The Guestbook

by Andrea Hurst

  Lily leaned over and whispered, “Not a real friendly one, is he?” With that, they both burst out laughing and then covered their mouths so as not to be heard. “Jude, he sure better cook as well as that résumé says, ‘cause I have a feeling his personality is not going to win a lot of friends right off the bat.”

  “You can say that again! Thanks for coming out for the meeting.”

  Lily put her Arctic gear back on and headed for the door. “No problem, this is going to be fun.”

  Jude watched her leave. Things were changing around here, shifting. She wondered what Lily really thought of her bringing on a new chef. And Karen. Ryan had studied abroad at a three-star Michelin restaurant. What brought him here in answer to her ad was still a mystery.

  The peaceful beaches and breathtaking scenery of Madrona Island attracted a wide variety of people. Some came here to heal, some to search for other things. The island drew many tourists during the warmer season. Each person had his or her own story. She certainly had hers. Jude stared out the window, watching the early night start to fall over the water. Misty, gray fog was settling in among the hills. Ryan’s story would come out when he was ready to tell it. For now, she needed to keep her mind on business.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  After running into town in the afternoon to drop the sheets of flaky cornbread and still-warm apple pies by the café, Lily hurried home to shower and get ready for the evening. She couldn’t remember ever going to a Spring Fling before, so she was not sure whether to wear the new teal sweater, or something more subdued. She tried on the sweater and admired the way it draped off her shoulders. It would look good with her dress jeans. She could wear her low heels to dance in and the silver dangly earrings her mother gave her at Christmas. The party would be an excellent place to network and let people know about her baking services.

  John McPherson had agreed to act as the designated driver, especially since Lily’s car was starting to overheat on a regular basis. She’d try to remember to ask Mary tomorrow the name of her mechanic friend who worked cheap. Lily would be one of the passengers in John’s Chevrolet’s large back seat, along with Betty and Shirley, while Ian would ride in front. They would be here any moment. All she needed was her wool coat and the hand-knit cashmere scarf Shirley had made for her to keep warm. She wrapped the luscious scarf around her neck, admiring the beautiful shades of pink and purple that ran through it.

  A car drove down the driveway, crunching gravel and sending its headlights over her lawn. She ran out the front door just as Ian stepped out of the car and opened the back door for her.

  “Thanks,” she said, jumping in and fastening her seatbelt. Betty was in jeans, a blue button-up shirt, and matching cardigan sweater. Shirley was decked out in a bright green wool coat with big black buttons. Shiny black pants caught the overhead light as Lily sat down beside her.

  “You look so nice, Lily,” Shirley said. “And I see you’re wearing the scarf I gave you.”

  Shirley beamed as Lily fingered the scarf. “I do love it.”

  “Who’s got time to sit around knitting when there’s so much to do?” Betty folded her arms across her chest. “Spent this first day of spring on that darn back porch making sure you don’t fall through it next time you head out there.”

  Ian turned his head. “Can you use some help, Betty? I’m here for a few days.”

  “Yeah, I could.” Betty looked pleased.

  “I’ll put it on my calendar for tomorrow,” he said. “Anything else you three lovely ladies need right now?” Ian’s gaze settled on Lily. “I hope you all will have a dance with me tonight.”

  Shirley groaned. “Not with my bad hip, and Betty has two left feet. Best stick with Lily if you want to dance.”

  “Speak for yourself,” Betty snapped back at her sister.

  “Save one for me too, Lily,” John perked up from the front seat.

  Shirley clapped her hands. “You’ll be the belle of the ball, Lily.”

  Lily was glad it was somewhat dark in the car. She could feel the flush of embarrassment creep up her neck and face. “You two sisters look pretty gorgeous yourself tonight,” she said.

  A light rain coated the windows, but the temperature was definitely getting warmer. Not California warm, but at least Lily wasn’t freezing every minute.

  “Here we are, everyone,” John said as they pulled into a parking space across the street from the café. John hopped out of the car and opened the back door for his passengers. He looked pretty dapper in his blue plaid Pendleton shirt and what Lily assumed were his dress jeans.

  Ian helped everyone out of the car and escorted them through the front door of the café. It was barely past five, but the party was already underway. The long, polished oak bar was two-deep in people holding glass mugs of foaming beer or stemmed glasses filled with wine.

  Some men at the bar called out to them. “Hey, John, Ian, good to see you.”

  Jude was off down in the dining room, dashing around in her red dress, as promised. Even from a distance, Lily felt the warmth of that amazing woman’s smile.

  Each table held vases of daffodils, and the oak beams in the ceiling shimmered with tiny sparkling lights. Over the sound of people’s laughter and conversation, Lily heard the Island Blues band. They were accompanied by a wiry fiddle player as they played the old Eagles song ‘Take it Easy.’

  The five musicians and their amps barely fit on the small stage set up in the corner of the dining room, but they really added to the party atmosphere.

  “Let’s grab a table and get settled.” John led the way to an empty booth near the corner of the room. “Ladies first,” he said, waving his hand toward the cushioned seats.

  “Except Lily,” Ian said. “She can sit here at the end next to me.”

  “Here you are!” Jude glided over to their table and leaned over to kiss John’s cheek. “Thanks for bringing the whole gang.”

  “It looks like a good turnout so far,” Lily said. She recognized some of the people from town, people she’d come to know over the last three months. There was Dana the grocer, out of his apron and looking dapper, who waved at her when they walked by, and Lisa, the nice woman from the bank whose husband was a potter. A rowdy group ranging in age from a girl who didn’t look old enough to be drinking, to a very white-haired man, was doing a lot of laughing at the big round table near the bar. “Looks like everyone’s having fun at that table,” Lily said.

  Jude craned her neck to see whom Lily was referring to. “Oh, that’s the local writer’s group that comes in every Wednesday night to discuss their books and to consume many large bottles of wine.”

  “They look like a lively group.”

  Jude fanned herself with her hand. “One’s a well-published Brit. He’s a regular here now. Even the sheriff’s a writer on this island.”

  “The flowers make it look just like spring,” Shirley said. “You’ve done a good job, Jude.”

  Audrey, the librarian, stopped at the table to greet everyone. “It’s so good to see everyone out. It has been a long winter.” She hugged Jude and was off to the next table.

  “Can you believe Ryan has not even been able to leave the kitchen yet?” Jude said. “Seems everyone here is loving the new food.”

  “Who’s Ryan?” Shirley asked. “New chef? What kinda food of you talking about?”

  Jude’s smile reminded Lily of the Cheshire cat. “Yes, new chef. Just head over to the buffet and you’ll see.”

  Then Jude was off as fast as she’d arrived, greeting more customers at the door and scurrying around inspecting the buffet and bar. Lily wasn’t hungry yet, but a glass of wine would be wonderful. As if reading her mind, Ian rose and took drink orders from everyone at the table. She watched him walk over to the bar. His dark jeans hugged his lean legs, showing off his long stride, and the black button-down shirt he wore emphasized his broad shoulders. Her mind was on him more than she would like.

  “How about we get us some food, ladie
s?” John stood to help Shirley out of the booth.

  Betty popped up and led the way. “What about you, Lily?” she asked.

  “I think I’ll wait to eat. You all go ahead.”

  Lily saw a flash of red hair over toward the bar. Kyla had arrived. She looked like a sea goddess dressed in a fluid turquoise silk kimono, her long red curls glowing around her face and shoulders. Lily saw Ian hand Kyla a glass of wine and watched them toast. A shiver went down her spine. Jealousy rearing its head. Were they really just friends? She shook it away then turned her head back to the band. The female vocalist, dressed in a vintage purple velvet dress and bright-colored shawl, was belting out an old Stevie Nicks song about landslides bringing you down. She could feel the shaky ground beneath her own feet about now.

  Ian reappeared and placed two glasses of wine down, then scooted in next to Lily. “I ran into Kyla at the bar. Glad to see her out and about.”

  Lily sipped her wine. “Why is that?”

  Ian looked confused. “Why is what?”

  “Why are you glad to see Kyla out?”

  He laughed. Sometimes his laugh was maddening, like he saw right through her and was assuring her nothing was wrong. “Kyla’s a bit of a recluse is all. She tends to isolate. How do you like the wine? It’s from a local vineyard.”

  Lily let the wine reveal its flavors in her mouth. A bit of cherry and peach. “Light, delicious. Very nice.”

  John and the ladies returned to the table with plates piled with food.

  “Looks good,” Ian said.

  “Lots of fancy stuff, too, but that’s not for me.” Betty buttered her cornbread. “Just got some of Jude’s famous chili and this girl’s cornbread,” she said nodding at Lily. “Caesar salad too.”

  “Where’s the coffee?” Shirley asked while trying to take a dainty bite out of a BBQ wing sloppy with sauce.

  “I ordered some for you,” Ian said. “They’ll bring it out when a fresh pot finishes brewing.”

  John pointed to his plate. “They’re calling these Thai mussels. There’s some ginger and coconut in them. Want to try one?”

  Lily opened her mouth for a bite as John delivered a forkful. She closed her eyes savored the subtle taste of curry spice combined with cilantro and the other flavors. “Excellent.”

  The lights dimmed, and the band, now kicked into high gear, started playing some old rock ’n’ roll. A few couples dominated the dance floor.

  “You two better get out there and dance before it gets too crowded.” Shirley nudged Ian. “Go ahead, ask her.”

  He stood and offered his hand to Lily. “May I have this dance?”

  It had been a long time since she’d danced like this. It took a minute to relax, let go, and just move with the music. Ian said something inaudible to her.

  She leaned in closer. “Too loud, can’t hear you.”

  He put his lips to her ear. “I’m not sure I can make it through a whole song of this stuff.”

  When she looked up at him, he was smiling. His body swayed and seemed to move with hers. Even with this freestyle dancing, they were in sync. In the soft light, she admired the angles of Ian’s face, the chiseled cheekbones and strong jaw. She’d forgotten just how enjoyable dancing could be. Kyla waved as she danced by with a partner old enough to be her grandfather.

  The song ended and everyone applauded. Just as they started back to the table, the band switched to a slow tune. Ian drew her into his arms. She rested her cheek on his shoulder as they swayed to the dreamy melody of “Wonderful Tonight.” The room and all the people melted away. She could dance like this all night. He pulled her closer and even the music disappeared. The abrupt sound of clapping brought her back. The electric guitar plunged into “Here Comes the Sun.”

  “Shall we sit this one out?” Ian asked.

  “Definitely.”

  He took her hand and led her into the back hallway out of sight.

  “Where are you taking me?” she asked.

  “Over here,” he whispered. Out sight now, he whisked her into his arms for a kiss. Her body was electric, sparks flew between them, and her knees went weak as his lips crushed hers.

  Loudly, someone cleared his throat. Ian and Lily turned, startled to see the new chef, Ryan, staring at them and pointing to a storage closet behind them. “Ah, excuse me,” he said, “but I need to get some supplies.”

  Lily giggled. “So sorry,” she said, dragging Ian back toward the dining room and smack into Shirley and John.

  “You two look flushed. Did you have fun on the dance floor?” Shirley said.

  John caught Lily’s eye. “Save a dance for me too. But nothing too wild.”

  “Of course,” she answered with a warm smile, almost bumping into Kyla at the buffet.

  Lily hurried back to the booth, trying not to make eye contact with Ian. She did not want to burst out laughing. Perhaps she’d had one glass of wine too many.

  As soon as they were seated again, Jude approached their table, Ryan in his black chef’s coat in tow. “So, everyone, this is my new star chef, Ryan Carr.”

  Ian put his hand out, suppressing a smile. “Welcome to the island.”

  Ryan put out his hand, but looked a bit uncomfortable. Lily figured he must spend most of his time in the kitchen, not with the guests. Jude would fix that soon enough.

  “Have you tried Ryan’s smoked salmon pâté yet?” Jude asked.

  “Not yet,” Lily said, “but Ian and I were just going to head over to get some food.”

  “Don’t let us stop you,” Jude said, taking Ryan’s arm and moving him on to the next table.

  Shirley gave Lily a wink. “Hey, that Ryan is a hottie.”

  Betty nudged her sister. “Don’t go getting any ideas, he’s young enough to be your grandson.”

  The food line was long. Lily could see the very pregnant Karen at the front handing out plates and directing people to both sides of the table.

  Everywhere she looked, people were laughing and having fun. “I think the Fling has turned out to be a great success,” Lily said.

  Ian nodded. “About this time of year, everyone on the island is getting cabin fever. How are you holding out your first winter here after living in California?”

  “Pretty good, got making a fire down and staying busy with my baking business. I’ve been thinking about volunteering at the local animal shelter, but there’s always so much to do lately.”

  Ian laughed. “Wait until spring and summer. The tourists take over then, and you’ll have trouble finding a parking place near town.”

  Lily wasn’t so sure she’d like all those people flooding onto the island, but they would be good for business. If she opened the B&B again, those tourists would probably fill it. It was something to think about.

  “Hey, guys, you made it,” Karen said, handing them a still warm white plate.

  “Shouldn’t you be off your feet?” Lily asked.

  “It doesn’t get much easier than handing out plates. And when I get tired, my husband,” she pointed at nice-looking young man at the table behind her, “well, Mark takes over.”

  Even with all the people running through the line, the buffet looked appetizing and well-stocked. One point or possibly two for Ryan, Lily thought.

  Back at the table was quiet as everyone cleaned their plates. Between the great band, people-watching, the food, and, of course, the wonderful company, Lily couldn’t remember having had a better time. It sure beat those stuffy, highly elegant dinner parties she and Brad used to put on. And that kiss…

  “This is my kind of song,” John said, humming along to “Singing in the Rain.” “Shall we have our dance now, Lily?”

  With a wide smile, Lily took John’s arm and he led her to the dance floor. Playfully, he glided her across the floor “Sorry, I’m a bit rusty,” he said.

  Several people in the room started singing along with the familiar, beloved melody. John and Lily joined the chorus as they danced. “What a glorious feeling, I’m happy
again.”

  John twirled her into a spin and back again. “You’re a masterful dancer,” Lily said, catching her breath.

  When the song ended, John kissed her hand and thanked her before leading her back to the table.

  “Anyone else for a dance with me?” John asked when they reached the table.

  Ian raised his hand. John just shook his head and took a seat.

  “So how’s everyone doing?” John asked.

  Shirley sighed, “I hate to be a party pooper, but I am getting a bit tired.”

  “You’re always a bit tired,” Betty said. “Why don’t you let the young ones enjoy themselves a little more?”

  “That’s okay,” Lily said. “I’m ready to go when everyone else is.”

  “In that case, I’d say it’s time to say our goodbyes.” John rose and offered his hand to Shirley as she slid out of the booth and steadied herself on her feet. They stopped at the bar to say goodbye to Kyla and thank Jude for a great evening. Once outside, coats on, they hurried to the car. John turned on the engine and blasted the defroster to clear the windows. “First stop, I’ll drop off the sisters, then a quick stop for Lily.”

  After what felt like a long drive on the dark, foggy, forested roads, they dropped off Betty and Shirley. Lily could see her porch light from the driveway and was glad she’d turned the heat on before she’d left the house.

  Ian stepped out of the car and opened the back door for her. “Mind if I come in for minute?”

  It really wasn’t late, and a nightcap with Ian sounded pretty good. “Sure, I’ll make us some hot chocolate with Baileys.”

  “Gramps, I’m staying here. I’ll just walk home later. You go on home now.”

  John waved. “Have fun, you two.”

  Lily unlocked the door and stepped inside. “I left the thermostat on, but it’s still cold in here.”

  Ian moved toward the wood burner. “Why don’t I build us a warm fire?”

  “Sounds great, and I’ll go mix up our drinks.” Truthfully, it felt good to have a man helping around the house. Coming in alone most nights to this big place, with all the empty bedrooms, didn’t do much to boost one’s spirits. Lily poured some Valrhona chocolate powder into a pan of warming milk then whisked in some sugar. In two glass mugs, she poured a little Baileys and filled the rest of the glass with the hot chocolate. She carried them out into the parlor. Ian was sitting on the loveseat facing the fire, the flames reflecting a rosy glow off his face. She handed him his glass and sat down beside him.