Page 53 of The Romance Fiasco

Three sets stare at us and it’s only now, hours later, that I realize it’s dinner time.

As if shaken from a stupor, we both spring to our feet.

“I’d better feed them.”

“I ought to, um—” I point to the door. But I don’t know what I ought to do. I don’t want to leave. Where will I go?

“Have dinner with your brothers.”

“Oh, right. Forgot about that.”

“What should we call this endeavor?”

“You mean the dogs and veterans thing?” For a second, I was thinking of calling itus.Lally and me. Nearing forty, I’m a little too old for boyfriend-girlfriend terminology, but this feels like the beginning of a relationship.

She says, “How about Boo’s Battle Bros?”

“I like that. Let’s do it.” I wander toward the door, Boo rooted to the spot where Lally prepares Madame and General’s dinners.

As if not realizing I’m about to leave, Lally says, “This is going to sound like a weird question, but I’m from the Pacific Northwest, so this island world is all new to me. Was your family a band of pirates?”

She turns around, spotting me with my hand on the doorknob when I laugh.

“Oh, you’re leaving? I thought Boo could try some of my homemade dog food. I’ll mix it with regular kibble, so he can make a gradual adjustment.”

“That would be great. And why don’t you come with me?” I blurt.

Looking around, Lally asks, “Where?”

“To dinner at the Driftwood. You could be my plus-one.”

“That sounds formal.”

“I don’t know what it will be, but I’d like you there with me.”

Lally beams a smile, something that I’ll never, not in a million lifetimes, tire of seeing.

Lally

CHAPTER 13

The last time I visited the Driftwood Resort was when Isla was painting a mural on a broad wall of a building and Madame made her debut as a Pink Lady. Tonight, lantern-lit paths lead Magnus and me toward a softly glowing building that appears as if it’s sailing in the darkness.

He knows his way by heart and took my hand the moment we got out of the car. It’s a protective gesture, but I think he’s less worried about anything lurking in the shadows ready to attack me and more concerned about being back on this property.

Despite Magnus’s genuinely tough guy exterior, there’s a history hidden behind his eyes and I have a feeling it has much to do with treasure found...and lost right here.

He’s quiet, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the man’s middle name isTall Silent Type. I know, I know, that can’t be a middle name but cut me some slack. My dogs are called Madame de Pupadour and General MuttArthur.

Wayfarer signs appear at every junction along the path, pointing toward fire pits, the Pirate Ship Playground, mini golf, the pool, and something ominously called The Plank.

Instead of going inside the main building named the Galleon, which resembles a ship of the same name but is composed of a mosaic of salvaged items—stained glass windows, iron grates, driftwood, ship’s wheels, portholes, and more—Magnus detours around the back to a garden patio strung with twinkling lights.

So captivated by the resort, I hardly heard the laughter filtering through the night.

Isla jumps to her feet and greets me with a hug. She opens her arms for Magnus as well. I half expect him to give her a formal shake instead of a warm embrace.

“Welcome, welcome. If it weren’t already dark, we could play a little predinner pickle ball or have a corn hole tournament. There’s also giant chess.”

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