Page 25 of A Shore Fling
I follow her through a doorway that leads us into a large room. The sounds of music and laughter surround us, instantly drawing me in. I want to be a part of the fun. I’m used to attending formal functions that are light on levity and heavy on duty. But here, no one’s expecting anything from me, and it’s freeing. Even though I’m in a room full of strangers, aside from Willow, I somehow feel lighter.
The rectangular bar sits centered in the middle, with patrons seated on barstools on all four sides, except for a three-foot space on one side for the staff to pass through. There are also bar top tables and stools spread around the perimeter of the room, with groups of people clustered around them. Almost everyone is wearing some form of jeans, whether they be full-length or cut off.I’m overdressed.I guess Willow had the right idea because there’s a whole lot of plaid flannel shirts. While I’ve never owned one, I’ve always associated them with the cooler weather. But with the air conditioning pebbling my arms and other parts of my body, I see the necessity.
“There are my friends.” Willow grabs my arm, leading me around the bar.
Friends?I didn’t realize we’d be meeting others. I was looking forward to getting to know Willow better. I squelch my disappointment and school my features in a pleasant countenance like my mother taught me.
“Will!” male voices simultaneously shout as we approach.
“Hey, guys. This is Nina. She’s visiting for the summer.”
“Hi, Nina!” They shout in unison again.
Is this some Maine thing or a coincidence?
I can’t hold back my smile. “Hi, everyone.” I can’t help but notice what a good-looking bunch they are. Maybe Maine has more to offer than I initially thought.
“That’s Reed, Drew, and Jordan.” Willow points at each of them as she says their names.
“Which one is Travis’ brother?” I ask.
“All of them.”
My eyebrows climb, lips parting. I mouth, “Wow.”
She laughs. “I know, right? It’s quite an impressive gene pool.”
I fan my face. “I’ll say.”
Ginger suddenly appears with a glass of wine in her hand. “Hey, ladies.”
I feel a quick jolt of surprise at seeing her before I’m grinning. “Hi, Ginger.”
She catches my eye and raises her brows. “You again?” She tries to remain serious, but a giggle pops free.
Laughing, I step forward and we share a quick hug. It’s strange how happy I am to see her, considering we only met this morning.
Willow’s gaze pings from Ginger to me. “You two already met?”
I nod. “I went for a walk this morning and stopped at Laugh A Latte to grab breakfast.” I glance at Ginger. “By the way, the blueberry muffin was chef’s kiss.”
Ginger preens at my compliment. “Thank you. It’s the locally grown blueberries that make them taste so good.”
“Really?” Willow quirks an eyebrow in challenge. “Then why are all your muffins just as delicious?”
Ginger shrugs. “I use my grandmother’s recipes.”
Willow rolls her eyes. “For fuck’s sake, Ginger, take some credit. You’re the one who makes everything.”
Ginger’s cheeks flush a pretty shade of pink as she nods. “I’ll try.”
Willow turns to me, her lips curving with amusement. “As you can see, someone can’t take a compliment.”
I catch Ginger’s eye. “Well, I plan to be a frequent patron of your place.” I pause, placing my hand on my chest. “And I’ve been told I have impeccable taste.”
“And no common sense,” a deep voice I’m becoming all too familiar with calls out behind me.
My eyes briefly close before I school my features and turn around. “Harbormaster Travis. What a…nicesurprise.”
