Chapter 7
CHAPTER 7
I ris held the knife in front of her face and applied an additional touch of lipstick.
“What are you doing?” Riley asked.
“What? I know you think this is a knife, but it’s really a lipstick checker. Seriously, I do this all the time.”
“Iris, I’ve been working with you for a couple of years now, and I’ve never seen you do it.”
“How often do you see me wearing lipstick?”
“Now that you mention it…never. Then again, you haven’t had to see a former boyfriend in the middle of a work day. Why didn’t you take the day off? I can handle things here.”
Iris shook her head. “No way. I need an excuse to not spend too much time with him. It’s one thing to spend a few minutes catching up with a childhood friend, and something completely different if I devote a whole day to his visit. I don’t want him to get the wrong idea.”
Riley smiled. “That’s why you applied lipstick and used the knife as a mirror?” she teased.
Iris tried to ignore Riley’s taunting and returned the knife to the wooden block.
“Yes, well, it’s also a good reminder of why I don’t usually bother with lipstick. It’s a hassle, I end up eating it off my lips by the end of the day. What’s the point?”
Riley chuckled and shook her head. “You’re a strange one, Iris. But that’s why we get along so well.”
Just as Iris was about to respond, the door swung open, and a tall man in jeans and a blue linen shirt walked into the kitchen with Maggie following behind.
“This nice man says he’s here to see Iris?” Maggie announced.
Iris looked at the man, and her breath caught in her throat. Alex stood in front of her, looking more handsome than she’d expected.
“Looks like your lipstick-checking knife wasn’t enough preparation for this,” Riley whispered, her voice dripping with amusement.
Ignoring Riley’s comment, Iris tried to compose herself. “Alex, I wasn’t expecting you so soon.”
“Clearly,” Riley muttered under her breath, but loud enough for Iris to hear. “You might need a bigger knife.”
Iris shot Riley a look before turning back to Alex. She came from behind the island and shook his hand. “It’s been a long time.”
Alex’s smile widened. “Too long. What were we, twelve?”
“I think so,” she said.
“You look great, Iris. Really.”
“Thanks,” Iris replied, feeling a bit flustered. “This is Riley, and you’ve met Maggie.”
Riley stepped forward, shaking Alex’s hand. “Nice to meet you, Alex. I’ve heard so much about you. Well, as much as Iris remembered, that is. Welcome to Captiva Island.”
Alex smiled, “I guess that’s true. Iris and I hardly know each other when you think about it.”
“We were just kids,” Iris added.
“Why don’t you show Alex around the property?” Maggie suggested.
“That would be great,” Alex said.
“Sounds good. If you’ll follow me out the back porch…” Iris said.
Looking at Riley and Maggie, Alex said, “Nice to meet you both.”
“You too,” Maggie responded.
As they strolled through the lush garden of the Key Lime Garden Inn, Iris found herself relaxing. She pointed out the herb garden and the koi pond. The sun, casting a warm glow on the blooming flowers, colored everything in yellows and golds.
“You have a nice farm-to-table set up here. I didn’t realize it until I read a review of the inn’s cuisine. You should be proud of what you’ve accomplished, Iris.”
“Thank you, Alex. That’s very nice of you to say.”
“Mind if we sit for a moment?” he asked.
“Not at all,” Iris said as they reached a quiet spot near the herb garden, where Iris gestured for them to sit on a stone bench.
“So, what brings you to Captiva?” she asked.
“I’m a food writer and critic. I was planning a trip and saw a review of the food here. When I saw your name mentioned, I knew I had to come and see you,” he explained.
Iris laughed. “You’re a food critic? Remind me never to cook for you.”
Alex smiled. “Don’t worry, I’m not here to critique your cooking. I just wanted to see an old friend.”
“You must travel a lot. Where do you live?
“I have two homes, one in San Francisco and the other in New York City, and yes, I do travel quite a bit, sampling cuisine and writing reviews. Surprisingly, I’ve never been to Captiva Island until today.”
Iris’s eyes went wide with realization. “Alex Grayson? As in the Alex Grayson, the famous food critic? The one whose reviews are like gold in the culinary world?”
Alex chuckled softly. “Yeah, that’s me. I didn’t mean to keep it a secret or anything. I just didn’t want it to overshadow our conversation.”
Iris blinked, trying to process this new information. “Wow, I can’t believe it. You’re practically a celebrity in the food industry. No wonder you were interested in the Key Lime Garden Inn.”
“Well, that and the chance to see you again,” Alex said, his tone warm and sincere.
Iris smiled. “This explains so much. I’ve read so many of your reviews and admired your writing.”
“I’m glad we reconnected, Iris. Do you remember the night a few of the boys in our camp stole a couple of canoes and rowed over to your camp?”
Iris blushed. “Of course I do. I can’t believe we never got found out.”
“I’ve never forgotten it. What about you?” he asked.
Iris knew exactly where he was going with the question.
“I remember that I was scared to death that we'd get caught,” she answered.
“A young boy always remembers his first kiss,” he added. “Even after he grows up and suddenly is thirty-seven.”
Iris felt uncomfortable and slightly embarrassed.
“We were kids. We barely understood our feelings, they were all so new and strange. I’m glad you remember me fondly, Alex. There’s nothing wrong with having a sweet memory to hold on to. I should have asked before, but are you married and do you have children?” she asked.
Under normal circumstances, she wouldn’t have been so bold to ask, but she needed to change the direction of their conversation.
“No, I’m not married, nor do I have any children. I’ve spent the last ten years traveling and building my business. I’m not opposed to marriage though.”
She didn’t anticipate the last statement and felt slightly annoyed that he’d added it to his answer.
She looked at her watch and then got up from the bench. “We should walk around a bit. I don’t have much time, and I’d like to show you a few local popular spots if you’re interested.”
He stood and smiled. “Absolutely, lead the way.”
They walked toward The Bubble Room. “Ah, the famous Bubble Room. I hear their cakes are quite the thing. Should we go in?”
Iris never planned to eat while they were out, but it was impossible to skip one of the most popular stops on the island.
“Sure. If you’re up for it, I suggest we share a slice of their Orange Crunch Cake.”
“Well, I don’t know. Isn’t it rather decadent to have dessert in the middle of the day?”
She laughed, “You might be right, but who cares. It’s really that good.”
“Okay, let’s do it.”
They enjoyed the next hour together, talking about everything and anything that came to mind. Irish loved how easy he was to talk to, and he had a wonderful sense of humor. When they finally came full circle back to the Key Lime Garden Inn, it was getting near dinner time.
“I feel guilty for staying away so long. Riley must be crazy busy getting dinner ready for the guests.”
“Iris, I’d like to see you again before I return to New York. Do you think we might have dinner together tomorrow night?”
“Yes, I’d love that. When do you fly home?”
“The day after tomorrow. I have only one request though.”
“What’s that?”
“I don’t want to eat in a restaurant. I spend most of my time in restaurants. I’d like us to enjoy the beach. How about you let me create something for us and we’ll have a picnic, right here on the beach?”
The idea of a picnic thrilled Iris, and she loved that Alex would provide the food.
“I think that would be fun. Why don’t we set up on the beach around six o’clock? There’s nothing like a Captiva sunset to make you fall in love with the island.”
Alex took her hand and looked into her eyes. “I think I’m already in love with this place.”
It was hard to resist his charm, but Iris reminded herself that he would leave in a couple of days, and she’d likely never see him again. It wasn’t prudent to begin something with a man she still knew so little about.
As he was about to get into his car, he didn’t try to kiss her, instead he leaned in and hugged her.
“I’m so glad we reconnected, Iris. I’m looking forward to tomorrow night.”
Iris waved as he drove away. She walked back into the inn, her mind swirling with a blend of anticipation and uncertainty.
It had been a long time since she felt this hopeful about someone, but she reminded herself to exercise caution. Entering a relationship with Alex seemed improbable at best. Nevertheless, she looked forward to the picnic, and another chance to see him again.
Paolo left the carriage house, with Lexi following close behind. He’d spent so much time on the sofa or in his chair he was about to go stir crazy.
“What are you doing?” Maggie asked
“I’m going to Sanibellia. I can’t sit here one minute longer. Besides, I still need to run a business, don’t I?”
Maggie had heard his complaints before, but insisted he stay home to rest. She figured there wasn’t any point in arguing with him, since he was going to do what he wanted, regardless.
“Fine. Just take it easy, and for heaven’s sake, don’t lift anything heavy. Let your employees do it.”
Maggie watched as Lexi jumped into the driver’s seat, waiting for Paolo to join her. When he did, she obediently jumped to the passenger side.
Paolo’s sister, Ciara, waved to her brother as he drove down the driveway and out onto Captiva Drive.
“Where is he going?” Ciara asked.
Maggie shook her head. “To Sanibellia. Your brother is the most stubborn man I’ve ever known.”
Ciara laughed. “You’re not telling me anything I don’t already know. Anyway, I thought I’d stop by to let you know that Becca and Christopher are coming home to Captiva for Christmas, and they’re arriving a week earlier than the rest of your children.”
“Oh? I hadn’t heard that. How come?”
“Well, it seems Becca is having a hard time with her morning sickness and wants to sit on the beach and rest before the holiday celebration gets underway. She called Crawford yesterday to tell him.”
“I bet he was thrilled. He must miss his daughter terribly.”
“No more than you miss your children,” Ciara said. “I’m sure you’re excited that they’re all coming down for Christmas.”
Maggie nodded. “I am, and I shouldn’t complain about anything, because they are all doing so well. I’ve thought about flying up to Boston more often.”
“Not during the winter, I hope?”
Maggie laughed. “No way. I didn’t move down here to experience New England winters. That’s one aspect of Boston I don’t miss. I’m so glad you stopped by Ciara. I have a favor to ask of you. Do you have a minute to sit on the porch with a nice cold glass of iced tea?”
Ciara nodded. “I do, indeed. I know it’s late in the day, but is there a chance you might have a scone or two from breakfast still hanging around?”
“I’m sure if we look around, we might find one.”
Maggie put her arm around her sister-in-law, and they walked up the porch stairs to relax on the swing.
“You sit here and I’ll be right back,” Maggie said as she went inside. When she returned to Ciara, she carried a tray with two glasses of iced tea and a warm scone that she’d heated up in the microwave.
“Here you go.”
“Oh Maggie, you’re a life-saver. I didn’t have lunch and I’m starving. So, while I devour this, why don’t you tell me what’s going on?”
Maggie sat in the chair next to Ciara.
“I’d like you to look in on Sarah. She and Trevor are going through a rough patch, and I think she could use a good friend to talk to.”
“Any idea what the problem is?”
Maggie shrugged. “I have my theories, but I can’t be sure. What I know is that she’s feeling lonely and maybe even a little lost. I’m worried about her.”
“What has she said to you that has you worried?”
Maggie sighed. “Ever since she decided to stop working at the Outreach Center to stay home with the children, she’s been confused. I know she loves being with them, but I don’t think she realized how much she needs something more.”
“More? You mean like a job?”
“More like a purpose…maybe even a passion. She and Trevor have always been so alike in this way. Both want to help people who can’t help themselves.”
“Trust me, Maggie. The Outreach Center hasn’t been the same since Sarah left. I can speak for myself when I say I miss working with her.”
Maggie nodded. “I know what you mean. I’m not sure a job will fix what’s wrong between her and Trevor, but I think if you talk to her, you might help her…help them.”
Ciara nodded. “I’ll do whatever I can to help. I’ll stop by her place on Monday.”
“Thank you, Ciara. I appreciate it.”
Maggie returned to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of tea. When she rejoined Ciara, her sister-in-law polished off the last of her scone.
Ciara looked at her and swallowed. “You need to give me this recipe. We are family after all.”