Frustrated that he refused to talk to her about what was bothering him, she gripped the wheel a little tighter. “Yes.”

“Will you be home for dinner?”

“By eight or so. I need to make sure we get through the rush, and then I’ll be home. Want me to bring something from the restaurant?”

“Sure, that sounds good. My folks are doing a dinner for Adam, so I might stop by there for a bit, but I’ll be home by eight. See you then.”

As the phone line went dead, Stephanie tried to tell herself that it didn’t matter that he hadn’t said he loved her, the way he usually did. She was still thinking about that when she rushed into the Sand & Surf and nearly ran right into Grant’s cousin, Laura McCarthy.

“Whoa, what’s on fire?” Laura asked, steadying Stephanie.

“Sorry. I’m always in a rush these days.”

“How long can you continue to manage McCarthy’s and run your own place, too?”

“I love working at the marina. Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy have been so good to me, and now they’re going to be my in-laws. I can’t leave them in the lurch right as the season is starting.”

“I’m sure they’d understand that you’ve got your own business to run.”

“My goal is to get through this year and then see where things stand.”

“See if you can do it without running yourself ragged, huh?”

“I’ll try.”

As they were about to part company, the main door to the Surf opened, and in walked Grant’s ex-girlfriend, Abby Callahan. This day got better and better.

“Abby!” Laura said. “What’re you doing here?”

Abby eyed Stephanie with trepidation that added to Stephanie’s anxiety. “It seems I’m going to be living here again.”

Stephanie bit back a gasp. Living here?

“Is that good news or bad news?” Laura asked.

“Some of both,” Abby said grimly. “Cal and I have broken it off. Janey mentioned you might be looking for someone to manage the gift shop, so I figured I’d check to see if I could help you out.”

“Oh, that would be awesome,” Laura said, shooting Stephanie a glance.

For her part, Stephanie felt like she’d been electrocuted. Grant’s ex was back on the island, single again and possibly going to work thirty feet from her in the same hotel? Shoot me now, please. “It’s, ah, nice to see you home, Abby, but I’m sorry to hear about Cal. I have to get to work.” Stephanie gestured to the restaurant. “I’m sure I’ll see you soon.”

“Congratulations on the engagement and the restaurant,” Abby said with a sweet, genuine smile. “I’m so happy for you—and for Grant.”