She bit her lip and hoped everyone felt the same. ‘‘Is Ethan still in the water?’’

‘‘No, he and Seth are doing something to the boat.’’ Phillip went to the refrigerator and took out a bottle of wine. ‘‘Where’s Aubrey today?’’

‘‘With my mother. In fact she just called and wants to keep her a little longer. I guess one of these days I’m going to have to give in and let her stay overnight.’’ She glanced down blankly at the glass of cool golden wine he offered her. ‘‘Oh, thanks.’’ What she knew about wine wouldn’t fill a thimble, but she sipped because it was expected. Then her brows lifted. ‘‘This isn’t anything like what they serve down at the pub.’’

‘‘I wouldn’t think so.’’ He considered what they called the house white down at Shiney’s one shaky step up from horse piss. ‘‘How are things going there?’’

‘‘Fine.’’ She gave serious attention to her chicken, wondering if Ethan had mentioned the incident. Unlikely, she decided when Phillip didn’t press. She relaxed again and let Phillip entertain her while she worked.

He was always full of stories, she mused. Of easy, even careless conversation. She knew he was smart and successful and had slipped into city living like a duck in water. But he never made her feel inadequate or silly. And in a cozy way, he made her feel just a little more feminine than she had before he’d come into the room.

That was why Grace’s eyes were laughing and her mouth prettily curved when Ethan came in. Phillip sat, sipping wine while she put the finishing touches on the meal.

‘‘Oh, you’re making that up.’’

‘‘I swear.’’ Phillip held up a hand in oath and grinned as Ethan came in. ‘‘The client wants the goose to be the spokesperson, so we’re writing dialogue. Goose Creek Jeans, fine feathers for everyday living.’’

‘‘That’s the silliest thing I ever heard.’’

‘‘Hey.’’ Phillip toasted her. ‘‘Watch them sell. I’ve got a few phone calls to make.’’ He rose, deliberately rounding the table to kiss her and make Ethan seethe. ‘‘Thanks for feeding us, darling.’’

He strolled out, whistling.

‘‘Can you imagine, making a living writing words for a goose.’’ Amused, Grace shook her head as she tucked the bowl of potato salad into the refrigerator. ‘‘ Everything’s done, so you can eat when you’re hungry. Your clothes are in the dryer. You don’t want to leave them sitting in there after it’s done or they’ll be wrinkled.’’

She moved around, tidying the kitchen as she spoke. ‘‘I’d wait and fold them for you, but I’m running a bit behind.’’

‘‘I’ll drive you home.’’