by CF Frizzell
“Oh my God, hon.” Maggie ran her other hand through Ellis’s hair and cupped the back of her head. “And this was in the fog on a crossing?”
Ellis nodded. The direct question drew both image and emotion sharply to mind, but she found it easier to handle than couched queries of the past, and heard herself speak words that had choked her for years. “We were in some real soup and I was at the helm, trying to keep an eye on him.” Her voice shook and she cleared her throat. “I wanted to go check that boom line, but he wouldn’t let me. Stubborn old salt. He staggered just t-two steps, and I could tell there was blood all over his face. And…he was gone.”
Maggie lightly touched Ellis’s hand on the steering wheel. “Pull over. Right here.”
Ellis did, glad to surrender control at this moment, and Maggie shifted the truck into park and released their seat belts. She pulled Ellis into a hug, and Ellis held on tightly, her throat clenched against tears that wouldn’t come anymore.
Maggie’s whisper warmed her cheek. “I want you in my arms, Ellis Chilton. You need this and I need to give it.” She kissed Ellis’s ear. “Thank you for sharing that with me. I’ll bet you haven’t voiced it in a long time.” She pressed Ellis’s head to hers. “Take a breath, please. It’s okay. I’ve got you.”
Chapter Twenty-four
Alone atop the Sankaty Head cliffs, Maggie knew this view could only be surpassed by that from the lighthouse towering over her shoulder. She took a companionable comfort in its presence, the red-banded sentinel just yards away, overseeing all, and she considered herself one of the luckiest people on earth at this moment. Everything she saw she received with humble gratitude and unexpected need.
Beyond the protective fence and the tall sea grass around her legs, land plunged away to a swath of cream-colored sand and miles of rolling ocean, gilded so brightly by morning sunshine, she squinted even through her sunglasses. A lone trawler, its color indiscernible in the shimmering light, crept forward in silence just offshore, and Maggie wondered how long it had been at sea, if it was coming home here or still had many miles to go. Wordlessly, she wished it safe travel. In a way, its journey felt like her own.
Morning errands had put her and Retta into motion early today, but something had drawn her back here, where Ellis had shown her the top of the world, and she’d answered the call without hesitation. She hadn’t considered why or what her subconscious sought. This clear, infinite vision? The insistence of indomitable Atlantic wind? The fortitude and tenacity of the ocean itself? Maybe all of that, she thought, because already she could feel the empowerment in her spirit.
Retta barked from the car, impatient for a beach run, and Maggie obliged, still lost in thought, barely offering a word. She drove down to Low Beach Road and released Retta, and watched her romp from the parking area into the breaking waves. Leaning against the hood, Maggie closed her eyes to the sun and let the wind dot her cheeks with salty spray. Curious, she tried imagining this place, this pose in January. She almost shivered.
The ringing of her cell phone interrupted the moment, and Maggie scowled but knew better than to ignore a call from the house.
“Yes?”
“Sorry to bug you,” Laura said, “but Ms. McGee just called to say she missed her flight and would be an hour late. Rachel said I should call you. I told her you’d check at the flight desk anyway, but she said you’d want to know right away.”
Maggie grinned at the idea of Rachel making Laura deliver the news. Rachel had delivered enough last night, a lengthy and, for her, profound lecture about “the great decision,” and they’d polished off two bottles of margarita mix in determining Maggie’s future. That Rachel could lift her head before nine a.m. came as a surprise. Love you, little sister.
“Thank you both for the heads-up. I’ll just run another errand, then, before heading to the airport.”
“Okay. Oh, and remember you wanted to pick up those prints. They’ve been ready.”
“I’m off to Straight Wharf now, Laura. Thanks. We should be in around eleven.”
“Got it. Everything’s under control here. All five parties are already out for the day, and Rachel just went to buy flowers. She’s making centerpieces.”
Maggie laughed. “Excellent. I’m glad she’s assigned herself a project she doesn’t have to think about. I’m sure she’s nursing a headache.”
“She made some green drink in the blender and says she’s feeling better.”
“Sounds like Rachel. Oh, please tell her not to move the centerpiece I made on the front table. I want those beach roses from the porch to make a statement. She’s free to put others anywhere she wants.”
“I’ll tell her, but not to worry. We’ve already talked about them, and I told her how much Ellis loves them. Oh, my God. I almost forgot: she called right after you left, just to say good morning.”
“I missed her?” Maggie checked and saw she’d missed the text to her cell. Automatically, she looked out at the ocean. Damn. How far away did I drift?
“Yeah. She’s the sweetest. I reminded her that you have an important corporate lawyer-type coming. She said you told her you’d be busy, but I think she still sounded kind of disappointed. She may have said she’d stop by for a few minutes. She’s got such a sexy morning voice, you know?”
It’s sexy in the afternoon and evening, too, and in my head all the time. Especially now.
“Wait. Did you say she’s coming by today?” She stood up and paced around the car. I just need this weekend to send Jill on her way. Their paths never have to cross.
“I think so, but she knows you’re having company.”
“Well, Ms. McGee has a full day scheduled for us, probably hours at the Atheneum, and then dinner tonight, so we’ll be in and out. Plus, she mentioned beaching it tomorrow before she leaves, so—”
“Ellis will miss you all weekend. Maybe you could give Ms. McGee a tour of the waterfront and…sorta…go see the Rose.”
Maggie tried not to sigh into the phone. Laura meant well, and Maggie was moved by her determination to bring them together, but this weekend Laura needed to keep her scheming to herself.
“It’s important that Ms. McGee gets a feel for Nantucket’s history, Laura. As I’ve said before, her connections could serve Tuck’r well down the road.”
“Sure, I get it. Like courting an ambassador.”
“Exactly.”
“Except I think she’s courting you.”
Maggie chuckled for Laura’s sake. “She can think what she wants.” Chances are good Jill McGee won’t be courting me or Tuck’r or Nantucket, after our talk this afternoon. “Going to run now. We’ll be there soon.”
A long piece of driftwood dangling from her jaws, Retta raced from the water to the edge of the parking lot and stomped in front of Maggie.
“Are you going to just pose or let me throw it?” Maggie grabbed the stick and hurled it back toward the wet sand. Retta dashed after it. “Ms. McGee may not fancy sharing a ride with a wet, sandy dog, Retta, even if you stay in the back. She’s not really a dog person anyway.”
Jill was all about high fashion, luxury accommodations, and profit. Maggie didn’t dislike those things, except when the price was one’s heart and soul, and she wasn’t sure if Jill had either. She was sure, however, that her own heart and soul were quite content these days. They’d never been happier, in fact.
She’d blurted out that fact last night, after Rachel and the first pitcher of margaritas tore the admission from her subconscious. Yes, Tuck’r was the house of her dreams. Yes, she’d nestled into the arms of this island. And yes, she’d found someone who mattered.
And no, the sale of Tuck’r Inn was no longer on the table.
She’d tried to convince herself that Ellis wasn’t the deciding factor, but when she thought long-term, and considered the possibility of failing at their relationship, she knew she’d ultimately sell Tuck’r and leave. An island offered a pretty shallow dating pool, as she’d once observed to Ellis, so he
r heart’s chances at happiness here would be slim—especially if they ran into each other as often as they had months ago.
But this relationship did matter. They had potential and that excited the hell out of her, even more than converting Tuck’r into a full-fledged inn and becoming the resident innkeeper. She loved seeing Ellis at ease in a common room chair, loved falling asleep on the Rose with that mussed hair tucked into her shoulder, loved waking up to kisses on her neck and possessive hands on her body. She loved the combination of reserved strength and soft heart, and how Ellis had bravely let her in, past barricades built to keep emotions in as well as out.
She’s invested in us, and I will do the same.
With four photographs from their island jaunt last weekend now matted and framed and situated where Retta wouldn’t step on them, she parked at the airport and went in to greet Jill. One of only a dozen passengers, she would have been easy to spot without the custom sandals, capris, and gaudy dark glasses. Jill called Maggie’s name from across the room and strode toward her with suitcase in tow and her purse and laptop case over her shoulder.
Maggie almost shook her head at the confident, rather smug air about her. To think I nearly lost my mind, hoping to impress her. She laughed inwardly at the comparison of clothing. She wore one of Ellis’s sun-bleached blue T-shirts that read, “Ferries get you coming and going.” I’m a Nantucketter. I’m allowed.
Arriving at Tuck’r, Maggie decided to deposit Jill at the front gate and not the driveway out back where, again, Jill would have to traipse through the kitchen. It was a purely selfish gesture, she thought, designed to leave Jill with a picturesque memory of the “profit center that got away,” once this day was done.
Rachel looked up from the newspaper when Maggie entered the kitchen, headed for the fridge.
“I’m just going to put together a light lunch, some fruit, cheese.”
“She’s here, then.”
“Laura’s getting her settled upstairs.”
“How’d she seem?”
“Upbeat as usual. She has every reason to be. I do feel bad about changing my mind so late in the game.”
Rachel nodded, watching her assemble a platter of food. “Oh, it was late, all right. She’ll probably be pissed that you’ve wasted her time, her entire weekend.”
“It hasn’t been easy. I’ve never made such a big decision.”
“Well, don’t burn the bridge, in case you want to tackle another project someday.”
“I hear you. One step at a time, please.”
“Take that step right away, Mags. Don’t drag it out.”
Laura joined them and took a glass from the cupboard. “Anyone else for iced tea? Ms. McGee would love to sit on the front porch with you.”
Rachel sent Maggie an expectant look.
“Pour one for me too, then, please, Laura. I’ll take all of this outside.” She picked up the platter and drinks on a tray and found Jill lounging on the porch glider. “In case you felt like nibbling on something,” she said, setting the tray down.
“How thoughtful. Thank you.” Jill sipped her drink and leaned back in the glider. “So lovely, Maggie. Tuck’r is simply adorable. You’ve done wonders and should be very proud.”
“Thank you. It’s taken a lot of work, but all our guests love it. We already have quite a few bookings for next summer.”
“Is that right? That bodes well, doesn’t it?”
Maggie nodded. Yes, it does, she thought. For me, not Cavanaugh Resorts.
“I’d like to talk business sooner rather than later, Jill.”
“Any time you’re ready.” She sat forward, smiling with anticipation.
They both turned as two guests entered the front gate talking brightly about last night’s dinner date. They greeted Maggie when they reached the porch and took seats nearby. Losing the opportunity for business talk, Maggie assumed her role of hostess.
“Good morning, ladies. This is our newest arrival, Jill McGee of Baltimore. Jill, this is Lisa and Mellie Sanborne of Washington DC, just married in June.”
They exchanged handshakes and Mellie snared Jill into a conversation about neighborhoods they had in common. Minutes ticked away as Maggie’s anxiety grew, knowing she needed to take Jill aside for some serious discussion.
“Sorry to interrupt, ladies.” Rachel spoke through the screen door. “Maggie, you have a call in your office.”
“Excuse me,” Maggie said. “My sister, Rachel. What would we do without sisters, hmm?” She stepped inside and found Rachel waiting at her desk. “What call?”
“No call. You’ve got to get on with it, not shoot the shit all day.”
“Rachel. I’m working on it.”
“Right. Take her for a walk. Go to Dell’s, the beach, somewhere, but start talking.”
“Please stop eavesdropping and back off.” She spun away, her mind a jumble of half-formed ideas. Outside, Jill sat alone, gliding gently in the warm breeze. Thank God they moved on. “Sorry about that. Listen, I’m bound to get more interruptions if we stay here, so let’s take this someplace else. I’ll treat you to a real lunch at the Met. It’s not far from here at all. Well, actually, very few things are.”
Jill laughed lightly as she rose. “Hey, anyplace you want, count me in.” She winked and went back inside. “Just let me get my purse.”
“Laura?” Maggie called as she entered the kitchen. “Ms. McGee and I are taking off for the afternoon. We’re all set for the rest of today, aren’t we?”
“Yup. You’re good to go. And Rachel said she’d be around if I need an extra hand.”
“Okay, thank you. And about tonight…Rachel might have plans, and Ms. McGee and I will be going to dinner—”
Laura leaned close and whispered, “Is she taking you out?”
“Treating me to dinner, yes,” Maggie whispered in kind. “She has her heart set on the Brant Point Grill, so I’m not complaining.”
“No way? At the White Elephant? That’s serious date dining.”
“Strictly business dining.” Maggie jabbed Laura’s arm playfully. “So tonight, if you want, you’re welcome to come back and mind the store—on me, of course. I’m sure it will be just another quiet night, but if Rachel’s going to be out, too…I’ll leave it up to you.”
*****
Retta rocketed into the kitchen, barking at the rhythmic knock on the door. Laura followed sleepily, cursing Retta’s not-so-subtle approach. Rachel hurried in behind her.
“By the looks of you all, I woke up the house.” Ellis bent and patted Retta, who ran off in search of a toy. “Do you always answer the door so fast?” She laughed. “I saw you through the window.”
“Come in,” Rachel said. “I was just on my way out. Saturday night bands at the RC draw great crowds, too hot to miss. Laura and Retta were out front, reading. They’re babysitting Tuck’r.”
Retta ran back with the toy seagull and Ellis ruffled her ears. “What were you reading, pretty girl? How to Master Humans?” She looked from Laura to Rachel. “Maggie’s out, I take it.”
“Sorry, Ellis,” Laura said. “That Jill McGee woman took her out to dinner.”
“Ah. Hey, you do what you’ve got to do for business, right? Duty calls.”
Rachel smirked as she slipped into a cropped leather jacket. “So they say. Listen, I’ve got to fly. Maybe I’ll catch you tomorrow afternoon before I leave.” She surprised Ellis with a quick hug. “Maybe I’ll get a tour of your Rose sometime.”
“Anytime, Rachel. Have fun tonight.”
Bringing over the cookie jar, Laura wore a hapless look that Ellis didn’t understand.
“Would you like some? I mean, you’re welcome to stay a while, if you like.” Retta nudged Ellis’s thigh with the toy gull. “See? She wants you to stay.”
“Thanks, Laura, but none for me this time.” She kissed the top of Retta’s head and threw the seagull into the laundry room. “I will steal a glass of water, though.”
“Sure.” She had a ta
ll glass, complete with ice cubes, in Ellis’s hand in seconds.
“Everything okay here tonight? Nice and quiet?” Is it my imagination or are you severely distracted?
“Ah, yeah. Everybody’s out.”
Ellis sat at the table and ran a palm over the familiar surface. “So…Jill McGee, huh? Do you like her?”
“She’s all right. A bit stuffy, I think, kind of stuck on herself.”
“Sounds like big-league business.”
“Yeah. She’s a corporate lawyer from Baltimore. And she’s well-to-do, as they say.”
“I see.”
“She was here in July, too.” Laura leaned against a chair and fumbled with a button on her blouse. “I guess she couldn’t wait to come back, considering she originally planned to be here in September.”
“Well, I imagine Tuck’r has that effect on guests, right? They hate leaving, so it’s no surprise they hurry back. That’s good to hear.”
“She took her to the White Elephant tonight.”
Laura’s rambling took Ellis back. “Well, well. Nice dinner.” Looking rather constrained, Laura only nodded. Ellis struggled to read between the lines. “Well, I hope Maggie orders the most expensive thing on the menu. I would.”
“They have al fresco dining…under the stars.”
“Yes, I know. Very pretty setting. Great ambience.”
“Aren’t you even a little upset?”
“That some businesswoman took Maggie to dinner? Wouldn’t be too fair of me, now would it? Is there some reason I should be?”
“Well…I’m really not sure.”
“Does Maggie like this woman?”
“You mean like like? Well, Maggie’s all about promoting the business, but Jill likes her a lot. Rachel thinks so, too, and…and we don’t like it.”
Ellis smiled into her glass as she drank. Devoted allies.
“I’m sure Maggie will tell us all about her glamorous dinner tomorrow.”
“That woman’s not leaving until the last boat.” Laura drifted to the counter, mumbling. “I hope she doesn’t extend her stay.” As if she finally heard herself, she looked over at Ellis and offered a sheepish smile. “I’m not being very mature. I’m sorry.”
