Page 13 of The Summer I Stayed
Go, Alison!
Grinning at their banter, I shake my head as I reply.
Me
He’s doing a great job with the house.
Alison
And she deflects!
Lila
We don’t care how professional he is, Maggie. We’re talking about his looks here.
Caroline
Maggie’s got some eye candy in Blue Alder Cove.
Me
Do you three ever stop?
Caroline
Not likely *winking emoji*
I can practically hear Caroline’s cackle as I roll my eyes, setting my phone in the pocket of my dress. A fantastic invention if you ask me. These women, my best friends (And yes, I consider my daughter my best friend, too.), are relentless, and while their teasing about a man might have been irksome under different circumstances, today, it’s grounding. It ties me to home and the life I’ve built in Charlotte.
Where Alison grew up into the lovely and lively woman she is now. Where Lila and Caroline have been my constant companions throughout motherhood, widowhood, and all the “hoods” in between. And now, they’re with me, even in this distant town where this chapter of my life is.
My gaze strays back to the porch where Jake and Maverick are hard at work. Well, Jake is hard at work; Maverick seems content supervising from a shaded corner.
“Jake, I’m headed into town to grab lunch. You want anything?”
He glances up from his work. “No, I’m good. Thanks.”
I give Maverick a quick pat on his head as I pass by to grab my purse and keys. I could walk, but after working all morning, a quick reprieve from the heat sounds wonderful.
As I enter the Driftwood Diner, Edna greets me with a wide smile. “Maggie dear!”
I slide onto the stool by the counter, and she pours me a glass of sweet tea as she continues, “I’ve been following your blog posts. You have quite the project on your hands.”
I chuckle as I grab the glass. “That’s an understatement. But it’s starting to come together, thanks to Jake.”
Edna’s eyes sparkle as she rests her chin on her hand. “Ah, yes, Jake Hollis. He’s quite a catch, that one.”
I nearly choke on my tea. “Edna!”
What is with everyone? First Tom, then the girls, and now Edna.
She laughs heartily and pats my hand. “Oh, Maggie, my dear girl. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. He’shad some admirers, but he’s never seemed interested in anyone. Not after…well, you know.”
I actually don’t know but I don’t want gossip spreading so I won’t ask. Deciding to change the subject, I gesture toward the mini pies in a cake box. “Those look delicious, Edna.”
“Fresh from the oven.” She grins as she grabs one for me. “What else can I get you?”
“I’ll take a BLT and whatever Jake’s favorite is. Plus one more pie, please.”
