Page 42 of Race to the Beach

“You make it sound so easy.”

“It is.”Lily glanced around before turning back to her.“Here comes someone.You take them.”

“I don’t think so.What if I don’t know the answer to their questions?”

“I’ll be right here with you.I’ll step in if you need help.Just give it a try.”

Maxi’s stomach shivered with nerves.Nothing like being thrown directly into the deep end of the pool.She told herself she was used to interacting with the public at the auto shop.This wouldn’t be much different.Instead of cars, they’d be talking about sightseeing on this beautiful island.How hard could that be?

Maxi pasted a smile on her face and strolled over to the counter where an older couple was browsing through the various pamphlets.“Hi.Is this your first visit to Bluestar Island?”

The woman greeted her with a big smile.“Yes, it is.”

“Well, you’re in for a treat.Bluestar has a lot to explore.”Maxi went on to mention some of the famous sites.

Ten or so minutes later, the couple moved on with their hands filled with information about various small businesses and a number of sites on the island.Maxi was proud of herself, and best of all, she’d enjoyed conversing with them.In that moment, she’d felt like a genuine resident of the island.

In the next breath, she was struck by the thought.The thing was that she never even entertained living anywhere but Meadow Valley, Virginia.Of course, over the years her aunt had tried to talk her into moving to the island, but Maxi had always gently brushed off the suggestion.

“You did really great.”Lily’s voice drew Maxi from her thoughts.“You’re a natural.”

“Too bad I couldn’t get a job doing that.I love talking about the island.”

“As a matter of fact, you could.”Lily sent her a smile.

“Yeah, right.”She thought Lily was joking.

“I just happen to know the person who runs the Welcome Center.”

For a second, she considered the idea.Then reality came crashing in on her.“I don’t know.”

“If you are worried about the pay, don’t.The town council has made tourism their priority, so the Welcome Center is well-compensated.”And then Lily mentioned the starting salary that left Maxi floored.

Still, the thought of selling her family’s home and giving up the garage was too much for her.She was letting herself get distracted, and right now she had to stay focused on repairing the car for the race—the whole reason she was on Bluestar Island.

Things quieted down as dinnertime arrived.Maxi sat down and pulled out her notebook with the notes about the car.As she sat there, she focused on the letters until they formed into words in her mind.

At one point, Lily glanced over her shoulder.“Did you draw that?”

Maxi glanced at the other page, where there was one of her drawings of the car.She knew she could do better than that.“Uh, yes.”

“So you’re an artist too.And you know how to work on automobiles.In addition to being able to interact with the public.You’re very versatile.If you have some art pieces to show, you could join our arts festival next month.We’re going to have a lot of vendors, but we could make room for one more.”

Maxi shook her head.“Thanks, but it’s just a hobby.”

“Too bad.You’re good.”

If Lily knew that she’d never even finished high school, she would realize Maxi wasn’t worthy of her kind words.“I’m a mechanic.That’s it.”

“Well, I know an artist when I see one.”Lily sat in the chair next to her.“You might wonder why I know you’re an artist.It’s because I’m also one.And I recognize a kindred spirit.I own The Lily Pad.It’s a craft shop.You should stop by some time.”

Maxi’s mouth formed anO.“I know that place.I mean I’ve been by it numerous times.It’s so cute.”

“And yet you haven’t stopped in.”Lily raised a brow.

Maxi was saved from responding by more people who wandered up to the stand.It appeared that dinnertime was over because the booth was getting pretty busy.Maxi set aside her notebook and got to work.

She felt as though she’d stumbled across a friend—someone she could become good friends with.The thought was so tempting.Too bad it wouldn’t last.Soon she’d be heading back to Virginia.

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