Chapter 5
5
W hile her mother logged items from a box onto a spreadsheet on a computer, April rolled up her sleeves and leaned over a large oak table, carefully spreading out the musty, yellowed newspapers and brittle letters. The afternoon sun streamed through the new windows of her Crown Island Historical Society, illuminating the donated artifacts from one of the island’s founding families.
Today was a dusty workday, so April had donned her jeans and loafers and brushed her hair into a ponytail. Ella had been eager to help her.
An old record player sat on a table, and in one box, they’d discovered old recordings of big band entertainers recorded at the Majestic Hotel. The lively music filled the air, with the slightly scratchy sound only adding to the charm.
“I love this song,” Ella said, singing along to a Doris Day song. They’d already heard tunes by Rosemary Clooney and Duke Ellington.
April smiled at her mother, who had recovered from her severe case of pneumonia that had brought April back to Crown Island to look after her last year.
In retrospect, with her marriage in rocky territory, that had been the best decision April could make. Now that the divorce was final and her ex-husband had remarried, she was starting the next chapter of her life. From college lecturer to proprietor of the new Crown Island Historical Society.
Her relationship with Ryan was deepening, and the happy life she’d never thought could be hers was finally coming into focus. She wanted that for her daughters, too.
As the song wound down, April picked up an old newspaper clipping. “This is interesting. It’s about an old summer festival here.” She had committed to writing a piece for a travel magazine, highlighting Crown Island history events that would have brought visitors to the island.
“And look at this old photo.” April pointed to a faded photograph accompanying an article from 1923.
Ella peered over her daughter’s shoulder. “Those are Hollywood actors of the day. The island was a playground for them.”
“It says this was the kickoff for the first annual Crown Island Summer Festival.”
“Why, we haven’t done that in decades,” Ella said. “It used to be such fun and brought in many folks from the mainland. It was our version of a state fair. People showed their handicrafts and local artists displayed work. We ate a lot of good food, had sack races and volleyball games, and set off fireworks over the water at the end of the evening. The Majestic let us use the hotel grounds.”
April scanned the article. “Wouldn’t it be interesting to revive that tradition?”
Ella agreed, her eyes brightening. “You could put it together and bring back elements of the original.”
“That might work as a project of the historical society,” April said, considering the idea. “It fits my mission of preserving and celebrating our history. Of course, I would need a large team of volunteers.”
“I could help with that,” Ella said. “Many of us who have retired still want to be active. ”
April knew her mother enjoyed being involved in the community. “Do you miss working?”
“What I miss most about nursing was the sense of camaraderie, especially in emergency care.” Ella smiled as she returned items to the box. “But nursing can be a physically demanding job with long hours, and I had reached a point where it was becoming increasingly difficult to manage my health. It was time for me to explore other aspects of my life.”
“You did so much when you were there.” April was proud of the work her mother, and her father, who was an ER physician, had done. People in the community loved them, although her father was gone too soon.
Ella’s face bloomed at the memories. “I enjoyed the variety of work; you never knew what would come through those doors on any given day. And helping people, most of all. We made positive contributions to people’s lives every day.”
“As you did for Ryan and his mother.” April recalled how, only a few months ago, they’d discovered Ella had handled an emergency delivery at the Majestic Hotel to a housekeeping staff member years before—and then realized that baby had grown up to be Ryan.
April’s mind raced with ideas as they reviewed the old documents. She and Ryan often discussed ways to boost tourism for the island. A festival and exhibit split between the hotel and the historical society building—formerly an old dance hall—would draw people in if the hotel allowed the use of its grounds.
Surely such a festival would be a big draw for tourism and boost room sales at the hotel.
“I’ll talk to Ryan about this,” April said. “We could incorporate elements of the original festival into our plans for a new annual event.”
Ella nodded approvingly. “It’s a wonderful idea. You’ve done a fine job reviving the island’s history since you started this society. Guest loved the vintage New Year’s Eve theme at the Majestic. ”
“That was a lot of fun.” April was proud of the work she’d done for the hotel. Beyond the beautiful beaches and the charming neighborhoods with houses painted in vibrant crayon colors, there was so much more to discover on Crown Island.
She lowered the music as they shared thoughts. “We’ll need plenty of marketing to make it a success.”
“Isn’t Maileah good at that?” Ella asked.
“She was in software marketing. I don’t know if that would be anything like marketing an event. Or if she would want to take it on.”
“Can’t hurt to ask.” Ella smiled. “She might surprise you. She would meet many people that way.”
“But I hate to take up time she could be using to find work,” April said.
Ella rubbed her chin in thought. “That might open doors for her. She would meet many people. Maybe even a nice young man.”
“That would be better than that dating app she’s using.” April shook her head. “Although I have friends who’ve met and married through online dating sites, I’m still concerned that she doesn’t know anything about the men she’s meeting.”
“Is she being careful?”
“She says she is.” April chuckled. “She’s enlisted Sailor to look out for her.”
“Like a chaperone?” Ella looked surprised. “That seems odd.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Oh, nothing. Just a thought. How is Maileah doing?”
April put the articles to one side. “I’m a little worried about her. She’s trying hard to get her life back on track but finding work she likes on Crown Island is difficult. She is putting pressure on herself to do everything at once. Relocating, finding work, dating. I’m afraid she might make hasty decisions to feel like she’s ticking the boxes and moving forward. ”
Ella smoothed a hand along April’s shoulder. “Maileah has always been determined. She’ll find her way.”
“I’m afraid that determination could backfire on her. She told me she doesn’t care if she rushes into a relationship and makes a mistake, as long as she starts the family she wants.”
“That could have serious consequences,” Ella said, looking worried. “A marriage is more than that.”
April picked up another donated box of historical artifacts. Gesturing to it, she said, “Like this, her strategy could be a Pandora’s box, unleashing more problems than she ever dreamed of. Who knows what’s on the inside of many marriages? I should know.”
Her mother reached into the box for an old Crown Island postcard. “If Maileah takes a step back, I think she’ll realize the potential for catastrophe.”
“Like what happened to me with Calvin.” April’s heart clenched at the memory. “That didn’t stop me. If I’m honest with myself now, I did force myself to fit into that relationship.”
Her mother shook her head.
April went on, “Calvin was like a spectacular-looking party shoe that didn’t fit, but I bought it anyway. Those shoes might look fabulous to others, but you can hardly walk in them. Keep it up, and you’ll need medical help.”
Ella smiled and hugged her. “That’s an interesting analogy. When you’re young and in a relationship that’s lacking, how are you to know if you’ve never experienced the magnificence of true love?”
April rested in her mother’s embrace. “You warned me, though. I made that mistake on my own. When I think of the years I wasted…”
“They aren’t wasted if you learn from them,” Ella said pointedly. “Look at how much your life has improved and how happy you are. That’s priceless, my dear. You cherish Ryan because you survived your marriage. Share your experience with Maileah. ”
“If she’ll listen to my warning,” April said.
“She knows her father.”
“It’s complicated. They’re not speaking, but someday I’d like for them to put their differences aside.”
Ella shook her head. “I imagine that won’t be easy. It might never happen, and Maileah must protect herself.”
“That’s true,” April said slowly. “My relationship with her is better now. It was strained in the past because of Calvin. I don’t want to do anything to damage the progress we’ve made.”
“Mind if I talk with her?”
“I’d like that,” April said. Perhaps her mother could offer a different perspective.
That evening, April walked barefoot with Ryan at the water’s edge. They’d left their sandals higher on the sand. They were just across the street from Beach View Lane. Few other people were at the beach at this time of night.
After working on their separate pursuits during the day, these evening strolls were their time to catch up and be together. At times, their activities overlapped, but with the renovation of the Majestic Hotel underway, Ryan was busier than ever.
When Ryan extended his hand, April slid hers into his. His grip was warm and firm as they continued walking. She felt at ease with him by her side, in harmony with the man in her life.
“I had an idea today I thought you might be interested in,” she began, telling him about the summer festival.
“That might be a good draw to Crown Island,” he said, looking at her with admiration. His eyes flickered in the moonlight. “I can bring my team in on a discussion for a date later this summer.”
Noticing the tightness in his voice, she asked, “How are the guest room renovations going? ”
“Still challenging, though Knox is managing the chaos well. The west wing is complete, but the east wing is progressing slower than we’d like.”
“I thought the subcontractors were on a tight schedule.”
Ryan nodded. “They are, but special events at the hotel—even though they’re welcome—can hinder us. Knox, Whitley, and I are constantly refining the plan, but we have a hard deadline before the spring and summer rush. We have a charity surfing competition soon. Every room available is booked, so construction will be limited for the duration.”
“Will you make it in time?”
He squeezed her hand. “We have a plan, and Knox is excellent at creative execution. He’s never let me down.”
“Maileah mentioned that event. She said Sailor will be involved.”
“Absolutely. This an important event, and he’s the hometown favorite. Many people will come to see him.”
April knew he was talented, but that surprised her. “Is he that popular in the world of surfing?”
“He’s a champion,” Ryan said, arching an eyebrow. “You don’t follow surfing, do you?”
“Not really. I surfed some here as a kid, but my mother treated so many surfing related injuries in the ER that it put me off the sport. How about you?” He’d also grown up on Crown Island, although they hadn’t known each other then. Ryan’s family lived on another side of the island.
“We played in the surf, but chess was my main sport back then.” He chuckled to himself. “And then I went away to private school. But you should see Sailor. The guy is a natural. The hotel is booked solid with fans, surfers, and media. It’s great for business, but if we’re not ready, we’ll have to cancel some reservations until the work is complete.”
“Is Deb working out on the project?”
“She’s fantastic at sourcing furnishings for the guest rooms. Her fresh interiors are just what we needed. Guests love the new look—refined elegance meets beach chic. ”
April was relieved that Ryan was pleased with her friend’s work. They talked a little about their families, and Ryan asked about Maileah’s job search. “Let me know if I can help.”
“I’ll mention that to her.” April wasn’t sure if Maileah would accept help from Ryan, but she would do anything for her daughter. Making sure she avoided the costly pitfalls of life was April’s primary concern for her.