Page 59 of Summer Rose

“I just started a new gig,” Ben explained. “I take groups of tourists around the island on sailboats. It’s been pretty special to spend so many hours on the water.”

“That’s incredible!” Rebecca cried.

“It was your father’s doing,” Ben said. “He’s been off the island a long time, but he seems to know everyone. When he heard I knew how to sail, he set me up.”

Lily eyed Rebecca. “I’ve heard so many mixed reviews about him over the years,” she said of Victor.

“You’re going to love him,” Ben said proudly. He then whipped his fingers through his hair. “Hey, I just finished my shift. Do you want to take a quick sunset sail? They said I can take the company boats out whenever I like.”

“It’s up to Lily,” Rebecca said.

“How could I refuse a sunset cruise?” Lily joked.

Rebecca and Lily followed Ben to the sailboat, where they sat comfortably and watched as he untied the ropes and raised the sails. Rebecca hadn’t been sailing in many years, but when she saw an opportunity, she jumped in to help Ben, tying sailors’ knots with practiced ease.

“You know the bowline?” Ben seemed impressed.

“My father made sure I knew every kind of knot there was,” Rebecca explained.

Ben studied the sails. They’d just slipped out of the harbor and rushed with the winds, heading eastward. Being this far from dry land was an incredible freedom. Rebecca had forgotten how delicious the salty air felt on her face. When she glanced at Lily, Lily had her eyes closed and her chin lifted as though she was praying.

“How old were you when Victor left?” Ben asked softly.

“I was fifteen,” Rebecca said.

Ben shook his head. “Have you found a way to forgive him?”

“I don’t know,” Rebecca said. “But I think I’m slowly finding a new way to love him. This version of him certainly deserves a second chance.”

Ben’s smile widened. Overhead, a bird stretched its wings and became a momentary shield from the sun. Out on the boat, Ben’s muscles gleamed and flashed as he worked.

“How do you know my grandparents?” Lily asked Ben suddenly.

“I’ve known your grandma for years,” Ben explained. “My roommate was in World War II, and he fought with your grandma’s father.”

Lily’s jaw dropped. “How old is your roommate?”

“He’s going on ninety-nine,” Ben explained. “He’s threatening to die on me every other day, but I think he’s too stubborn to go.” For a moment, Ben’s eyes shimmered. It was clear that Doug’s death would not be easy for him.

But he wouldn’t be alone. Not now, Rebecca thought.

“Your father told Doug and me about the books,” Ben said. “I’m so happy to hear the Sutton Book Club will be saved. That place saved my life. Maybe that’s too dramatic to say, but it’s true.”

“Mom was telling me about these Veterans’ Dinners,” Lily said. “They sound fascinating. So many people who fought in so many different wars gathered together…”

“And your mother’s cooking is to die for,” Ben replied. “But I’m sure you already know that.”

“I do.” Lily was contemplative. After a moment, she asked, “So there’s an entire working kitchen in the Sutton Book Club?”

“Yes,” Rebecca said. “It’s not as good as ours back in Bar Harbor Brasserie, but it’s not bad, either.”

“Why don’t you have more consistent dinners there? You could even open up as a restaurant on certain nights of the week. That way, the Sutton Book Club would generate more income, and you could cook more often again,” Lily suggested.

Rebecca and Ben locked eyes. Visions of Nantucket residents streaming into the Sutton Book Club to talk about books and art and music over delicious dinners filled her mind.

“I’m not sure,” Rebecca said hesitantly. “Your sister and brother still have some high school to get through.”

Lily’s face was stoic. “Maybe it could just be a summer experiment. We’ll be here on the island, anyway. And Shelby, Chad, and I can help out however you need.”

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