You sure? This isn’t like Amandine. She’s generally accommodating and not interested in getting in the way of your work. The old Amandine, the one before the anniversary, would’ve agreed about proving them wrong…
He shoved the irritating thought out of his mind. People changed. Yes, it was unfortunate Amandine had too, but—
“Who are they?” Amandine said, pointing.
A couple with two large dogs, one white and one black, was walking toward them. The woman was holding a gigantic parasol.
“I thought the beach was private,” Amandine added.
“It is, but Damien and his wife are probably staying at the Freeman place.”
“Damien?”
“The cellist we listened to earlier,” Gavin said, waving.
They waved back and came over. Tongues hanging out, their dogs trotted beside them.
“My gosh, it’s really you.” The two men shook hands as Damien thumped Gavin’s back. The cellist seemed younger and completely rejuvenated. “I wasn’t sure.”
“Well, it’s been a few years.”
“Since our wedding,” Damien agreed. “And you’re always so busy. So what brings you out this way? Decided to retire?”
“We just had our anniversary, so we figured why not?” Gavin said, with a sideways glance at his wife.
“You must be Amandine!” Victoria said with a big smile. “I’ve been dying to meet you.”
Gavin put an arm around his wife’s waist. “Amandine, Damien and Victoria Kirk.”
* * *
Amandine shook hands with the Kirks. Dressed in a loose pale blue T-shirt and black bathing trunks, Damien was tall, with tousled blond hair and a face gorgeous enough to grace a magazine cover. His eyes were bright, the small lines around them relaxed, and he had an interesting European accent. Victoria was pretty with a friendly demeanor. She had a cute brown ponytail that bounced with each step and a pink ribbon in her hair. Still there was a sophisticated air about her, and her white bikini top and shorts showed off a beautiful, toned body. Despite the parasol, she was attractively tanned.
“I’m so glad we ran into each other,” Victoria said to Amandine.
Amandine smiled. “It’s a coincidence, really. We were just listening to one of Damien’s recordings before we came out.”
Victoria was about to reply when the white dog whined and tugged at its very short leash. Amandine frowned. “Is that a…Doberman?”
“Yes. He’s an albino.” Victoria scratched his head. “Say hello to Amadeus.” She gave some TLC to the dark dog too. “This is Ludwig.”
“I’ve never seen a white Doberman before. Actually, I didn’t even know they existed.”
“There aren’t many,” Damien said.
Amandine squatted and shook hands with both dogs, which were surprisingly polite and well-behaved. Their glossy coats and clear eyes hinted at the excellent care they received.
“Anyway, it’s good we ran into each other,” Damien said. “Victoria was quite upset about missing the wedding. We were planning to visit after the ceremony, but with one thing and another, we just never had a chance to go to L.A.”
“It’s partly my fault. Deadlines,” Victoria said.
“What do you do?” Amandine asked.
“I’m a writer.” Victoria smiled. “I hear you’re an artist.”
Amandine’s face heated. “I’m not… I don’t really…” It seemed kind of fraudulent to claim to be an artist when she hadn’t finished anything in months.
“Don’t be so modest. I’m looking forward to seeing your work. Do you have any lunch plans?”