“Right,” Anna replied, but without a smile.

“I wish it were as clear-cut for me.”

“You seem pretty happy Gordon’s arrived.”

“I am.” She saw John take a wave, his arms stretched out. “I just wish I could put my feelings for John away.”

“Honey, everyone knows you two have it for each other.”

“No!” Linnea swung her head around. “Don’t say that.”

“When you’re in the same room, we’re all walking on pins and needles.”

“No we aren’t.”

“Why don’t you and John just sit down and talk it out?”

“We don’t need to. He has made it clear what he wants out of life. What he and I want are not the same. I’m too old—and wise—to go down that path again. So, we’re friends. I must accept that’s enough. But…” She closed her eyes with fatigue. She’d been going over and over this in her mind. “It’s so hard to know someone is not right for you, and still have emotions for him. I wish he’d just go back to California. He’s interfering with my feelings for Gordon. I need to give that relationship more time. He’s perfect.”

“Linnea, first of all, no one is perfect. Think about it. Do you know any relationship that’s perfect?”

“Maybe Cara and David.”

Anna waved her hand. “They don’t count.” She laughed. “But even with them, Cara has to still have feelings for her first husband.”

“Brett…” Linnea said softly.

“You wouldn’t be human if you didn’t have residual sentiments about John. He was a big part of your life. You loved him. And when you love someone, I don’t know if you can ever fully turn it off.” She flipped her hands up. “Not that I’ve ever really loved anyone, so this is all conjecture. Other than my boy toy, of course, but that’s another story.”

Linnea tried to laugh, appreciating her attempt at humor.

“Life’s not perfect. Love’s not perfect. Don’t be so hard on yourself.” Anna looked up sharply, then groaned. “Oh God, look what the ocean spit out.”

Linnea followed Anna’s gaze and was surprised to see Pandora James walking toward them, swinging her hips in a designer bikini that showed off her body perfectly. Her long brown hair was braided over her shoulder under a big floppy hat. She carried a large designer beach bag and wore her signature enormous sunglasses. Every man she passed turned his head to follow her long-legged gait.

Linnea hadn’t seen Pandora since she’d said good-bye at last summer’s end, headed for England, and she’d had nothing but one e-mail since January. They’d met the summer before while surfing, then encountered each other again shortly after on Sullivan’s Island. Linnea had noticed her fabulous Chanel swimsuit. Pandora had noticed the black garbage bag Linnea was carrying to pick up trash. A friendship was born.

Gordon had strained that relationship. Pandora liked him and had let Linnea know it. But Gordon wanted Linnea.

“When did she get here?” asked Anna.

“I’ve no idea. Mama was expecting her to check on Mrs. James’s house that she decorated, but no one told me anything specific.”