He knew most of the geography and history questions that she always had a hard time with, and she did well with the science and entertainment questions. She was looking forward to playing again next week.
Chapter 22
The co-open house was a success. It was a beautiful, warm night and just about everyone they knew stopped by at some point that Saturday evening. Mia, of course, made her guacamole and pasta salad earlier that day, while Ben manned the grill, cooking up burgers and dogs for everyone. Lots of people brought additional food. Kristen made her famous peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, Lisa brought creamy homemade potato salad, and Kate had Jack pick up cooked shrimp and cocktail sauce on his way home from the seafood market.
Lisa had never seen inside the condos before and was suitably impressed.
“Mia, this is really lovely. And Will did a fantastic job. It looks brand new in here.”
“I know! He really did.” Mia smiled as Will walked over and said hello.
“Your ears must be ringing. We were just talking about what a gorgeous job you did.”
Will blushed a little. “Thank you. I’m glad I was able to help. It was a fun project.”
“Hey, Will. Lisa,” Izzy said as she and Rick walked over. Will moved on after a moment to get a drink, while Izzy and Rick stayed to chat for a bit.
“The place looks really good, Mia.” Rick sounded impressed and Mia was glad to see that he also seemed to be in a good mood. He laughed and chatted with Lisa, too, and Izzy seemed more relaxed than Mia had seen her in a while. She hoped that things were getting better with them.
Sam arrived soon after and handed Mia a bottle of Bread and Butter chardonnay. He also had a six-pack of the local Nantucket beer, Whale’s Tale Pale Ale. Mia was touched that he remembered the kind of chardonnay that she liked.
“Thank you.” She handed him one of the beers and put the rest in the refrigerator.
“I can only stay about an hour or so. My parents have dinner plans with another couple tonight. But I wanted to stop by. Your place looks great.”
“Thank you. And I’m glad you were able to come, even if it’s just for a little while. Come out on the deck. That’s where the best view is.”
Mia led him out onto her deck, where Kate and Jack were chatting with Kristen and Lisa. Sam said hello to everyone and admired the view.
“You weren’t kidding. You must love being out here.”
Mia smiled. “It’s my favorite spot. I’m on the deck all the time, watching the boats as I drink my morning coffee or my evening chardonnay.”
They both turned at the sound of the door opening from the unit next to Mia, and Ben stepped out with more burgers for the grill. He waved to everyone on Mia’s deck and Sam frowned.
“He practically lives with you.”
Mia laughed. “We don’t actually see each other as often as you’d think. Ben is a good friend, but we have very different schedules. He’s not much of a morning person and I go to bed early. He’s a good neighbor, though. And we thought it would be fun to throw a party together.”
“I suppose it makes sense. Since you both just moved back in and you know some of the same people. And he’s just here for the summer, right?”
“Yes, Nantucket in the winter is not lively enough for Ben. He’ll probably head back to the city not long after Labor Day is my guess.”
Sam’s hour flew by way too quickly and he had to get back home to relieve his parents.
“I really wish I could stay. But, we’re on for trivia again on Monday?”
Mia smiled. “Yes, I’m looking forward to it.”
She walked Sam to the door and rejoined the party, which went on for several more hours. Izzy and Rick were the last guests to leave, around eleven, and Mia was glad they’d stayed as long as they did. Rick was on his best behavior and she hadn’t seen her sister this relaxed and happy in ages.
As soon as she finished cleaning, which didn’t take too long, she took Penny out for a quick walk and waved goodnight to Ben. He was on his deck and people were still streaming into his condo. He tried to get her to join them, but she laughed.
“I’m off to bed. I’ll see you later.”
And when she climbed into bed, she cracked her window a