Praise for the novels of
SUSAN WIGGS
This is the perfect beach read.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber on Summer by the Sea
[Wiggss] keen awareness of sensory detail ensures that the scents and sounds of Rosas kitchen are just as palpable as the heady attraction between the protagonists.
Publishers Weekly on Summer by the Sea
Wiggs is one of our best observers of stories of the heart. Maybe that is because she knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book.
Salem Statesman-Journal
Wiggs explores many aspects of grief, from guilt to anger to regret, imbuing her book with the classic wouldve/couldve/ shouldve emotions, and presenting realistic and sympathetic characters. Another excellent title [for] her already outstanding body of work.
Booklist on Table for Five
With the ease of a master, Wiggs introduces complicated, flesh-and-blood characters into her idyllic but identifiable small-town setting, sets in motion a refreshingly honest romance, resolves old issues and even finds room for a little mystery.
Publishers Weekly on The Winter Lodge
Empathetic protagonists, interesting secondary characters, well-written flashbacks, and delicious recipes add depth to this touching, complex romance.
Library Journal on The Winter Lodge
Wiggss uncomplicated stories are rich with life lessons, nod-along moments and characters with whom readers can easily relate. Delightful and wise, Wiggss latest shines.
Publishers Weekly on Dockside
A wonderfully written, beautiful love story with a few sharp edges and a bunch of marvelously imperfect characters, this is one of Wiggss finest efforts to date. Its sure to leave an indelible impression on even the most jaded reader.
Romantic Times BOOKreviews on Dockside
Susan Wiggs writes with bright assurance, humor and compassion about sisters, children and the sweet and heartbreaking trials of lifeabout how much better it is to go through them together.
New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice
A bold, humorous and poignant romance that fulfills every womans dreams.
Christina Dodd on Enchanted Afternoon
[A] delightful rompWith its lively prose, well-developed conflict and passionate characters, this enjoyable, poignant tale is certain to enchant.
Publishers Weekly on Halfway to Heaven
The Charm School draws readers in with delightful characters, engaging dialogue, humor, emotion and sizzling sensuality.
Costa Mesa Sunday Times
A rare treat.
Amazon.com on The Firebrand
A human and multilayered story exploring duty to both country and family.
New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts on The Ocean Between Us
Summerby theSeaSusan Wiggs
Summerby theSea
In memory of Trixie,
beloved companion, faithful friend.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Part One Antipasto
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Part Two Insalata
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Part Three Minestra
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Part Four Pasta
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Part Five Entrata
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty-One
Chapter Forty-Two
Part Six Dolci
Chapter Forty-Three
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
As always, Id like to acknowledge my ever-patient critique group: Rose Marie, Anjali, Kate, Lois, P.J., Susan, Krysteen and Sheila, for their talent, wisdom and courage to sample a number of culinary experiments. Im deeply grateful to my agent, friend and champion Meg Ruley, and to Martha Keenan and Dianne Moggy of MIRA Books. Molto grazie to Mike Sharpe of Four Swallows Restaurant on Bainbridge Island, Washington, for patiently answering my many questions. And finally, a very special thank-you to my Uncle Tommy, who has no idea why Im thanking him: youve never heard the sound of my voice, but youve always had my love, admiration and respect.
PART ONE
Antipasto
Antipasto: The Italian word for a snack served before a meal. These are dishes to pique the appetite, not quench it. Antipasto literally means before the meal. Mamma used to say it was the anti-noise course because my brothers, Robert and Sal, would be so busy stuffing their faces that theyd forget to complain about being hungry.
Caponata
This has an excellent flavor and makes a very nice presentation on a perfect leaf of lettuce, not that Robert and Sal ever gave a hoot about presentation. And its even quite low in calories, not that guys care about that, either. Serve this as a traditional antipasto with a good crusty Italian bread and a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio.
Peel and dice an eggplant, toss with salt, put in a colander and drain for at least a half hour. Then heat up a heavy skillet and add ¼ cup olive oil, a small onion, chopped, and a stick of celery, also chopped. Add the eggplant and sauté. Finally, add three chopped tomatoes, three minced anchovies, a pinch of sugar, ¼ cup wine vinegar and a spoonful of capers (the best ones come from Pantelleria Island). If your family likes olives, add some of those, too, along with a pinch of red pepper flakes. Simmer for ten minutes. Cool, then store overnight in a glass container. For a smoother spreading consistency, you can whirl the mixture in the food processor, but dont overdo it. Things that are too smooth lose their character.
One
Rosa Capoletti knew that tonight was the night. Jason Aspoll was going to pop the question. The setting was perfecta starlit summer evening, an elegant seaside restaurant, the sounds of crystal and silver gently clinking over quiet murmurs of conversation. At Jasons request, the Friday night trio was playing Lovetown, and a few dreamy couples swayed to the nostalgic melody.
Candlelight flickered over their half-empty champagne flutes, illuminating Jasons endearingly nervous face. He was sweating a little, and his eyes darted with barely suppressed trepidation. Rosa could tell he wanted to get this right.
She knew he was wondering, Should I reach across the table? Go down on one knee, or is that too hokey?
Go for it, Jason, she wanted to urge him. Nothings too hokey when its true love.
She also knew the ring lay nestled in a black velvet box, concealed in the inner pocket of his dinner jacket, right next to his racing heart.
Come on, Jason, she thought. Dont be afraid.
And then, just as she was starting to worry that hed chickened out, he did it. He went down on one knee.
A few nearby diners shifted in their chairs to look on fondly. Rosa held her breath while his hand stole inside his jacket.
The music swelled. He took the box from his pocket and she saw his mouth form the words: Will you marry me?
He held out the ring box, opening the hinged lid to reveal the precious offering. His hand shook a little. He still didnt know for sure if she would have him.
Silly man, thought Rosa. Didnt he know the answer would be
Table seven sent back the risotto, said Leo, the headwaiter, holding a thick china bowl in front of Rosa.
Leo, for crying out loud, she said, craning her neck to see past him. Cant you tell Im busy here? She pushed him aside in time to watch her best friend, Linda Lipschitz, stand up from the table and fling her arms around Jason.
Yes, Linda said, although from across the dining room Rosa had to read her lips. Yes, absolutely.
Atta girl, thought Rosa, her eyes misting.
Leo followed her gaze to the embracing couple. Sweet, he said. Now what about my risotto?
Take it back to the kitchen, Rosa said. I knew the mango chutney was a bad idea, anyway, and you can tell Butch I said so. She let Leo deal with it as she walked across the dining room. Linda was wreathed in smiles and tears. Jason looked positively blissful and, perhaps, weak with relief.
Rosa, you wont believe what just happened, Linda said.
Rosa dabbed at her eyes. I think I can guess.
Linda held out her hand, showing off a glittering marquise-cut diamond in a gold cathedral setting.
Oh, honey. Rosa hugged Linda and gave Jason a kiss on the cheek. Congratulations, you two, she said. Im so happy for you.
Shed helped Jason pick out the ring, told him Lindas size, selected the music and menu, ordered Lindas favorite flowers for the table. Theyd set the scene in every possible way. Rosa was good at things like thiscreating events around the most special moments in peoples lives.
Other peoples lives.
Linda was babbling, already making plans. Well drive over to see Jasons folks on Sunday, and then get everyone together to set a date
Slow down, my friend, Rosa said with a laugh. How about you dance with your fiancé?
Linda turned to Jason, her eyes shining. My fiancé. God, I love the sound of that.
Rosa gave the couple a gentle shove toward the dance floor. As he pulled Linda into his arms, Jason looked over her shoulder and mouthed a thank-you to Rosa. She waved, dabbed at her eyes again and headed for the kitchen. Back to work.
She was smiling as she crossed the nonskid mat and entered the kitchen through the swinging doors. Quiet elegance gave way to controlled chaos. Glaring lights and flaming grills illuminated the crush of prep workers, line cooks and the sous-chef hurrying back and forth between stainless steel counters. Waiters tapped their feet, checking orders before stepping through the soundproofed doors that protected the serenity of the dining room from male shouts and clattering dishes.
The revved-up energy of the kitchen was fueled by testosterone, but Rosa knew how to hold her own here. She walked through a gauntlet of aproned men with huge knives or vats of boiling water, pivoting around each other in their nightly ballet. A stream from a hose roared against the dishwashing sink, and hot drafts from the Imperial grill licked like dragons breath at precisely 1010°F.
Wait, she said as a prep worker passed by with a plated steak that had been liberally sprinkled with tripepper confetti.
What? The worker, a recent hire from Newport, paused at the counter.
We dont garnish the steaks here.
Come again?
This is premium meat, our signature cut. Serve it without the garnish.
Ill remember that, he said, and set the plate on the counter for a server to pick up.
She planted herself in front of him. Go back and replate the steak, please. No garnish.
But
Rosa glared at him with fire in her eyes. Dont back down, she cautioned herself. Dont blink.
You got it, he said, scowling as he returned to the prep area.
Well? asked Lorenzo Butch Buchello, whose fresh Italian cuisine was drawing in patrons from as far away as New York and Boston.
Yep. Rosa grinned and selected a serrated knife from the array affixed to a steel grid on the wall. Went down on one knee and everything.
Neither of them stopped working as they chatted. He was coordinating dessert while she arranged fluffy white peasant bread in a basket.
Good for them, said Butch.
Theyre really in love, Rosa said. I got all choked up, watching them.
Ever the incurable romantic, Butch said, piping chocolate ganache around the profiteroles.
Ha, theres a cure for it, Shelly Warren cut in, whisking behind them to pick up her order.
Its called marriage, Rosa said.
Shelly gave her a high-five. She had been married for ten years and claimed that her night job waiting tables was an escape from endless hours of watching the Golf Channel until her eyes glazed over.
Hey, dont knock it till youve tried it, Rosa, said Butch. In fact, what about that guy you were datingDean whats his name?
Oh, actually, he did want to get married, she explained.
Butchs eyes lit up. Hey! Well, there you go
Just not to me.
His face fell. Im sorry. I didnt know.
Its all right. He joins a long and venerable line of suitors who didnt suit.
Im starting to see a pattern here, Butch said. He took a wire whisk to a bowl of custard and Marsala, creating an order of his famous zabaglione. You run them off and then say they didnt suit.
She finished up with the bread baskets. Not tonight, Butch. This is Lindas moment. Send them a tiramisu and your congratulations, okay?
She headed back to the dining room and went over to the podium, which faced the main entrance. It was a perfect Friday night at Celestas-by-the-Sea. All the tables in the multilevel dining room were oriented toward the view of the endless sea, and were set with fresh flowers, crisp linens, good china and flatware.
This was the sort of scene she used to dream about back when the place was a run-down pizza joint. Couples danced to the smooth beat of a soft blues number, the drummers muted cymbals shimmering with a sensual resonance. Out on the deck, people stood listening to the waves and looking at the stars. For the past three years running, Celestas had been voted Best Place to Propose by Coast magazine, and tonight was a perfect example of the reason for its charmsea breezes, sand and surf, a natural backdrop for the award-winning dining room.
Did you cry? asked Vince, the host, stepping up beside her. Theyd known each other since childhoodshe, Vince and Linda. Theyd gone through school together, inseparable. Now he was the best-looking maître d in South County. He was tall and slender, flawlessly groomed in an Armani suit and Gucci shoes. Rimless glasses highlighted his darkly-lashed eyes.