Page 36 of Coral Memories

“I hope that’s all it was.” Marina chewed her lip while they waited.

A large, expensive-looking car pulled up in front of the restaurant, and a well-dressed couple got out.

“That man looks like Blake,” Jack said. “I’ll bet that’s Ken and Arlette Hayes. In a new Rolls-Royce, no less. I’m surprised they didn’t suggest a more exclusive restaurant.”

“Maybe they’re being modest.”

“By driving that?”

Marina had to concede that point.

When the couple walked in, they introduced themselves. Marina sensed tension in their tight faces, even though they shook hands and were polite enough.

Arlette wore one of the largest wedding rings Marina had ever seen outsidePeoplemagazine. Marina wasn’t staring, but it was hard to miss. Her husband had another diamond ring unlike anything she’d ever seen on a man. Knowing Blake and how practical he was, she wouldn’t have guessed his parents were like this.

As they settled into their seats, Marina began the conversation. “We’re so glad to meet you. Blake is such a wonderful young man, and we’re delighted that he and Heather are such a good match.”

Before anyone could respond, a waitress approached with menus. Ken waved her off without accepting the menus. “Give us a few minutes,” he said in a gruff tone.

That wasn’t a good sign. Marina’s heart sank as Ken leaned forward, his expression grave.

“I’m sure your Heather is a lovely girl.” His words were clearly patronizing. “And maybe Blake has been sowing some wild oats in Summer Beach. But my son has been engaged to another young woman for several years. She’s a family friend, someone he’s known since childhood.”

The words hit Marina like a physical blow. She glanced at Jack, seeing her shock mirrored in his eyes.

“My daughter is not some wild oats, some fling…” Marina was so upset she stumbled over her words. Jack rested a reassuring hand on her thigh.

Arlette spoke up, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “I’m sorry you drove all this way, but I didn’t want to tell you this over the phone.”

Her husband nodded. “We have nothing else to talk about. This engagement to your daughter is off.”

Marina found her voice, anger rising to replace her initial shock. “They are adults, and that decision is up to Blake. He proposed to Heather at her birthday party with a beautiful ring he’d picked out for her. The one we invited you to.”

Arlette looked away, clearly uncomfortable.

Ken shrugged. “Our son can be impulsive.”

“Blake appears to know what he wants,” Jack said, trying a reasonable approach. “He and Heather have been together for quite some time now.”

Ken’s face hardened. “We’re not going to argue about this. It’s unfortunate that your daughter will be disappointed, but that’s Blake’s doing, not ours.”

“Unfortunate?” Marina couldn’t believe his cavalier tone. “This isn’t some high school crush. They’re in love and are making plans. Heather has turned down job offers to stay in Summer Beach.”

“Again, we’re terribly sorry,” Arlette said, averting her eyes.

“It really is their decision,” Jack added. “Blake is committed to Heather, and they want to marry as soon as she graduates from university.”

Ken lowered his voice. “She’s not pregnant, is she? Because if she’s entrapped our son, she shouldn’t expect any money out of the deal.”

Arlette looked horrified. “That wasn’t necessary,” she whispered to her husband.

“We have to know, don’t we?” Ken’s tone was rude and insinuating.

“That’s it.” Marina couldn’t take this any longer. She stood abruptly, her chair scraping loudly against the floor. The few other patrons turned to look, but she hardly noticed. “My daughter,” she said, her voice low and fierce, “did not entrap your son. How dare you suggest such a thing?”

She grabbed her purse, her hands shaking with anger. “Jack, we’re leaving. I won’t sit here and listen to that man insult my daughter.”

“You haven’t heard the last of this,” Jack said to Ken. He wrapped his arm around Marina and led her from the restaurant.

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