AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"I know, right?"
Ida put a hand on my shoulder, her expression serious now. “I’m really sorry about your dad by the way, honey. He was a good man. He’ll be missed.”
I nodded gratefully. I wasn’t used to being surrounded by so much kindness. A lot of nice things had been said about my dad at his funeral, obviously, but back in New York, I hadn’t really talked about his death much. No one there really knew him.
"Oh!” said Ida, raising her finger in the air. “Are you coming to Jack's party?"
"Jack as in your brother Jack?"
"Right! He's back from Montreal for his birthday."
Jack McCoy was kind of a big deal. He was a superstar winger with the Montreal Canadiens who'd left Bluehaven behind after high school.
"I didn't know."
"We're throwing a beach barbecue for him on Saturday. The whole family will be there, plus half the town, no doubt. You have to come."
I hesitated, biting my lip as I considered the invitation. It was tempting—a chance to catch up with old friends and maybe even make some new ones. But Cole would be there, and the mere thought of our kiss sent my heart racing.
"I don't know," I said, my voice trembling slightly. "I don't want to crash Jack's party. Plus, I don't know him too well."
"Pfft, don’t worry about that. Jack doesn't care about anyone except Jack. But you’re part of this town! We need you there. Hey, why don't you bring a dessert? Kill two birds with one stone? Get some practice in for your big pastry school audition."
I nodded, my mind already whirring with ideas. A cake? Mini tarts? Something showcasing seasonal fruit?
"Come on, Elara," Ida wheedled, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "You know you want to."
It was just then that Lily arrived, looking radiant in aviator shades and a flowy blouse.
"What does she want to do?" Lily said, adding, "Sorry I'm late."
"Jack's beach barbecue. Help me convince her it’s non-negotiable!" Ida implored, placing her hand on Lily's arm.
"I'll make sure Elara is there," she assured, winking at me. "With bells on."
I could just avoid Cole, right? There would be plenty of other people at the barbecue. Plus, by Saturday, I’d probably be completely over that silly kiss.
Probably.
"Fine," I relented with a chuckle. "Count me in."
"Great!" Ida clapped her hands together, looking delighted. "Dad will be pleased. He's got a real soft spot for you. Keeps saying how much gumption you've got."
"Gumption," I echoed.
"You positively reek of gumption," Lily said.
"Now, can I get you two ladies something to eat?"
We gave Ida our orders, and she ducked back inside with a friendly smile. Lily patted Anthony, then sat down opposite me, steepling her fingers and leaning in conspiratorially.
"Now, I believe we have some gossip to discuss."
"Gossip?" I said, fluttering my lashes. "No, I don't think there was any gossip to discuss. Unless y—"
"Elara O'Neil!" Lily gasped. "How dare you lure me here under false pretenses?"
"Oh wait, there was one little thing."
