“I can’t imagine being able to be in there all day, every day. It must be wonderful. I swear I could live in a shop like that. I’ve always loved antiquing and visiting thrift shops.” She loved the smell of them, the thrill of finding just the right item.
“Like I said before, you’re welcome to come in any time.”
“I will. I’ll come by soon.” She glanced over as the door opened and two groups of people came in. “I should really get back to work. Looks like we’re going to have a late morning rush.” She stood up reluctantly.
“Thanks for joining me. And I guess I’ll see you soon.” He gave her a warm smile. But then he was a friendly man. It probably wasn’t any special smile just for her.
She hurried over to greet the customers and soon was busy working. She didn’t even notice when Dale left and tried not to let her feelings be hurt that he hadn’t said goodbye. That was silly anyway. He didn’t have to say goodbye. He was just here to see the painting and have breakfast. Not to see her.
CHAPTER10
Maxine worked on the bookcase in her spare time over the next week or so. Sanding, painting, applying a light glaze that highlighted the carvings at the top of the bookcase, then finally rubbing in a wax finish. She ran her fingers along the shelves, loving the feel of the wax on the freshly painted wood.
Sal helped her wrestle the bookcase to its spot on the wall while Beverly was out running errands one morning. When Beverly returned, she exclaimed in delight, “Oh, it’s wonderful. Better than I could have imagined. And look how it brightens up that corner of the room.”
“We just need some books and a sign and we’re all set.” Maxine stood back, admiring her handiwork and beaming with pride at Beverly’s approval.
Beverly tilted her head. “That top shelf is pretty high. Maybe we should put some decorations on it instead of books.”
“That’s a good idea.”
Beverly’s lips twitched into a grin. “Glad you like the idea because I’m putting you in charge of getting something to go up there.”
Maxine laughed. “Okay then. Beach decor or maybe…” She paused and looked at the shelf. “Maybe some old-time items? Something that speaks to the history of the island?”
“I love that idea. Just a few small things. I bet you could find something like that at Second Finds.”
“I bet I could.”
“No time like the present.” Beverly nudged her.
Maxine wouldn’t mind going to Second Finds again. She’d only seen Dale once this week when he’d come in for breakfast. He’d stayed a long time, lingering over his coffee, but they’d been so busy she hadn’t had much time to chat with him.
“Oh, and this came in the mail for you.” Beverly handed her an envelope.
She saw it was from Victor’s law firm and opened it slowly, pulling out a legal-looking document and a check. She gasped. “Oh… wow.”
Beverly’s brow creased. “What is it? Is something wrong?”
“No… it’s… look at this check.”
She held the check out, and Beverly’s eyes widened. “Wow is right.”
“I had no idea it was this much.”
“That’s a nice nest egg.”
“It is. It’s from some kind of settlement that was tied up during the divorce proceedings. I have to sign the paperwork and then I can deposit the check.” Victor sure had kept mum about the amount of the settlement. He’d probably hoped he could sneak it all into his account. Luckily, her part of the settlement had been made out to her name.
She couldn’t believe her good fortune. Now she’d have money to put down on a deposit on an apartment, plus more to add to her savings. She’d enjoyed staying with Beverly but couldn’t help but feel like Beverly might be missing her alone time.
“I’m going to run by the bank, then over to Second Finds.” She could hardly take the goofy grin off her face. Money. A nest egg.Anda trip to see Dale. Well, a trip to look for items for the bookshelf. That’s all it was.
Beverly shook her head and smiled at her. “You have fun. I’ll see you later.”
Maxine practically danced her way out of Coastal Coffee.
* * *
