“That didn’t sound like what you wanted earlier. And you still haven’t worn his ring. Are you sure about this?”
Marina couldn’t keep up with where her sister stood from day to day, and she wasn’t sure that Kai could either. She knew the dilemma weighed on her sister. Dmitri might be a great guy who simply didn’t want children. But they hadn’t known each other very long. Marina thought that when a man moved too quickly, it was a red flag. Or it could simply be true love, but who was to know for sure?
When Kai didn’t answer, Marina went on. “Axe heard you singing earlier. He was definitely impressed.” Although she hadn’t known Axe very long, their grandmother and others thought highly of him. When he built the deck for her, he’d shown her respect and never belittled her decisions.
Kai brightened. “Was he?” She gnawed her lip. “I’d love to hear him sing. We talked a little about summer stock in Southern California. It’s a shame there’s no theater in Summer Beach.”
As they strolled toward the front door, Marina thought about how much Kai loved Summer Beach. Whenever the musical theater tour went on break, Kai returned. Over the years, she’d spent far more time here than Marina had. “What if there was a theater here?”
Kai laughed. “Then Summer Beach would have almost everything I could want.”
“Almost?”
Kai paused and gazed toward the ocean. In the moonlight, Marina would see the wistfulness in her sister’s worried green eyes. “I’ve always thought that when I had a family, it would be great to be close to Ginger and Brooke to have a built-in support group.” She swept some sand from the walkway with her deck shoe.
“If that’s what you want, figure out a way to make it happen.”
Kai turned back to Marina. “I’ve always dreamed about having a theater here. Do you think that’s a crazy idea?”
“Why would I?”
“I don’t know much about business or how to run a theater. I’m the talent.”
“What did I know about running a cafe? As Ginger says, it’s simple math. Figure out what you need and how much it will cost. And always sell more than you pay out.”
“It’s easy for you. You were always good at math.”
“You’re not as bad as you’ve imagined.”
“You forget that I failed math.”
“That was calculus.”
“Twice. Even with Ginger’s help. Let’s face it; I have different genes than the rest of the family.”
“But you passed on the third try. And believe it or not, I haven’t had to calculate one single derivative to figure out my budget. Go figure.” Marina tilted her head and grinned. “If that’s what you wanted to do, I’ll help you.”
A flash of inspiration lit Kai’s eyes. “I could still tour and manage the theater during summer breaks.”
“Maybe Axe could help. I mean, he knows a lot of people around here.”
“I could call him about that.” She bounced on her toes. “Tomorrow.”
Kai’s face shimmered with fresh hope, and Marina realized how long it had been since she’d seen that expression on her sister’s face. Kai began humming, and Marina recognized the tune from Annie, the popular Tony Award-winning musical.
Kai did a little dance step and took Marina’s hand, twirling around, her skirt fluttering in the ocean breeze. She burst out in song. “Tomorrow, tomorrow—”
The front door to the cottage swung open, and a stocky, silver-haired man held his arms wide. Gold-and-diamond cufflinks on white shirtsleeves sparkled beneath a dark suit jacket that looked custom tailored.
“I’d recognize that voice anywhere,” he said. “Surprise!”
Kai spun to a stop and pressed a hand to her chest. “Dmitri, oh my gosh.” She squeezed Marina’s hand and held it a little longer before letting go. “I didn’t think you’d be able to come here.”
“I missed you too much, babe.” Dmitri swept Kai into his arms and kissed her deeply.
Standing right behind Kai, Marina glanced away to see Ginger standing in the doorway. She wore a jade-green silk caftan like an empress. Her grandmother crossed her arms and tilted her head at an imperious angle.
From Ginger’s body language, Marina could tell she was not impressed, though she had always been tough on the girls’ boyfriends. Stan had passed muster, but Brooke’s husband Chip had to shape up. As Ginger arched an eyebrow, Marina could tell that Dmitri probably fell into the latter category.
After a few long moments, Ginger snapped on the porch light. Hastily, Kai pulled back. Her face was flushed—more out of embarrassment than excitement, Marina thought.
Kai quickly introduced Marina.
“You’re Kai’s sister?” Dmitri stared, inspecting her.
Sensing his disapproval of her appearance, Marina shifted under his scrutiny. She still wore her stained apron, and her hair was a hot mess. She might not look her best, but she’d had a successful evening, and she wasn’t going to let this man dim her achievement. “One of them.”
When Dmitri looked perplexed, Kai said, “I told you I have two sisters.”
“No, you didn’t. I would have remembered, darling.”
Kai laughed. “Now you’re just being silly. Or forgetful.” She turned to Marina. “I talk about you and Brooke all the time. Dmitri just has a lot on his mind.” She squeezed his hand as she spoke.
Marina noted the excuse and merely nodded.
Dmitri glanced at Kai’s slender fingers. “Why aren’t you wearing your ring?”
“I was helping Marina with a large dinner party. I was afraid it might slip off.”
And a lie, Marina thought. Already she didn’t like the way Kai was acting with this man. What sort of hold did he have over her?
“Mrs. Delavie mentioned that.” He sniffed, held Kai’s hands, and stepped back. “You were working in the kitchen?”
“Galley,” Kai said brightly. “On the most magnificent yacht.”
Dmitri held a finger up to Kai as if instructing her. “When we’re married, you’ll be a guest on yachts. Not the help.”
Marina bristled and glared at him. “She was helping me. I’m starting a cafe.”
“Kai must protect her voice,” Dmitri said, disapproval evident in his manner. “The heat of a commercial kitchen could damage her vocal cords. We can’t have that. And just look at you.” He shook his head. “I’ve never seen you look this…disheveled.” His lip curled as if the word itself was distasteful in his mouth.
“We call this beach casual, and helping Marina was just for fun,” Kai said, throwing a look of apology toward Marina. “I was going inside for a bath.”
“My beautiful lady will emerge like Venus from the sea.” Dmitri nodded approvingly. “I’ll unpack while you make yourself presentable.”
From the doorway, Ginger’s voice rang out. “You haven’t even asked my permission.”
Dmitri frowned as if he hadn’t heard correctly—or Ginger had lost her mind. Neither of which Marina believed.
“To stay in my home,” Ginger said.