it time. All the time you need.”
They enjoyed the rest of their evening, laughing over dinner at some of Ken’s funny stories. He was retired, but had worked for years managing The Whitley, where Bethany wanted to have her reception. It was one of Nantucket’s most exclusive hotels and had all kinds of interesting guests, many of them celebrities, and Ken shared that not all of them were well behaved. He didn’t name any names, even though he no longer worked there.
“I bet that was a fun job. I’m actually planning a wedding that will be held there in August,” Mia said.
“I loved working there, even when some guests drove us crazy. It’s a special place and I’m sure they will do a wonderful job for her wedding.” He smiled. “She’ll pay dearly for it.”
Mia laughed. “Yes, she will. But that’s not a concern for her family.”
“I heard a rumor that something is going on with the hotel, new management or something,” Ken said. “It’s been a while since I’ve talked to anyone from there. Have you heard anything?”
“No, I haven’t heard a thing. I spoke to Sophie in sales a week or so ago to confirm the date for the wedding, and she didn’t mention any changes.”
“Maybe there was nothing to it, then. It was probably just a rumor.”
When they finished eating, they walked back to their cars and said their goodbyes.
“See you at Kate’s on Sunday?” Sam asked.
“Yes. I’m looking forward to it and to meeting your girls.”
Chapter 16
“I’m having second thoughts about my dress,” Bethany said. Mia was sitting in the sunroom with her and they were going over the menu options for the wedding and Bethany needed to choose what she wanted to try at the tasting the following week.
“What are you thinking about your dress?” Bethany was wearing her mother’s dress that had been altered to fit her. There was no time to order a wedding dress at this point.
“I’m just not sure about it. Maybe I want something new?”
“I think the dress is lovely on you.” Bethany had modeled it for Mia the last time she visited. “But if you do want to consider other options, it will have to be something off-the-rack.”
Bethany pouted. “Are you sure? How long does it take to make a dress?”
“Four to five months, usually, sometimes longer.”
“Oh. Well, maybe my mother’s isn’t so bad after all.” She turned her attention back to the extensive menu options and picked several items in each category for the tasting.
“Great, I’ll call them tomorrow or later today to let them know. How many people should I tell them to expect for the tasting?”
“Four. Me and Ryan, my mother and Ryan’s mother.”
Mia smiled. “Tastings are a lot of fun. It should be a lovely night.”
“I think my mother and his mother are more excited about it than we are.”
“Do you have any fun plans for the long weekend?” Mia asked.
“We do. Some of Ryan’s friends are sailing in the Figawi, so we’re going to have a house full of people. Ben is sailing in it, too. Has he mentioned it?”
“No. I haven’t seen him all week. I didn’t know he had a boat.”
“He doesn’t. But one of his good friends does. He stopped by this morning and said he’s heading to Hyannis tonight for the pre-event festivities and is racing with them on Saturday.” She looked at Mia curiously. “Doesn’t he live right next door to you? You really haven’t seen him at all?”
Mia laughed. “We have somewhat opposite schedules. I’m up and out early. I’ve only seen him at breakfast once since I moved in there. I’m usually in bed by the time he comes home at night.”
Bethany nodded. “He always stayed out late. Did you guys have fun golfing the other day?”
“We did have fun. We didn’t play golf, though. We just went to the driving range and Ben taught me how to swing. I’m a total beginner.”
“He’s a good teacher. You should get him to take you out on the golf course, too.”
“He did mention possibly going soon. It feels like an imposition, though.”
“Don’t be silly. He wouldn’t have offered if he wasn’t willing.”
“Okay. If he mentions it again, I’ll take him up on it.” Mia was glad that Bethany seemed to be in a good mood and much more laid back than the last time she’d seen her. Pretty much everything was done now. All Bethany had left to do was to go to her tasting next week and decide