"What do you do?"

In an effort to avoid meeting Hunter's eye, Simon made a show of searching for spices. "I work at a restaurant in town."

"My brother's being modest." Finn opened the fridge and pulled out a platter of steaks. "He owns The Waterfront and a few other businesses."

"Really?" Mary's father leaned forward. "You own the restaurant now."

Before Simon could answer, Finn stepped in. "Not just one. Three. Plus has shares in a bakery. And he recently purchased a winery."

"Smart." Hunter raised his glass of lemonade. "Controlling the supply chain."

Simon twisted the pepper grinder over the steaks. "That's the idea. Also, trying to support local. Eventually hope to have a true farm to table business model."

"Impressive. Good for the environment too." Hunter's approval sat heavy in Simon's gut. The last thing he wanted to do was like the guy.

"You've come a long way from slinging drinks and waiting on tables." Phillip interjected.

Simon couldn't resist looking at the man. His approval was something he desired. The man obviously admired Hunter and Simon wanted an even playing field, even though it wasn't a competition. Or was it? From the conversation earlier, when he'd tried to support Mary with her drawing, he'd seen how she'd shut down as soon as her father denied her talent. Exactly how much of an influence did her father have on her?

"It's been a long time. I considered moving to a larger city and opening a restaurant there, larger clientele base etc., but Bridgetown afforded opportunities I couldn't resist." Like the chance Mary would walk into the bar. "It's worked out so far."

Mary's father nodded, and Simon had the impression he'd scored a point.

Finn was back at the fridge, moving around items on the top shelf. "I'll have to go downstairs and get a bottle of red wine."

"I'll do it." A few minutes later, Simon returned with two bottles of Mary's favourite. Picking up the salad, he joined his brother in transporting the rest of the meal outside.

As they approached the table, Mary's father beamed at his daughter. "Good, its settled. You and Hunter will join me."

"Join you where?" Finn asked.

"Florida. Perhaps you and Emily would come down as well."

The older man's words jabbed at Simon's chest, and he stared at Mary. She was making plans for the future with Hunter. He wanted to interject, remind Mary she had plans with him. They were to spend a weekend at Clara's bed-and-breakfast. But pushing that agenda didn't seem right at the moment, especially with the way Mary avoided looking at him.

Unable to face the family discussion, one he obviously didn't belong to, Simon joined Hunter by the barbeque.

"How long have you..." he couldn't bring himself to say the word dating. "have you known Mary?"

"We met at her sister's—" Hunter flipped a steak "—at your brother's wedding reception. I tried to play it cool and wait to ask her out, but with a woman like that, you can't hesitate."

Simon's stomach rolled. That's all he'd been doing for almost a decade. Waiting for Mary.

"I mean, can you believe she's still single?" Hunter flipped another steak. "I couldn't believe my luck."

"Hmm." The man had no idea how lucky he was. "They look done." Simon offered the plate and Hunter piled on the grilled meat. Heading back to the table, both men bee-lined for the empty seat beside Mary. The plate of food in his hand delayed Simon by a fraction of a second, and Hunter won the coveted spot.

With reluctance, Simon chose the next best seat, the one across from Mary. At least he could look at her directly from there, even if she still wouldn't meet his eye. When Hunter called her darling while offering her a steak, Simon had to do something to attract her attention.

Picking up the bottle he'd brought especially for her, he asked, "Wine Mary?"

Panic spread across Mary's features. What had he done wrong? The answer slapped him in the face as Mary's glance darted at Hunter. The man sitting beside her didn't consume alcohol. Did that mean she didn't drink around him? But how could this be, she loved her wine? Certainly, she wouldn't deny herself pleasure because of a man? This wasn't the Mary he knew.

But maybe he didn't really know Mary. He thought he did. The handful of hours they'd spent together felt like a lifetime. Still, she had a whole other side to her he wasn't privy to. The realization hit him hard. If she wasn't willing to let him, how could he ever hope to truly be part of her life.

And why couldn't he? Over the years, he'd always focused on Mary not being there, but never stopped to ask himself why this was the case. Why did Mary only come around once in a blue moon? Sure, when they were young, there may have been a "we're from different sides of the tracks" vibe, with Mary being on the right side and him being on the poor side. Dating would have been the gossip of the town. But that excuse had slowly disappeared over the years as they matured. What did it matter if they were together? What was wrong with being seen with him?

Simon thought about their first date. He'd been impressed by her taking him to her special spot by the lake. But only after his disappointment at not getting to go to a proper restaurant. Where the town would see them together. Did Mary not think he was good enough to be with her beyond the bedroom?

What held her back? Even her father had been somewhat impressed by his progress.

Yet Mary didn't look at him that way. Would he ever be able to overcome her prejudices against him? How many restaurants and wineries would be enough to convince Mary he was worthy?

"I'll take some wine?" Finn thrust a glass in Simon's direction. His hand shook as Simon shifted the neck of the bottle toward his brother's offering and filled that cup. Collapsing back into his chair, Simon filled his own glass, picked it up, and took a swig. The normally bold, crisp wine tasted like sour grapes as he continued to stare at Mary across the table as she concentrated on cutting up her steak, refusing to look at him.

Simon may have scored a few goals, but he was pretty sure he was losing the game. He'd give Mary anything she wanted. Or so he promised. But he couldn't help her into the arms of another man.

"This has been great, but we should get going." Hunter stood from the table. The empty plates from their meal had been removed an hour ago, and the conversation had started to wane as the group ran out of safe topics. A conversation neither Mary nor Simon contributed much. Gone was the vivacious woman he'd been to dinner with last night. Her interactions lacked warmth, consisting of a few head nods and polite agreements. The sight of Mary reduced to this pale shadow of herself, killed Simon's appetite, and engaging in the entertainment around him seemed impossible.

Emily tried to draw them both out, bringing up discussion points of interest, and Finn did his best to support her. But each time, the trail would fizzle, leaving Hunter and Phillip to carry on with the conversation. Phillip, as usual, had no issues filling in any lags, expressing his opinion on everything from the new electric car he had his eye on and the rise of cryptocurrencies as a potential get rich quick opportunity.

Phillip drained his glass of the red wine and followed suit with Hunter's latest suggestion. "Yes, Emily must be tired."

"No, Dad. I'm fine, really. Perhaps one more drink?" Her eyes flitted between her father's and Mary's down-turned face, which looked to be studying her hands. Mary didn't move.

Phillip turned to his son-in-law. "Finn, back me up here. Emily needs to rest."

Finn gripped the sides of his chair as he pushed himself out of it and regarded his wife. Simon knew Finn wanted to agree with Phillip. If Finn had his way, Emily would be wrapped in a cocoon and waited on hand and foot. But Finn was caught between his need to protect his wife and his desire to fulfil her every dream. After Emily argued with him that she needed to live her life to be happy and her contentment was important to the baby's wellbeing, he'd caved. "I'm with Em."

Phillip's eyebrows knit together. "You don't think she should rest?"

Hunter stepped in, moving around to the head of the table to shake his hostess's hand. "Emily, thank you for the invite, but I have an early flight tomorrow."

Simon stood, and all eyes looked at Mary, the only person who hadn't moved.

"Mary, dear," her father tilted his head. "Are you coming?"

When she finally spoke, her voice was small, lacking the confidence Simon expected. "Yes, father."

Again, Emily tried to delay what seemed to be the inevitable. "Mary's had a long day. Maybe she should stay here tonight?"

Mary's head rose and met her sister's eye. From his vantage point, Simon couldn't read Mary's expression, but he watched as Emily's face softened at what she saw there.

"No, no. Mary is needed in Washington." Phillip moved to the other side of Mary and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Besides, her apartment repairs are all finished now. It's time for her to come home."

"What?" The word was out of his mouth before he could stop it. Mary had mentioned nothing about the renovations being completed.

Now everyone was looking at her, Emily with regret, Hunter and Phillip with confusion and Finn with a stone expression on his face as he rubbed his chest. Everyone except Mary, who he tried to get to face him. "You didn't tell me."

She raised her glance and held his for a moment, the patio lanterns reflected in her glassy eyes. Then she broke the connection, pushed back her chair, shook her head and rose to stand straight. "Yes. They informed me earlier this week. Everything is set for me to move back..." her voice faltered "home."

Simon found himself speechless. Was this it? He'd known her stay with Emily was only temporary, but he hadn't expected it to end so soon. If she returned to Washington tonight, would she ever come back?