Page 57 of Coral Memories

This time, Heather’s eyes lit with delight. “I’d love to wear it. Size-wise, I’m sort of in between you and Aunt Kai. Do you think Ginger would let me?”

Marina hugged her daughter. “I could tell she loved the idea. But it’s bad luck for the groom to see it before the wedding.”

Heather chuckled at that. “Uh, Mom? It’s in your wedding photos all over the house.”

“Well, don’t tell him that,” Marina said. “How about I hide the photos when Blake comes over?”

“Too late for that.” Jack chuckled and shook his head. “Blake, you’re in for a wild ride and the best time of your life, buddy. Welcome to the family.”

“Look, there they go,” Heather whispered, nodding toward Ginger and Oliver. He opened the car door for her. “I mean, don’t look.”

Marina laughed and turned back to work. Although her grandmother might deny having an interest in Oliver, her actions indicated otherwise.

Jack joined Heather and Blake, and Marina started lunch for him. The familiar rhythms of the cafe surrounded her—the clinking of dishes, the hum of conversation, the aromas of the kitchen—but her mind was elsewhere. She could hardly wait to see Ginger and tease out more details about Oliver.

Ginger might insist there was nothing between them; she might wave away Marina’s questions with an elegant hand, but Marina knew better.

She’d seen the spark in Ginger’s eyes and noticed the new dress she had on—and the earrings she saved for special occasions. Her actions gave her away.

Marina couldn’t be happier for her. If anyone deserved a second chance at love, it was her remarkable grandmother. She’d never thought about it because Ginger was so self-sufficient.

A warm glow gathered in her chest as she plated Jack’s sliders. She had the feeling Ginger’s life had more interesting chapters to come.

20

“What a well-preserved car,” Ginger said as she settled into the buttery leather seat of Oliver’s vintage Jaguar convertible.

The car purred to life under Oliver’s touch. “I like quality, and I take care of things I love.” He looked at her as he spoke, his meaning clear.

She smiled and tied a yellow Italian silk scarf over her hair. He was full of compliments, but she didn’t mind. It had been so long since she’d enjoyed this sort of banter and attention.

“Ready for an adventure?” Oliver’s eyes twinkled beneath the brim of the jaunty driving cap he’d donned.

“Always.” Still, a flutter arose in her chest that had nothing to do with the car’s vibration. That was most unlike her.

Not that she’d forgotten how that felt.

As they pulled away from the Coral Cottage, Ginger caught a glimpse of Marina and the others sneaking glances their way. She smiled, imagining the excited chatter among them.

“I thought we’d take a brisk drive before dinner. It’s such a gorgeous day.” Oliver turned on the heater and maneuvered the Jaguar onto the coastal highway.

The warmth kept Ginger toasty against the brisk wind off the ocean as they whipped along the coast. The drive felt exhilarating, and she remembered doing this with Bertrand. “You’re an expert driver.”

Oliver grinned. “I had my share of races back in the day.”

“You were such a daredevil then.”

“I sure was.” He chuckled as he followed the curve in the road. “My risk-taking is more calculated now.”

Ginger adjusted her sunglasses and let that comment slide. Or maybe he hadn’t meant it that way. She was out of practice on the courtship scene.

“This reminds me of driving along the Côte d’Azur with Bertrand,” Ginger mused, letting the memories wash over her.

Oliver nodded with a wistful smile. “Margaret and I had a similar car in Buenos Aires. She always said it made her feel like a movie star.”

“She was such a sweet friend,” Ginger said.

“And you got lucky with Bertrand.”

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