Darla stopped by the table and took Lily’s order. Hannah still had her lobster roll and if she didn’t eat it soon, it wouldn’t be any good. She took a bite.

By the time Lily’s salad was served, they’d covered the guest lists and started on the seating chart. Hannah had insisted on baking the cupcakes for the party. She had to do something because this party had been her idea.

“I think Amelia is going to enjoy the party, and it’ll give her a chance to get to know some of the island’s residents better.” Hannah ate another bite of her roll.

“It can’t be easy moving to a place where you only know one person.” Lily sprinkled black pepper over her salad.

“Agreed. But it’s amazing what people will do for love. Not that we’d know.”

For a bit, both Hannah and Lily were lost in their thoughts as they finished eating. She couldn’t help but wonder if Ethan’s use of the word date hadn’t been a mistake but deliberate. Was she that out of practice with men that she couldn’t tell if he was interested in her? Her heart picked up its pace. Was it possible?

“And what are you thinking about?” Lily’s voice drew Hannah from her thoughts.

“Um…nothing.”

“Is nothing the reason you’re blushing?”

“I am not.” But her cheeks were definitely warm.

“Want to talk about it?”

Just then the server approached their table. She topped off their iced teas and cleared their dishes. All the while, Hannah thought about confiding in her friend.

Though they could tease each other, they knew whatever was said between them wouldn’t go any further. But it was like once she said the words, it would make what transpired between her and Ethan a fact—something not easily dismissed.

Hannah’s mouth grew dry. She sipped her tea. And then she whispered, “I think Ethan might have asked me out?”

Lily’s eyes widened. “That’s awesome!”

“Shh…” She glanced around to make sure no one had overheard their conversation. Thankfully no one was close by. She didn’t want to stir up any small-town gossip.

“Wait.” Lily spoke softly. “You said he might have. Does that mean you’re not sure?”

In a hushed voice, Hannah said, “It was supposed to be work-related, but then he used the word date.”

“Men don’t throw that word around lightly. Did you ask him to clarify things?” When Hannah vehemently shook her head, Lily asked, “Do you want it to be a date?”

Yes. No.

She was so conflicted, but the fact she was torn didn’t go unnoticed by her…or by Lily. Maybe she was just blowing this out of proportion.

“Sorry, I’m late.” Josie’s voice drew Hannah from her thoughts. Josie sat down next to Lily. “There was a problem at the inn and I just couldn’t get away. What did I miss?”

“Nothing,” Hannah said.

“Everything,” Lily replied.

The simultaneous and conflicting answers had Josie’s brows drawing together. “Looks like I got here just in time. What did I miss?”