Chapter 22
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
C laire’s phone buzzed on the folding table next to a stack of “Adopt, Don’t Shop” flyers. She glanced at the screen and saw Marie’s name. “Excuse me, I have to take this,” she told Andie, Maxi, and Jane as she stepped away.
“Marie, what’s up?”
“Five dogs are coming up from New York,” Marie reported, her voice tinged with urgency. “We need fosters. Are you still up for it?”
Claire hesitated, thinking of her territorial cat, Whiskers. “I can’t, Marie. My cat would have a fit. But Rob Bradford said he’d be willing to foster one.”
“Wonderful! If you know of anyone else who will foster, let me know. Thanks, Claire.”
Hanging up, Claire rejoined the group, who were sorting through some donations. “That was Marie. Five dogs need fostering because of the flooding in New York.”
Jane looked up from a box of leashes. “Are you taking one?”
Claire shook her head. “No, but Rob is.”
Maxi grinned mischievously. “Rob’s spending so much time at your place, you might as well be taking one.”
Claire felt her cheeks warm. “What? Are you guys stalking me?”
Maxi rolled her eyes. “Nope. It’s obvious.”
Jane looked up from the box of leashes she was sorting through. “That’s great that Rob is doing that. I know a foster is only temporary, but having Cooper has really enriched my life. Dogs just bring so much joy.”
Claire cast a playful glance at Jane. “Having Mike around seems to have had a similar effect on you.”
Jane’s face flushed a delightful shade of pink, and her eyes sparkled with happiness. “Well, I can’t argue with that.”
Claire glanced up from the donation jar as a rush of fresh air swept into the tent, heralding the arrival of four women loaded with shopping bags expertly balanced in their arms.
“Jane!” one of them said.
Jane turned, and her eyes lit up in recognition. “Everyone, meet Carol, Susan, Betty, and Margie. They’re staying at Tides. Ladies, these are my dear friends—Claire and Maxi, and you already know my sister, Andie.”
Pleasantries and handshakes were exchanged, filling the tent with a warm camaraderie.
“So lovely to meet you all,” Claire said, gesturing toward the table filled with pet-themed trinkets. “This is the animal rescue charity tent, in case you didn’t notice. Proceeds go to our local animal rescue.”
“Oh, I love animals! I have a Bichon Frisé named Charlie.” Susan beamed, her eyes sparkling as she started to describe her pet. “He’s the most curious little guy—has a knack for stealing socks. You’ll find him hoarding them under the bed like they’re pure gold!”
Betty chuckled at Susan’s story before chiming in. “And you should meet my dachshund, Oliver. He’s quite the entertainer. Whenever I play the piano, he howls along as if he’s providing the backup vocals. He’s the Pavarotti of the dog world!”
Laughter rippled through the tent at Betty’s vivid description.
“They both sound utterly adorable,” Claire remarked, genuinely charmed by their stories.
“And worthy causes like this are so close to our hearts because of them,” Susan said, pulling out a bill from her purse and dropping it into the donation jar.
Betty followed suit, her charm bracelet jingling as her hand reached into her stylish tote to retrieve her wallet, from which she pulled another generous bill.
Carol and Margie followed suit with generous donations.
“Thank you all so much. Every bit helps,” Claire gratefully acknowledged.
“Jane mentioned that you four come back every year,” Maxi said.
Margie nodded. “We love coming back to Lobster Bay for Prelude and some preholiday shopping. Of course, we love doing our favorite things, too, like the Marginal Way, and we’re about to head to the Rachel Carson Preserve to watch for deer.”
“The preserve is magical this time of year,” Maxi observed, her eyes lighting up at the mention.
“And afterward, we have a reservation at Oarweeds,” Susan said.
“I love their clam chowder,” Claire said.
“Me too,” Margie agreed.
“We may be living all over the place now—Boston, Denver, San Francisco, and Atlanta—but Lobster Bay remains our common bond,” Betty declared, her voice tinged with nostalgia.
Nods and smiles of agreement circled around the tent.
“Well, we better get a move on,” Susan secured her bag on her arm. “Hope to see you all around town!”
Claire watched as Carol, Susan, Margie, and Betty disappeared into the festively decorated main street, their laughter fading into the distant sound of carolers.
“They seem like really nice guests,” Maxi commented, her gaze following their figures until they vanished from view.
Jane smiled in agreement. “Oh, they are. A pleasure to have breakfast with—always full of stories and laughter, though Betty seems a little sad.”
“I did sense that. I wonder why,” Claire asked.
“She mentioned losing her sister when they were kids, and coming back probably brings up bittersweet memories.” Jane glanced at Andie, and Claire’s heart swooped at the affection between the two sisters.
“That’s sad,” Andie said, putting her arm around Jane.
“It is.” Maxi glanced at her watch, and her eyes widened. “Oh, I have to go. I’ve got an art lesson with Bunny!”
Claire gave her a hug. “You better get going, then. Thanks so much for your help!”
Andie chimed in with, “Hope you find that perfect client for your gallery. Your event will be amazing, I’m sure of it.”
Jane added her own sentiments. “Yeah, the universe has a way of working these things out, especially around the holidays.”
“Thank you all. That means the world to me. See you soon!”
With a wave, Maxi left the tent. Claire, Andie, and Jane watched her go, each privately sending good wishes her way.