Chapter 8
CHAPTER EIGHT
A s Jane carefully arranged an assortment of cheese and crackers on a rustic, antique wooden platter, she couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to the room she was in. Tides was a place full of history. Each piece of furniture, every framed photograph, had belonged to her ancestors, and the place exuded a sense of belonging.
The room’s palette was in soft shades of blue and beige, reminiscent of the ocean and sand just outside the window. The air smelled of a comforting blend of salty sea air and the earthy aroma of vintage wood furniture. One could also catch the delicate fragrance of the cheese and crackers, beckoning anyone who entered to partake.
A classical music station played softly in the background, filling the room with tranquil melodies that blended well with the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore. The occasional cry of a seagull punctuated the soundscape, seamlessly intertwining nature and nurture.
The silk oriental rug underfoot still felt luxurious even though it was two hundred years old, adding a tactile richness to the room that was comforting and inviting. The armchairs and sofa had the worn-in softness that only came with years of love and use.
But it was the view that took center stage—the sky was an artist’s palette of pinks and blues, melding seamlessly into the horizon. Though the sun was setting to the west, its retreating light lent a magical glow to the eastward ocean view. The hues of the sky were reflected on the surface of the ocean, making the waves look like they were dancing in a kaleidoscope of color.
Jane heard a flurry of voices in the foyer and poked her head out into the hallway to see Susan, Betty, Carol, and Margie, their arms laden with shopping bags.
“I’ve set up the wine and cheese for you in here!” Jane called to them.
Their eyes widened appreciatively at the view and the setting Jane had prepared.
“Jane, this is gorgeous! You must join us,” Susan insisted, her eyes twinkling.
Betty chimed in, “Yes, absolutely. We could use a new person to talk to.”
“And settle our bet as to who got the best gift.” Margie laid her bags down and sat in an overstuffed blue chair. Even though the room was full of antiques, Jane had put in some modern furniture for comfort.
Cooper raced in and proceeded to greet each of the women, much to their delight. At least they loved having a dog at the inn. Jane had been a bit leery of having a dog there, but so far, all of the guests had loved him. If she ever did have a guest who was put off by a resident dog, she could always send him to stay with her boyfriend, Mike. Cooper was half his, after all.
Jane took a sip of her wine, savoring the robust flavor before setting her glass on the antique coffee table. “So, how was your walk along the Marginal Way? It’s a bit chilly this time of year.”
Carol giggled, “Oh, it was brisk, all right. But a little cold air never stopped us from enjoying the view.”
Margie added, “The ocean looked so alive today. The waves were really putting on a show.”
Cooper plopped himself next to Jane, his tail wagging in slow, contented sweeps. He looked up expectantly as Betty picked up a cracker. She popped it into her mouth then looked down at the dog. “We got something for you, Cooper.”
Susan reached into her bag and brought out a package of Beach Bones. She looked to Jane for confirmation before breaking one in half and holding it out to Cooper. Cooper sniffed it then took it gently and inhaled it in one gulp.
“You know, something unusual happened while we were sitting on one of the benches. A seagull landed on a rock right in front of us and just... stared at us for the longest time,” Betty said.
Susan grinned, “Maybe it wanted some of the coffee we had brought along!”
Betty shook her head, her face turning somewhat introspective. “No, it felt different—special even. I couldn’t help but think it might be a sign from my sister.”
The smile that stretched across Betty’s face was serene, as though she’d come to some unspoken agreement with the universe about her sister’s passing.
The room went quiet for a moment, allowing everyone to take in the weight of Betty’s words. Even Cooper seemed to sense the change in mood, resting his head gently on Jane’s lap.
Carol was the first to jump in, eagerly unzipping her shopping bag. “All right, ladies, get ready to see the ultimate gift for my grandson, Jack. Ta-da!” She pulled out a quirky, colorful beach towel featuring a lighthouse scene complete with little cartoon seagulls and starfish and matching swim trunks.
“Imagine how cool he’ll look at his swimming lessons with this. It’s like giving him a piece of the ocean!”
Betty was next. “That’s adorable, Carol, but wait until you see what I found for Emily.” She carefully unwrapped a hand-carved wooden model of a lighthouse, her charm bracelet jangling. “She loves lighthouses. Just look at the craftsmanship!”
Susan chuckled as she reached into her bag. “You guys are so sentimental. I went for fun! Look at this for Lily!” She presented a quirky, oversized sun hat, complete with fake flowers and a band that read “Beach Please!”
“Her Instagram photos are going to be epic!”
Margie took the final turn. “Prepare yourselves, because I found a treasure for Ben.” With a flourish, she unveiled a pirate-themed puzzle. “It’s a 3D puzzle of a pirate ship, and the pieces are made from recycled materials! Ben’s into that eco-friendly stuff, so this is perfect!”
Each lady reveled in the playful banter and gentle ribbing that followed, arguing lightheartedly about whose gift would make the biggest splash. Even Cooper seemed to join in, wagging his tail happily as if he, too, had an opinion on the best gift.
“So whose is best?” Carol turned to Jane.
“Ummm… well…”
“Yoo-hoo! I’m here!” a voice called from the foyer, saving Jane from having to answer.
“In here!” Jane called.
Sally stepped into the room, her tool belt slung casually around her waist and her long silver braid pulled over one shoulder. The moment she appeared, Carol, Betty, Margie, and Susan practically leapt from their seats. “Sally!”
With a hearty laugh, Sally opened her arms wide, enveloped in hugs from the women. Their chatter all blended together as Sally made the rounds. Betty broke into laughter, her eyes twinkling. “Oh my gosh, Sally! No one has called me that in ages!”
Jane had watched the heartwarming exchange, a glass of wine in one hand and Cooper by her side. Apparently, the women all knew Sally, though Jane shouldn’t have been surprised. They were the same age, and Sally had grown up in Lobster Bay too.
The room was filled with a tangible sense of community, one that extended through generations and connections, and it added a layer of warmth.
Sally finally looked at Jane, “All right, where’s the window trim that needs attention?”
Jane smiled, pointing to the foyer. “It’s in the foyer. I’ll show you.”
“I can find it.” Sally rolled up her sleeves. “I’ll have it fixed in a jiffy. Though I must admit, it’s hard to focus on work with such good company and a view like this.”
“Well, hurry up, then, and when you’re done, you can join us!” Jane said.
“Oh, we have one more thing. Look at this, ladies!” Margie said.
She carefully unwrapped a small porcelain figure, a charming Victorian house situated on the beach. It bore a striking resemblance to Tides, the very inn they were in. “We got this for Addie. We always loved how welcoming she was whenever we stayed here. Thought it might brighten her day in the assisted-living facility.”
Jane was touched, her eyes misty. “Oh, Margie, this is beautiful. Mom will love it. Really, she will. Cooper and I are going to visit her tomorrow morning, and this will be such a lovely surprise for her.”
As she spoke, Cooper wagged his tail in agreement, as if he, too, knew the sentimental value of the porcelain house.
“Well, then, it’s settled. This little house will have a new home, and it’s the perfect way to keep Tides always near to Addie,” Carol chimed in, her glass raised in a toast.