“No… because…” Maxine let out a long sigh. “Because she said she needed me home. And… she told me she’s pregnant.”
“She is? Well, congrats, Grandma. That’s great news.” She hugged her friend, then stepped back and frowned again. “So why don’t you seem happier?”
“I am happy about the baby. A grandchild. I never thought it would happen.”
“But it throws a wrench into you wanting to live here?” She could see how torn Maxine was.
“I do want to live here. I have a job, a home. I’m just getting settled. Back in Philadelphia I have no job. No place to live.”
“They’ve made this invention called the airplane,” she teased. “You could always go back and visit as much as you wanted.”
“But… she said she needed me.” Maxine shook her head. “And there’s more.”
“Tell me.”
“She was just so… dismissive of me. Kind of like how Victor used to be with me. I don’t know if I can go back and be treated like that.”
“Then stay here. Go there when the baby is born and help out, then come back.” That seemed like the logical approach to Beverly. Why should Maxine go back and subject herself to not being treated like she deserved to be?
“I don’t know. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard one of my kids say they needed me. I just don’t know what to do. It’s been so rocky with the kids and me. But maybe this would be a great second chance. A new stage of life for us.”
“This is one decision you’re going to have to make on your own. I’ll support you with anything you decide. But I’ll sure miss you if you leave. I’ve gotten used to having you around again.”
Maxine’s face clouded. “And I just told Dale last night that I’d decided to stay.”
“You did?”
“He was happy. And he… he started to kiss me. But then Tiffany’s arrival interrupted us.”
“You do have a lot to weigh with this decision, don’t you?” Beverly hugged her again. “But take your time. Don’t rush into anything. You’ll figure out what’s best.”
“Will I?” Maxine shook her head and headed into the kitchen.
Beverly didn’t envy her. It would be a difficult decision to make. Beverly had never been overly fond of Maxine’s children. They always acted like they were better than the people on Magnolia Key. And she didn’t like the way they talked to Maxine, either. But they were Maxine’s kids, and she knew Maxine loved them.
Maxine went about her job that morning, smiling at customers, but she didn’t fool Beverly. She could tell she was upset. But she never let it affect her job. Where was she ever going to find someone to replace Maxine at Coastal Coffee if she left? She immediately felt selfish for the thought. Maxine had to do what was best for her.
Tiffany and Darlene came in about noon. “Is Mom here?” Tiffany swept her gaze around the shop, which evidently didn’t meet with her approval as a look of disparagement settled on her face.
Beverly plastered on a wide smile, ignoring Tiffany’s look. Well, pretty much ignoring it. “She’s in back. I’ll tell her you’re here. Darlene, you here for lunch?”
“No, I just drove Tiffany over here. She didn’t feel like walking.”
“I see. Tiffany, why don’t you just grab a table and I’ll get your mom.”
Tiffany nodded, and with no thank you to Darlene, headed over to a table.
“I should get back. My knitting group is meeting at the B&B this afternoon. We’ll talk later.”
“Thanks for bringing Tiffany over.”
“No problem.” Darlene hurried out.
Beverly headed to the kitchen. “Your daughter is here. Darlene drove her over.”
“Oh, I should have gone to pick her up.”
“It’s a five-minute walk, tops.” All Tiffany had was a good-sized tote for her overnight bag.
