“I’m really excited about this move. I can’t wait to tell Beverly. She never complains, but I’m sure she’ll like to have her space back. I’ll move in tomorrow after the coffee shop closes. Thank you so much for this.”
“My pleasure. Seems a shame to just let this sit here empty.”
They headed back out to the courtyard between the cottages. “I should go now. I have to tell Beverly about this and get to packing up my things.”
“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow, neighbor.” He grinned and reached out to shake her hand.
She took his hand in hers, amazed at the warmth and strength of his grasp. “Tomorrow then… neighbor.” She smiled as she turned and headed to Beverly’s.
CHAPTER11
The next morning, Maxine arrived early to Coastal Coffee. In her excitement about today’s move, she hadn’t been able to sleep much. She’d packed up her things last night and loaded her car this morning before coming into work.
As she unlocked the door at opening time, Nash Carlisle greeted her. “Morning, Maxine. Going to be a hot one today.” He grabbed a copy of the paper and went to his usual table. Her work routine neatly dropped into place as she waited on customers and cleared tables, all the while glancing at her watch, anxious for the end of her shift.
As the morning rush died down, she unloaded the box of books Dale had donated and placed them on a shelf. Then she put up the porthole and glass float on the top shelf. He’d dropped them off in the middle of the rush, so she didn’t get a chance to thank him again.
Beverly walked over and handed her a carefully lettered sign. Lending Library. They hooked it on a shelf and stood back. “So, it’s a beginning,” Beverly said. “I’ll be sure to mention it to the customers when they come in. See if they have any books to donate or want to borrow one.”
“Oh, and I still have a few more things to put up.” Maxine reached into the box and pulled out the purse. “Isn’t this purse wonderful? So much detail in the beading.”
“That is nice.”
“Dale said he thinks it’s from the 1920s. It’s not very big, but I can just picture someone all dressed up for a party back then and carrying this purse, can’t you?” She opened it and looked inside. “The lining has a little rip in it.” She frowned as she fingered the tear, feeling something rustle beneath the lining.
“What’s wrong?” Beverly leaned closer to take a look.
“I think there’s… something in here.” She carried it over to the window light. “I think there’s a piece of paper in here.” She chewed her lip. “Oh, it’s not a rip. This seam isn’t sewn closed. There’s an opening.”
She carefully slipped her fingers in and felt the mystery object again. She wiggled a yellowed piece of paper out and unfolded it. “Look, it’s a letter.”
Beverly peered over her shoulder.
“It doesn’t make much sense.” She narrowed her eyes, trying to decipher all the words. Some were too faded with age to read. “The words I can make out seem a bit disjointed. And there are some numbers here too. It’s signed with just a ‘V.’”
“I wonder why it’s in the purse and who V is?” Beverly took the paper and stared at it. “You’re right, it’s pretty faded. And it has that old-fashioned handwriting. The kind you see on old census records and things like that.”
“I guess this purse must have been the V person’s?”
“Or V gave the letter to someone, and this is that someone’s purse,” Beverly countered.
“It’s all very mysterious, isn’t it?”
“It’s a bit strange how these mysterious items are popping up now, isn’t it? Like the hidden painting, and now this?” Beverly’s brow creased. “I wonder if we should frame this and put it up on the wall too. Maybe someone in town will have an idea.”
“That’s a good idea.” She put the purse and gloves up on the top shelf and arranged everything so it looked perfect. “I think we’re all set now. We’ve officially opened the lending library.”
“Thanks for all your help with it.”
“I’ve loved helping you with it. And working here. And staying with you. I really appreciate all you’ve done for me.” Maxine hugged Beverly. “You really are a great friend.”
“I’m going to miss you at the cottage. It’s been fun having you stay with me. But I understand how you want to have your own place. I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks. I can’t wait to get settled in.”
The door to the shop opened and a couple groups of customers filed in. “It’s back to work time.” Beverly headed over to greet them.
Maxine took one last look at the shelf and hurried over to help.
