Love in the Air: Lopez Island Series #2

by Jamie E. Matthews

  He sighed. “Thank god for Hannah and Nell offering to give me a night off. Hannah’s with Amy, brewing up some ginger tea she swears will be the cure. And Nell is making sure the laundry and dishes at the Inn don’t turn into a mountain.”

  “Nell’s there?” Adrian asked, raising his eyebrows.

  “Yeah.” Ben glanced at him. “You sound surprised.”

  “Well, it’s just that…” Adrian trailed off, waiting for Paul to get back and set down the beers. He looked at Paul. “Did you hear the news?”

  “What news?” Paul took a drink.

  “Nell’s dad died.”

  “Aw, shit.” Paul lowered the glass, shook his head. “What happened?”

  “I feel terrible,” Ben said, starting to get up. “I have to get back—what the hell is she doing at the Inn, cleaning?”

  “No, no, sit down,” Paul said, pushing him back in his chair. “She’s fine. Nell can say no—she’s there because she wants to be.”

  “It’s her dad,” Ben said, his brows drawn together. “I mean, I heard he’s not in her life, but still.”

  “What’s the deal with him?” asked Adrian.

  When Paul hesitated, he groaned.

  “Come on, man. You gotta give me something. Getting that out of Nell will be like pulling teeth. I’m feeling my way in the dark here—does she need space? Should I go comfort her?”

  “Okay, okay.” Paul flagged down the waitress, put in an order for nachos. “I need sustenance if we’re not just hanging out and bullshitting.”

  “We can do that, we just need to do this first,” Adrian said, with a grin.

  “I’m down with that—it’ll take my mind off what’s waiting for me at home.”

  Despite his words, Adrian noticed that Ben, too, kept checking his cell.

  “You’ve only been gone about 15 minutes,” Paul said with a smile. “She’s in good hands, dude. So anyway, do you know what happened to Tate? How did he die?”

  “Climbing the Annapurna in Nepal,” Adrian said.

  Ben whistled. “Wow. I’ve heard about that mountain—I read a script once for a movie based on a climbing expedition. The writing was terrible, but the plot stuck with me. It’s billed as the deadliest mountain in the world.”

  Paul shook his head. “Sounds about right. That’s Tate for you, in a nutshell. Always seeking the next thrill, the edge.”

  The waitress set the nachos in front of them, and they dug in.

  “He left when Nell was two. He’d been gone quite a bit before that—never could stay in one place for long. The story I heard is that he swept Jan off her feet—she came from a sheltered Midwestern family, and Tate with his Native American heritage and love of adventure probably seemed so exotic to her. Nell says they talked of seeing the world together, but then Jan got pregnant, and her priorities shifted. They were living in Seattle, but Tate was always off to the next adventure, whether it was climbing or race car driving, you name it. Eventually Jan told him he either needed to settle down and be a father or leave. He left.”

  “I can’t imagine.” Ben frowned. “My kid is the size of a peanut, and already, it’s unthinkable that I’d ever leave. Of course, if my dad had left, our family would have been better off.”

  “Mine was never in the picture to begin with,” Adrian said, then gave Paul a half-smile. “You’re the only one with a normal childhood, Paul.”

  “You know, I’ve never taken that for granted, because I saw what would happen to Nell when Tate came back into town.”

  “Oh, he came back?” Ben signaled for another drink, causing the waitress to nearly bobble a tray of beer in her eagerness to hustle back to the bar and get his refill.

  “That’s never going away, is it?” Adrian asked with a grin. “You’ve been off-screen now for a year, right?”

  Ben shrugged. “It’ll take another year or so, that’s what my agent tells me. Then I’ll be forgotten. Which is fine by me.”

  “So yeah, he came back, every few years or so starting when she was about six or seven,” Paul continued after the waitress stopped by with Ben’s beer. “He’d swoop in, whisk her off to do something exciting—whether it was whitewater rafting or hiking in the Grand Canyon—make a lot of promises about how he was going to stick around and be a part of her life, and then he’d take off. No letters, no calls. Up until she turned 14, she’d either be dazzled by his charm and excitement, or be wary and say she wouldn’t talk to him when he arrived, and then cave. It tore her up, man.”

  “What a fucker,” Adrian said, hot anger coursing through him at the thought of Nell, so tough and strong, being let down time and time again.

  “And then,” Paul shrugged, “it was like she just turned a switch from on to off. He showed up, she politely told him she was too busy to see him since he hadn’t given her any notice. She froze him out completely. And I’m telling you, the guy could charm nearly anyone, I’ll hand him that. But from then on, they spent very little time together—she’d tolerate him if he showed up out of the blue, but wouldn’t change a single thing to see him. He had to work around her schedule, or not see her at all. He came up here less and less.”

  “How long do you think it’s been since she’s seen him?” asked Ben.

  Paul frowned. “Maybe…five or six years.”

  “Did she ever tell him how she felt, that he was a dismal excuse for a father?” Adrian wondered.

  “I asked her that a few times, encouraged it, in fact. But, she literally hasn’t talked to me about him since she was 14 years old—and if I tried to bring it up, she’d freeze me out, too, or just change the subject.” Paul drained the last of his beer. “So, when I say she’s fine now—that’s why. Sure, his death is a shock, but I don’t think he means—meant—much of anything to her anymore.”

  Adrian exchanged a look with Ben.

  “Just because he was a shitty father doesn’t mean that she won’t mourn his loss,” Ben said. “My dad was an asshole, but it was rough when he died.”

  “I don’t even know if my dad is alive or not,” Adrian reflected, selecting a chip loaded with cheese. “But, if I found out today that he died, it would probably fuck me up for a while. Because while he’s alive, things could change—he could find me and try to make up for lost time. Or I could track him down and say all the things I’ve always wanted to say. Even though I’ve made peace with not having a dad, death changes things.”

  Paul mulled that over. “Shit. When you put it that way…now I feel like an asshole. Maybe we should go back and check on her.”

  “She’d hate that,” Adrian advised, leaning back and ordering another beer. “Like you said, she’s tough. Probably she’ll be fine tonight, especially since she has Amy and Hannah to distract her.”

  “But she’s could be headed for a meltdown soon,” Ben agreed.

  “Okay.” Paul nodded. “We’ll just have to be there for her when and if that happens.”

  “And, if she bottles it up, I’ll pry it out of her.” Adrian grinned.

  “Awww. You guys are so sweet.” Ben tipped back in his chair. “I’m so glad my money’s on Nell.”

  Adrian rolled his eyes. “I can care about the woman I’m spending time with without falling in love, you know.”

  But as the conversation moved on to Ben’s latest screenplay, he found himself discreetly checking his phone under the table, noting with a pang of disappointment she still hadn’t texted.

  ***

  Two and a half weeks later, Adrian surveyed his backyard, the trees strung with twinkly lights, paper lanterns bobbling cheerfully in the ocean breeze, a giant pinata ready to be battered. Chairs dotted the lawn in informal arrangements, and two outdoor heaters would mitigate that early May chill sure to hit when the sun went down. His family bustled everywhere, putting out dishes on the line of tables on the deck, chopping ingredients in the kitchen, or mixing up drinks. His cousin Emma finished setting up the bubble machine and flipped the switch, and Zoe and Lila swiveled from the end
of the lawn, drawn like moths to a flame. He smiled at the sight of them toddling across the grass as fast as their chubby legs would take them, hands held out to grab the bubbles, faces alight with joy.

  His mom slid an arm around his waist, leaned in. “You did good, mi hijo.”

  Adrian pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I have big shoes to fill. You’re sure you’re okay with me taking it over this year?”

  Agata raised her eyebrow, gave him “the look”. “Only this year? Adrian, I’ve been doing this for the last 36 years. It’s about time one of you boys stepped in. I’ve put on my last Cinco.”

  “It was my idea,” Adrian pointed out. “And, Alex may have brought you the mimosa and breakfast in bed tray this morning but that was my idea as well.”

  “You are one of my favorite sons,” she laughed.

  “Hey,” Alex protested, having come up in time to hear the tail end of their conversation. “Who gave you not one but two beautiful granddaughters, huh? It’s not a party without the magical sound of children’s laughter.”

  “That’s true.” Agata elbowed Adrian in the ribs. “You’ve got some catching up to do, Adrian. I’ll keep my eye out at the party for someone just right.”

  “Asshole,” Adrian muttered, but quietly, so his mom couldn’t hear as she walked away. “Thanks for throwing me under the bus.”

  “You can distract her with Nell. Where is she, anyway?” Alex scanned the crowd.

  “She’s been sticking close to her mom,” Adrian said, and Alex nodded. He’d arrived yesterday with Olivia and the twins, and Adrian had filled him in on the last few weeks. “Marcelo drove over there to give them all a ride here.”

  “The party can begin,” Paul called, a case of beer in one hand and flowers in his other arm. Ben and Amy trailed behind him.

  “Holy shit,” Alex murmured. “Is that Ben Morrison?”

  “Be cool, loser,” Adrian said under his breath. He relieved Paul of the beer, eyed the flowers. “Are you sucking up to my mom again?”

  “Yep. She’s one of my favorite people, after all.” Paul gave Alex a one-armed hug. “Good to see you, man. I saw the twins on the way over—even cuter than all the pictures you’ve been posting.”

  Adrian smiled at Amy, gave her a quick hug, looked her up and down. “How are you feeling, mama?”

  “I think I’m on the home stretch,” Amy assured him with a smile, and she did have the glow Adrian remembered seeing on Olivia’s face during pregnancy. “I even have a bump!” She lifted her shirt, and Adrian laid his hand on the tiny bump, grinning.

  “Hey there, little peanut.”

  “Isn’t it great?” Ben beamed down at Amy.

  “So Ben, Amy, this is my brother, Alex,” Adrian said, gesturing to his brother.

  “Wow.” Amy blinked. “I knew you were twins but damn…Hannah’s going to have a heart attack seeing all this hotness together.”

  Ben extended his hand to shake Alex’s, rolled his eyes. “You’ll have to excuse my wife. And, Hannah. They’re all not-so-secretly in lust with Adrian.”

  “Aw, honey. Adrian’s just my back up plan.” Amy winked at Adrian. “You know, in case I get bored with you.”

  Adrian wiggled his eyebrows at her. “You know where to find me, cutie.”

  “Wow.” Alex shook his head. “I can see why you like it here, bro. I’m a huge fan of your writing, by the way, Ben. I was hoping there would be a sequel to Lopez Secrets.”

  Ben smiled, draped his arm around Amy’s shoulders. “I didn’t plan it that way but I have to admit the wheels have been turning. And thanks for the compliment, man. We stopped by your food cart last time we were in Seattle—amazing.”

  “So good,” Amy agreed. “I’ve been telling all my guests to go.”

  “Wow. Thank you. I—hey. Zoe. No! Get that out of your mouth. Lila, no, what did I just tell your sister? Only food goes in your mouth—excuse me.” Alex gave a harried smile. “It was really nice to meet both of you.”

  Ben laughed as he watched Alex sprint across the lawn. “That’s going to be us soon, babe.”

  Amy shuddered. “Hopefully not with twins. I don’t think I’m ready for that.”

  “You need help with anything, Adrian?” Ben asked.

  “Nope. Just go enjoy yourself. Here, let me introduce you to some of my family.” Adrian guided them over to where his aunt Sofia sat with his uncle David, who immediately jumped up and offered Amy his seat. Confident that his friends would be entertained, he hauled the beer up to the deck and added it to one of the coolers, then tracked down some more ice. Ryan and Zane showed up with Mellie, who beelined for the bubble machine and made fast friends with the twins. Adrian stayed busy as Islander after Islander trickled in, including Hannah and Tom, as well as Anna Sue and her family. All the while, he kept one eye out for Nell.

  Finally, Marcelo rounded the corner of the yard, Brooke on one arm and Jan on the other, Nell trailing a bit behind and laughing at something he said.

  “Quite the party you have going on here, Perez,” she said, smiling at him in greeting. Adrian checked her over closely for signs of grief but her smile didn’t falter, her eyes were steady and clear, and her tan skin glowed against the deep purple of the dress that hugged her hips and highlighted her mile long legs.

  “My mom approves, so whew,” he said, pretending to wipe his brow in relief. He was somewhat surprised when Brooke leaned over and kissed his cheek, her standard greeting for any of her friends on the Island, but one he’d never gotten before. When Jan gave him a quick hug, he wondered what was going on.

  “Thank you for checking in on us,” Brooke murmured when Nell was distracted by Marcelo and couldn’t hear. She rubbed his arm. “You’re a sweet man, Adrian.”

  “That’s what friends are for,” Adrian responded, warmth spreading through him at her words. Sure, he’d called Jan and Brooke two or three times in the last few weeks to check in and make sure they were okay, but he considered it the least he could do to try to help.

  “Why don’t I have a drink in my hand?” Nell asked him, as Marcelo walked off with Jan and Brooke. She smiled at him, sidled closer to press her hip against his.

  He rested his hand on her waist, angled her a bit nearer, breathing in the spicy scent of her perfume. He brushed his lips across her cheek. “How rude of me. Let me make it up to you.”

  She laughed, pushed him away. “There are children present. I’ll have a margarita.”

  Adrian turned and saw his mom barreling down on them like a freight train. From the gleam in her eye, Adrian was sure she’d just seen their flirtation—probably from all the way across the lawn—which activated her mom radar.

  Nell followed his gaze and a smile curved her lips. “That’s got to be your mom. I see where you get your looks. She’s stunning.”

  Adrian had to agree, a surge of pride flowing through him as he took in her long, glossy black hair streaked with gray, a print dress in vibrant swirls of red and purple, color high on her regal cheekbones, and her dark eyes alight with mischief.

  “Introduce me to your friend, Adrian,” she demanded as she drew near and linked her arm with his. Then, before he could open his mouth, “I’m Agata, Adrian’s mom.”

  “Hi, Agata,” Nell said, holding out her hand. “I’m Nell. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  “Funny, I haven’t heard about you yet,” she said, shooting Adrian a look.

  He patted her hand. “Nell is a pilot here on the Island.”

  “Nell still doesn’t have a drink,” she said, rolling her eyes at him. “You are a terrible host. I bet Agata would have greeted me with a margarita in hand already.”

  “You should always offer your guests a drink within five minutes of their arrival,” scolded Agata. “My drink is low, also. Thanks, mi hijo.” She handed Adrian her drink and turned her back to him, cutting him off from Nell.

  Nell met his eyes, amused, then turned to his mom. “Tell me more about El Refugio and the work you do there. I’ve hear
d a little, but it sounds fascinating.”

  Bullseye, thought Adrian as he left to go make their drinks. She’d cut straight to the heart of Agata’s passion. Judging from his mom’s animated hand gestures and the way she occasionally reached out and touched Nell’s arm to make a point, she’d already warmed up to Nell. By the end of the party, she’d be dropping hints about marriage and grandchildren, and wouldn’t it be fun to watch Nell freak out?

  Marcelo was behind the bar on the deck, mixing a fresh batch of margaritas, and eyeing Adrian’s cousins Emma and Gabe, who were down on the lawn playing with the kids.

  “Just how many twins are there in your family, mi amigo?”

  “That’s all of them, so far. Emma and Gabe are my aunt Sofia’s kids.” Adrian searched the crowd. “You’ve met Sofia, right? But, probably not my Uncle David—oh, there he is.”

  Tall and gangly, with close cropped curly red hair now streaked with gray, David sat next to Amy, bent close to hear what she said, his gentle green eyes crinkled in a smile.

  “Ah, yes. Your former second grade teacher.” Marcelo began pouring the frothy drinks into glasses already rimmed with salt. “So Emma, what does she do?”

  “She followed in her dad’s footsteps and is in her second year of teaching.” Adrian stopped, looked over at Marcelo, who had finished pouring and was now watching Emma over the rim of his glass. “Oh, no. Really? My cousin?”

  “What?” Marcelo looked back, then laughed. “She is a beautiful woman, yes. I’m not looking for a hook up, Adrian. I’m just here to enjoy the party and meet more of your friends and family.”

  “Sorry,” Adrian muttered, grabbing drinks for Nell and his mom. “She’s my baby cousin, so I’m just a bit protective.”

  “Go tend to your woman, and don’t worry about me.” He headed across the deck towards the lawn—and towards Emma—calling over his shoulder, “I will also talk to Gabe, just to put you at ease.”

  “He’s a social worker. Not that you asked,” Adrian said to his back. “And, she’s not my woman.”

  When he made his way back to Nell and his mom, they were chatting like old friends, Agata reaching out frequently to touch Nell’s arm to make a point, both of them laughing.