Page 59 of Coral Memories

Oliver watched her. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. I thought you might.”

After they were seated at a table, Ginger found herself studying Oliver’s face, noting the laugh lines around his eyes and the distinguished silver of his hair.

They ordered Chef Marguerite’s special seafood medley. When the server asked if they would like wine, Ginger said to Oliver, “You probably have a long drive.”

“I’m staying at the Seabreeze Inn tonight. We can enjoy a glass. And I think I remember what you like.”

“Let’s see if you do,” she said, issuing a mild challenge. But he did, so she would have lost that bet. The server delivered theamuse-boucheand two robust Bordeaux wines to the table.

“Why are you staying overnight? Not that I mind,” she added.

“I thought I would look around.” Oliver sipped his wine, watching her reaction. “Maybe find a place to rent. I’ve already been in touch with a local real estate agent. Summer Beach is a very welcoming community.”

“It’s a wonderful place. I hope you find something that suits you.” She realized she meant that.

“What keeps you busy here?”

“When I’m in town, I volunteer at the senior center, teaching computer skills. And then there’s the Coral Cafe,” Ginger continued. “I helped Marina start it by contributing my guest cottage. We’ve had such fun, and it’s become a popular spot in town. She’s enormously talented.”

“What about your other granddaughters?”

“I have been abundantly fortunate.” She spoke with pride about Kai’s acting and directing, as well as Brooke’s gardening and family. Ethan, Heather, and Brooke’s children—she was proud of each of them. Then she shared the children’s books series she and Jack collaborated on and their latest project, her biography.

“My word, Ginger,” Oliver said, clearly impressed. “You don’t have time to be lonely, do you?”

“Time is a resource, and like all my resources, I use it wisely.”

Oliver looked at her with interest. “You haven’t changed at all.”

“Oh, no. We all do,” Ginger said. “Every day, hundreds of billions of cells in our body are replaced. We can and do change daily.”

“Then I have no excuse.” A wistful smile touched his lips.

Over dinner, they shared more stories and laughter, thoroughly enjoying themselves. Yet, Ginger detected an undercurrent of tension. The possibility of what might develop loomed between them.

After their meal, Ginger felt Oliver’s gaze on her. She decided to be direct, which was generally the best course of action between two intelligent people, she’d found. “Tell me what’s on your mind, Oliver.”

He chuckled. “With all that you do, I wonder if you have room in your life for a relationship?”

The question hung in the air between them.There it is, she thought, reminded of Bertrand’s sensible proposal so many years ago. Oliver was not unlike him.

He had a valid point. She hadn’t considered what having a man in her life might entail, mainly because she hadn’t met any she was remotely interested in.

“Your real question is not one, but two. First, do I have room for a relationship, and second, do I want a deeper relationship with you?”

Oliver smiled at her grasp of his question.

“We make room for what’s important to us,” she said. “That includes relationships, if those are worthy of us. What about you, Oliver?”

His face colored lightly. “You’ve already figured me out.”

She touched his hand as the server stopped to check on them. After the server filled their water glasses and left, Ginger changed direction. She wasn’t ready to commit to an answer. “Surely, you fill your life with interesting activities.”

“Did Bertrand’s diplomatic skills rub off on you, or was it the other way around?” Oliver smiled. “I can’t remember when I’ve had such a fascinating conversation. But to answer your question, I play golf and manage my investments. I coached aLittle League baseball team until they grew up. But considering my billions of new cells every day, I should explore new frontiers.”

She respected that.

After they finished their meal, Oliver reached across the table and gently took her hand. “I’ve had a wonderful time tonight. I’d like to see you again, if you’re up for it?”

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