But now she had no idea where she was headed. No real plans. She didn’t know anyone. Suddenly, she turned the bike around and headed back to Coastal Coffee. At least she’d met one friendly person there. Beverly. And right now, she could use a friendly smile.
Chapter5
Beverly balanced a tray on one hip as she headed over to Nash’s table. “You all good? You’re in late today.” Nash was always her first customer of the day.
“Yep, had an early morning job I had to get to. Made my own coffee at home. Remind me not to do that again.” He grinned up at her, holding up his mug.
She smiled back, poured him more coffee, then turned to hurry toward the kitchen with the tray of dishes she’d cleared.
Her best friend, Maxine, came rushing out of the kitchen. “I think every person on Magnolia has decided to come here to eat today. I’ve never seen it this busy.”
“It is a bit nuts, isn’t it?” But Beverly didn’t mind. She loved the busy days, greeting her customers and chatting with them when she had a moment. The clank of dishes and silverware and the intermittent burst of laughter. She’d had no idea when she purchased the tiny cafe all those years ago that she would expand it and it would become such a popular place on the island. Pride flowed through her at her accomplishment as she turned to wait on yet another couple who entered the cafe.
Things finally slowed down later in the morning, and she grabbed her friend for a cup of coffee. “Let’s sit.”
They sat at the counter sipping coffee but keeping an eye on the handful of customers in case they needed anything. She relaxed as the familiar hum of low conversation and the occasional clink of the coffee cups surrounded them. She turned to Maxine.
“So I heard that the section of beachy decor at Second Finds is growing. Seems like it’s a big hit.” Beverly took a sip of her coffee, enjoying the flavor of the new coffee beans she’d ordered.
Maxine’s eyes lit up. “Dale says at this rate, I’ll take over his whole shop.” She laughed “As if. But I am having fun. Dale and I are going to make a big run up the state and hit some estate sales, looking for more furniture for him to fix up and me to paint.” She scrubbed at a few specks of paint on her hands. “I swear, I never get all the paint off me.”
“I’m glad it’s working out. You’re very talented.” Beverly glanced over at the bookcase that Maxine had refinished for a lending library. The whole lending library idea had been a hit too. Her customers were constantly borrowing or donating books to it. She might even have to make room for another bookshelf.
The door opened, and a woman from yesterday returned. The one who had looked a bit lost. She hesitated in the doorway. Beverly rose and waved to her.
“No, don’t get up,” the woman said. “I just came in for a cup of coffee.”
“Would you like to join us?” Beverly offered. No use having her sit alone again. She got the feeling the woman would welcome the company.
“Yes, I would, thank you.”
Beverly poured her a cup of coffee and slid it toward her. “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name yesterday.”
“It’s… Tori.”
“Nice to meet you, Tori. And this is Maxine.” Beverly glanced at Maxine. “Tori used to come here as a girl.”
“With my grandmother. Every summer.” Tori smiled, a wistful look in her eyes. “I looked forward to it every year. But then, as I got older… well, I thought other things were more important. They weren’t, but I was too young to realize it back then.”
“We all make crazy choices when we’re younger.” Maxine’s eyes clouded for a moment, then she grinned. “But I’m hoping I’m making better choices now.”
“Aren’t we all hoping we get smarter as we age?” Beverly nodded and turned to Tori. “So, are you exploring the island today? Seeing what’s changed?”
“I’m just starting to. I rented a bike since I’m not big on driving. Got one at The Bike Shop.”
“Ah, so did you meet Gavin?”
“Older man? Handsome and grumpy?” Tori gave a wry grin.
“That’s our Gavin.” Beverly laughed. “He grows on you as you get to know him. But mostly he likes to keep to himself.”
“I got that. I thought for a few minutes he was going to refuse to rent a bike to me. And he barely said anything to me while I was at his shop.”
“He’s a man of few words. But he really is a good man under all that grumpy facade of his.”
“I’ll have to take your word for it.” Tori shook her head.
The door opened again, and Beverly grinned. “Speaking of the devil.”
