Chapter 7
D arlene entered the back door of Coastal Coffee after closing time and found Beverly finishing up in the kitchen.
“Darlene, great to see you. What brings you here?” Beverly set down a tray of dishes.
“I’m just headed to the market to get a few things. Thought I’d pop in and say hi.”
“I’m glad you did. I still have some sweet tea made up. Would you like a glass?”
“Sure, that sounds nice.”
Beverly poured two glasses and led her over to a small table in the corner of the kitchen. They sat down, and Beverly let out a small sigh. “That feels good to get off my feet. Busy day today.”
“I wish I could say I was that busy. We haven’t been completely full of guests for weeks.”
“I’m sure it will pick up. It’s the end-of-summer lull is all.” Beverly took a sip of her tea. “Oh, one of your guests came in today. He said you recommended the cafe to him. Mark Donovan. He was quiet, but friendly. He seemed like kind of a lost soul.”
“You picked up on that too?”
Beverly nodded. “And he seemed familiar. I finally put two and two together and figured out he’s that mystery author.”
“He is. Though he told me he’s having a bit of writer’s block, which was why I suggested he put it aside and just explore the island for a bit.”
“Always a good suggestion. Wandering the island always helps one sort things out.”
“It does. Not that I’ve had much time for that. Felicity has been busy with Brent. Helping him with some research.”
“You should hire someone part-time. Everyone needs a break sometimes. It really helps that Maxine is here and helping me with the cafe. I even took a full day off the other day.” Beverly’s mouth rose into a wry smile.
Darlene laughed. “Really? Well, good for you. Owning your own business isn’t for sissies. It’s a lot of work, a lot of hours.”
“It is. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Beverly leaned back and stretched out her legs. “Say, did you hear about the new inn opening up?”
“Felicity mentioned it.”
“It opens this weekend. They’re calling it Sea View Inn.” Beverly looked at her closely. “You worried at all about it?”
“No, I don’t think so. It sounds like it will appeal to a different clientele than the guests who come to my B&B.”
“You’re probably right. And the wine bar they have—with something called small plates?—won’t compete with Coastal Coffee because I’m only open for breakfast and lunch, not happy hour.”
“As much as I like things to stay the same here on the island, I know that’s not possible.” She frowned. “Any more news about Cliff and the high-rise he wants to put at the end of the boardwalk?”
Beverly scowled. “Not that I’ve heard. I think it’s stuck in some kind of re-planning stage.
Trying to get it to squeeze past approval with the planning committee.
I think they’re having another open council meeting soon.
I plan on going and voicing my opinion that a structure like that has no business on this island.
” She shrugged. “Anyway, I suggested to Cliff that he no longer come into Coastal Coffee. I have no desire to see him. There are other places he can frequent if he needs to eat out.”
“Eleanor is pretty mad at him about the whole thing. She told me she didn’t know where she went wrong in raising him. He should know better than to try to change the whole small-town atmosphere of Magnolia Key.”
“Well, Cliff has always done what he wants. What’s best for him. Never considering other people.” Beverly’s words came harsh, clipped.
“Hopefully, we can convince the town council to reject his plans.”
“Hopefully. But he does have a few buddies on the council. And quite often, a Griffin or a Whitmore gets what they want.”
Darlene smiled. “But have you ever seen Eleanor not get what she wants? And she sure doesn’t want that high-rise.”
Beverly laughed. “There is that.”
She rose. “I should get to the store and back to the B&B.”
Beverly took the glasses and put them in the sink. “I’m glad you stopped by. Don’t be a stranger.”
She waved and slipped out the back door, eager to get her groceries and back to the B&B.
Darlene pulled into her usual parking spot behind Bayside B&B, then gathered the grocery bags from the trunk. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the wraparound porch, where Mark sat in one of the white rocking chairs, a notebook open on his lap.
“Good afternoon, Mark. Did you enjoy exploring the island?”
He looked up, closing the notebook. “I did. The lighthouse was exactly what I needed today. Thank you for the suggestion. Oh, and I had a late lunch at Coastal Coffee. Another good suggestion.”
She didn’t mention that she already knew that because she’d stopped by to see Beverly. His smile seemed more genuine. He stood and stepped forward. “Here, let me help you with those bags.”
“That’s very kind of you.” She handed him two of the lighter ones. “I was just about to set out some wine and appetizers for the guests. Would you care for a glass?”
“That sounds wonderful, actually.” He followed her to the door. “Would you consider joining me? I’d love to hear more about the island.”
“I could take a few minutes, yes.” She led the way into the kitchen, setting her bags on the counter. “Just give me a few minutes to arrange everything.”
He placed his bags next to hers. “Can I help?”
“You’re sweet to offer, but you’re my guest. Please, make yourself comfortable on the porch. I’ll bring everything out shortly.”
He nodded and headed back outside while she began unpacking the groceries. She pulled out the cheese she’d purchased, along with fresh grapes, crackers, and two bottles of wine. Within minutes, she had arranged everything on her grandmother’s silver serving tray.
Darlene balanced the silver tray as she stepped onto the porch. The late afternoon breeze carried the scent of jasmine from her garden, and the setting sun painted the sky in soft peach and rose. Mrs. Clifton and the Hendersons sat at the far end, deep in conversation about local restaurants.
“Would anyone care for some wine?” she asked, approaching them first. Mrs. Clifton accepted a glass of white wine with a warm smile, while the Hendersons declined politely, explaining they had dinner reservations in town.
Darlene made her way to where Mark sat, the tray now lighter. “I have a lovely cabernet or a crisp sauvignon blanc. Do you have a preference?”
“The cabernet would be perfect, thank you.” Mark closed his notebook and set it aside.
She poured his wine, then settled into the chair beside him with her own glass of sauvignon blanc. The wooden rocker creaked softly as she found her rhythm, matching the gentle sway of the porch fans overhead.
Mark lifted his glass. “To Magnolia Key and all it has to offer.”
“To Magnolia Key.” She clinked her glass softly with his.
Darlene settled deeper into her rocker, watching Mark take a thoughtful sip of his wine. The tension he’d carried in his shoulders when he first arrived had eased somewhat.
“The view from up at the top of the lighthouse…” He paused, swiveling his gaze out to the bay before turning back to her. “I spent nearly two hours just watching the waves. The boats coming and going. It gave me space to breathe.”
“Sometimes that’s all we need.” She sampled a grape from the cheese plate. “A change of perspective.”
“I even opened my notebook.” He glanced at the leather-bound journal beside his chair. “Didn’t write anything yet, but it’s the first time in… a very long time… I’ve felt like I could.”
“The island has a way of making people slow down. Relax.” She smiled, remembering countless guests who’d found their own piece of solace here. “Some people come here looking for answers, others just need rest. The key is letting go of expectations.”
“Sarah would have loved it here.” His voice softened. “She always said I worked too hard, that I needed to slow down more.”
“Sarah?”
But before he could answer, Felicity walked up to them. “Hey Gran. Glad to see you sitting down for a change.”
“Felicity, this is Mark Donovan. Mark, this is my granddaughter, Felicity. She’s been helping me run the B&B this summer.”
Mark rose and held out his hand. “Good to meet you, Felicity. Your grandmother has been incredibly welcoming.”
“That’s Gran for you. And it’s nice to meet you too.” Felicity shook his hand. “I hope you’re enjoying your stay so far?”
“Very much. The lighthouse visit today was exactly what I needed.”
“Oh, the lighthouse is one of my favorite spots.” Felicity’s face brightened. “Have you tried the walking trail that circles the small wildlife area beside it? The wildflowers are beautiful this time of year.”
“Not yet, but I’ll add it to my list.” He smiled, and Darlene noted how the expression reached his eyes this time. He turned to her. “I was wondering if after breakfast tomorrow you might like to go with me and do some more exploring.”
“Oh, I don’t know. There’s always so much to do.”
“And luckily, I’m here to help you,” Felicity interrupted. “Gran, you should go. You deserve to take a break. I’ll be here at the B&B and can handle anything that comes up.”
“You sure?”
“I’m sure.”
“Then thank you. Would you like to sit and join us and have some wine?”
“Thanks, Gran, but I’m meeting Brent for dinner.” Felicity squeezed her grandmother’s shoulder. “Just wanted to let you know everything’s ready for the morning.”
“Thanks, dear. You and Brent have a nice time tonight.”
“I’m sure we will.” Felicity headed back inside.
“Must be nice having her here helping you.” Mark nodded toward Felicity’s retreating back.
“It has been. She was a teacher. Well, still is, but she’s not returning to the classroom this school year. She’s suffered some burnout.” Darlene smiled. “And she’s met a nice young man, Brent Dunn. They’ve been dating. I like seeing her so happy like she is now.”
“Well, I’m pleased she’ll watch the B&B for you tomorrow and that you decided to join me on some more exploring.”
“We could go to the wildlife area Felicity mentioned, and then if we head back towards the bay, there’s a pretty little cove.” She paused and looked at him. “We could… maybe… pack a lunch and have a picnic?” Suddenly, she was unsure of her spontaneous suggestion.
He hesitated the tiniest bit, nodded, then answered, “Yes, I’d like that.”