When the Wind Chimes - Mary Ting Page 0,84

right.”

I frowned but dismissed her comment.

The drive to Poipu Grand Hotel was short, but my heart pounded the whole ride. We were going to the same hotel where the charity function had been held. There was no reason to think I’d see Lee, but no guarantee I wouldn’t.

After Abby handed the minivan keys to a valet, we passed through the double glass door. The lobby was just as beautiful as the first time I had seen it.

My family was so mesmerized by the poinsettias arranged in tiers and Christmas tree embellished with red bows almost reaching the high ceiling that we took our time going to the restaurant. Other families had the same idea, too. After we took pictures in front of the seasonal displays, we were on our way.

I sat before a spectacular view overlooking the beach and placed my black clutch purse on my lap. Although it was dark, the lights on the walkway allowed us to see the people strolling below us or dining at other restaurants.

“See. This is nice.” My father peered over his glasses. He pushed them up and got back to reading the menu.

“There’s so much to choose from.” My mom flipped the page. “I can’t decide. Should I have the beef or salmon?”

“It depends on—” I stopped and turned toward someone tapping my shoulder. “Jessica?”

She wore a purple silk dress, too formal for casual dining. But then again, it was Jessica.

“Hi.” She lifted a hand and glanced about the table. “I thought it was you, but I wasn’t sure. And your sister, Al ... Ab—”

“Abby,” I finished for her. “This is my father and my mother, and Abby’s son Tyler. You remember him, don’t you?”

I might have sounded a bit sarcastic but I didn’t care. This woman always put me in a foul mood. Why was she always in my face?

My parents nodded in greeting and smiled.

Jessica let out a fake laugh. “Of course I remember Tyler. Hello, Mom and Dad. Abby, you’ll have to excuse me. I didn’t forget your name. I’ve been working so hard. I’ve been busy helping Leonardo.”

I bristled. I wanted to know what they were working on, but I should let it go. During the movie night, Lee hadn’t seemed to want to work with her. Maybe he’d changed his mind. Maybe he’d finally given in. Sometimes persistence worked.

My sister gripped my arm. I hadn’t realized I was holding the steak knife a bit too hard.

“Oh,” I drawled. “What are you helping Lee with?”

“Well ...” She bit her bottom lip, fluttering her eyelashes. “He asked me to—”

Abby’s chair skidded on the hardwood floor when she pushed back. “I’m going to the restroom. Order the clam linguini for me,” she said to me and grabbed Jessica’s arm. “Come with me. Let’s talk.”

Something was going on between Lee and Jessica, and Abby must have known. Well, whatever. I had no right to be upset.

“Who is she?” my mother whispered, her eyes still on them. “She’s pretty but she’s ... she’s ...”

I rolled my eyes. “I know. Where’s the waiter? Let’s order.”

My father frowned at my tone and waved at the waiter. “Maybe you need to eat. You’re grumpy when you’re hungry.”

I let out a laugh. If only he knew the true reason for my foul mood.

The waiter brought us water and a basket of bread, and took our orders. My mother put a warm sourdough roll on Tyler’s bread plate and one for my father. Then she handed the basket to me.

I raised my eyebrow at Abby when she came back. “What was that all about?” I whispered so only she could hear.

Abby leaned closer. “You looked like you wanted to punch her.”

“I did not.” I lowered my head, ashamed at the truth of her words.

Abby huffed and placed the white linen napkin on her lap. “Anyway.” She spread butter on a roll and took a bite.

“Is there something you’re hiding from me?” I said around a mouthful of bread.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Is Jessica with Lee at this restaurant?” I glanced behind me and I shook my head, upset with myself for caring. What was I doing? I had to let him go. “You know what, never mind.”

Abby shifted her gaze away from me. “He’s not. Don’t be silly.”

My sister was lying. She could never look me in the eye when she did, but I let it go. I was leaving tomorrow anyway, so what did it matter?

“Why are they whispering?” My father chomped on his