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“This is beautiful,” Will said. “I always loved spending my summers on the Cape when I was growing up.”
“I love it here, especially living on the beach. I worry sometimes about having to leave my house if another hurricane comes. But I guess I shouldn't worry about what I can't control.” She finished her cone and wiped her fingers on a napkin. “That was a wonderful treat. Thank you.”
“You're welcome.”
The sunset was gearing up to be spectacular, and they watched as the sun began its slow descent into the ocean.
“Do you want to walk down by the water?” she asked.
“Sure.”
He jumped down into the sand and turned to look up at her. She hesitated, then jumped, and he held a hand out to steady her. They made their way across the large expanse of sand to the water's edge.
“Tell me more about the guitar,” she said as they dipped their toes in the water. “How long have you played? How did you learn?”
She was curious about the different facets of him she’d seen glimpses of so far. There was William, the young man who’d been through so much tragedy at such a young age, who was trying to do right by his sister and seemed fiercely protective of her. Then there was Mr. Darcy, the real estate mogul—approachable, but at the same time reticent and standoffish. And then there was Will, her new friend, who was funny, charming—and a musician.
“I started lessons when I was nine. I loved it and practiced constantly. I played throughout my school years, even formed bands with other kids. When it came time to decide what to do after high school, I told my father I wanted to go to Berklee to study music. I knew I was good enough. But my path had already been decided.”
He paused and bent to pick up a flat rock, skipping it across the water. She watched him, her eyes wandering over his handsome profile.
“My father wasn't about to have a musician for a son,” he continued. “He needed someone to take the reins at RJD when he retired. He felt it was his responsibility to build something worthwhile, something that would outlast him, a legacy to be carried on for generations. The person to take the reins was me, of course, and that’s how I ended up at Harvard. But even though he’d made his expectations clear, he always encouraged me to pursue music and keep playing, so I never gave it up. I played all through college. Ultimately, I made the right choice. I never thought I’d have to take over for him so soon.”
She felt a swell of sadness for him. “How long ago did he pass away?”
“He was killed in a car accident six years ago. I’d just turned twenty-five, and had barely gotten my feet wet in the business. But he’d been a good teacher, and I had a lot of help. He didn’t trust very many people, but those he did were there to guide me.”
“It must have been difficult, just the same.” She glanced at him as they walked. “So Georgiana must have been about eighteen?”
“Yes. I’d already been through it with our mother, so in some ways it was easier for me. Georgiana struggled, but at least she has clearer memories of our father.”
He seemed lost in thought for a moment, then turned to her.
“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to go on like that. You only asked about my guitar, and I ended up giving you more of my life story.”
“It's fine. I'm sorry you and Georgiana have both been through so much. Despite the fact that my parents can drive me crazy, I would miss them if they weren't here.”
They walked along in silence, then stopped as the sun finally disappeared on the horizon.
She sighed. “It's just beautiful, isn’t it?” This was her paradise; it was where she belonged.
“Just beautiful,” he repeated quietly.
She turned to him and smiled. “So what did you think of your first Old Silver sunset?”
“Best sunset ever.”
They slowly made their way back to the car and then drove to Elizabeth's house. Once there, Will walked her up the stairs to her door, and she asked if he wanted to come in.
“Thanks, but I'm going to head home. Georgie is probably wondering what happened to me.”
“Are we still on for dinner tomorrow night?”
“Absolutely. Unless you'd rather go out for ice cream again?”
She grinned. “As good as that sounds, I'm looking forward to dinner. You still have to convince me you're not a pompous jerk, remember?”
“I think you said rude, arrogant, andgentleman my ass, but pompous works just as well.”
