The Parker Women

by Kay Correll

  She had just enough time to slip on the navy pants and red top that she’d gotten when she went shopping with Olivia and Heather. She could even grudgingly admit Olivia had been right. It was nice to have some new clothing options to wear.

  Evelyn was waiting at a table for Donna when she got to Portside Grill. She joined her sister and smiled as a waiter came up with two glasses of white wine.

  “I ordered us pinot grigio, hope that’s okay.”

  “Yes, that’s perfect.”

  “Here are your menus, and the special tonight is a basil and lemon ricotta stuffed salmon served with asparagus with a lemon sauce. It’s very good. I’ll be back soon to get your orders.”

  He left them alone, and Donna took a sip of her wine. “Oh, that’s good.”

  “They have an excellent wine list here. I’m glad. There’s a lack of good wine lists in this town.”

  And there was something that would never even hit Donna’s consciousness. The quality of wine lists in Moonbeam. She and her sister had always been so very different.

  Evelyn looked at her carefully. “Is that a new outfit?”

  “Yes, Olivia and Heather took me shopping.”

  “Heather went?”

  Ah, that might have been a mistake to mention. “Yes, Olivia dragged her along. I got a few new things.” Her sister didn’t have to know just how many new things.

  “So, for your date with Barry?”

  “How did you—never mind. Nothing is secret here. Not that I was keeping it a secret.”

  “I ran into Jackie and Jillian. They told me.”

  Of course, they did. “Yes, we went on The Destiny. Jesse’s done a great job with that.”

  “He has?” Evelyn’s eyes flew open in surprise.

  Donna remembered that Evelyn wasn’t much of a fan of Jesse’s. He and Heather had been friends growing up and Evelyn and Darren had thought that Jesse wasn’t a good influence on Heather. But Donna had always thought he was a fine young man. Just one more thing they disagreed on.

  “Yes, it was nice. You should go on one of his dinner cruises.”

  Evelyn looked unconvinced and set her glass down. “So I heard that you bought the building next to Parker’s.”

  Well, that was a ping-pong subject change. “Ah… well, Olivia did. She wants to expand the store.”

  “And you think it’s wise to take out a loan now? Didn’t you say that you were just getting Parker’s to a profitable spot these days?”

  Now what was she supposed to say? Evelyn obviously didn’t know about Heather investing in the store. So, she evaded the question. “I think it will work out.”

  “I don’t know how you can even consider it. You’re so busy as it is.”

  “Olivia says she’ll be in charge of it all. And she’s very excited about it.”

  She could see the clear disapproval on Evelyn’s face. So maybe it wasn’t so much that her sister was lonely tonight, but that she wanted to voice her opinion about the expansion of Parker’s.

  “I still think it’s risky.” Her sister’s voice was edged with disapproval.

  “A bit. But we’ll make it work. Olivia has grand plans about sprucing up Parker’s and making it look more like the old general store instead of how cramped and cluttered it’s become as we added more inventory. I think that will attract more tourists to come in. And if she expands the malt shop into more of an eatery—or cafe or something like that. She’s thinking baked goods and maybe even sandwiches.”

  “But you don’t cook. Or bake. Neither does Olivia, does she?”

  “No, we’d have to hire someone. Olivia wants to use Grandmother’s recipes for a lot of the things she’d offer.”

  “Really?” Evelyn nodded at that, finally approving of something. “They are the best recipes ever.”

  Donna knew that Evelyn often made their grandmother’s recipes. She was an accomplished pie baker, unlike herself. She could not get a pie crust to taste good or be flakey like Evelyn’s no matter what she tried. And she was sure she was using the exact same recipe that Evelyn used. She sighed and took a sip of her wine.

  The waiter came and took their order, giving her a chance to segue into a new subject. “So, I guess Darren is out of town again?” Had he even come back in town? She rarely saw him even when he was in Moonbeam.

  “Yes, he’s out of town.” Evelyn fiddled with her fork, caught herself, and left it alone.

  “He’s been gone a lot.”

  “He’s busy, what can I say?”

  Her sister had a strange marriage. She’d never seen much real affection between Evelyn and Darren, though she had to admit they made a smashing couple when they were all dressed up for their numerous fundraisers and business parties. Some of the beautiful people. They often had their photo in the paper from the various events.

  Donna had had her photo in the paper exactly one time. The day she’d officially taken over running Parker’s. It was a photo of her and her grandparents in front of the store. And it hadn’t been exactly flattering.

  She’d had on her usually worn slacks and Parker’s t-shirt. The day had been hotter than blazes and she’d been busy working in the store when a reporter for the local paper dropped in to write a brief article on the official change of managers. Though, to be honest, even after her official change to manager, her grandparents had often come in to help during the busy season. Most townsfolk still considered it her grandparents’ store, and her grandparents had passed away years ago.

  They finished their dinner chatting about the great weather they’d been having and a new restaurant Evelyn wanted to try in Sarasota. Sounded like another up and coming trendy place that Evelyn would love and she herself would just… go along to please Evelyn and keep her company.

  They paid their bill and walked out of the restaurant and down the long wharf. The twinkle lights strung on the storefronts lent a festive air to the wharf at night. She did like coming here even if she only came when Evelyn or Olivia insisted she get out. She much preferred her quiet nights at home, sitting out on the point.

  But her sister thrived on activity and people and conversation. She might as well check that off as just another difference between them. She glanced over at Evelyn as they strolled along. Her clothes had no wrinkles, even after sitting for dinner. Her hair was perfectly in place, still.

  Her own hair was furled about in a wild mess of curls from the day’s humidity. She hadn’t gotten the thick, beautiful straight brown hair her sister had inherited from their mother. Her sister had flawless skin, expertly manicured nails, and always kept a trim figure, unlike her own always-need-to-lose fifteen—okay twenty—pounds she carried with her.

  They got to the end of the wharf. “I brought my car tonight. Shall I drive you home?” Evelyn asked.

  “No, I think I’ll walk. It’s so nice out.”

  “Okay, I guess I’ll see you soon.” Evelyn turned, walked over to her fancy sports car, and drove away.

  Yet another difference. She’d always pick walking to places in Moonbeam if at all possible. Her sister avoided walking around town for more than a block. How could they have come from the same parents? She shrugged and turned to head back to Sandpiper Court. She still had time to sit outside under the stars and maybe have a cup of chamomile tea.

  Donna made herself tea, pouring the hot water into a delicate floral teacup that had been part of her grandmother’s collection. It always made her feel close to her grandmother when she used one of her teacups. She kicked off her shoes by the back door. Just as she was ready to head outside, she heard a knock at the front door. She glanced at her watch, wondering who would come by at eight-thirty at night. She set down her tea and went to answer the door.

  Barry stood there looking impossibly handsome, and she was glad she had on her nice new slacks and top. She self-consciously tugged at the hem of her red top to straighten it.

  He smiled. “I hope I’m not too late. I saw your lights come on and knew you just got home. I cam
e over earlier, but there was no answer.”

  “I was out to eat with Evelyn.” She motioned him inside. “Come in. I was just going to have a cup of chamomile tea. Would you like one?”

  “I’ve never had that before. Sure, I’d love to try it.”

  “I’m using one of my grandmother’s teacups, but I could make yours in a mug.” She led him into the kitchen and motioned to her cup sitting on the counter.

  “Might be safer. I’d hate to break something so delicate.”

  She made his tea in a mug and they carried their drinks out to the Adirondack chairs on the point and sat down. He turned to her. “So, Olivia came by today and said she’d like for me to look at her business plan and her spreadsheets.”

  “Oh, good. She said she’d take any suggestions you could give.”

  “She emailed them to me and I went over them closely. She’s done a great job with the plan. I can see from what she’s done that she has a good head for business. Her numbers and projections are realistic, I think. She included photos of what she’d like the new cafe area to look like and how she’d make the store part more old-fashioned general store-like.”

  “She did? I haven’t seen those.”

  “I emailed her back a few minor suggestions and things to look into, but all in all, it’s a good, solid plan.”

  Donna relaxed back against the chair. “That makes me feel better. Not that I doubted her, but it’s nice to have her plan confirmed as reasonable and hopefully profitable for us.”

  “Is she going to run Parker’s after you’re… well, after you finish managing it? You know, after you retire?”

  “I… ah… we’ve never really talked about it. I assume so.” She frowned. Why hadn’t she ever talked to Olivia about that? Olivia wanted to stay, didn’t she? Or… did she want to go out and do something different?

  “I got the impression that this is her way of making her mark on the store, so I assumed she was going to take over eventually.” He gazed at her intently.

  So, maybe this expansion was Olivia’s something different.

  She could see that more clearly now and promised herself she’d be more enthusiastic and supportive. “I should talk to her about the future of Parker’s. You’re right. And I appreciate you taking the time to look at the plans.”

  “It was no problem. Love to help in any way I can.” He gave her an easy, friendly smile in the moonlight. “And this tea is good, by the way.”

  She smiled back at him. “I sometimes come out here and sip chamomile if I can’t wind down enough to go to bed.”

  “And does it help?”

  “Either the tea, or the view, or the starlight does… or maybe it’s all of it.”

  They sat and sipped tea and chatted until Barry finally looked at his watch. “Oh, look at that. We’ve been out here over two hours. I should go.” He stood.

  She rose beside him, surprised that much time had gone by. He was so easy to talk to and a good listener, too. She’d loved hearing about the details of his day at The Cabot.

  They went inside and she put their cups in the sink and walked him through to the front door.

  “Thanks for the tea. And the conversation.” He tossed her one of his easy smiles.

  “It was nice.”

  He crossed over to his house and paused to wave before he disappeared inside. She slowly closed the door and turned to go wash the dishes in the sink.

  What a nice evening she’d had.

  Very nice.

  She smiled again at the easy, comfortable camaraderie they’d developed between them. Barry Richmond was an interesting man and she very much enjoyed spending time with him.

  Chapter 14

  “Barry, you should see the paintings I found.”

  Barry looked up to see Emily at his office door the next afternoon, her eyes lit up, holding up a painting in each hand.

  “I looked on the back of them and they’re all labeled. It’s a bunch of Cabots. And a family portrait too. Looks to be maybe three generations of Cabots in one portrait.”

  He came around the desk to look at them. “Those are great finds. We should definitely put them up in the history alcove.”

  “I thought so. We could get some nice labels made to hang under them to say who each person is. Maybe a little write-up of when they owned or worked at the hotel.”

  “That’s a great idea. Can you take care of that?”

  “Of course.” She nodded enthusiastically. “And some workers moved those display cases to the library for me. I have some things set up in there. Not sure where I’ll place everything yet, but it’s a start.”

  “Come on, why don’t you show me what you’ve done.” They headed to the library and Emily leaned the two paintings against the wall.

  “I thought the big family portrait could go over there.” She pointed to a blank wall between two large built-in shelving units. “And across from that, on this wall, we could do a series of the other paintings.” She twirled around and pointed at one more area. “And there, on that small wall, I thought we could put up a bunch of the old black and white photos I’ve found of the hotel through the years. I found one from when the hotel first opened before they’d added on any of the additions.”

  “I like all your ideas. You just let me know if you need something to make it happen.”

  “This is like my best job ever. For sure.” Emily’s genuine smile stretched across her face.

  “And I like to hear that.” Delbert Hamilton strolled into the library, with Camille holding onto his arm. “Hi, Barry, you remember Camille. And Emily, I’d like you to meet Camille Montgomery.”

  Camille barely nodded his direction. Okay, then.

  “Miss Montgomery, nice to meet you.” Emily walked up, the smile still large on her features. “Del, you should see what I’ve found for the history alcove.”

  “Del?” Camille peered down her nose at Emily. “You mean Mr. Hamilton?”

  “He… he said to call him—” Emily’s eyes widened.

  “Camille, darlin’. I told her to call me Del. We don’t need the formalities here.”

  Camille didn’t look like she approved and thought that all formalities should immediately be reinstated.

  “Ah… so… do you want to see what I found?”

  “I’m sure Mr. Hamilton is too busy to be bothered by all the little details of your job.” Camille frowned. “What is your job? You look… young.”

  “I’m putting together the history alcove here. Sorting through all the historical memorabilia and finding some Cabot family portraits.”

  Camille turned to Del. “Delbert, seriously, you’re not going to have this young girl put together the history alcove are you? I mean, you need to use an interior designer, make sure everything looks… well…” A shadow of disapproval etched her face. “You need to make sure it looks… professional. Classic. Refined.”

  Emily took a step back and stiffened, her hands slowly balling into fists before she jammed them into her pockets. Her cheeks flushed crimson.

  “You can’t simply hire a child to do that.”

  Emily struggled to fight back tears. She was so proud of her work here.

  Delbert stepped forward. “Emily is doing a fine job. She has lots of knowledge of the town and is a big lover of history. She even works at Moonbeam’s History Museum. I can’t think of a better person for the job.” His voice rang out strong and assured.

  “If you need to get someone else, I understand. A real designer or something.” Emily’s voice was low.

  Delbert stepped over to Emily and touched her arm. “No, Emily. I won’t be doing that. You’re doing a wonderful job and I appreciate all the effort you’re putting into it. I couldn’t pay someone who didn’t have… I don’t know… the heart that you’re putting into this. I’m pleased with everything you’ve done. You’re in charge. I trust you.”

  Emily’s eyes lit up again. “Thank you, De— Ah, thanks. I won’t let you down.”

  C
amille’s eyes flashed. “You’ll regret this, Delbert, mark my words. Your choices sometimes…” She shook her head, her tone an icy condemnation.

  “Hey, Emily, let’s go back to the storeroom and you can show me that family portrait you found. I’d love to see it.” Barry smiled encouragingly at Emily, wanting to get her away from Camille. He then turned to Camille and nodded briefly toward her. “Camille.” And he didn’t care one bit how cold his tone sounded, though she probably didn’t notice she was so wrapped up in herself. He’d never figure out what Del saw in the woman.

  He led Emily out of the library and away from Camille and her hurtful words. A fierce protective streak surged through him toward Donna’s granddaughter. She didn’t deserve to be spoken to like that and the tears at the corners of her eyes had tugged at his heart. He hadn’t been much of a fan of Camille’s before, ever since he’d met her at a fancy New Year’s Eve party a few years back, and now he certainly wasn’t.

  Delbert Hamilton turned to Camille and in spite of his best intentions, a long sigh escaped his lips. He paused so he could choose his words carefully. “Camille, darlin’, you know I care about you, but I can’t have you talking that way to people. You need to learn to think before you speak. You can’t go around hurting people’s feelings.”

  “I can speak how I want, Delbert. You shouldn’t have this… girl… in charge of something like that. That’s absurd.”

  “She’s doing a wonderful job. It’s a great opportunity for her, and I was happy to give it to her. And… it’s my decision to make.” He took a step back and rubbed his temple. Dating Camille was often… complicated.

  “And why are you taking their side?” Camille stamped her foot, anger flashing across her face, her eyes darkening.