Chapter 2
2
“ H ello, Coral Cafe.” Marina tucked the phone between her shoulder and jaw as she plated the last butternut squash salad of the lunch run. “How may we help you? Uh-oh…” The phone slipped from her tenuous grip.
As she fumbled the device, Cruise whipped around from the stove. “Got it,” he said, catching her phone in mid-air. Grinning, he held the phone to her ear.
It was her friend Ivy at the Seabreeze Inn. She laughed and said, “Marina, your grandmother’s painting is ready. I’ve left messages, but she hasn’t called, so I’m a little worried. Is she okay?”
“Ginger is fine, but she seldom checks her voicemail.” Cradling the phone, Marina finished the winter vegetable salad with a flourish of pumpkin seeds. With Cruise handling the kitchen and a part-time server on tables, she could leave the cafe after lunch. “I could pick it up this afternoon for her. I’ll check with Ginger.”
“Perfect,” Ivy replied.
After hanging up, Marina turned to Cruise. “Would you handle everything from here?”
“Yes, Chef,” he replied automatically.
“And Cruise?” Marina grinned at him. “Nice catch.”
He juggled his tongs. “Anytime.”
She changed out of her chef jacket and into a pink hoodie embroidered with the town’s logo and tagline: Life is Better in Summer Beach.
After confirming with Ginger and swapping her Mini-Cooper for Jack’s vintage VW van, she and Ginger started for the Seabreeze Inn.
Her grandmother settled in the seat beside her, dressed in pressed denims and kitten-heel boots with a smart ivory wool jacket. “I loved the creativity you all brought to our decorating party. I’m enjoying the fresh perspective.”
“This holiday season feels different,” Marina said as she drove along the sunny coastline and turned onto Main Street.
She loved spending the holidays at the beach. The summer crowds had thinned, and the village looked magical. Glittery Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa decorations sparkled in every storefront. They passed Brandy’s hair salon, which looked busy.
“Kai called this morning,” Ginger said. “She made our appointments for an afternoon of pampering at Beach Waves.”
“Sounds good.” She glanced at her grandmother, whose ginger-colored hair was always styled. “Is it just me, or does something feel off this year?”
“Are you worried because I’m cleaning house? I saw the way you looked at the donations yesterday. I’m fine, dear. Nothing to worry about.”
Marina let out a breath. “Thanks for clearing that up.”
“Your expressions are easy to read,” Ginger said pointedly. “Don’t ever bet on cards.”
“I only bet on my business. That’s risky enough.”
Ginger swayed to “White Christmas,” the Bing Crosby version Marina had put on for her. “Every year brings changes, dear. We’ll have babies around the tree for the first time in years. And Heather is building quite a business with the cafe’s food trucks. Her holiday coffee and treats menu was a brilliant idea. You raised a smart young woman.”
“I’m proud of her. Ethan, too.” Recalling their last phone conversation, Marina sighed. Her son had always loved golf and recently fulfilled his dream of turning professional. “Sadly, he’s unable to come home for Christmas.”
“Is that what’s troubling you?” Ginger touched her shoulder. “Ethan is having the time of his life. Is it a new girlfriend?”
“With his demanding travel and practice schedule, he says he doesn’t have time.” Even so, Marina was happy for him. “This will be the first Christmas the twins haven’t spent together. Maybe that’s why it feels off.”
Ginger nodded thoughtfully. “I remember when you moved to San Francisco. We adjusted, and you will, too. Growing pains aren’t only for children. It’s normal as we move through life’s phases. The key is to expect and embrace change, not fight against it.”
Marina inclined her head. “For years, you celebrated Christmas Eve with Brooke and her children, and then flew to visit us on Christmas Day. In hindsight, I realize that was a burden on you. I shouldn’t have asked you to do that.”
“You didn’t. It was what I wanted to do.” Ginger’s eyes sparkled at the memories. “Traveling on Christmas Day is a joy. Most people are full of good cheer, except those who seldom are anyway. I try to find something to enjoy every day because there is plenty to complain about. Yet, all that does is give you ulcers and premature wrinkles.” She paused. “What do you enjoy every day?”
“Jack and Leo, of course. Working with Heather and following Ethan’s career. Being here with you and my sisters and their families.” Marina glanced from the window toward the sea. “And I love waking to the sound of the ocean.”
Ginger nodded. “This is our mild, sunny winter. Why, I remember fresh snowy days in Paris. They were gorgeous and wildly romantic but also came with wet boots and chapped cheeks. One could choose to love it or complain incessantly.”
Marina smiled at Ginger’s eternally upbeat approach to life. Today hardly felt like winter to anyone but the locals. She loved this time of year. Fewer people were on the beach, lemons were turning yellow, and poinsettias fluttered in the breeze.
“This year, we’ll have new faces gathered around our traditional feast,” Ginger said.
“Two new babies and one young-at-heart boyfriend—I mean, your beau .” Marina corrected herself with the word her grandmother preferred.
Ginger rested a hand on Marina’s shoulder. “Oliver is more than a beau now.”
“Is there something you want to share?” Marina asked.
“Soon, perhaps.” Her grandmother shrugged with a small smile.
Even at Ginger’s age, she was vibrant and attractive, ageless in spirit and mind. She could still out-trek Marina up the cliff to her favorite meditation spot overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
From time to time, Ginger also flew to the East Coast to train young code breakers working on government projects. Only recently, during his research for his biography of Ginger, Jack learned that she had been studying potential applications of artificial intelligence for years.
Her grandmother patted her arm, and Marina tried to shake off the odd sensation she felt. Still, even Jack had noticed it this morning. He’d joked with her, calling it a premonition.
Maybe it was.
She lifted her chin and shook her hair back. Christmas was a time for secrets and surprises, that’s all.
“Thank you for helping me pick up the painting today,” Ginger said, cutting the small silence between them. “Oliver adores Ivy’s seascapes. I’m sure he doesn’t expect this.”
“It’s been a well-guarded secret,” Marina assured her. “Others, not so much. Last night, Scout dragged out the colorful case we bought for Leo’s surprise laptop.”
“Didn’t you and Jack hide it?”
“Sure, but that dog opens doors, and we don’t have many hiding places in the cottage. Still, Leo was ecstatic over his early gift. He loves his new computer.”
Ginger laughed. “Unexpected mishaps are half the fun of holidays. As long as no one is hurt.”
“I had plenty with the twins when they were young.” Life moved fast , she thought.
Jack’s son was nearly a teenager. Heather had graduated from university and became engaged last year. Although she and Blake had initially planned a summer wedding, with her managing the Coral Cafe food trucks and Blake overseeing a new marina life rescue and research organization, they’d decided to put off the wedding until spring.
Marina eased the van in front of the Seabreeze Inn, and a woman on a ladder turned to wave at them. Shelly secured one end of a green garland over the front door before climbing down to greet them. Velvet-red poinsettias lined the path to the entry and spilled from the veranda. Beribboned wreaths hung from every window.
“Shelly has outdone herself on decorations this year,” Ginger said. “I’m sure Amelia Erickson is pleased with her efforts.”
Marina smiled at the mention of the former property owner. “You speak as if she’s still with us.”
“Maybe she is.” Ginger unbuckled her seatbelt. “She was such a force; I’m not surprised that her presence is still sensed here. That’s what Shelly tells me. Fortunately, Amelia’s spirit seems benevolent.”
“I wouldn’t mention that to Ivy.” Marina grinned as she turned off the engine.
Although Ivy, her sister, and niece had transformed the grand old home into a popular inn, a roaming spirit was a sensitive subject between them. Ivy worried a haunted inn would be bad for business; Shelly argued the opposite. They’d disagreed about that since Marina arrived in town.
When they started toward the entryway, Shelly moved the ladder to one side, greeted them with hugs, and opened the door. “Ivy told me you’re picking up the painting for Oliver.”
“I hope my suggestion worked out,” Ginger said, her eyes brightening.
Shelly smiled. “I think it’s one of her best.” She excused herself to continue her work outside.
Ivy was in the foyer with their niece Poppy, who ran the marketing efforts for the inn. The room was festooned with lavish garlands and brightened with poinsettias. A hint of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the air.
“What lovely decorations,” Ginger exclaimed.
Ivy greeted them and they chatted a little about the upcoming open house, a popular affair that Marina, Ginger, and the rest of the family would attend.
After chatting a little, Ivy said, “I’ll bring the painting out for you. Would you like to come with me or wait in the parlor?” She motioned toward an adjoining room tastefully decorated with antiques and seascapes.
“We’ll wait,” Ginger said, sitting on the sofa. “We can visit with Poppy.”
But before Poppy could join them, the front door opened, and a slender young woman with a pixie haircut, black turtleneck, and paint splattered jeans stepped inside. She gazed around the grand entry with a tentative expression.
Poppy stepped from the reception desk. “Welcome to the Seabreeze Inn. Do you have a reservation?”
“No, but I hope you have a room for a few days.” She rested her backpack by the door. “I was on my way to an arts and crafts show in Los Angeles, but my vehicle had other ideas. The mechanic says it will take several days to find the right parts and repair it.” The young woman’s dark blue eyes scanned the entryway with keen interest.
“I’m sorry, we’re fully booked,” Poppy replied. “You could try the Seal Cove Inn.”
“They sent me here.” The woman lifted her eyebrows. “I’ve never been to Summer Beach. Could you recommend another inn here?”
Ginger brushed her hand against Marina’s. She glanced at her grandmother, whose eyes held a curious look of interest.
“Are you an artist?” Ginger asked the younger woman.
Mildly surprised, she nodded. “My hand painted Christmas ornaments and snow globes are popular this time of year.” A smile wreathed her delicate facial features. “I’m Holly Berry—my parents had a sense of humor.”
Marina couldn’t resist asking, “Were you a Christmas baby?”
“That’s what my birth certificate says,” Holly said, shifting.
“What a shame you’re stranded here for the holidays,” Ginger said. “Where is your family home?”
“Phoenix, but I don’t have any family. I usually spend holidays with a couple of friends I met in foster care. They’re the closest thing to family I have. I was moved around a lot.” Holly bit her lip and shrugged. “But with my misbehaving car, that won’t be happening this year.”
Her grandmother swiftly extended her hand. “I’m Ginger Delavie, and I have a room for you at the Coral Cottage.”
Marina wondered if that was wise. They knew nothing about the younger woman besides what she said.
But then, Marina thought about her father’s history. Dennis Moore had been raised in foster care, too. He’d worked hard to put himself through the university to become a certified public accountant. She couldn’t judge Holly for that. Whatever had happened to the girl’s parents wasn’t important. Still, something struck her as vaguely familiar about the young woman.
“Is your inn very far?” Holly asked. “I walked here, of course.”
“It’s fairly close, and we’re happy to give you a lift,” Ginger replied, avoiding Marina’s look of surprise.
Finally, Marina had to speak up, “It’s not really?—”
“And my granddaughter Marina runs the adjoining cafe,” Ginger said, gesturing to her with a look that said, This is my decision .
“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Holly,” Marina said, giving in to her grandmother’s will.
Just then, Ivy returned with the painting. “Here you are, just as you wanted. Summer Beach, as seen from the driver’s seat of Oliver’s car. And that woman in the distance is you.”
They all turned toward the painting, a likeness of Summer Beach, with Ginger’s cottage on one side and a vintage Jaguar convertible on the other. Two forms strolled the beach—Ginger and…
“Is that Oliver?” Marina had been so accustomed to seeing Ginger with Bertrand in photographs and portraits, that it took her by surprise, even though it shouldn’t.
Ginger raised her brow and smiled. “Of course.”
Marina’s grandfather had passed away years ago, and Ginger had the right to date. Or choose another…what? Significant other? Husband?
Her grandmother was still scrutinizing her. “Does that surprise you?”
Marina’s cheeks warmed with embarrassment. “No, but he’s sure to be surprised. In a good way, for sure.”
Ever gracious, Ginger pressed her lips together in a knowing way and lifted her chin. “With this, he’ll remember Summer Beach wherever he goes.”
Admiring the work of art, she wondered about Ginger’s motivation for this. “Is Oliver moving?” Ivy asked.
“The lease on his beach bungalow will be up soon. He will have to make a decision.”
Now everything was making sense. She recalled Oliver’s upcoming trip to Boston to visit his nephew’s family—the son of his late brother Kurt.
Is that what this painting was about? She couldn’t imagine Oliver moving and letting Ginger go, but family was important at their age.
A chill crept over her. Would Ginger move with him? She was so shaken by this thought she couldn’t even ask the question. She hadn’t thought this decision would come this soon.
Marina and her sisters needed Ginger, too.
Turning back to Ivy, Ginger put a hand to her heart and nodded her approval. “You’ve amazed me again with your talent. I’m sure he’ll love it.”
While Ivy wrapped the piece with care, Marina found her voice again. “We brought Jack’s van to transport it.” She reached for the painting, eager to do something to alleviate the tension she felt.
Ginger turned to Holly. “We have room for you, too. Come along; we’re going there now.”
The younger woman dipped her chin. “I appreciate that, but I have to ask your rates.”
Placing a hand on Holly’s shoulder, Ginger said, “You’ll be staying in my home. I have plenty of room now that my girls have moved on. Our Heather is about your age and has a room down the hall. Think of us as family while you’re here.”
Once again, Marina was surprised, but Holly’s face filled with relief and joy. “Oh, thank you. I’m so happy to have met you.”
Looking jolly, Ginger hooked her arm through Holly’s. “It’s such a nuisance having your car break down just before the holidays. But now we can learn all about each other. Won’t that be fun?”
As Ginger and Holly led the way, Marina exchanged a look with Ivy and shrugged. Ginger did things her way.
Holly seemed a little lost, though she was certainly artistic and adventurous, setting off on her own to sell her wares at arts and crafts markets. She wasn’t likely a serial killer, so where was the harm in inviting a stranger home? Ginger was generally a good judge of character, and she did as she pleased.
Then another thought struck her. Wouldn’t Marina want someone to look after her daughter like that?
“Just a moment. At the door, Holly stopped and dug into her large backpack. “I know it’s here somewhere.” As Ginger waited, she opened one small box, then another.
“What delightful ornaments,” Ginger said, peering at one with interest. “Are these the ones you make?”
Holly nodded. “I often paint images of people and places I recall.”
“Here, this one is meant for you, I think.” She handed Ivy an ornament with a hand painted scene, suspended from a golden ribbon.
“What a lovely beach house by the sea…” Ivy paused, lifting a pair of red reading glasses for a closer look. Surprise flashed across her face. “Why, you’ve painted the inn.”
Holly shrugged with a small smile. “Sort of looks like it.”
Ivy peered closer. “No, it’s identical. This is astonishing. How did you do this?”
“I paint from memory,” Holly replied, her cheeks flushing pink.
That comment didn’t sit well with Marina’s journalistic training. “I thought you said you’ve never been to Summer Beach.” She noticed Ginger’s mild admonishment from the corner of her eye but couldn’t help herself. Her grandmother had just invited this stranger—who was clearly caught in a lie—into her home.
Was Ginger losing her judgment and perspective?
Poppy leaned forward. “You probably saw our photos on the internet or social media. I post everywhere.”
Relief washed over Holly’s face. “I have a photographic memory for images.”
“As an artist, I can appreciate that,” Ivy said, turning over the ornament. “It’s quite good. We’ll hang this on our tree with pleasure. Thank you.”
Marina lifted the painting into the van with Holly’s help. On the way to her grandmother’s home, Marina listened as Ginger chatted and asked questions. Holly peered out the windows with apparent interest.
When there was a lull in the conversation, Marina asked, “So, you live in Phoenix?”
“Sometimes,” Holly replied. “I travel to shows a lot.”
“I love visiting there. What part of Phoenix?”
“Oh, different parts. I stay with friends.”
Marina considered that vague—evasive even. “And you don’t know the area?”
“Not really. I’m either painting or going to shows.”
Overall, Holly was pleasant enough, Marina figured, although she offered few details about her life. That was disconcerting.
And then, Marina remembered her father again, and guilt nibbled at her mind. She knew it could be challenging for kids aging out of foster care to find their place in the world.
When they arrived home, Ginger nodded toward the cottage and glanced at Holly. “Does this look familiar?” she asked lightly.
Holly stared at the Coral Cottage, her lips slowly parting. Recognition flashed across her face.
While Marina watched, Ginger held out her hand. “Let’s see the other ornament you took from your bag.”
Marina had seen Ginger glance at that one earlier when Holly was searching for the one she gave Ivy.
The younger woman dug into her backpack again and withdrew the first piece. She stared at it for a moment before showing it to Ginger.
“What a remarkable likeness and excellent detail,” Ginger said, comparing the ornament to her home. “Just look at this, Marina. Isn’t it lovely?”
Marina narrowed her eyes. Holly had likely seen the Coral Cafe online, although this miniature scene was of the front of Ginger’s home rather than the cafe. There were two figures beside it—a woman and a man. Still, anyone could have taken a photo and posted it. She’d seen tourists set up shots of Ginger’s coral-painted cottage against the blue sea and sky. The juxtaposition of colors created striking photos.
Ginger held up the ornament. “This could be me and Oliver. How funny. It seems you painted Summer Beach before you arrived.”
“I had no idea,” Holly said, her face paling. “But you should have that. As a gift. For good luck.”
“Maybe this is why your car stalled here,” Ginger said thoughtfully.
“Likely, it’s another coincidence,” Marina said. She got out to carry Oliver’s painting to a hiding place in the cottage.
Ginger believed people were right where they were supposed to be. However, Marina questioned this. Accidents happened and cars broke down.
“I just paint from memory,” Holly said again, almost to herself.
Ginger tapped her chin in thought. “Some call what you have second sight .”
Holly turned away, but Marina could see the tips of her ears turning pink. For some reason, Ginger’s comments disturbed her.
Deeply.
As if I don’t have enough to do this holiday season , Marina thought. Suddenly, another possibility came to mind.
Maybe Holly was the reason she’d been feeling out of sorts today. Had Jack been right about a premonition? If she’d really sensed Holly’s arrival, now she felt even more off kilter.
And just when things were going so well this holiday season.