Page 74 of Make-Believe Match

“Okay.” He looked around. “Let’s go down by the water. We can tour the lighthouse. Then maybe we’ll take the ferry ride, if the water’s not too choppy. You get a nice view of the coastline from the boat.”

“Sounds great. Lead the way.”

I wasn’t expecting him to take my hand as we walked down the block.

Nor was I expecting to like it so much.

* * *

After the lighthouse and the ferry ride, Devlin took me to a restaurant called the Pier Inn, where his Aunt Faye greeted us from the hostess stand. “The happy couple!” she crowed. “Two for lunch?”

“Yes. Can we sit outside on the deck?” asked Devlin.

“Absolutely.” Faye smiled at me. “Right this way.” Menus in hand, she led us through a glass door out onto a deck where just a few tables were occupied, their bright red umbrellas open. “It’s beautiful today, isn’t it? Hard to believe it’s fall already. Soon we’ll be closing the patio for the season.”

I sat down and inhaled, the fresh air filling my lungs—lake and seaweed and a whiff of gasoline from the nearby docks. The temperature was in the low seventies, and the sky was a gorgeous bright blue with only a few puffy white clouds. The sunlight glimmered on the water.

A server came by, greeted Devlin by name, and took our orders. I wasn’t very hungry, so I just ordered a cup of ginger carrot soup. Devlin ordered a grilled chicken sandwich with French fries. While we ate, we discussed hiring a designer for the interior spaces—guest rooms, restaurant, bar.

“Do you know anyone?” he asked.

“Not offhand, but I have some friends whose families also own resorts that I bet can help me. They have beautiful taste.”

“Oh yeah? What resorts?”

“My friend Winnie Matthews is the event planner at Cloverleigh Farms, and my friend Ellie Lupo runs the tasting room at Abelard Vineyards.”

“I’ve been to both,” Devlin said. “Nice places.”

I set my spoon down. “In fact, I have to confess something.”

“What’s up?”

“I told Winnie the truth about us.”

His eyebrows shot up. “You did?”

“I couldn’t help it,” I said desperately. “I was going to burst if I didn’t say something, and Winnie knew all about you from the very beginning. Sorry if I betrayed your confidence.”

He finished a quarter of his sandwich. “Does she think you’re crazy?”

“Yeah. But she understands.” I looked out over the lake, at the sailboats gliding on the surface. It was peaceful and relaxing, but my insides were knotted up. I twisted my napkin in my lap, and Devlin noticed my discomfort.

“What’s wrong?”

“I feel kind of bad about this party tonight,” I confessed. “Your dad was so happy this morning when he was telling us about all the people he was inviting. He’s so excited.”

“Yeah.” Devlin picked up his water for a sip.

“And Veronica was so sweet. She offered to take me shopping if I needed something to wear.” I laughed ruefully. “I think she’s concerned I might show up in the Two Buckleys sweatshirt.”

“Hey. That sweatshirt looks great on you.”

“I do like it,” I said, “but I should probably wear something nicer to the party, and I didn’t really pack anything.”

“I promise you, everyone will be casual, but you can go shopping if you want. What time did they want to meet up?” He checked his phone.

“Well, I told them I wasn’t sure what our plans were today, but Veronica gave me her number. I could text her.”