by Melody Grace
“Food, I can think about all day long,” Eliza said with a grin. “I can’t wait to sample those wedding cake options. Summer promised, she’s whipping up something amazing.”
“Call me when she sets a tasting.” Letitia said immediately. Summer ran the best bakery on the Cape, and her cakes were legendary. “I’ll drop everything to be there.”
“And me.” Brooke agreed. “You have to try her peach cake. It’s—” she kissed her fingertips.
Eliza hung back to sign some invoices, so Letitia took her iced tea to go, and made her way back through the airy lobby. It was still just as crowded, with a new crush of guests all waiting to check in, and those bachelorettes clustered around, armed with mimosas and talking loudly about their spa day. One of them bumped into Letitia as she passed, and she almost lost her footing – until a pair of strong arms steadied her.
“Easy there!”
Letitia found her balance – and herself staring up into a pair of friendly brown eyes. She’d been saved by a handsome man with wavy brown hair, and a friendly smile.
Hello.
“I’m so sorry,” she said, flashing him a smile. She quickly smoothed her dress, sending up a silent prayer to the gods of first impressions that she didn’t have parsley stuck in her teeth.
“It’s OK.” The man smiled back. He was wearing a casual button-down and good jeans; clean-shaven with the preppy look she’d always liked. “Once the champagne comes out with this crowd, all bets are off.”
“You’re with the wedding party?” she asked, crossing her fingers that he wasn’t the groom.
“Man of honor,” he replied. “My childhood best friend is the bride,” he explained. “But she promised, if I stood up with her, she wouldn’t make me wear pink taffeta like the rest of the bridal party.”
Letitia laughed. Long-lasting female friends, and a sense of humor? This guy was getting better and better. “I don’t know,” she said, teasing. “I think you could pull it off. I’m Letitia, by the way.”
“Peter.” He reached out and shook her hand. A nice, firm handshake, she noted happily. “Are you here on vacation?”
“For the month, yes,” she said. “I live in Boston.”
“I went to college near there!” he replied enthusiastically. “Harvard, coming up on fifteen years.”
“Wait, I don’t suppose you know Matt Hargreaves?” she asked, and Peter’s eyes widened.
“Matty? Sure! We play racquetball whenever I’m in town. Or rather, he wipes the floor with me,” he added with a self-deprecating grin. “How do you know him?”
“He married a friend of mine, Rachel.”
“Oh, I love Rachel,” Peter said. “They’re such a great couple. It’s funny we haven’t met before. We should all get a drink together in town sometime.”
“I’d love to,” Letitia said, pleased.
“Or…” Peter paused, as if an idea was occurring to him. “We don’t need to wait for them. How about grabbing a bite tomorrow, just the two of us? I have the whole morning free before the ceremony.”
“That sounds lovely.” Letitia beamed. She gave him her cell-number, and arranged to meet in Sweetbriar Cove, before heading out with a spring in her step and a smile on her face a mile wide.
Day One, and already she had a date lined up! And not just any date, but someone handsome, chivalrous, and connected enough that she could call her friends quiz them for background information.
Chase could laugh all he wanted, but her plan was going to work, she just knew it.
4
With his sister’s voice still ringing in his ears, Chase decided to go pay his Grandpa Earl a visit – and make good use of the internet connection to get some work done.
“You’ll need glasses if you keep that up,” Earl commented, beside him on the porch. He looked over the top of his newspaper to where Chase was sitting with his laptop. “Your grandmother was squinting by the time she was thirty.”
“My eyesight is just fine.” Chase smiled, pulling together a few basic mock-ups with the click of his keypad. “And I won’t be long. Just a few minutes more…”
Earl looked amused. “You should let your siblings in on your secret. They’re running around, working all hours to get ahead.”
“To each, his own.” Chase gave an easy shrug. Even though he preferred to be out in the ocean instead of in front of a computer screen, he still took pride in his career. He’d always had an eye for design: doodling logos on his homework, and drawing elaborate illustrations every time one of his siblings broke something, and had a blank cast to fill.
Which, with four of them, was often.
A teacher who’d noticed his idle scribbling sent him to the art department in school, but instead of heading for the painting easels or sculpture clay, Chase had made a beeline for the brand-new computer design programs, instead. He built his first website as a favor to a buddy at the surf shop, and soon word spread: an old-timer who sold custom boards on the side… the summer school where he gave lessons to local kids… his favorite burger shack… Now he had a whole portfolio of clients, from clothing brands, to local pet shops, to environmental groups. People said that he could make it a big business if he wanted – hire more designers, take on more contracts – but Chase preferred to keep things small and bespoke. After all, the design was the fun part for him, not processing paperwork. Bringing people’s visions to life, and getting a window into their world.
It was how he’d met Kira, back when he was barely out of college. She was an aspiring singer, playing dive bars and shooting stunt videos where she serenaded strangers on the bus, and staged impromptu concerts from the middle of the subway divider. It was crazy – but that was Kira. She was a whirlwind of passion and creativity, and he’d fallen headlong into the storm. The first time they’d met to talk about her website, Chase had woken up two days later, naked in a tent with her in the middle of the Joshua Tree desert.
He’d known then, that she was the one for him. And like the young, love-struck kid he was, he’d thought their wild adventures would never end.
“How does that work, anyway?”
Chase looked up, confused by Earl’s interruption. “The internet?”
Earl snorted. “I’m not that old, kid. My bridge club plays virtual games every week. I meant that fancy screen of yours.”
“Oh, it’s like a sketchbook.” Chase smiled, showing his grandpa how he could click and move things with his fingertips, switching from a regular keyboard to a digital pen in an instant. “And when I don’t like something…” He sent a logo design whooshing into the trash with a single swipe.
“What was wrong with that one?” Earl asked.
Chase shrugged. “I don’t know. It can be better, that’s all.”
The same way his sister could look at a fashion outfit, or empty room, and know what would make it better, Chase had an instinct for when something looked right.
He sketched another couple of rough ideas, and emailed them to his client. Then he slammed his laptop shut. “That’s enough work for the weekend,” he declared, setting it aside. Enough trips down memory lane, too. Chase hadn’t thought of his ex in years; it must be all Letitia’s talk of marriage and partnership bringing old ghosts back to life.
He got to his feet. “How about I make us some lunch?”
“Good luck conjuring something out of those empty cupboards,” Earl said. “I’ve been meaning to run to the grocery store.”
Chase smirked. “You’re getting spoiled, having us kids waiting on you hand and foot.”
“Having four of you in town does have its perks,” Earl agreed, looking smug. “Luke fixed up my bannister, Alice and Jackson have been dropping off meals… Even Cassie’s been giving my wardrobe a refresh.”
Chase gave him another look. “I thought you were looking dapper these days,” he said, noticing the blue pullover that brought out the twinkle in his grandpa’s eyes. “Any special reason? Or person?” he added.
Earl co
ughed. “None of your business,” he said gruffly.
Chase hid a smile. “Well, let’s put your new threads to use,” he suggested. “They were setting up for some kind of farmers market in town when I came through. We can grab some groceries… and see if your special friend is about.”
Earl fixed him with a glare. “Not another word,” he said, getting to his feet. “Especially not to your siblings. I’ve got a cane, and I’m not afraid to use it!”
By the time they arrived in town, the market was well underway, and the town square was busy with Saturday morning shoppers. Chase parked Earl’s truck on a side street, and they went to investigate the stalls of fresh produce and delicious baked treats.
“She’s a little young for you,” Chase teased, after Earl chatted to the girl selling local honey. “But if you want me to put in a good word…”
Earl gave him a look – and a moment later, Chase felt a sting as his grandpa’s cane thwacked against his leg. “Ouch!” he exclaimed, surprised.
“I warned you,” Earl said with a grin.
“You’re a menace to society,” Chase said, rubbing his shin.
“Grandpa? Sure, I could have told you that, any day.” One of his brothers, Jackson, joined them, with his girlfriend Alice in tow. “I have a theory he’s running an illegal betting ring with that bridge club of his,” Jackson continued. “One of these days, we’re going to get a call to come bail him out of jail.”
Earl raised an eyebrow. “What makes you think I’d get caught?” he asked, and they all laughed.
“I like that sweater on you, Earl,” Alice said. “What’s the occasion?”
“Nothing special,” Earl replied, giving Chase a warning look. And, with his shin still smarting, Chase didn’t say a word.
“Well, I like it.” Alice declared. “We’ll have to keep you away from Aunt June, though, looking that good.”
Earl gave a snort. “I think Chase is more her type. She likes a younger man.”
Chase looked around the group, confused. “Who’s June?”
“Oh, you’ll see,” his brother said, smirking. “Count on it.”
Chase paused by a fruit stand to sample some strawberries, but he hadn’t even taken a bite when he caught a glimpse of blonde hair, and heard an unmistakable voice drifting through the crowd.
“… No way, I love that show!”
It was Letitia, looking as fresh as a daisy in a yellow-print sundress, her hair falling in loose waves around her face.
Chase blinked, surprised to see her so… relaxed. She was strolling with a preppy guy, carrying a canvas tote full of produce, laughing over something he said. She looked warm and friendly, like pure sunshine, and for a moment, Chase remembered the way that body had pressed, lush in his arms—
“She’s way out of your league.”
“Huh?” Chase snapped his head around. Jackson was standing there, munching on an apple and watching him with amusement.
“Letitia.”
“You know her?” Chase had figured Letitia for one of the rich, summer house crew, not part of the local crowd.
“She hangs out with Alice and Paige.” Jackson replied. “And don’t get me wrong,” he added, “I’m happy to watch you strike out, but save yourself the trouble. Stick to the surf babes and art chicks. A woman like that is looking for more than a roll in the back of your Airstream.”
“My Airstream has seen all kinds of women,” Chase protested. “But don’t worry. She’s definitely not my type.”
“Then why do you have drool on your chin?” Jackson smirked, and Chase reached up to wipe before he could think about it.
“Ha!” Jackson smacked his arm.
Chase rolled his eyes, and smacked him right back. “Shut up.”
“You shut up.”
“Kids, play nicely.” Alice called, from over by the flower stand.
Chase grinned. “Aren’t you glad to have me in town?”
“Just thrilled,” Jackson replied dryly.
His brother went to rejoin the others, but Chase lingered a moment longer, picking out strawberries as he looked for Letitia again in the crowd. But there was no sign of her – or her date.
He remembered the way she’d looked at him the other morning, coming in from the water. Her cheeks had turned an adorable shade of pink, pretending not to notice him. Out of his league? Maybe not. But he wasn’t dumb enough to try.
“Excuse me? Can you move out of the—“
Chase turned, and found the woman herself right in front of him.
“—way.” Letitia paused, her smile slipping as she realized who he was. “Oh.” She said reluctantly. “Hi.”
Chase grinned. “Thanks for the warm welcome, neighbor.”
Letitia seemed to remember her manners, and managed a smile – although not nearly as warm as the one she’d been beaming at her date for the afternoon. Chase looked around. “So where’s your gentleman friend?” he asked. “Will wedding bells be ringing anytime soon?”
“Shh!” Letitia sent a panicked glance around. “He might hear you!”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Chase said, teasing. “Is it a secret plan to manipulate some poor, unfortunate guy into marrying you?”
Letitia arched an eyebrow. “First of all, nobody said anything about manipulation,” she said, leaning in to talk in a hushed voice. “Some men actually want to settle down, you know.”
“And second?” Chase asked, amused. There was that pink in her cheeks again, and the sparkle of determination in her eyes. Never mind the ray of sunshine, he almost preferred her when she was flashing lightning and thunderbolts.
“The man who marries me won’t be ‘unfortunate’.” Letitia informed him, as she made a show of picking out strawberries. “In fact, I’d say he’s pretty lucky.”
A shrinking violet, she wasn’t, but Chase had to give her credit. Not many women would have the confidence to pick a goal and go after it, all cylinders blazing – however foolish and misguided that goal was.
“There he is now,” Chase said, spotting the preppy guy buying flowers across the way. “Roses, huh?” he said, noting the bouquet. “Boring.”
“You mean, classic.” Letitia corrected him. The guy saw them, and waved, and Letitia waved back, breaking into a smile.
Now, what would it take for her to smile at him like that?
Chase pushed the thought away. He didn’t want her sappy grins – not when he could have more fun making her mad. He leaned in closer. “Does the poor guy know what he’s getting himself into?” he murmured.
“The possibility of a lifetime of happiness?” Letitia shot back.
He laughed. “You know, if I hadn’t overheard your grand plans for myself, I’d never believe you were such a devious woman.”
“Thank you.” Letitia smiled sweetly. “I think that’s the first compliment you’ve given me.”
“It wasn’t meant to be one, sweetheart,” Chase said with a chuckle, but that wasn’t entirely true. He hoped the guy across the way there appreciated a savvy woman, because sooner or later he was going to discover the real Letitia, hidden beneath her amiable smile.
And when that happened? Mr. Bland was going to need all the luck he could get.
The date was going perfectly, Letitia decided. Peter was friendly, and charming, and genuinely interested in what she had to say. Now, all she had to do was keep him away from Chase, before the whole thing went down in flames. She could just imagine what he might say if she let him within a hundred yards of her big date.
Disastrous wouldn’t even come close.
She hurried back across the street, rejoining Peter just as he left the flower stand with his arms full of roses.
“I couldn’t resist,” he said, passing her the bouquet with a warm smile. “Amy – my friend – says you can’t ever go wrong with roses.”
“She’s right,” Letitia beamed. “They’re beautiful.” She happily inhaled a breath of the sweet scent. “Thank you, that’s so sweet.”
Not boring at all, she decided. But then again, a guy like Chase wouldn’t know romance if it crashed straight into that beat-up old Airstream of his.
“Are you ready to eat?” she asked, hoisting up the tote bag they’d been filling from the market. “I’m not sure I can carry any more food.”
“Let me take that,” Peter said chivalrously, reaching for the bag. He looked around. “There’s a spot over there, in the shade,” he said, pointing over near the gazebo. “Why don’t you get us a couple of cold drinks, and I’ll meet you there with the supplies?”
“Perfect,” Letitia said, and he was – so far. They’d chatted all morning: about work, and their families, and found they had a ton of people in common besides their college friends. Letitia didn’t know why she hadn’t met him sooner, but she was glad she’d gotten the chance here, without work calls clogging up her cellphone, and a hundred other distractions pulling them both away.
It was the perfect setting to fall in love. Or at least, in like.
She bought two icy lemonades from a kids’ stall, and went to meet him under the trees. When she arrived, she found him spreading a blanket on the ground. He had a wicker picnic basket waiting, with real china plates and two glasses for their drinks.
“Where did you get all of this?” she asked, surprised.
“When you suggested a picnic, I had the hotel put a few things together,” Peter explained. “Amy told me I shouldn’t make you sit in the dirt on our first date.”
Thoughtful and prepared. The list of great qualities kept on growing!
Letitia sat beside him on the picnic blanket, and they began unpacking all the delicious foods they’d bought. Bread, cheeses, fruit…
“You think maybe we bought too much?” Peter asked, looking amused.
“Hey, you’ve got a long day ahead of you,” Letitia replied. “You need to keep your strength up. What time do you need to be back for the wedding?”
“Not for a while. It’s a sunset ceremony,” he explained. “It’s always been Amy’s favorite time of day.”
“Oh, that’s lovely.” Letitia took a bite of cheese and cracker.
