On Sunset Beach by Mariah Stewart Page B

go on.”
    “There’s not much more to tell. Just that when his friend said that, his demeanor changed from friendly to … I don’t know, disinterested, maybe.” She mulled over Ellie’s words. “Maybe detached, yeah. And then he just went into the room where the party was and I went outside by myself. A little while later the party was over and we came back here. End of story.”
    “Too bad.”
    “What’s that supposed to mean?”
    “I could see the two of you—”
    “Stop. No. No, you cannot see anything. I’m not here to get fixed up or to find a guy. I’m here because of your great-great-grandmother’s work and that’s all.”
    “Not even to visit with your bestie?” Ellie had adopted a faux-injured expression.
    “Okay, yes. Of course I wanted to visit with my bestie.” Carly laughed. “I always love to visit with you. I love your company and your house and your town. But I’m not looking for any other kind of love. Just not interested.”
    “Pity.” Ellie shook her head. “Well, if not love, then how ’bout ice cream?”
    “I’m always interested in ice cream.”
    “Last night Stephie said she’s made some new coconut cashew mango something or other and it sounded heavenly.”
    “Of course.” Carly could only imagine what Steph’s latest concoction might taste like. Whatever it was, she knew it would be delicious. “What’s a visit to St. Dennis without a stop at Scoop? Just give me a minute to grab my bag …”
    “Did you enjoy the party, son?”
    Grace had come into the inn’s dining room shortly after Ford arrived. This morning there’d been no tray of coffee and goodies left in his room, so he assumed that meant he was to eat where everyone else ate: in the dining room.
    “It was a very nice party, Mom. Thanks for putting it together on such short notice.” He stood as she approached the table and held a chair for her before reseating himself.
    “I detect a note of formality that belies your words.” Grace signaled a waiter for coffee. “I don’t think you enjoyed yourself as much as you pretended to. It’s all right. You can be honest.”
    “I guess I’m not used to large gatherings,” he said carefully. “And I’m not much for small talk. It was nice to see old friends, though.”
    “I realized after the fact that I should have asked you first. I’m just so accustomed to doing my thing and not asking for anyone else’s opinion.” Grace shook her head. “I just thought it would be so nice for you—”
    “Mom, it’s fine. Perfectly fine. The party was really nice and I survived in spite of myself.” He tried to make a joke but she barely smiled. “Look, I know that you were only thinking of me and I appreciate it. Really, I do. It was very thoughtful. So no harm, no foul, as you always say.”
    “All right, then. It’s done and behind us and you’ve become reacquainted with old friends and neighbors and that’s that.” She shook her napkin and placed it on her lap. “I’m having a crab omelet this morning. How does that sound?”
    “Sounds great.”
    The waiter served their coffee and Ford gave him their orders.
    “So who all
did
you talk to last night?” Grace asked.
    “Mostly people I knew from school. Cam O’Connor, that crowd. Met a lot of new people, too. Two of Curtis Enright’s grandkids …”
    Grace nodded. “Jesse and Sophie. Jesse is married to Clay’s sister, Brooke.”
    “Right. And Sophie owns a new restaurant out on River Road—I do remember that.”
    “A lovely place. Blossoms, it’s called. Who else?”
    He mentioned a few other people as he added a swipe of cream to his coffee and savored the flavor.He’d been drinking bad black coffee—bad instant coffee, at that—for so long that every cup now seemed like a tiny miracle.
    “Did Cam introduce you to his fiancée? Ellie?” His mother pressed on.
    “He did. She seems nice.” Ford figured that was the expected response.
    “She’s lovely. Her father is Clifford