Changing Tides

by Meredith Summers

  Hope sparked in Jane’s eyes. “It would be great if things picked up with ads. I mean, Tides is in a premium location on the beach. That would make it stand out, wouldn’t it?”

  Claire nodded as she typed a quick message into her phone and hit Send. “There. Tammi is probably sleeping right now, but I’ll let you know what she says, and we can go from there.”

  Maxi cooed and clucked her tongue. “That’s it, I’m not so scary.”

  Claire glanced over her shoulder to see that the tabby had tentatively emerged from the shadow of the potted plant. She tucked away her phone and frowned as she tried to think. “From what I remembered from when I asked her, she told me ads were big in the paper, but you also want to do things online. Have you kept the inn’s website up to date?”

  Jane opened her mouth then shut it again. She reached for the chocolate croissant on the plate in the center of the table. Her voice emerged as a squeak. “Website?”

  “You must have a website,” Claire said. “I had to update mine. It only had one page with some pictures, but Tammi convinced me to have someone revamp it. It’s not that expensive, but she said it’s necessary.”

  Jane frowned. “I guess we have an old one too. Honestly, I haven’t even looked at it in ages.”

  Claire whipped out her phone again, this time texting Jane. “I’m passing along the names of three web designers I got for mine. I ended up using Rachel Sanders. She was booked a few months out, so you might not want to wait for her. The others seemed good too.”

  “Great, thanks.” Jane was trying to sound in control but looked overwhelmed.

  “Aha! There you are, you handsome fellow.” Triumphant, Maxi leaned down and scooped the cat into her lap. For a moment, it stood stiff and wary, but as she started to pet it, the cat settled into her and started to purr. Maxi smiled as she stroked the tabby’s fur.

  Claire couldn’t help but smile too. “He knows how much you like cats.” Maxi was forever monopolizing Urchin’s attention whenever she came to visit Claire at her cottage, but Claire didn’t mind. Maxi was clearly a cat lover. “You should get one of your own.”

  Although she continued to pander to the feline, Maxi made a face. “James didn’t seem too keen on that when I broached the subject before.”

  Claire seemed to remember something about James not wanting to get animal hair on his expensive suits.

  “Sometimes you have to think about what you want, Maxi. I used to think only about what Peter wanted, and look where it got me. A big fat divorce and an ex with a snarky younger wife! I’m much better off now.”

  “Yes, but Peter never treated you right,” Maxi pointed out. “It isn’t the same with James at all. He’s thinking about his career, a career he has used to keep us comfortable enough so that I could stay home and raise the kids. Other parents both had to work.”

  She had a point about the differences. James wasn’t a bad guy, but at some point, one had to live their dream, and she was certain Maxi wasn’t living hers.

  Gently, she told Maxi, “Thinking about myself for a change has been what has gotten me to this point in my life. Look what I have now! I have something of my own, something I’ve always wanted to do. I’m living my dream life.” Claire was proud of the way her life had turned out. Proud of the way she had picked up the pieces after her divorce and been selfish, for once in her life.

  She honestly thought that it was high time for Maxi to be a little selfish too.

  Maxi nodded. “Yeah, maybe you’re right. But James is loosening up, and things take time. I’m working on him about a pet.”

  “Speaking of pets,” Jane said. “I ran into this adorable golden retriever while I was at Tall Pines earlier. His name is Cooper, and he plowed me right over! I fell into a bush.” She laughed, the color rising in her cheeks the only indication that she was a little self-conscious in the retelling.

  “He sounds charming,” Claire said, recognizing the twinkle in Jane’s eye, even though it had been a while since she’d seen it. When she spoke of the dog, she all but glowed. And why shouldn’t she? Dogs were in a perpetually good mood. Dogs followed their owners as though they were starved for attention, and they gave as much affection in return. Perhaps Maxi wasn’t the only one of them who needed a pet. Jane had been a widow for a long time, and now that she didn’t have her mother at home, a dog might be a great way to fill that hole.

  Claire exchanged a glance with Maxi, who seemed to be thinking the same thing. It had been so long since Jane had allowed herself to care for someone else. From the time her son had died a decade ago, she’d been reluctant to let anyone new into her life in more than a superficial way. And now that her husband was gone, it must be lonely.

  Rather than broach the subject just yet, Maxi asked, “Have you heard from Andrea?”

  Jane’s expression turned dark, but she shrugged as if she didn’t care. “I’ve tried calling her to talk, but she hasn’t called me back. We’ve exchanged a few texts, but I think the situation is too involved to get into with text messages. Either she’ll call me to talk about it or she won’t hear the details.”

  “Oh. Well, I hope she calls,” Claire said.

  Jane nodded. “Either way, I’m not sure she’ll be much help. Speaking of which…” Jane picked her bag up from beside her chair and pushed up from the table. “I’d better get going. Lots to do.”

  Claire stood too. “Wait. I packaged up a chocolate chip muffin for Addie. I know you, and you’ll be checking on her every night until you know she’s settled in.”

  “Thanks, Claire. You’re a good friend. I really appreciate it.”

  Claire hugged her tight, letting her know without words how much she was there to support Jane whenever she needed it. She ran in the cafe and grabbed the white bag with the Sandcastles logo. “Here. And give her my best when you see her.”

  “I will.”

  Still pinned in the chair beneath the stray cat, Maxi suggested, “Why don’t we meet up for drinks later this evening at Splash? Tammi will have texted back by then, don’t you think?”

  Claire nodded. “I’m sure she’ll have something for me to send along by then. What do you say, Jane?”

  “That sounds really nice, actually.”

  “Then it’s settled,” Claire said with satisfaction. She hugged her friend one last time and whispered, “See you later.”

  Maxi reluctantly put the tabby down. The cat was well groomed. Its fur was sleek and soft, and it appeared to be well fed. She—or he—probably belonged to somebody, and it wasn’t like Maxi could take it home anyway.

  She helped Claire clean up the table and carried half the plates and cups back inside the bakery. She was happy that Claire had reopened, and not only because their weekly breakfasts together could now resume. The last month had been especially tough on Maxi for no good reason. After all, she wasn’t dealing with the stress of redoing the pipes in her business or of balancing a business she barely knew with caring for an ailing mother like her two friends were. No, Maxi had the freedom to do whatever she wanted.

  Well, almost whatever she wanted. Her mind turned to the hoard of sketchbooks she kept in the bench at the end of her bed. She hadn’t mentioned to James that she’d kept those after giving up on sketching shortly after she’d had their first child. She sensed he didn’t approve of her taking up the hobby again, as if painting and sketching didn’t befit a bank president’s wife. Maxi loved James with all her heart, but sometimes she didn’t love the way he’d changed with all the responsibility of his position at the bank.

  “Hey, Maxi, I’ll take those.” Hailey Robinson reached for the plates with a smile. Maxi had taken a liking to the young mother and she, Jane, and Claire thought of themselves as pseudo-grandmothers for Hailey’s twelve-year-old daughter, Jennifer.

  “How’s Jennifer? Enjoying the summer, I hope.” Maxi handed the plates off.

  “She’s great. She loved that kite you gave her. Uses it all the time. Why don’t you come down to the b
each sometime and help her fly it?”

  “I might just do that,” Maxi said. At least it would give her something to do, and James might even approve. Hailey disappeared into the kitchen, and Maxi turned to Claire. “Can I have an almond scone to go?”

  “Still hungry?” Claire eyed her as she opened the pastry case. “You ate two muffins.”

  Maxi laughed. “It’s for later. I was thinking about taking a sketchbook up to the Marginal Way and doing a pencil sketch of the ocean.”

  “Really? That’s great! You haven’t done that since we were kids. I’m glad you’re progressing from napkin sketches,” Claire joked as she plucked a bakery tissue out of a box and reached into the case.

  “Well, it’s just a way to pass the time. I found an old sketchbook and figured I’d fill out the pages. Just for fun.”

  “You are a talented artist. You could make something out of it if you wanted. When we were kids, you always said you wanted to be an artist when you grew up.”

  Maxi remembered that desire well. It was like a rope of regret tugging at her even now. “Well, that wasn’t a very practical ambition, and I’m not really that good.”

  Claire slipped the scone into a white bag and folded the top shut. “I’m sure you’re better than you think. Your napkin sketches are lovely, and we’re all our own worst critic, aren’t we?”

  Maxi mustered a faint smile. She reached into her purse to pay for the scone. Although Claire would have given it to her for free, it was important to Maxi to support her friend financially by buying the pastries she took home with her.

  Claire handed the bag over the counter but kept hold of one end when Maxi grabbed for it. Gently, she said, “It might be good for you to take art up more seriously now that you’ve become an empty nester. How are you adjusting to that now?”

  Maxi had shared her feelings with Claire and Jane when her youngest had gone off to college last year. After years of taking kids to sports events, doing laundry, and making sure the kitchen was supplied with snacks and meals, it was a bit of an adjustment. “It’s a change, but I guess I’m getting used to it.”

  “It is a big change. Especially for the couples involved. How’s James taking it?”

  Maxi shrugged. “He seems okay. He works a lot, but that is usual, so we’re doing fine.”

  She kept on a cheerful face for Claire, but there were times when she wondered if the kids had provided a bond for her and James that was no longer there. Things between them were different now. Of course, there were times when he was sweet and considerate just like he had been when they’d first been married. But then there were times when he worked such late hours that he came home only to eat and sleep.

  Maxi paid for the scone, then tucked the bag with the scone into her large, striped tote bag for safekeeping. Not wanting to burden her friend with her problems, she changed the subject. “Did you see the way Jane’s face lit up when she was talking about that dog?”

  She and Claire moved to the side as another customer approached the cash register. Hailey took over to serve the customer, leaving Claire free to continue their chat.

  “I did,” Claire answered. “If you ask me, what Jane needs is a pet.”

  “It might help her during this transition time with her mom and the inn.”

  “You would do well with a pet too,” Claire added. “But for different reasons. Jane is…” Her expression grew somber. “Jane is hurt. She needs to ease her way into opening up.”

  Maxi nodded. “I know. I can’t imagine losing a child and a husband, and I know it still hurts her.”

  “If she only had a cat or a dog to open her heart to, I think she’d be much closer to healing. I’m afraid she’s shutting too many doors and missing out on life.”

  Maxi adjusted the straps of her tote bag higher on her shoulder. “You think she should find a new boyfriend?”

  “Not necessarily. Just because I did doesn’t mean it’s for everybody. But if Jane decides to remain single, I think it should be because her life is full without a romantic partner, not because she’s afraid of losing someone again.”

  “It would also help if her sister came back. I remember that Jane idolized her once, but I don’t think they’ve been close since Andie left for college. Do you know why she hardly ever visits?”

  Looking weary, Claire shook her head. “Not really. I got the impression that Lobster Bay was just too small for her. I guess her dreams were too big to fit in the town. It’s too bad.”

  Maxi noticed her friend’s gaze drift toward the front window of the bakery, which overlooked Bradford Breads across the street.

  Dreamily, Claire added, “This town is the perfect size for me. It always has been.”

  “Especially now,” Maxi teased.

  Claire didn’t seem to notice, still staring across the street. Maxi smiled. Claire was smitten. And judging by the look on Rob’s face every time Maxi had seen him and Claire together, the feeling was mutual. It was so warming to see, especially after everything Claire had been through.

  “You’re right. Lobster Bay has always been perfect for me too. I never even thought of leaving, except maybe to go to college.” But Maxi’s dreams had included art school in Paris, not a math degree from Massachusetts. In the end, she hadn’t even used the degree, but she had a beautiful home and three wonderful children. She couldn’t complain about any of that. “Well, I better run. I’ll see you tonight.”

  Chapter 5

  By midafternoon, Jane was sick of numbers. She’d gone over the books twice, set up an appointment with Shane Flannery, and sent messages to the web designers whose contact info Claire had given her. She was starting to think that maybe she could make this work.

  She took a break to walk on the beach. Strolling at the edge near the surf, she watched for interesting shells. It was just past high tide, and you never knew what treasures the ocean might have left. A brown, striped spiral shell tumbled in the foamy surf, and she bent to pick it up. Some type of whelk or conch shell, she wasn’t sure. It was pretty common, and she had bowls full of them. Jane only kept the rare shells these days, so she tossed it back, the motion helping to loosen the stiff muscles in her neck.

  She stretched, bringing her arms over her head, and turned away from the ocean. This part of the beach was practically deserted because there were no public parking lots nearby. It was dotted with quaint cottages that were painted in pretty colors—aqua, pink, mint green.

  Wait. Was that Sandee Harris in the window of one of those cottages? Jane would recognize that bleach-blond haircut anywhere. Sandee was the last person she wanted to talk to. Hopefully she wouldn’t look this way. It was kind of hard to hide out in the middle of the beach.

  But Sandee didn’t look at the beach. She was too focused on the man next to her, a man whose arm she was leaning over as she showed him something invisible from Jane’s vantage point. That wasn’t…

  James? Maxi’s husband? It couldn’t be. He never took off his suit jacket. But his profile was familiar. What was he doing with Sandee? Maxi hadn’t said anything about investing in a cottage, particularly one so close to home. Maybe Jane was mistaken. She needed a closer look.

  As she started toward the cottage, the pair moved out of sight, away from the back window and into another room.

  Weird. Maxi had always said she wanted to have a cottage on the beach where she could paint all day. Maybe they were finally buying one. But Jane had just seen Maxi this morning, and she hadn’t mentioned a thing.

  A bark gave her thirty seconds of warning before a golden ball of fur launched into her. The next thing she knew, she was lying in the sand, an eager golden retriever nose stuck in her face right before his tongue lapped her cheek.

  “Cooper! Come here!”

  Jane laughed, further encouraging Cooper, who wagged his entire body. She balled her hands in his fur, trying to pat him and push him away at the same time. She had to admit the exuberant devotion of the dog felt good. That was something you sure di
dn’t get from people.

  “Cooper.” Mike sounded exasperated this time and much nearer. A moment later, Cooper jumped off Jane.

  She rose up on her elbows and caught her breath before Mike’s charming smile appeared in front of her face as he battled the dog one-handed and offered her the other.

  “We have to stop meeting like this.”

  She smiled back at him. “One of these days I would like to be upright when we meet.” Her voice was a little breathless. She took his hand, letting him help her to stand before she started to brush off the sand as best she could.

  Cooper divided his attention between them, his tail moving back and forth in a perpetual wag.

  “Here, boy,” Mike said, swiping a stick of driftwood off the beach. “Fetch!”

  Cooper looked conflicted as he glanced between Jane and Mike. However, when Mike let the stick fly, the dog rocketed down the beach after it.

  “Are you all right?” Mike asked, his eyes twinkling.

  Jane couldn’t help but notice that in addition to a nice smile, Mike also had nice eyes. When she’d met him in front of Tall Pines, she’d thought them gray or brown. But here, in the sunlight, they looked green. A beautiful shade of green that reminded her of the ocean. Why in the world was she noticing these things about him?

  “I’m fine,” she answered, her voice even quieter than usual. She glanced at the beach to see that Cooper, unable to find his initial stick of driftwood, had found an even bigger piece and was on his way back, carrying it precariously. When she risked a glance toward Mike, she found him watching her with that smile still in place.

  “Did your grandfather live here on the beach?” Jane gestured back toward the cottages. “I remember you said you were staying here to care for him.”

  “Actually, I’m renting one of the cottages. I was staying at Gramps’s place over on Elm Street, but it sold last week.”

  Something felt sad and final about Mike’s grandfather’s place being sold, as if he could never go back. Though clearly Addie could never go back, either, especially not if Jane screwed up and didn’t get Tides profitable again. That would be doubly problematic since there would be no Tides for Addie to go back to and also no money to keep her at Tall Pines.