not that handsome man seated beside you?”

“It wasn’t Matteo. We’ve agreed to be friends.” None of this made sense to Deb. “Let’s talk later.”

She returned to the table and slid into her chair just as Whitley made his way to the podium. He welcomed everyone and introduced Ryan.

Deb noticed how proud Ryan’s parents looked. Their eyes shimmered with love as they watched him speak. She could only imagine how much they had sacrificed. They had navigated a new country and culture to give their son a better life. He stood before them now as the successful man he’d become.

The crowd quieted as Ryan spoke. “Thank you all for coming as we celebrate our past and look forward to the next century at the newly renovated Majestic Hotel. More than a hundred years ago, visionaries built this hotel as a beacon of hospitality and elegance. Since then, thousands of people have cared for this hotel and its guests, and among them, my parents.”

While his parents dabbed their eyes, Ryan continued, “Tonight, we honor this legacy while launching the next chapter of the Majestic’s story.

This renovation succeeded because of the dedication of every person who contributed their skills and passion.

But most of all, it succeeded because we never forgot that hospitality is about bringing people together.

This evening, and this entire renovation, is a testament to collaboration. ”

The applause was thunderous. Pride swelled in Deb’s chest for being part of this group effort.

When the applause died down, Ryan spoke again. “I would like for everyone to help me recognize those who shared a vision and brought it to life.”

He called on each member of the team, and Deb stood when he called on her. The applause was immediate, and she acknowledged it with a dip of her head, her mysterious earrings brushing her neck.

Ryan extended his hands to his parents. “And to my parents, who instilled within me the understanding of service and the love of this fine hotel at an early age. Please welcome the heart of the Majestic family, my father, Patrick Finley, and my mother, Mary Kingston Finley.”

Tears welled in his parents’ eyes, and the applause for them from guests and staff alike was thunderous. April clasped their hands, and Deb smiled, feeling their pride and elation. The Majestic Hotel was family, and she was fortunate to share in that.

Just beyond Patrick and Mary, Deb spied Grant seated beside his mother. He caught Deb’s glance and smiled, lifting a glass to her.

She raised her hands. What could she do? He’d disappeared. And with the boys starting school soon, he would again. Could she handle seeing him only in the summer and maybe once during the winter holidays?

This can’t possibly work. Deb’s heart sank at the realization. Grant wasn’t just another one of the men she dated; he had stolen her heart once again.

During dinner, the conversation flowed smoothly with discussions about the island’s history, the challenges of historical preservation, and the economic impact of tourism. Deb relaxed next to Matteo. She didn’t have to impress him.

They began with grilled peach, prosciutto, and burrata. Next was a choice of fresh macadamia nut-encrusted mahi mahi, duck confit, filet mignon, or vegan handmade pasta. Everyone exclaimed over the charred Brussels sprouts with sweet Maui onions.

A selection of desserts was also served, including passionfruit cheesecake, miniature chocolate souffles, and hand-churned ice cream.

While people ate, Maileah took the microphone to announce the results of the hotly contested silent auction treasures. “Tonight’s auction winners benefit the island’s injured athlete fund and our local arts program. Every donation benefits the Crown Island community.”

As expected, the vintage surfboards had drawn spirited bidding, while the local artwork also attracted attention. Deb had bid successfully on a watercolor garden scene for her living room. She wanted a memento of this special evening and achievement.

After announcing the winners, Maileah said, “We invite you to dance, and be sure to stay for the fireworks.”

When the music began, couples moved onto the dance floor. Deb saw Junie and Knox swaying together, wholly absorbed in each other.

Matteo turned to her. “Let’s not be left out.”

She took his hand, and he guided her to the dance floor. Matteo’s rhythm was admirable, and she enjoyed herself.

When the song ended, he kissed her forehead. “Would you mind if I ask Babe to dance?”

Deb appreciated that he was concerned about her. “Please do. She would love that. I want you both to have a good time.”

Watching them together made her smile. Maybe something would develop between them, or maybe not, but they were enjoying each other’s company.

Babe’s ravishing evening dress, a form-fitting gown perfect for her, was catching its share of attention. Earlier, Babe told Deb that Ryan had asked her to make an appointment to discuss supplying high-end fashion in the Majestic’s shopping corridor.

Deb looked up to see David and Rachel.

“I sure am proud of my baby sister,” David said to her.

“You’re lucky that I can’t stay angry at you.” Deb smiled at her brother, grateful for his support despite their recent confrontation about Grant. “Did the Hunts accept your offer?”

“I withdrew it this afternoon,” David replied.

“They wanted a complete redesign to create a statement house that would far outshine their neighbors. When I explained the zoning-restricted heights on Crown Island, he insisted that I’d concealed that from him and wasted his time. So I pulled out of the design.”

Relief for him flooded through her. “I truly dreaded that project.”

“Quality of life over prestige,” Rachel added, echoing their father’s frequent advice.

David kissed his wife on the cheek. “Speaking of quality of life, Rachel doesn’t dance much anymore. She claims her husband stepped on her feet too many times. Would you be brave enough to risk it?” He held his hand to Deb.

Rachel laughed. “Go on. I’ll be watching and judging your technique.”

Before Deb could protest, David led her onto the dance floor. They’d grown up dancing at family celebrations.

“So what’s this really about?” Deb asked.

“I owe you an apology that’s about twenty years overdue,” David replied. “I regret anything I’ve ever done to upset you. Rachel reminded me how unbalanced our family is.”

Deb thought his apology was touching. “I appreciate that.”

David’s voice grew serious. “Randy was wrong to intercept Grant’s calls, and I was a coward to go along with him.”

“You were young, too,” Deb said with forgiveness in her voice.

“That’s kind of you to say, but I realize now how much we hurt you. Not only then but over the years. To think we ruined your chances for a family of your own has destroyed me.”

The anguish in his voice was real. Tears pricked her eyes, and she blinked them away. “All that was a long time ago. Look at me now.”

“That doesn’t excuse our bad choices,” David said. “And if you’ll let me, I want to make up for it.”

Before she could ask what he meant, David spun her around and into another man’s arms. She looked up to find Grant standing there, his hands at her waist.

“Those two planned this,” she said, surprised but also a little impressed at what they’d pulled off.

David was now dancing with Rachel. They looked back with mischievous grins.

“I’m as guilty as they are,” Grant said, drawing her closer as a love song continued. “I wasn’t sure you’d say yes. What happened to your date?”

“He’s dancing with a friend.”

Deb relaxed in his warm embrace. They fell into a familiar rhythm, and the years they’d been apart seemed to dissolve.

“You look radiant tonight,” he whispered, sending warmth through her entire body.

“Grant—”

“Let me say this first,” he said softly. “I never stopped loving you, Deb. I was just too young to fight for us. I let my disappointment cloud my judgment instead of fighting for what mattered most.”

She pulled back to meet his gaze, seeing the regret in his expression. “When I pieced together what happened, I confronted my brothers about their interference.”

“Please forgive them,” Grant said, touching her cheek. “They probably thought they were protecting you. Men don’t always get it right—myself included.”

She leaned into him, enjoying his warmth. “We were different people then. You had dreams that were larger than this island.”

“That wasn’t it. It was something else.” His expression immediately closed off.

Something in his voice set off an alarm in her mind. “Another secret?”

He shook his head. “It’s complicated.”

As his gaze shifted to one side, Deb felt as if she’d been shut out.

He didn’t speak again.

A chill coursed through her, and she realized not all was as it seemed. When the music ended, Deb dropped his hand. “I don’t like secrets.”

She left him on the dance floor without looking back. Because if she had, he would have seen tears welling in her eyes.

Years ago, Deb had promised herself she would never be hurt again. Even if others didn’t keep their promises to her, she did. And she was too old for this nonsense.

Deb picked up her purse at the table. Holding her head high, she hurried from the ballroom, heading toward the only place she knew she would be alone. She needed a few minutes by herself to collect her thoughts before returning.

When the elevator door opened, Deb rushed inside, blinking back her emotions.

“Well, if it isn’t Deb Whitaker,” an elderly man said.

He was dressed in a Majestic Hotel uniform and seated on a stool beside the elevator buttons. A hat covered most of his white hair, which looked trim and tidy.

“Hello, Stafford.” Deb was surprised to see the retired elevator operator in uniform. He looked spiffy with polished shoes and manicured nails. She dabbed her eyes surreptitiously. “Did Ryan put you back to work?”

“Only for the evening. My suggestion. I would have preferred the old elevator, but it’s no longer up to safety standards. I might dust it daily, but we’ve both aged out of work.” His eyes twinkled as he spoke. “Not out of fun, though. And tonight, I get to relive my glory days.”

“I’m glad,” she said, kissing his cheek. “It’s good to see you here.”

Ryan had given Stafford a room to live out his years, and the employees doted on him.

The older man had worked at the hotel and run the elevator for decades; he was the hotel’s oldest living employee.

Just last year, Ryan had thrown him a party for his centennial year.

Even now, Stafford still turned on the lights every Christmas season and reported daily to his table at the cafe to greet returning guests and regale them with stories of yesteryear.

Deb adored him, and she’d known him since childhood. He was a calming presence, and she needed that right now.

Stafford welcomed more guests into the elevator. “What floors, please?”

Deb watched as he pressed the buttons they had requested.

“Two, three. And Miss Whitaker?”

Glancing up, Deb saw Kitty approach the elevator entrance. Usually, she would hold the elevator, but with her nerves raw, she only replied, “Fourth floor, please.”

The doors slid shut.

Deb let out a breath. The ascent was slow as the elevator stopped at every floor, and Stafford chatted pleasantly with each guest. After the third floor, they were alone.

“The fourth floor is next,” Stafford said. “Everything alright with you tonight?”

Deb sniffed. “Just a few allergies.”

“You should take care of that. You’re one of the special ones.” Stafford winked, and the doors slid open.

Deb stepped out and turned toward her room.

Behind her, a voice called out. “Deb, I’d like a moment with you.”

Having signed an agreement, Kitty was her client now. Or maybe she would call off the job after speaking to her son. Slowly, Deb turned around.