Oh yes, not to worry. The guideline is to ensure that you're not elbow to elbow with your companion, but if there are only two seats then you still have plenty of room (unless one person is right up against a wall, but this is an island you say?). If you were adding a third person and had less than 24" per person it could get squishy, but in this case I'm sure you're ok. Try it out by measuring off your dining table top to 42" (with tape) and sit with your friend and see what you think. Best to be sure before you go further.

Thank you so much!! What a good idea-I will do that.