Chapter 4
CHAPTER 4
W hile the luxury of having nothing to do, no calls, and no meetings was a welcome escape from her normal life, after a few more days, Amanda was wondering what she was going to do to fill her hours. She’d finished two books, devouring them eagerly. Trying out recipes she’d found online also became a new distraction. One which required daily trips to the market, but she didn’t mind at all. The cashier now greeted her by name, making her feel welcome.
She took her daily walks on the beach—and noticed the neighbor only had one of the doors to his workshop open. Which was okay, because she’d already written him off as a possible friendly face here on Magnolia.
She decided to head to Coastal Coffee for breakfast this morning. Beverly had been welcoming, and to be honest, she could use some friendly conversation. She was used to her days filled with people, and now she rarely spoke to anyone except for an occasional person when she shopped.
After strolling the short distance to the cafe, she walked inside, taking in the familiar ambiance and the scent of freshly roasted coffee that wafted through the cozy cafe. Her mouth watered in anticipation of her first cup of coffee of the day.
Beverly walked up and greeted her. “Good morning. Glad to see you again.”
“Amanda,” she offered her name. “Amanda Kingston.”
“Glad you came back in.” Beverly’s words were filled with sincerity like she was truly glad she’d come back. “Just grab a table anywhere. I’ll be right with you. Coffee?”
She nodded gratefully, took a table about halfway into the cafe, and settled into her chair. Beverly brought her a steaming cup of coffee. “Here you go. You getting all settled in? Didn’t you say you were here for a few months?”
“I am staying a few months. And I’m mostly all settled. Exploring around the island a bit. And I met one of my neighbors, but that didn’t go well. He’s rather standoffish. Apparently, he’s a wood carver.”
“Ah, Connor Dempsey. Good guy, but he likes to keep to himself.”
“I got the message loud and clear that he doesn’t want to be bothered.”
“Don’t take it personally. He’s like that with everyone. Kind of a loner.”
“I guess I’ll give him a wide berth and let him have his space.”
“He just likes his solitude, I guess. But, anyway, enough about the locals. You came in to eat. Today’s special is oatmeal muffins. Very good. Or you could try our pecan waffles.”
“Oh, the waffles sound good. I’ll have that.”
“Won’t be long.” Beverly’s voice carried a warm, friendly tone as she headed toward the kitchen. Soon she was back and paused by the table as she waved to a woman coming into the cafe. “Tori. Over here.”
The woman made her way across the room with graceful steps.
“Tori, this is Amanda. She’s staying here on the island for a few months. Amanda, this is Tori.”
“Nice to meet you.” Amanda smiled at Tori.
“Nice to meet you, too. What brings you here to Magnolia?”
“Just taking a little break.”
Tori laughed, the sound carrying a hint of wistfulness. “That’s what I thought, and now I live here. Escaped the chaos back in New York City for a nice, peaceful life here.”
“I’m from New York City, too.”
Tori frowned and carefully studied her face. “Are you Amanda Kingston ?”
She nodded.
“You planned the big gala for the grand opening of my play last year.” Tori grinned. “Back when I was Victoria Duran.”
“Oh, I didn’t recognize you.” Her gaze swept over the woman and her transformed appearance with gray hair and casual clothing. This Tori looked nothing like the glamorous Victoria with flaming red hair that she remembered.
“Not many do anymore,” Tori acknowledged with a wry chuckle. “I actually bought the theater here in town. That’s what’s keeping me busy these days.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful. I have to admit I’m having a hard adjustment from the fast pace of my life back in New York to the slower pace here on Magnolia. Although the slower-paced life is just what I wanted.” She laughed. “You’d think there’d be some happy medium, wouldn’t you?”
“That’s what I found with my theater. It’s my happy medium. A way to feel fulfilled and engaged without the relentless grind of life back in the city.” A contented smile settled on her face. “I love my life here.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Would you care to join me for breakfast? I’d love the company. I just ordered.”
“I’d be delighted.” Tori settled into the seat across from her. “Beverly, I’ll have the oatmeal muffin and coffee.”
“You two get acquainted. I’ll be back with your meals soon.”
“So, how were your first nights here?” Tori’s eyes held genuine interest. “I couldn’t believe how quiet it was when I first got here. But now I can’t imagine going back to the noise of the city.”
“It was quiet. Although, I had my windows open and could hear the surf. So relaxing. Like nature’s lullaby.”
“So what are you doing with your event-planning business? Don’t you have any events coming up? I heard you were really in demand.”
“I’m taking a bit of a sabbatical. The fast pace, endless details, and constant demands on my time were starting to wear me down. I felt like I was losing the passion that first drew me to my career.”
“I bet. You have a lot to juggle with all those details for each event. It can be utterly exhausting, I’m sure.”
Beverly walked up with Tori’s coffee. “Speaking of events. Did you hear that they might cancel the Heritage Festival?”
“Oh, no. I hope not.” Tori’s brow crinkled.
“They don’t have someone to get it organized. Judy McNally was running it, but she took a bad fall. And Miss Eleanor is going out of town, or she’d step in.”
“I… I kind of remember going to the festival when I was a young girl. I was here with my parents.”
“You were?” Beverly asked. “Is that why you picked Magnolia Key for your vacation spot?”
“It was. I even have a postcard from here on my fridge. I’ve kept it all these years. I have such good memories of here.”
“Magnolia Key has a way of getting to you, doesn’t it?” Beverly nodded knowingly. “It has a way of calling you back when you need it.”
“I remember parts of the festival, but it was a long time ago. What all did it entail back then and what’s different now?” Amanda asked. She couldn’t help herself. An event planner wonders about these things.
“Well, lots of food. That’s the same. Barbecue and fresh fish. And so many sweets.” Beverly laughed. “And we have lots of music. Some small bands. A barbershop quartet. An arts and crafts sale showcasing local talented artists. And a display of exhibits and photos showcasing the town’s history.”
“I do remember the food. Cotton candy and funnel cakes. My father indulged my sweet tooth.” The brief memory flickered in her mind of the soft pink spun sugar and her sticky fingers as her father led her out to hear a band play at the gazebo at the edge of the beach. She appreciated that not much had changed with the festival she so fondly remembered. “It sounds like the town really kept up the tradition over the years.”
“We did. Though it has gotten a bit smaller over the years. And now it seems that no one wants to jump in and actually organize it.”
Amanda clamped her mouth shut. Do not offer to help. Do not.
Tori sighed. “I could help out some, but I have another show opening at the theater and things are kind of crazy there right now.”
Do. Not. Offer.
“It just is what it is. We’re running out of time.” Beverly shrugged, her expression resigned. “I’ll get your food.”
She and Tori sat and chatted while they ate their breakfasts. It was nice to have someone to talk to and share a meal with at a leisurely pace.
As they rose to leave, Beverly stopped her. “Come back anytime. For a meal or just to chat. You’re always welcome here.”
“Thank you, I will.” Gratitude washed through her for the budding friendships she was developing in this town, and she was once again grateful for her decision to return to the island, if only for a while.