Page 62 of One Golden Summer

“No, we have a table.”

“Are you sure? I can work my Saffron Oliver magic and get a table at any other place.” She snapped her fingers.

“I thought you were enjoying your anonymity in Sandy Cove.”

“I am, but for you, I would do it.” She’d do anything, really, which she absolutely should not say aloud. It was ironic, considering Kirsty liked verbal communication, yet Saffron had to keep her true words in check.

“No, it’s fine. As I said before, Anna isn’t that far away. The chance of seeing her with a girlfriend is always a risk.” Kirsty visibly bolstered her resolve by sitting up straighter and trying to appear relaxed, which only halfway succeeded.

“Do you want me to pour it on? Have her think we’re a hot item and make Anna rue the day she broke your heart?”

“Given your track record, or do I need to remind you that you just nearly knocked yourself out with the door, I’m thinking it’s best not to put myself at risk. Besides, she’s not worth it.” Kirsty did a shake of the head, as if resetting a switch. “I’ll have an aperol spritz.”

“You got it, Captain.” Saffron, clicked her boots together and saluted. When her back was turned, she wanted to slap herself across the face. A salute? Why couldn’t she stop being so nervous and making an arse out of herself?

The woman behind the bar, pulling a pint, raised her brows expectantly.

“Could I have an aperol spritz…” Saffron leaned closer since a group of men charged in, “and a margarita.”

The woman with a nose piercing and heavily tattooed left arm nodded.

“Kirsty! Is that you?”

Saffron casually glanced over her shoulder to see Anna and the girlfriend standing at the table.

“Hello, Anna. How are you?” Kirsty’s frosty tone could turn a person into a snowwoman in the middle of a heatwave.

“Have you heard the news?” Anna bounced on the balls of her feet, not picking up on Kirsty’s stiffening shoulders.

“What?”

Oh God. Was Anna going to announce she was engaged? Saffron wanted to run interference, but her mind went blank. Using her hair to protect being spotted, Saffron shamelessly eavesdropped.

“Saffron Oliver has been spotted all over town,” Anna squealed like a fourteen-year-old girl.

“Is that right?” There was a hint of a knowing smile on Kirsty’s lips.

“All the lesbians in town must be swooning. I mean, she’s the hottest dyke walking this earth. I was hoping to spy her tonight”—Anna glanced around—“but sadly, my wish hasn’t come true.”

Kirsty shifted on her stool, glancing down at her lap.

The bartender finished both drinks, and Saffron paid.

“Here you go, darling.” Saffron set the aperol spritz in front of Kirsty.

Anna’s and her girlfriend’s jaws dropped.

“Hi, I’m Saffron.” She put her hand out to the girlfriend first, who shook it, but didn’t supply a name. No matter.

Anna, slightly recovered, gushed, “I can’t believe this is happening. Can someone pinch me?” She held her arm out and Saffron wanted to give it a painful twist.

Instead, she laughed as if that was the funniest thing she’d ever heard, but it wasn’t by far and not the first time she’d heard that exact line.

“What are you doing in Sandy Cove?” Anna still held her arm out as if Saffron should pinch her.

Stop tempting me, bitch.

“I heard it was beautiful here.” Saffron stared intently at Kirsty. “And, I’m happy to report, I haven’t encountered anything more stunning.”