Holiday In the Hamptons (From Manhattan with Love 5)

“It’s the way it was. I just felt so bad for my mom. She loved him so much. She worked so damn hard to please him, and he didn’t even give her a morsel of affection in return. That was the worst part for me. Made me realize that loving someone isn’t enough. They have to love you back, and you can’t make that happen. Wanting it isn’t enough. I didn’t realize Daniel had told you.”

“Why wouldn’t he? We were good friends.”

“Before I came along and ruined it.”

“He was protective of you. I don’t blame him for that. And he was worried I’d hurt you.”

And he had hurt her.

It had been unintentional, but he’d hurt her nonetheless.

The wind blew them along, and he kept his gaze fixed on the horizon. Other sailboats dotted the horizon, two or three abreast as they bounced over the waves. Sleek yachts, the thoroughbreds of sailing, that wouldn’t be seen once the summer season ended. As the weather cooled and the wind whipped at the water, those boats would be replaced by fishing vessels loaded with nets and ice chests.

Fliss made a sound of annoyance. “I didn’t need him to police my relationships. But I did feel bad that I ruined your friendship.”

“I was responsible for that.” They slid through the waves with barely a whisper, the boat accelerating under his touch. “And so was he, by not listening when I tried to talk to him. But when it came to you he had a protective streak as wide as the Atlantic Ocean.”

“I know. He still does. Did you know that he’s getting married? They haven’t fixed a date yet, but it’s serious.”

“A woman called Molly? I met her when they brought her Dalmatian to the vet.”

“That’s right. She’s been good for Daniel. I’ve never seen him like that before. She brings out the best in him.”

“I guess that’s how it’s supposed to be.” He sailed the boat across to the island, turned the boat head to wind and dropped the anchor. “Grab the cooler. I raided the deli on my way home from the clinic. There’s cold chicken, fresh salad and a sourdough loaf.”

“Are we going ashore?”

“No. We’ll eat on the boat.”

“How about swimming?” Her eyes gleamed. “Are we doing that?”

“Did you bring a bikini?”

“As it happens I’m wearing one under my clothes. I promised Harriet no skinny-dipping.”

“Damn.” He handed her a plate. “If I’d known that, I would have invited a different woman. You’re no fun.”

“That’s me. Staid and sensible.” She peered into the cooler. “This looks delicious.”

“What’s your grandmother eating tonight?”

“Nothing I made, so you can relax. Her friends brought her dinner. Dora made a casserole that would feed the whole of the Hamptons. I’ve decided I want that when I’m ninety.” She sat down and stretched out her legs, tilting her face to the sun. “A bunch of great friends who will talk about everything, including sex, and feed me. I used to wonder why Grams didn’t move from here, but I’m starting to understand why she’d stay.”

“Dora?” He divided the food onto two plates. “Owns a chocolate Lab called Darcy?”

“You know her?” She took a bite of chicken and purred like a contented cat. “This is delicious.”

“I’m the vet. I know everyone. Darcy is my patient. Nice temperament.”

“That’s good to know because starting tomorrow, I’m walking Darcy.”

“You are? So that’s three dogs now. Maybe you should extend your business to cover the Hamptons.”

Fliss swallowed and stared at him. “There are already plenty of dog-walking businesses here already.”

“Upscale ones

that will give your pooch a spa day or fly it in a helicopter to Manhattan. I’m willing to bet there are plenty of people who’d use a quality, trustworthy outfit like the Bark Rangers. And for those people who shuttle between here and Manhattan, you offer continuity.”