“So, where are you headed next?”Her mother changed the subject.
“I’m not sure. Maybe a cabin in the mountains for a bit. Do some hiking.”She had in mind a series of illustrations of a woman hiking in the mountains, sitting by streams, sitting on the front porch of a cabin. The character would be reading. Enjoying herself. Discovering nature. Different than her usual beachy illustrations.
As usual, her mother made no mention of her art, nor did she ask any questions about it. Fine. That was fine by her. Really fine. Just very, very fine.
She set her tea down and the ice cubes rattled against the sides of the glass.“I can’t stay long…”
“That’s okay. I have a meeting I need to go to soon.”
That sounded more like her mother. Probably arranging some event with The Ladies Club. Planning a charity gala. Arranging catering for a party. Her mother was nothing if not the master at planning events.
She stood.“Well, I should let you get to it then.”
Her mother rose gracefully from her chair.“I’m glad you stopped by. Will I see you again before you leave town?”
“Sure, Mom. I’m sure you will.”She headed down the stairs off the patio to the walkway around the outside of the house. She looked back just before she turned the corner and saw her mother just standing there on the expansive patio, looking out at the bay.
Her mother didn’t seem like herself today. But then, she didn’t really know her mother anymore, did she?
Chapter 6
Olivia looked up and smiled as a new customer walked up to the malt shop counter.“Good afternoon.”
He slid onto the stool.“Nowyoumust be the Livy my friend Del was telling me about. And I met your mother, Donna, when I was here yesterday.”
She didn’t recognize him from being in here before or from around town.“I am Livy. Glad to see you back so soon.”
He gave her a warm smile.“I’m Barry. I’m working on The Cabot Hotel. Discovered your ice cream yesterday and I’m afraid it’s going to be the downfall of my diet.”
“Ah. So Delbert told you about my family’s secret recipe best-ever ice cream, right?”She smiled back, automatically pulled in by his friendliness.
“He did. I was in yesterday and your mother made me a vanilla malt. Think I’ll try a chocolate one today.”
“I’m warning you, our ice cream is addictive.”She tossed him a grin as she turned to make his malt.
Her mother came up to the counter.“Well, hello there, neighbor.”
Olivia turned around from her malt-making.“Neighbor?”
“Barry rented the Meyer’s house.”
“And your mother walked me home when I got just abitturned around last night.”
“Oh, I see.”She looked from her mother to Barry. Interesting. Her mother hadn’t mentioned anything about a handsome man renting the house next to her. Nor the fact that she’d walked home with him.
She turned back, finished making the malt, and handed it to Barry.“Here you go. Enjoy.”She turned to her mother.“Oh, I invited Heather to go with us to Pelican Cay. I hope that’s okay.”
“Of course it is.”Her mother turned to Barry.“We’re taking my boat over to Pelican Cay on Saturday. There’s a beautiful beach there. Not many people because the island is only reachable by boat. The water turns into this amazing shade of crystal clear turquoise out there. It’s a little chilly for swimming this time of year, but it’s perfect for beach walking and shelling.”
“Sounds beautiful.”
Olivia couldn’t quite read her mother’s expression—probably because it shifted three or four times in as many seconds, as though acting out whatever war was raging in her thoughts. One side must have won because her mother smiled at Barry.“So…would you like to join us?”
Ah, so that was what she was warring with. Wondering whether to invite her new neighbor.
“I—are you sure I wouldn’t be intruding?”Barry looked between Olivia and her mother.
“Not at all,”her mother insisted.
