Page 56 of Race to the Beach

Regan's gaze narrowed."Why do you think he’s moved on?”Her voice took on a sharp edge.“Is this what he told you?Or is this just wishful thinking on your part?"

Maxi hated that this woman was pushing the subject."It's what I know.What you had with him is over."She met Regan’s unwavering gaze.In a calm but firm voice, Maxi said, "You need to forget about him and move on."

Regan shook her head.Her straight brown bob brushed over the top of her bare shoulders."You don't understand.What Owen and I shared was very special.It can stand the test of time."

Maxi struggled not to roll her eyes.This woman was really laying it on thick."It appears you’re wrong because he has moved on...with me.Now I need to get my bid sheet."

Maxi turned around and saw that the line had disappeared.In fact, there was now a curious crowd encircling them.Maxi was too angry with Regan to pay any mind to the curious onlookers.She moved through the crowd, hoping to leave Regan behind.

"Didn't he tell you?"Regan said from behind her.

Maxi inwardly groaned.What was it with this woman?Didn't she get the hint that it was time to move on?

Maxi glanced over her shoulder."I don't know what you're talking about, and I don't care."

Maxi faced forward.As the couple of women in front of her moved, she did too.She hated that the woman had gotten under her skin.Secretly, she wanted to know what Regan was talking about, but she refused to indulge her.

"He obviously didn't tell you that he was going to ask me to marry him," Regan said behind her.

The breath caught in Maxi’s throat.He hadn't told her any of this.Maxi didn't want to believe her.

“I can see you don’t believe me, but you should ask him about the ring he bought me.I found it in his sock drawer.”

"Next."The woman sitting behind the table gestured at Maxi.

Grateful for the distraction, she stepped forward.After she'd provided all of the necessary information, she was handed a bid sheet with the number 131.Did that mean that there would be one hundred and thirty other people bidding on bachelors?That seemed like a lot for Bluestar.

As she turned, Maxi noticed more people in line to get their bid sheet, but what caught her attention more was that Regan had finally moved on.Maxi expelled a sigh of relief.

She couldn’t believe Regan had tried to chase her off, but what Regan didn't know was that Maxi wasn't easily deterred.For all she knew, none of what Regan had told her was true.

After all she'd shared with Owen about her past, including her dyslexia and dropping out of school, she thought they'd really opened up to each other.So, if that were the case, why wouldn't he have told her about buying Regan an engagement ring?

No.It isn't true.She didn't believe Regan.

Maxi took her bid sheet and headed back to where she'd seen Lily, who once again waved her over.It wasn't until she neared the table that she found she was seated with Birdie and Agnes as well as two other ladies that Maxi didn't recognize.

After Maxi was seated, Lily leaned over and whispered in her ear."I'm so glad you’re here.Where’s your aunt?"

“She wasn’t feeling well.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.I hope she feels better soon.”

“Me too.”Maxi glanced around."Where are your friends?"

"Hannah and Josie are already married.They had no interest."

Maxi nodded."So, you're here to find a date?"

Lily let out a laugh."Nope.I'm just keeping my mother and sister company."

Okay.So, that explained who the two women were that she didn't recognize.She had a feeling that if she stayed on the island a little longer that she would meet all of the locals.In a little less than a week, she'd already met so many residents.Her impression of Bluestar was that it was home to some of the nicest people.She couldn't deny the thought of moving to the island was growing on her.

She gently nudged Lily's arm."So, if you aren't here to bid on any of the bachelors, why do you have a bid sheet?"

Lily’s gaze moved to the bright yellow paper with a big fifty-three printed in black marker."It wasn't my idea."She glanced over at the woman next to her."Right, mother?"

Her mother smiled."What's the point of coming to the auction, if you're not going to bid?"

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