by Aurora Rey
Tisha finished plating a tray of bruschetta. “So maybe there will be a smooth-talking and handsome butch who comes tonight and sweeps you off your feet.”
Nora rolled her eyes. “Not likely. The couple getting married is a pair of gay men in their fifties.”
“They have friends.”
This was true. Still, she didn’t have the time or inclination to think about being swept off her feet. But she knew better than to say that to Tisha, who was constantly telling her she needed to loosen up, have a little fun, have an affair. “I’ll be sure to keep you posted.”
Chapter Two
Graham led them down a narrow path to the front porch. In addition to the lights on either side of the door, thick white candles burned in decorative lanterns set on small tables and a welcoming glow poured from the windows. “This place is gorgeous.”
Graham smiled. “Wait until you see the inside.”
They went in the front door and Will did her best not to gape. The entryway boasted a gleaming wooden staircase and wide openings to the adjacent rooms. It wasn’t over-the-top fancy, but it was beautiful, and nicer than any place she’d ever stayed.
“Graham, is that you?”
Will looked in the direction of the voice, but didn’t see anyone. “Yes, and I brought a friend. She’ll work for food.”
Will chuckled at the assessment, in part because it made her feel about fifteen and in part because it was true.
“You know you can bring people over without putting them to work.”
The owner of the voice came into view and Will blinked in surprise. She’d imagined sort of a Martha Stewart type. This woman was no Martha Stewart. Nor was she like any of Will’s aunts—women on the far side of middle age who either clung to their youth or gave themselves over to their role as grandparents. Nora was something in the middle, older but with a kind of refined beauty and poise. Her hair was a sandy blond, perhaps with a hint of gray running through it, that fell in waves to her shoulders. She wore a floral dress that accentuated an hourglass figure. Over it, a dark green apron. She was stunning. Will swallowed.
“Aunt Nora, this is my friend, Will Lange. Will, Nora Calhoun.”
Nora extended her hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Will shook her hand and tried to find her vocabulary. “Likewise.”
“You have an interesting name, Will. Is it short for something?”
Will smiled. “Willa. My dad had a literary streak.”
“And her sister is Emerson,” Graham said.
Nora smiled and Will’s heart rate kicked up an extra notch. “How nice. I always wanted a name with a little more flair.”
“I like it now, but as a kid, all I wanted was one that was more normal.”
Graham laughed. “There was a kid who called me Golden Grahams for the entirety of second grade.”
Will laughed, too, then realized they were likely keeping Nora from her preparations. “I don’t intend to crash your party, but I really am happy to help.”
Nora looked at Graham and shook her head. The girl had a huge heart and, as a result, was always bringing home strays. Usually, they were kids around her age—college students, seasonal workers, an artist here or there. This Will seemed different, older. At least Nora hoped she was older. Nora didn’t want to think about finding a twenty-three-year-old attractive. And she definitely found Will attractive. “Everything out here is set. I’m sure Tisha wouldn’t mind some help in the kitchen.”
“We’re on it.” Graham took Will’s hand and led her toward the kitchen.
Nora remained in the hall and watched them. Even in the same uniform jacket as Graham wore, Will stood out. She had a posture, a certain energy. Add to that blue eyes, a mop of short brown curls, and high cheekbones. She reminded Nora of Jordyn—physically, but also in the magnetism Nora felt in her presence. Nora shook her head again. She needed a trip down memory lane like she needed a hole in the head.
When Will glanced back and caught her staring, Nora quickly turned away. She took a deep breath and refocused her attention on the dining room. Neither the time nor the inclination. Understatement of the century.
She spent a minute fussing over the table in the dining room, then glanced at her watch. Her guests were due in a few minutes. Nora took the lighter from her apron pocket and made her way around the room, lighting candles.
The wedding party arrived with some of their guests. The grooms, a pair of teachers from Rhode Island, had been so easy to work with. They’d not even planned on a rehearsal dinner, but with so many of their family and friends coming in the day before, they begged Nora to throw something together. And she was happy to oblige. Nora greeted them, then headed to the kitchen to bring out hors d’oeuvres. She spent the next two hours moving in and out of the kitchen, checking the chafing dishes she’d set up on her buffet and making sure everyone was happy.
She didn’t see Will, but knowing she was around put Nora on edge. Not angry or nervous, just aware. Different from the kind of awareness she felt with guests or Tisha or Graham. Not unfamiliar, but something she hadn’t felt in a long time.
Trying to shake it off, Nora went to the back yard to light the fire and set out a tray of ingredients for s’mores. It wouldn’t have quite the charm of a beach fire, but the grooms had requested it. The guests moved outside and Nora returned to the house to grab the basket of throw blankets and pashminas she’d put together for guests who wanted them. On her way back to the yard, she caught a glimpse of Graham and Will in the now empty dining room, eating. She nodded her approval and passed through the kitchen. “I’m going to deliver these and check on things, then I’ll be back to start cleaning up.”
Tisha waved a hand. “Take your time and tend your guests. I’m fine in here.”
She didn’t intend to take her time, but Nora found herself pulled into several conversations. She didn’t mind the chatting. And although she didn’t want to saddle Tisha with all the cleanup, playing hostess was as much a part of the job as cooking meals and making beds. As she went about the familiar routine, she wondered if Will had left for the night. She shouldn’t be disappointed by the possibility, but she was.
When she finally made it back inside, she found Graham and Will at the sink, laughing and washing dishes. Seeing Will the second time gave her the same jolt as the first. Just like the feeling that had stayed with her most of the evening, it felt uncomfortably familiar. Annoyed, she stepped the rest of the way into the kitchen. “I meant what I said. You don’t have to earn your dinner.”
They turned to look at her in unison. “I’m happy to help,” Will said. “The dinner was exceptional.”
Graham tipped her head toward Will. “What she said.”
She glanced at Tisha, who simply shrugged. “They take good direction.”
Nora decided to let it go. They were young and had the boundless energy to match. She returned to the back yard just as the last guests were trickling in. Some had already set up camp in the sitting room to drink wine and laugh and play games. A few had gone to bed, including her grooms. She loved the vibe of a wedding party in the house. She always considered her home, her inn, a happy place, but weddings brought an extra level of joy.
She picked up the yard, blowing out candles and poking at the remains of the fire. It should go out on its own, but she hated to take chances, so she filled a bucket and doused the embers. Satisfied everything was in order, she returned to the house.
* * *
When they’d finished the dishes, Will dried her hands and turned to Graham. “Do I get the tour?”
Graham grinned. “I can’t show you the guest rooms, since there are guests in them, but everything else, sure.”
“I’ll take it.”
Graham gestured to the space around them. “This is the kitchen.”
“So I gathered.” It was a beautiful space, a mishmash of professional-grade appliances and French country decor that somehow worked. It reminded her of those insane home kitchens on coo
king shows, the ones that were too perfect for any normal person to have. But this one had a lived-in feel.
They exited through a swinging door to the dining room, where they’d had their dinner. The French country feel continued. A massive farmhouse table had seating for twelve. The sideboard had been cleared of chafing dishes and set up as a coffee bar. Black and white toile curtains stood in contrast to deep red walls and complemented the black metal scroll work of the chandelier. “I love this room.”
Graham nodded. “Aunt Nora handled all of the design herself. She bought the place when I was still a kid and it was in terrible shape.”
“I love that the style is a mix of traditional and eclectic.”
“Wait till you see the library and sitting room.” They left the dining room and entered a hallway. Graham gestured up the stairs. “There are three guest rooms upstairs, including a suite. One more down the hall on this floor, along with my aunt’s room and the one I’m staying in.”
“Nice.”
They crossed into a large room with tall windows that faced the front garden. A sofa, love seat, and two chairs flanked a fireplace. Some of the guests from dinner sat, drinking wine and talking. Another pair of chairs were tucked into a corner with a small table. It felt homey. Like the fantasy version of homey that had never actually been home for her, but homey nonetheless. Will imagined sitting by the fire with a book. She could see Nora in jeans and a baggy sweater, curled up at the opposite end of the sofa, their socked feet entwined.
Where did that come from? The image was so vivid, she had to shake her head to chase it away.
“This room is great, but the library is still my favorite.”
Graham’s voice yanked Will back to the present. “There’s more?”
Graham led the way to a door at the back of the room. A moment later, Will found herself in a space probably a third the size of the sitting room. It felt even smaller thanks to towering bookshelves that lined three of the walls. “Wow.”
“I know, right?”
A much smaller sofa, that appeared to be an antique, sat opposite two leather wing chairs. Even without a fireplace, the room felt even more inviting than the sitting room. “I’d spend all my time in here.”
“When no one else is in here, I do.” Graham grinned. “I think that makes us nerds.”
Will smiled. That word had generally been reserved for her sister. She liked the idea that someone might think of her that way. “I’m okay with that.”
Graham led them out of the library and down a short hall past the kitchen. “Aunt Nora’s room is there and I’m…” She opened a door. “Here.”
Will stepped inside. The room was cozy—full bed, narrow dresser, and a small chair in the corner. Smaller than her room, but with nicer decor. “This is very cute.”
Graham bumped her shoulder. “Thanks. It’s an add-on room people can book with the adjoining one if they have kids. The regular guest rooms are much nicer.”
Will shrugged. “I think this one is plenty nice.”
“And best of all, it’s free. I tried to pay Aunt Nora rent, but she refused.”
“I’m sure she loves having you around.”
It was Graham’s turn to shrug. “I hope so. This was the best summer of my life.”
The fact that Graham would be leaving soon made Will a little sad. Other than Emerson, there was no one in P-town she’d spent more time with. She hated the idea of becoming friends who texted and saw each other once a year. “It’s been pretty great. And to think I applied to the Dolphin Fleet on a whim.”
“Did you?”
Will nodded. “When I decided I wanted to stay in town, I needed a job. And I wanted something that wasn’t retail or bar tending.”
“So, you joined a whale watch. So random.”
“But if I hadn’t, we’d never have met.”
Graham’s face grew serious. “I don’t even want to think about it.”
Not wanting to tread into overly sentimental territory, Will smiled. “Shall we go see if your aunt needs any more help?”
“Sure.”
They found Nora in the dining room, putting dishes and glasses into the buffet. “Thank you again for the help,” she said.
“Happy to do it.” Will offered a warm smile. “I’m still pretty sure I got the better end of the deal.”
“It’s nice of you to say so. You two have any other plans for the night?”
Graham looked at Will expectantly. Will shrugged. “I hate to admit it, but it’s already past my bedtime.”
Nora returned the smile. “There’s nothing wrong with that.”
Graham rolled her eyes. “The two of you.”
“Are you a morning person at heart or is it the line of work?” Will asked.
“I always have been.” Nora shook her head. “Much to the consternation of my sister, with whom I shared a room for fifteen years.”
Will laughed. “My sister is exactly the same. She got up early when we were kids because she’s an overachiever, but she hated it. These days, she keeps the craziest hours.”
“One more reason to be glad I’m an only child,” Graham said.
Will raised a brow at her. “And to think you turned out not the least bit spoiled or difficult.”
Graham pouted dramatically, but then grinned. “Funny. So, I’ll see you tomorrow?”
Will turned to Nora, who seemed to be watching them with mild amusement. “Now I think she’s trying to get rid of me.”
“Am not.”
“I’m just kidding. But it is late. I should get going.”
Graham walked with her to the door. Will stole a final glance at Nora as she left, hoping to share a smile or some other moment of connection. Her attention was back on the dishes, though, and she never looked up.
By the time Will got home, she was exhausted. She peeled off her clothes and threw on her robe. As she was walking to the bathroom for a shower, Kaylee emerged from her room. “Wow, you look fancy. Hot date?”
“Very.” Kaylee grinned. “Hopefully, I won’t see you later.”
“Since I’ll probably be sound asleep in under an hour, I would hope not.”
Kaylee gave her an exasperated look, but laughed. “You’re too young to be such an old fart.”
“I’m way older than you and I worked all day. I can be as much of a fart as I want.”
“Just know I’m going to drag your ass out before the season completely ends.”
“Deal.”
Kaylee picked up her wallet and keys and opened the front door. “Have a good night.”
“You, too. And Kaylee?” Kaylee turned. “I hope you get laid.”
She quirked a brow. “Me, too.”
Kaylee left and Will headed to the bathroom. After her shower, she padded back to her room. Since it was quarter after eleven—well past her usual bedtime—she stripped off her robe and crawled into bed naked. She picked up her book, but instead of opening it, let her mind wander back over her day. No, that wasn’t accurate. Will let her mind wander over her interactions with Nora.
From the moment she saw Nora standing in her beautiful inn wearing that perfect dress, Will was taken. She always had a soft spot for that slightly older, polished kind of beauty, but her reaction to Nora went beyond that. Will was more attracted to her than she’d been to a woman in a long time. Her voice, her mannerisms—everything about her only intensified that attraction.
And now Graham was about to leave and she’d likely have no occasion to cross paths with Nora again. Even in such a small town, it was hard to imagine they moved in the same circles. Or that a chance second meeting would amount to anything.
Will opened her book and attempted to read.
It didn’t help that she’d shown up in her work uniform, traded some help in the kitchen for dinner. The whole thing reminded her of high school when she’d go home with one of her teammates after a soccer match or basketball practice. Her friends’ parents would serve them dinner, then shoo them
off to study. Of course, some of those study sessions had turned into her first explorations of being attracted to girls. Only in this scenario, she wanted to make out with the mom and not the best friend. Will sighed. It wouldn’t be the first time she’d had a mom crush.
Only Nora wasn’t Graham’s mom. Even as an aunt, she pegged Nora as no more than twenty or so years older than Graham. Which made her only about ten years Will’s senior. And there was nothing weird about that at all.
Not enough age difference to be creepy. Will set her book back on the nightstand and scratched her temple. Probably not a compelling case to get Nora’s attention. Of course, she had caught Nora looking at her twice over the course of the evening. Technically, that could mean anything, but Will liked to think at least a hint of the attraction might be mutual.
Will switched off her light and stared into the near dark of her room. Even if she didn’t get the opportunity to pursue Nora, she was glad to know that part of her brain—and her body—still worked. Although she’d confided her general longing for a relationship to Emerson, she hadn’t felt a real spark since ending things with Kai. And since that time had included an entire summer in P-town, she’d actually started to worry. So she might be attracted to the wrong women, but at least her ability to feel attraction in the first place wasn’t broken.
Will chuckled to herself. Compared to the train wreck of her relationship with Kai, maybe being attracted to Nora wasn’t such a bad thing.
Chapter Three
The rehearsal dinner was Tisha’s last event of the season. As she did every fall, she packed up and Nora drove her to the airport in Boston. And, as she had since opening the inn ten years ago, Nora would handle the off-season solo. The bookings had already begun to thin and, with the exception of holidays, she already had stretches during the week of no guests at all. Nora was curled up on the sofa in the sitting room, sipping tea and trying not to feel blue about it, when Graham came in.
