Great. Just when he was trying to dial down the intimacy, he was given moonlight and candles.
He managed a nod. “It’s great. Thanks.”
The table was set at the far end with stunning views over the bay. A candle flickered in the center of the table, and the scent of flowers filled the terrace.
“The lobster is good.” Kirsti handed them menus. “So is the salmon. I’ll be back in a moment to take your order. You can start with a glass of champagne on the house, courtesy of the boss.”
“Ryan’s giving away free drinks?”
“Savor the moment. That’s what love does to you. Turns your brain to mush, so it seems. And it’s Friday night, too. It’s going to cost him a fortune.”
Frankie picked up the menu. “Will you be at the wedding?”
“I wouldn’t miss it. I’ve been waiting for this to happen to Ryan for a long time. And I’m at least partly responsible for the fact he and Emily got together. Matching people up is my special gift and I always knew they’d be a perfect couple.” Kirsti left Matt and Frankie together, pausing by a neighboring table to scoop up a couple of empty glasses and exchange a few words with a young couple and then disappearing toward the crush at the bar.
“She’s a romantic, like Eva. The two of them would be best friends in under two seconds.” Frankie scanned the menu. “I can’t believe Ryan remembered me. I only met him a couple of times.”
“You’re more memorable than you think you are, Frankie.”
She put the menu down. “Because my mom blazed a trail of destruction through the island.”
“That’s not what I meant. The place has changed. Moved on, just as we have. Look around you.” He gestured with his head. “Do any of these people know what this place was like ten years ago?”
“I guess not. This building was a wrecked boatyard when I was growing up. Ryan has transformed the place.”
“He’s a smart businessman. This isn’t an easy place to make money but he’s tripled the number of visitors to the island since the Ocean Club opened. It’s good for the local economy.”
Kirsti arrived back at their table. “Olives on the house.” She placed a small bowl in the center of the table along with their drinks.
They’d finished ordering when Ryan appeared on the terrace.
Matt rose to his feet and his friend clapped a hand on his shoulder.
“Well, if it isn’t the city boy.” His greeting was warm. “We’re honored to have some New York style at our wedding.”
He and Ryan had been at school together, met up infrequently when they were at college and had drinks whenever they were both back on the island.
Ryan’s gaze settled on Frankie. “Still the same amazing hair.” He stepped forward and gave her a hug and then turned to Kirsti. “Just checking you’re not wrecking the place in my absence.”
“You shouldn’t be here! How’s Emily? You’d better hope that baby doesn’t come before the wedding.”
Judging from his relaxed expression, Ryan wasn’t too worried. “I hope it doesn’t, too. We can’t cope with extra guests. We already have half the island coming.”
“More than half. Tomorrow is going to be a beautiful day and the beach is the perfect place to get married.” Kirsti patted his shoulder. “Go home. Get some sleep. That’s going to be in short supply soon.”
“Thanks for the reminder.” The two of them vanished toward the kitchen and Matt watched as Frankie picked up her drink and stared out to sea. The soft expression on her face was gone.
All it took was the word wedding, he thought.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.” There was a pause as Kirsti brought over their food and set the plates down on the table.
Matt waited for her to move away before he carried on talking.
“When I asked you to come here that night in Central Park you said no. You were adamant that you didn’t want to do it. And then you changed your mind. Why?” It was something that had been puzzling him.
She lowered her drink. “It was because of Eva.”