The Ivy House - By Drea Stein Page 0,66

her face, changed into a sundress, sandals, and a sweater and ran down to help in the kitchen. Lynn shot her a look and there was a knowing smile on Mrs. Masters’ lips, but neither one of them said anything as they brought drinks and appetizers outside.

The Randalls had arrived by then. Noah was almost as tall as Chase, but with light brown hair. Caitlyn gave Phoebe a hug, explaining to Noah that they had run into each other in town. She was wearing a sundress and Phoebe could see that she was glowing, whether from her condition or the way Noah’s gaze lingered over her, she couldn’t tell.

Chase introduced them and Phoebe could feel Noah appraising her with his eyes, while one arm held his wife close. Apparently, she passed because he smiled and shook her hand easily. The sun was setting, turning the water into liquid gold, and a light wind rustled the tall trees in the Masters’ yard. It was a great view and Lynn had snuck in and changed the playlist on the radio to something fun and upbeat.

Chase made room for Phoebe to sit next to him and she did. His arm lay casually across the back of the settee as they made conversation.

“So,” Caitlyn said, sipping a club soda, “how are you enjoying our little town of Queensbay?”

Chase’s knee brushed against her, and Phoebe had to fight to keep her attention on Caitlyn. “It’s very relaxing,” she answered.

“Glad to hear it. Chase said you’ve started work on the house. How is that going?” Phoebe nodded. “Yes, that’s the plan, at least.” Phoebe wasn’t quite sure what else to say, since she didn’t know what she planned to do with it.

“Hey, Phoebe,” Lynn said, sitting on the arm of one of the wicker couches, “the clinic is running a kid fair soon to raise money. Think you could run the art booth for them, you know, since you’re creative and all that?”

“It’s for a great cause,” Caitlyn said, her hand unconsciously rubbing her belly. “Noah’s agreed to be in the dunk tank.”

“That I’ve got to see,” Chase said, punching his old friend’s arm.

“Only if we take turns,” Noah said.

“Hey, Chase, maybe North Coast Outfitters could donate some things, to use as raffle prizes? It is for a good cause.” Lynn said hopefully.

“Lynn, you’re hopeless,” her mother said, as she passed around a plate of hors d’oeuvres, but Phoebe could tell she wasn’t upset by her daughter’s forthright comment.

Chase laughed. “Well, if Phoebe’s in for being creative, I suppose I’m in for some dough. Just don’t make me finger-paint.” There was the general sound of laughter, and Dr. Masters reappeared with fresh beers for the guys and more white wine for Lynn and Phoebe.

Phoebe caught the look that had passed between Caitlyn and Lynn, plus Caitlyn’s knowing wink, and knew that one of the goals of the dinner had been to get her and Chase to agree to help out with the fair. She guessed that Lynn knew it wouldn’t hurt to have the granddaughter of Savannah Ryan running a booth. The girl was relentless when it came to protecting and guarding her clinic, she had to give her that. At least it was for a cause Phoebe could get behind.

The rest of the evening passed quickly, with steaks and salad eaten al fresco, laughter, and good conversation. Noah and Chase even told a few stories from their days at school, which had even Dr. Masters roaring with laughter. Phoebe felt alive, a warm glow suffusing her, from the good food and the company.

She saw the way Lynn’s parents looked at each other with affection and the way Noah was overly solicitous of Caitlyn and her comfort. There was no fiery passion here, just warmth and love. For a moment, Phoebe’s heart constricted and she knew this was what she wanted, more evenings like this, sitting out by the water, surrounded by friends and family.

She hazarded a glance at Chase, saw him laughing at something his friend said and wondered if he could ever want the same thing. He wasn’t a settling-down type and was cynical about love. Would he want to be sitting with her here, a year from now, hanging out on Ivy House’s own terrace, listening to music, laughing with friends, or would she already be old news to him, another one in his long string of flings? Though he had made it sound like he wasn’t as bad as everyone thought.

He caught