Page 7 of Meet Me at the Grand

No Uncle Seb to be found. Dani tapped her boots against the tiled floor.

“Mom said he was coming,” Mia said. “Probably got tied up in some meeting or other. Why?”

“I really need to talk to him about something important.” And yes, it could technically wait until Monday, but the idea was threatening to burst out of Dani at any moment. She had to know if she was grasping at straws or if this was something actually viable.

“Sounds intriguing. Oh, look. Speak of the devil.”

A bell jingled overhead, and Uncle Seb’s tall frame filled the doorway. Though more salt than pepper, his hair was thick and full, and his shoulders were strong enough to carry the needs of the town. He was a natural leader, with his jovial wave around the room and loud, booming voice as he called out congrats to Myrtle. Then his eyes focused on Dani and Mia, and he walked toward them, leaning in for a tentative hug with his daughter.

She patted his back, a bit awkward and stiff. “Hey, Dad.”

He returned the pat and released her, then turned to Dani. There was no hesitation when he pulled her into his arms. “Danielle! So good to see you.” His Old Spice cologne tickled her nose as he smashed her against the buttons running down his collared shirt.

“You too.” Thank goodness for Uncle Seb, Aunt Elise, and her cousins. They made sure she was never alone, having her over for dinner at least once a week. Likely they felt obligated, since they were her only family left on the island.

Maybe not forever, though. Not if her plan worked.

“All right, you two have fun now. I need to make the rounds.”

Dani almost missed Mia’s subtle eye roll, but she turned quickly back to her uncle. “Actually, do you have a second to talk?”

“Sure, sure. Let’s catch up, Monday, eh? I can’t wait to see you settle into your new office. Did I tell you I’m having a new desk delivered? That old one Myrtle used is falling to pieces.” He patted Dani on the shoulder and started to move on.

“Dad.” The sharp word ejected from Mia’s throat so quickly, it threatened to shatter glass.

Dani blinked at her, and Uncle Seb spun slowly, one eyebrow lifted.

“Yes, Mia?”

“Dani has something important she wants to talk to you about. Now.”

Dani waved her hand in protest. “Oh, it’s fine. He’s right. This is a party. We can wait until Mon?—”

“No.” Mia jutted her chin. “If you say it’s important, Dad should be able to take the time for that. After all, isn’t family themostimportant thing, Dad?”

His jaw tightened as he blinked at his daughter, and he turned once again to Dani, forcing a smile. “Of course. Why don’t you snag that booth under the window, and I’ll be right over.”

“Sure. Thank you. It won’t take long, I promise.”

“Anything for my lovely niece.”

Once Seb slipped away, Dani shot Mia a look. “It’s refreshing to see the fire in you again.”

“Nothing like Dad to bring it out in me.” Her cousin shrugged and slipped onto the stool, soda in hand, as she moved her attention to the TV hanging in the corner above the bar.

“That’s true. You good here for a bit?”

“Of course. I’m always good.” Mia smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes.

Dani gave her a quick shoulder squeeze. “All right, I’ll loop back around with you later.”

Mia waved her off, so Dani grabbed Myrtle’s gift and found her old boss, handing over the present and a quick hug before snagging the booth Seb had pointed out. She yanked her phone from her purse and started an internet search for more information on the small Italian village covered by the Travel Channel broadcast.

She was fully engrossed when two plates of food clattered in front of her, making her jump. Her head darted up to find Uncle Seb removing his jacket and laying it over the back of the booth before sliding into the seat across from her.

He motioned toward the plates, which were piled with mini meatloaves, chips and artichoke dip, Martha’s famous chili fries, and chicken wings. “Thought you might be as hungry as me.”

Dani set her phone back into her purse and picked up a wing. “No vegetables being offered, huh?”

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