Page 88 of Surfside Sisters

“Probably, well, definitely. But it’s not definite that I’m going to marry Sebastian. It’s all very complicated. His father—”

“Listen to yourself. If you marry Sebastian and live on this island, you’ll be constantly in touch with his family. You’ve told me that islanders are close. You told me once that the best thing about living here is that everyone knows you and what you’re doing, and the worst thing about living here is that everyone knows you and what you’re doing.”

“I remember saying that, yes,” Keely said quietly.

“Maybe you should give some serious consideration to what it would be like to live your entire life here, instead of in New York.”

“I do love the city—”

“I could always buy a house here, Keely. A summer house. We could come here for Christmas, Thanksgiving. You wouldn’t lose your island completely.”

In a very small voice, Keely said, “It isn’t only the island I love.”

As if he hadn’t heard her, Gray said, “Andthathouse. The Maxwell house. I could buy it. I could offer enough money so they’d sell it in a minute. Then you could have that house for your own.”

“That house?” Was Gray trying to bribe her with his money?

“You’ve told me how much you love that house. How you longed to live there when you were a child.”

“But I’m not a child anymore, Gray. I’m a grown woman, and I love Sebastian, for better or worse. Gray, I do care for you. I admire you, I enjoy being with you, and I’m so—”

“If you say you’re sofondof me, Keely, I’m going to stop the car right here and make you get out and walk home in those wretched high heels.”

Keely was surprised at the lightness in his voice. He didn’t sound hurt or angry. He sounded almost amused.

“Gray, please…I do care about you.”

“And Iloveyou, Keely. I think I love therealyou. I know you as you are now, an adult, a brilliant, capable, well-read, knowledgeable woman. You’re not the child you once were.”

“You think that being on the island makes me feel like a child again. Funny, because Fiona wanted me to come here to write because she thought it would make my work better, that being here is magical for me.”

“We all have our magic spaces and places,” Gray said. “But real life can’t be magic all the time. Sometimes it’s damned hard work.”

Keely nodded.

“You said that Mr. Maxwell had a stroke?”

“Yes,” Keely said.

“This will change the family dynamics. Some will show their mettle. Some will be unable to deal with it. A health crisis is always unsettling.”

“I understand. I won’t expect Sebastian to make any kind of significant decision in the next few months.”Good Lord,Keely thought.I’m beginning to talk like Gray.

They had arrived at Keely’s house. Gray turned into her driveway, parked, and faced Keely.

“I won’t push you, Keely. I’m willing to step back. I can wait. I’m willing to give you all the time you need. No conditions added.”

“You seem so cool about this, Gray.”

He smiled. “I have learned to be cool when necessary. Would you like me to walk you to the door?”

Keely blinked. So he was not going to try to kiss her? It felt very intimate inside the car, the two of them turned to face each other, the night outside dark, offering privacy.

“No, no, you don’t need to walk me to the door, Gray. But I would like it if you and I and my mother could have dinner together tomorrow night. I’ve told her all about you. She’d love to meet you.”

“I’d love to meet her. I’ll make a reservation at Topper’s. I’ll text you the time and I’ll be glad to drive us there.”

“Lovely. Thank you.” Keely tilted her head, gazing at the handsome, formal man seated so near. “You’ve surprised me tonight, Gray.”

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