Sunrise on Cedar Key (7 page)

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Authors: Terri Dulong

Tags: #Romance

BOOK: Sunrise on Cedar Key
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He seemed to hesitate and then said, “How's seven o'clock sound?”
See,
I told myself,
it's not a date. He isn't picking me up at my home.
“Great. Seven is great,” I said, and headed to the door. “I'll see you then.”
8
W
hat few clothes I had left from the fire lay sprawled across my bed. I really
did
have to do some serious shopping. Here it was four-thirty and I still couldn't decide what to wear for dinner with Lucas. Damn. Then I remembered Monica's generous offer. Time to give her a call and see if she could help me out.
“Of course I can help you,” she said. “Come on over to Monica's Boutique and choose whatever you'd like.”
“You're a lifesaver,” I told her. “Be right over.”
 
I held the mint green sundress in front of me. “What do you think?”
“With that auburn hair of yours, I think that color goes way better on you than me. Try it on and let's see.”
I came out of the bathroom and twirled around.
Monica nodded her head. “Absolutely! You look really hot in that dress.”
Hot? Did I actually want to look
hot?
Why not? Hot can be a good thing for dinner with a handsome guy. Never mind that it was only for business.
“You think?” I questioned, looking in the full-length mirror. The cutout on the back was cute, the V-shaped neck in front was just low enough to be appropriate, the length came just to my knee, and Monica was right, the color did go well with my hair. My hair! How would I wear it?
“Love the dress, but what am I going to do with this?” I asked, running my hand through my curls.
“Up. You have to wear it up with that dress. It'll be cool off your neck, plus just a tad seductive.”
I laughed. “Seductive? I told you, it's just a business meeting.”
Now it was Monica's turn to laugh. “Yeah, right. You seem to forget I was there that day Lucas first came into your coffee shop. I saw the
way
he looked at you.”
“Well, if that look meant anything, then he sure has a strange
way
of showing it. He's really made no attempt to get better acquainted on a personal basis.”
“You might think tonight is about business. Trust me, I'd bet anything it's not.”
I ignored Monica's comment. “White heels with the dress, do you think?”
“Yup, and I have just the pair,” she said, going to her closet. “Here, try these.”
I took one look at the four-inch heel and smiled. “Really?” Now these were hot. Open toe, open back, and all slim straps.
“Really,” she said, as I slipped my feet into them. They were surprisingly more comfortable than they looked.
“Okay,” I said, twirling around once more and pleased with the reflection I saw in the mirror. “Like I said, you're a lifesaver, Monica.”
“Glad I could help. Only one thing ... I want all the details tomorrow morning. Got it?”
“Got it,” I promised.
 
Sitting across from Lucas at the Island Room, I did feel
hot.
By the look on his face when I walked in, he may have been thinking that exact word. Of course, I could be all wrong, but it seemed like I was able to read his mind from the expressions on his face. And the one he had when I walked in certainly made me feel like a woman. Maybe even a
desired
woman.
“Bonsoir,”
he said, standing up as I approached the table, formally extending his hand.
“Bonsoir,”
I repeated, taking his hand, and that electric jolt I'd felt this morning was even stronger. Feeling flustered, I let go of his hand as he pulled out my chair. With a European man, chivalry is never dead.
“You look very nice this evening,” he told me.
I said a silent
thank you
to Monica before verbally thanking Lucas. I noticed he looked pretty dashing himself with pale blue blazer, open-collared shirt, and gray dress slacks.
The waitress came to take our drink order, and we both ordered a glass of Pinot Noir. When it arrived, he touched his glass to mine and said, “To a great coffee café.”
“Yes, and much success,” I said, before taking a sip. “Oh, I have the catalog.” I reached in my tote bag and passed it across the table.
Lucas opened it and began turning pages. “Do you have any suggestions?” he asked.
“Well, you can never go wrong with a Bunn or Braun coffeemaker. Personally, I feel they're the best. And will you be serving espresso and cappuccino?”
“Oui,”
he said, reverting to his native language as he continued turning pages.
I smiled. “Toward the back of the catalog, you'll see the machines for those.”
By the time dinner arrived, Lucas had made all of his selections. With my guidance, of course.
“Thank you very much for helping me,” he said. “I'll be ordering everything on Monday, and I've already spoken to the workmen about coming in to build that counter and do a few other things.”
“That's great. So I'm sure it won't be long before your coffee café is open and ready for business.”
“Well, there's still the problem of furniture. Those tables and chairs you mentioned, along with the love seats. I got the ones for the bookshop in Gainesville.”
I took a bite of my pork and nodded. “Right. You'll be able to find whatever you need there.”
“Yes, well ... the problem is ... for the coffee café, I'm still not sure exactly what I should purchase.”
“Oh,” was all I could think of to say.
“So ... is there any chance ... I mean, I know how busy you are helping your aunt, but ... do you think possibly you might be able to drive into Gainesville with me and help me make a selection?”
Yes, true, this appeared to be another business-related outing. But I enjoyed Lucas's company and the thought of spending much of the day with him certainly appealed to me. Besides, I was being
neighborly
by helping him out, right?
“Actually, I'm not that busy. I'm doing well getting the website set up, and I should have that finished by early next week. When were you thinking of going?”
“I thought perhaps this Friday?”
Damn. The day Chloe was arriving, and I didn't want to start off on a bad foot with her by not being around when she got here. “Well, uh, that really wouldn't work for me,” I said, and explained that it was Friday my sister would be arriving.
“Oh, that's right. You had mentioned she was moving here, and I can certainly understand why you should be home to greet her.” He took a sip of wine. After a few moments he said, “Would Thursday be better for you? Do you think you could go with me then?”
I smiled at him across the table. “Yes, Thursday would be fine, and I'd love to.”
“Wonderful. I will pick you up at your house about nine? How would that be?”
Pick me up? Okay, okay, I know it's only to go furniture shopping, but still ...
“Yes, nine would be great,” I said, and shot him another smile.
Following dinner, Lucas suggested we have coffee on the outside porch overlooking the water.
I decided to take a chance and ask more about him.
“So,” I questioned. “Do you still have relatives in France?”
“Well, my parents are both gone, but yes, I do have aunts, uncles, and cousins in the south of France. I don't see them very often, but we do still stay in touch. Computers and e-mails are a wonderful invention, are they not?”
“Yes, they certainly are.” I decided to get a bit more inquisitive. “Have you ever been married?” I asked, jumping right in.
Lucas put his head down and began fingering the spoon. For a minute I didn't think he was going to answer. I should have known better. The French are not like Americans—telling personal things, like the tabloids in our country were famous for.
“I was,” he said quietly. He looked up and his eyes met mine.
Not only could I read his expressions, I discovered in that moment the pain that was revealed in those eyes, and for one of the few times in my life, I didn't know what to say.
“Danielle passed away eight years ago.”
Without even thinking, I reached out and touched his hand. “I'm so sorry. She was so young. Was she ill?” I asked, never thinking he could have lost his wife in death.
“No, she was not ill. It was an automobile accident, and Danielle was thirty-five when it happened.”
“I'm sorry,” I said again, and now felt bad for bringing up the subject. I also wondered if possibly Lucas had been driving the car and that accounted for some of the pain I saw in his eyes. That and grief, of course.
“How about you?” he now questioned. “Have you been married?”
I shook my head. “No.” I then surprised myself by mentioning a little about Beau. “But I did have a long-term relationship years ago. I had just graduated college. I was working in our family antique shop in Brunswick. That's where I met him. He came in to make a purchase. We were together a little over four years.”
“I see. So it was not to be, this relationship?”
“No, I suppose it wasn't.” I reached up to push a strand of hair away from my face and shrugged. “I was young when we met, only twenty-two. And much younger than he was. Beau was twelve years older than me.”
“This age difference? Do you think that accounted for the problem ?”
“Oh, no. Not at all. It was many other things. By the way,” I asked, now wanting to change the subject, “can I ask your age?”
Lucas laughed. “I am forty-six. Am I an
older
man to you?”
I smiled. “Not by my standards. I'm thirty-six, and I've always felt that age is simply a number. I think Aunt Maude is a good example of that.”
“Indeed she is,” he said, looking out toward the water. “We have a beautiful sunset tonight.”
I followed his glance to the west. “We're fortunate to have them most nights on the island.”
“I like this island,” he said. “I'm glad I discovered it and will be staying here.” He turned to face me. “And thank you for having dinner with me this evening.”
“I enjoyed it very much.” I glanced at my watch and saw it was a little after nine. Where had two hours gone? I couldn't believe how the time had flown by.
“Do you need to leave?” Lucas asked.
“I really should get home to let Annie out. I told her to be a good girl while I was gone.”
Lucas stood up and laughed. “I'm driving up to Brunswick on Saturday to bring Duncan to his new home here. Mrs. Beckett has kept him for me while I get settled in, but it'll be great to have my companion with me again.”
“That's right. I remember you mentioning that you had a Scottish terrier when we first met.”
“Yes, Duncan is my little companion and a good boy.”
We walked out to the parking lot together.
“May I give you a ride home?” he asked.
“I have my car, but thank you.”
We stood there staring at each other for a brief moment. Lucas seemed reluctant to leave, and suddenly he leaned over, kissing both of my cheeks twice, and said, “Well, I will follow you in my car, just to be sure you arrive safely.”
I smiled. “That would be nice,” I said.
Driving up Second Street, I glanced in my rearview mirror and felt a warm feeling go through me. After so many years of not having a man in my life, it felt reassuring to know that the one following behind was doing so because he was concerned for me. Yes, that was a good feeling.
When I pulled up in front of the house, I got out, hollered thank you, and waved.
Lucas called back, “See you Thursday morning at nine.”
Falling asleep that night, I replayed the entire evening again in my head. All of it was wonderful, but the thing that surprised me the most was the fact that I had shared something about Beau with him. Except for Aunt Maude and Suellen, I had never done that with one other person.
9
F
riday morning, based on the events of the past week, I felt compelled to do a tarot reading. Annie and I had taken our walk, and I was enjoying my second cup of coffee. Before shuffling the cards, I decided to burn some sage and cedar in the kitchen.
Sitting down at the table, I reached for the deck and allowed my mind to wander.
The revelation from Lucas about the death of his wife dominated my thoughts. I recalled the phone conversation with Suellen.
“So the poor man is probably still grieving over his loss, do you think? Maybe that's why he's not actively pursuing a relationship with you?”
“That's what I'm thinking,” I'd told her.
“Wow, imagine loving so deeply that even eight years later he can't bring himself to think about loving another woman.”
I had felt a stab of jealousy go through me. “Well, I'm not saying that's the way it is,” I'd told Suellen. “I'm just thinking it might possibly account for the reason Lucas is keeping what we share on a strictly platonic level. I mean, dinner with him the other night was great, and our shopping spree yesterday was fun, and although I do think we have chemistry together, it's just a friendship.”
I let out a deep sigh as I continued shuffling the cards.
Was that the reason? Was Lucas holding back with any romantic overtures because of the wife he'd lost? Could be, and yet I got the distinct feeling he was attracted to me, and there was no doubt that I was attracted to him. And how about our shopping spree? We had talked nonstop on the drive to Gainesville and back. No, not about anything profound, just enjoyable conversation. And over lunch—at that intimate French restaurant he suggested—he had reached out and squeezed my hand, thanking me for accompanying him to make furniture selections. The look in his eyes had been genuine, which led me to think that he
cared
about me.
I blew out a deep breath.
That's just it,
I thought,
maybe even though he feels the attraction that I do, he's not willing to follow through on it. Maybe that deep love he has for his wife won't allow him to.
“And how do you feel about that, Gracie?” I asked myself out loud.
I'm not sure,
I thought,
but possibly it's better to have only a friendship with Lucas than no contact at all?
I had no answers, but maybe the cards did. I stopped shuffling and removed the first one—the Page of Fire/Mastery of action card indicating
playfulness
. This card could definitely represent me, because the meaning for it was to start seeing the lighter side of life, the playfulness. When this card appears in a reading, something fresh and new is going to enter your life and you are ready for it.
Hmm, well, this certainly made sense. Especially in relation to Lucas.
I removed the next card and was surprised to see the Knight of Clouds. This one shows a knight completely covered in armor. The armor has buttons all over it, and they could detonate if touched.
This card seldom showed up in my spread. Could it represent Lucas? The figure in the card is angry and his face is full of pure rage. This person shows so much anger because beneath this anger is profound pain from something in his past.
Immediately, I recalled the pain I saw in his eyes Tuesday night when he told me about his wife's death.
The definition of this card also states that his anger is his armor to avoid further pain. This individual can change, but it will take time and a lot of understanding from those around him.
Well, I certainly had never seen Lucas display any anger, so I now doubted that this card represented
him.
I laid it aside and reached for the third one. The Thunderbolt card again, which represented Chloe. Not surprising, since she was due to arrive on the island within a few hours.
I returned the cards to their velvet pouch, got up, stretched, and blew out a deep breath.
Annie had been napping on the kitchen floor. She looked up at me expectantly.
“Yeah, come on,” I said. “You can have a romp in the garden before I get to work on the computer.”
 
I was sitting on the porch, sipping an iced tea and working on a gorgeous lacy scarf pattern, when the Lexus pulled up. A woman got out, stretched, and stood looking toward the end of the street at the water.
Chloe? True, I hadn't seen my sister in ten years, but still... Had I bumped into her out in public, I'm not sure I'd have recognized her right away. Gone was the slim and trim Chloe I'd always remembered and in her place was a middle-aged woman looking ... well, there was no kind way to put it—frumpy. It was easy to see that she'd packed on about thirty pounds, and although the yellow pantsuit she wore was obviously pricey, the style would have been more suited to Aunt Maude. Her hair, which I'd always envied, had morphed from chestnut brown to a distinct salt and pepper, adding a few more years to her overall appearance. And the shine and sleekness was now missing. But there was no doubt that, yes, this was my sister.
I got up and walked down the stairs with Annie trailing behind me.
“Chloe,” I hollered. “Welcome. Did you have a good drive?”
She turned to face me, and I now saw that lines had appeared around her eyes that weren't there ten years before.
“Grace,” she said, and her gaze swept over me. “You're looking great, as usual.”
Was that surprise I detected in her tone? Or sarcasm?
“You too,” I lied, and attempted to give her a hug.
But I wasn't quick enough, because she moved away and was already unlocking the trunk of her car.
“Can I give you a hand with some of your luggage?” I asked.
“Yeah, that would be good.” She reached in and gave me two Louis Vuitton bags. “I'll get the rest later.”
As I schlepped through the gate toward the back door, I didn't miss the fact that she was only carrying her handbag and a small tote.
“Chloe,” Aunt Maude called from the porch. “I'm so glad you arrived safely. Welcome to Cedar Key.”
“I'll just take these into your room,” I said, heading inside and feeling very much like a lowly porter at a hotel.
I deposited the heavy bags on the floor and blew out a deep breath.
Where are ya, Suellen, when I really need you?
I realized having Chloe around might be even more difficult than I'd anticipated.
When I walked into the kitchen I found Aunt Maude and Chloe at the table sipping iced tea.
“Grace, honey,” my aunt said. “Come join us.”
I accepted the glass she poured for me and sat down. Talk about feeling uncomfortable. She may have been my sister, but I had no clue what to say to her.
“After we finish the tea, I'll show you around,” my aunt told her. “The contractors started working on the carriage house this morning—that's where we'll be holding the knitting retreats—so I'm afraid it'll be a bit busy around here for a few weeks.”
Chloe nodded and looked around the kitchen. “It looks like a nice place. And your apartment is upstairs?” she asked, turning her head in my direction.
“Yeah, I'll take you up there later.”
“I still can't get over the fact that you're going to be starting another business,” she said, directing her attention back to my aunt. “I mean, you know ...”
Maude shifted in her chair.
“No, I'm not sure I do, Chloe. If you mean because of my age, it's never too late in life to change course and begin a new adventure. Besides, I think Grace and I are doing quite well so far. We've managed to plan the knitting retreats, I've hired the contractors, so we're in the process of converting the carriage house and decorating. And don't forget, with me moving here it's also given
you
the opportunity to get away and start over.”
Yes! You give it to her, Aunt Maude
. She never was one to put up with Chloe's antics.
Now it was my sister's turn to shift in her chair and clear her throat. “Yes, well ... and I do appreciate you taking me in. And before we go any further, let's clear the air about Parker.” She looked directly at me. “I assume Aunt Maude has brought you up to date on everything, but I'd rather not have it be a topic of conversation. My attorney has the divorce in progress and ... once that becomes final in December—Parker Radcliffe will be as good as dead to me.”
“Fine by me,” I replied, grateful that I didn't have to offer sympathy to my sister.
“Okay, good,” she said, effectively cutting me off. “So tell me what you have planned for these knitting retreats and how I'll be involved.” Her attention shifted back to Aunt Maude.
I had a flashback to years ago—sitting at the dinner table with my parents and Chloe. I was probably about five and she was a senior in high school. I'd been so excited about my upcoming dance recital and was trying to explain to my parents how my lesson had gone that day, but Chloe had effectively cut me off, telling them about what kind of gown she intended to get for her prom. Had it always been that way, I wondered? With her dismissing me like I didn't even exist? Or maybe more important, with her
wishing
I didn't exist?
“That sounds like it has a lot of potential,” I heard her say. “Knitting has become quite the rage, even though it's been around for centuries. So I have no doubt you'll be fully booked for those weekends. And yes, I think I'd like to do a class on the Fair Isle sweaters. That's one of my specialties.” As if remembering I was seated at the table, she turned to me and said, “You don't knit, do you, Grace?”
I smiled. That showed you how little she knew about me, not to mention the fact she'd paid no attention that I was knitting on the porch when she arrived. “Actually, yes, I do. Aunt Maude taught me many years ago.”
“She also taught me. What would we have done without you?” she said, reaching out to touch my aunt's hand. “We certainly had no mother to speak of.”
With that, she stood up, put her glass in the sink, and said, “Okay, well, I'm ready for the tour.”
My aunt and I exchanged a glance. Was it my imagination or was there definite animosity in Chloe's voice when she mentioned our mother?
The three of us turned as Rachel came into the kitchen. “I'm all finished, Miss Maude,” she said, sending a smile toward my aunt and me.
“Hey, Rachel. How're you?”
“I'm good, thanks,” she answered, and looked toward Chloe.
“Rachel, this is my niece, Chloe. Grace's sister. She's just arrived from St. Simons Island and will be living with me. Rachel is my new housekeeper,” she explained to Chloe.
My sister nodded. “I'm glad to see you'll be getting some help,” was all she said.
As Rachel walked out the back door, the phone rang. “Hello, Ali. How are you?” I heard my aunt say.
“Alison owns the Bed and Breakfast on the island,” I told my sister. “It's such a small town it won't take you long to get to know everybody.”
“Oh, no,” I now heard Aunt Maude say. “Well, that's certainly good news for Twila Faye, but I can see where that leaves you in a bit of a bind. But yes, I'll keep my ears open for you.”
“Everything okay?” I asked as she hung up.
“Not really. I'm afraid Ali got some disturbing news this morning. Well, disturbing for her. It seems Twila Faye is going to be leaving the island and the Bed and Breakfast.”
“What?” I could hardly believe my ears. She'd worked at the B & B forever. “What's going on?”
“Well, Twila Faye feels bad about leaving, but she's also quite happy. Her son, his wife, and her granddaughter are moving to Clearwater. He has a new job position down there and he wants Twila Faye to come with them. They've purchased a new home, and it has an in-law apartment attached, which will be perfect for Twila Faye.”
“Oh, wow. Yeah, I can see how she'd be torn. She's so close to her son and his family. But leave Cedar Key? Gosh, she's been here all her life.”
“Right, and believe me, I'm really happy for her. I think it's wonderful that her son wants to include her in the move, but ... I'm afraid poor Ali will be lost without her. Twila Faye was her main housekeeper and her only full-time employee.”
My aunt was right. “That's certainly bittersweet news.”
“Yeah, it is. I guess Ali will be advertising for a new housekeeping manager. So if you hear of anybody, let her know. Come on, Chloe,” my aunt said. “I'll show you around the apartment and then we'll go take a peek at the carriage house.”

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