Sunset in Central Park (From Manhattan with Love #2) - Sarah Morgan Page 0,52
me, either. She calls Paige, and they talk about me behind my back, probably agreeing I’m useless. Having a sibling isn’t all roses.”
“You and Paige are pretty close.”
“That’s true, but it’s also true that there were plenty of times growing up when I was tempted to throw my sister into the deepest part of Penobscot Bay, so don’t paint it too rosy.”
“I know life isn’t all rosy, but I still think you’re lucky.” She sat back. “Your family is as close to picture-perfect as it gets.”
“No family is perfect, Frankie. We have our irritations and scratchy moments. If you don’t believe me, join us for Thanksgiving. Paige gets her planning and organization gene from our mother so you can imagine the two of them together in the kitchen. It’s like two generals with different strategies trying to agree on a battle plan. Everyone takes cover.”
Frankie laughed. “I love your mom.”
“She drives Paige insane because she’s so protective.”
“I guess that runs in the family.” Her gaze lifted to his and he thought how much he wanted to take whatever it was that was hurting her and fix it.
“I guess it does.”
Their food arrived and for a while the conversation revolved around the perfectly cooked dishes. They ate sea scallops, followed by a creamy risotto and a perfect salad.
They were surrounded by the hum of conversation, the clink of glasses, the occasional bubble of laughter, but he ignored it all. His only interest was in her.
“You’re not wearing your glasses.”
“There didn’t seem any point, now you know I don’t need them.” Frankie focused on her plate and he noticed the contrast between the dark sweep of her thick lashes and the rich cream of her cheek.
“I’m glad. I don’t want you to hide from me.”
“The food is delicious.” She put her fork down. “So where in Maine is this garden you want me to help you plan? Is it coastal? Because that will make a difference to the variety of apple we recommend. Also how far south they are.”
“It’s on Puffin Island.” If he hadn’t been watching her face, he might have missed her reaction. “They’re a couple from Boston who bought a house on the northwest side of the island for summers. They’re redesigning the house and the garden. My parents bumped into them in Harbor Stores and that’s how they heard about me. You know how it is.”
“Yes.” Frankie picked up her spoon and stirred the coffee that had been placed in front of her. “I know exactly how it is. So you’re going back to Puffin Island for a job? That’s quite a commute.”
The tension was back and he wondered how she could think she wasn’t capable of feeling.
She had so many feelings they were almost bursting out of her.
“I’m not anticipating having to make more than a couple of visits. The guy is a partner in the same law firm as my father. It’s a favor.”
“You’re not charging?”
“I’m charging. The favor is that I’m willing to travel to Puffin Island. It’s not exactly down the street. We’ve agreed I’ll do a detailed design, both landscaping and planting, and then hand it over to a local company.”
“Sounds good. Take photos and I’m happy to put together some ideas for you. When are you planning on going?”
“Weekend after next. I’m already there for a wedding so it makes sense to combine the two. An old friend of mine is getting married. You might know him. Ryan Cooper?”
“Not personally, but I know who he is. His family owned that amazing house overlooking Puffin Point. White clapboard and stunning views.”
“That’s the one. My invitation includes a guest.” He paused, feeling like a man poised to dive off the high board into deep water. “Come with me, Frankie.”
Her cup hit the saucer with a clatter. “You’re not serious.”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
“For a start because it’s a wedding, and you know how much I hate weddings, and second, because it’s Puffin Island. You’ve put together my two least favorite things and expect me to say yes?” Her coffee sat untouched in front of her. “I can’t believe you’d even ask me. My face is on every Wanted poster in town.” Her words made his chest ache, as did the thought of how bad it must have been for her. A small community could be supportive or suffocating, but either way there was no escaping. No hiding. No anonymity.
There was no doubt that the local population had an obsession with what their neighbors were doing,