And he got it, but not in the way that he’d imagined. On Tuesday, he stopped for a slice of pizza at lunchtime. He was working on a project near the pier, so walked over to Oath, where they made the slices to order in a super fast oven while you waited. He ate his pizza and on his walk back to work, he saw a couple having a romantic lunch on the pier at Cru. He did a double-take when he got closer and recognized them. Lauren had her hand on the tanned muscled arm of Troy Merchant, the guy she was dancing with at the Chicken Box. Their food was almost untouched as they gazed into each other’s eyes. Troy pushed a stand of hair off Lauren’s face and tucked it behind her ear and she laughed and ran a finger along his arm.
Chase shook his head and looked away. A few weeks ago, he would have been devastated to see that. He still felt a bit of anger, but more than anything, he felt relief and confirmation that he’d made the right decision. Now he knew why she wasn’t calling him back, and given what he just saw, he didn’t feel the need to call her again.
Beth wondered if something had happened with Chase and Lauren. He hadn’t mentioned her all week and she hadn’t called the office once. He’d been quieter than usual until Friday afternoon when he came back to the office early, around three instead of his usual four. He took his mail into his office and she figured he’d be there at least an hour, but twenty minutes later, he walked up to her desk.
“We finished up early today. Can you close up now? Finish whatever you’re doing on Monday?”
“Sure. I could do that.”
“Good, let’s go have an end of the work week drink.”
Beth hesitated. “I’d love to, but I have a date with Ryan tonight.”
“You have time for one drink? It’s only four o’clock. It’s been ages since we’ve done this.”
“It has been a while. I guess I could go for one.” Now and then, she and Chase used to grab an after work drink and Beth had always loved those nights. She could sit and talk to Chase for hours. They hadn’t gone out after work since he started dating Lauren. So she figured something had changed with the two of them.
When they were seated at the tiny pub around the corner from the office with frosty draft beers in front of them, Chase confirmed her suspicions and told her he’d ended things with Lauren.
“I realized it wasn’t going to work long-term. We’re too different. I dreaded calling her. I was going to suggest meeting so I could do it in person, maybe over coffee or something. But I didn’t reach her. And she never called me back.
“So, you never had the conversation?” Beth asked.
“No. I think Lauren was starting to realize I wasn’t as easily controlled as she’d hoped. When I said no to that project, I think she started to lose interest. I’m pretty sure she found a replacement already though.”
“To date? Or for the project?”
“Hmmm, possibly both, actually. I was thinking dating. I saw the two of them looking very cozy over lunch the other day. They were sitting outside at CRU. Neither one of them saw me. But now that you mention it, it makes sense. They probably approached Troy for the project too.”
“It seems more up his alley. I bet he won’t think twice about doing the job for less money and using lower quality materials.”
“It’s probably what he does now. It’s the only way it would make sense for him to underbid me on some of those projects. On a few of them, when I knew he was in the running, I really pushed it and bid as low as I possibly could, and it still wasn’t enough.”
“How are you doing? I know you really liked her?” Beth asked gently.
Chase smiled. “Liked is the key word. The more we spent time together, the more I realized how different we are.” He took a sip of his beer, then set the mug down.
“And what about you? You’re going on a second date, so the kissing must have been okay?” His tone was light and teasing and Beth was really wishing that she hadn’t agreed to go on that second date. She wanted to stay and have another drink with Chase and maybe split a greasy bar pizza and chat for a few more hours. And maybe he’d look at her the way he had the other night, for that split second. But she had said yes and needed to get going soon.
“It was okay, too soon to really know for sure.”
Chase nodded. “Yeah, you really need to get to know someone and that takes time.”
“Speaking of time, I should probably get going.” Beth took another sip of her beer and set the mug down. She reached in her purse for a few dollars, but Chase waved her money away.
“I’ve got this. Go have fun on your date.”
17
Paige was sitting on her living room sofa, with her laptop on her lap, uploading a picture of her latest Hummel figurine to sell on eBay. Bailey kept hopping around behind her, tackling her hair and racing from one end of the sofa to the other. She figured he was about twenty minutes away from collapsing and napping for a few hours. He was like the energizer bunny. He went at full speed until he’d used up every drop of energy and then he’d find a cozy spot to curl up and sleep for a few hours.
She was just about done when both she and Bailey jumped at the sound of a knock at the kitchen door. She wasn’t expecting anyone. She went to the door and was surprised to see Violet outside holding what looked like a box of cheesecake. When she opened the door, Violet handed her the box.
“Here you go. If I remember, you said you wanted a bite of my cheesecake, how about a whole box instead?”
“Come on in. That’s too much. I can just take a slice and give you back the rest.”
“No, I have plenty and besides I’m going to be moving again, and I’m not taking that cheesecake with me.”
“You’re moving? I thought you were going to stay awhile. Do you have time for a cup of tea? And maybe a slice of cheesecake?”
“I’ll pass on the cheesecake, but I’ll have a cup of tea with you, sure.”
While Paige made the tea, Violet played with Bailey, who loved the attention.
When the tea was ready, Paige brought the cups to the coffee table and took her spot on the sofa again. Violet sat in the matching love seat and took a small sip of the steaming tea.
“So, where are you moving to?” Paige asked.
“Off-Island. I’ve been here almost fifteen years and I think it’s time to go. I’m going to join my sister in Florida. She wants me to work with her and help her run her business. She’s been asking me for years and I never wanted to leave Nantucket, but now I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
“What kind of business is it?” Paige was curious what Violet would do in Florida.
“She has a temporary staffing business and needs someone to help her manage clients and interview candidates. She said it’s fast-paced, so I’ll never be bored.”
“Well, that does sound promising. But why leave so suddenly?”
Violet sighed. “Nantucket is expensive. I managed to support myself for years, but it was easier when I was younger. I always had generous men that I had…friendships with. Not everyone approves of how I live my life. That’s why I moved into this neighborhood. I guess you could say I wore out my welcome in my old one. People talk too much and things get lost in translation. There were some that actually said I was an escort for crying out loud. That’s just ridiculous.”
“It wasn’t any better after you moved here?” Paige asked.
“It was, for a little while. But then there was the situation with Tom.”
Paige sat up straighter. “Tom?”
“Smith. The fellow that recently had the heart attacks.”
“He was with you?”
“He was.” She was quiet for a moment and took another slow sip of her tea.
“I really liked him. We’d been seeing each other for several months. He has some clients on Nantucket and comes over once or twice a month. I knew he was married, but he told me it was as good as over and I believed him. But he never told me about his heart condition and that he was supposed to avoid certain…activities.”
> “Oh dear…”
“Right. I should have called 911, but I figured I could get him to the hospital just as quickly. So, I drove him there. Brought him in and said I’d be right back. I went home instead. I couldn’t go back. For his sake, and for mine. I really didn’t think he would die.” Her eyes welled up. Paige handed her the box of tissues she kept on the coffee table.
“Did someone recognize you at the hospital?” Paige asked.
Violet sniffed again and then blew her nose so loudly that Bailey jumped.
“No. When that young policeman came around, he said that they’d checked the numbers on Tom’s cell phone and mine was the last one he’d dialed, the day he arrived on Nantucket. He’d booked a room at a bed-and-breakfast, but I’m not sure if he ever checked in. He just needed to tell his wife where he was staying.”
And now it made sense why he’d prepaid. All he’d needed was the reservation and the charge on his credit card statement.
“You’re not in any kind of trouble from the police?” Paige asked.
“No. They agreed that I didn’t do anything wrong. But eventually it will get out that I was with Tom that night and people talk enough about me as it is.”
She sipped her tea and looked as though she was thinking about something.
“I feel like I’ve lost my touch with men lately. I asked that handsome writer, Tyler Black out for a drink and I thought there could be potential there. I am a bit older than him, but I told him I was younger. I’m not sure he believed me though and he didn’t mention going out again. With Tom gone, money is getting a little tight again. He gave me a check when he was here. He was always so generous, but I didn’t feel right about cashing this one.”
Paige sipped her tea and nodded in sympathy. She wasn’t sure why Violet was sharing so much, but she guessed that she needed to get it off her chest and talk to someone, and she didn’t seem to have many women friends on the island. And maybe it wasn’t the sort of thing you’d want to share with your sister.
“Did you sign a lease here? Will it be difficult to get out of?” She wondered.
Violet shook her head. “No, I already talked to them and they have a waiting list of people that want to move in. Reasonably priced housing is a hot commodity here and I was just month-to-month. Thankfully.”
“There’s really no more good men left here,” Violet said. “I met Tom at Rhett’s restaurant. I was sort of a regular at the bar there and at one time, when it first opened, I set my sights on Rhett, but he didn’t bite. I think he was already getting serious with Lisa Hodges by then. You know, there is something you may want to mention to Lisa though.”
“Oh, what’s that?” Paige leaned forward, curious to hear what Violet had to say.
“Do you know Nancy Noggan?” Paige recognized the time and tried to picture who she was and then it came to her. Stylish woman in her late forties or maybe early fifties, it was hard to know for sure, but she was tall and lean, a runner maybe with toned arms. She had highlighted blonde hair that fell to her collar bone and big blue eyes.
“I know who she is,” Paige said.
“Well, I think she’s set her sights on Rhett and even though people have told her he’s with Lisa, she seems to ignore it and flirts outrageously with him every time she goes in. And she’s been going in more often lately. She’s been at the bar every time I’ve been in over the past month or so. And Rhett seems to be giving her more attention than he used to. I’m not saying there’s anything there, but if I were Lisa, I’d want to know about it.”
“Hmmm. I will let her know. We haven’t been into the restaurant in ages, maybe it’s time Lisa and I went in for a drink and a bite to eat at the bar.”
Violet smiled. “That’s what I would do.”
Lisa checked her outfit in the mirror and twirled to see how it looked from all angles. She’d lost five pounds since she got sick, and even though she could stand to lose fifteen more, she was feeling pretty good and her stomach looked a little flatter. She wore dark dressy jeans and her favorite pale blue cotton sweater with a flattering scooped neckline. She was finally feeling like herself again. She’d finished her course of antibiotics a few days ago and was back to her morning walks along the beach. But she made sure not to walk in any grassy areas.
She heard Paige’s car pull into the driveway and met her outside and climbed into the passenger seat.
“You didn’t tell him we’re coming in, did you?” Paige asked. Lisa was going to, but Paige insisted it was better not to, so he’d be just acting the way he normally would. Lisa didn’t think that was necessary but after talking to Harry, she agreed to go along with what Paige suggested. Harry didn’t think there was anything to it, but thought it might be good for Lisa to see for herself. She also thought it would be good for her just to get out after being cooped up at home recuperating. Lisa really wasn’t concerned about Rhett. She knew in her heart that things were good with them. But she was curious to see this other woman in action and they hadn’t been into the restaurant in ages.
They arrived at a quarter to six, early enough that there were still plenty of seats at the bar, but it was starting to fill up. Rhett was nowhere to be seen when they walked in and Lisa guessed he was in the kitchen talking to the chef. Paige led the way to the bar and made a beeline toward two empty seats, which happened to be next to Nancy Noggan. She was there in what Lisa guessed was her usual spot, the last seat on the end, near where the waitstaff came to pick up their drinks and where she’d see people coming and going out of the kitchen.
Just as they were about to sit, Nancy got up and headed off towards the rest rooms. Paige sat and left the empty seat, the one next to Nancy for Lisa.
“She doesn’t know you, does she?” Paige asked.
“No, we’ve never met, so I don’t think so.”
“Good. You’ll be able to hear her better by sitting there then.”
“I’m not so sure this is a good idea,” Lisa said. She was starting to second guess Paige’s suggestion to visit the restaurant.
“Don’t be silly! It’s harmless and we haven’t gone out in ages or come here, so it’s all good.”
As soon as they were seated, the bartender, a young woman that Lisa hadn’t seen before, came over with a big smile and asked what they’d like to drink. They both went with white wine. A few minutes later, Nancy returned, sat down and didn’t even glance their way. She picked up her martini and sipped it while she scanned the restaurant and her eyes lit up when she saw Rhett walk through the kitchen door. She smiled and waved him over.
“Quick, turn towards me,” Paige whispered.
Lisa turned so her back was to Rhett and that woman.
“Good, he hasn’t seen us. I can see and you can listen.”
“This is silly,” Lisa protested and went to turn around.
“Just wait a few minutes,” Paige insisted.
“You look lovely tonight, Nancy,” Rhett said in his usual charming way. Lisa didn’t think anything of it, because he was like that with everyone.
“Thanks, Rhett. Say, you know, I was thinking about you earlier today. I remembered you said you love scallops and that you had some beauties in for a special the other night. Well, I heard there’s a scallop festival downtown next weekend. If you’re not busy, maybe we should check it out. I hear it’s fantastic.”
“Oh, my god!” Paige whispered. “The nerve of her.”
“Shhhh,” Lisa said. She wanted to hear Rhett’s response.
“That sounds wonderful Nancy. Maybe we’ll see you there. My Lisa loves scallops too and she mentioned going to the festival as well.”
“You did?” Paige whispered.
“No, but it does sound good.”
“Oh, I didn’t realize things were serious with what’s her name? Linda?”
Lisa fought back a giggle and turned towards Nancy and Rhett. He laughed when he saw her and to her delight, came over and planted a big kiss on her lips. From the corner of her eye, Lisa registe
red a look of dismayed shock on Nancy’s face. It was quite satisfying to see.
“This is a nice surprise. I didn’t realize you two were coming in.”
“It was a last-minute thing. Paige was craving seafood.”
Rhett turned back to Nancy and still had his arm around Lisa’s shoulders.
“Nancy, I’d like you to meet Lisa Hodges, the woman I live with.” He winked at Lisa and she smiled back. “Nancy is one of our regulars.”
“Nice to meet you, Nancy.”
Nancy looked as though she was anything but pleased to be meeting Lisa. “You as well,” she said tightly and picked up her martini glass.
“What are you ladies in the mood for tonight?” Rhett said.
“I’m suddenly craving scallops,” Lisa said.
“Me too,” Paige said.
“Well, you won’t be disappointed. No one does them like we do.”
“That’s what I hear.” Lisa gave his arm a squeeze and he kissed her again.
Nancy took the final sip of her martini, pulled her bar tab from the cup in front of her and counted out cash to pay her bill and set it on the bar.
“Are you leaving us already, Nancy?” Rhett said.
“I’m tired. It’s been a long day. Goodnight.” She left and as soon as she was out the door, Rhett said, “You really have no idea how glad I am that you came in tonight.”
“You’re very popular. Should I be worried?” Lisa teased him.
“You have nothing to worry about. You never will,” he assured her.
18
Kristen ran into Tyler soon after talking to her sister. They both went to get their mail at the same time and before she could chicken out, she invited him to come to her cookout and pitch party Friday night. He looked like he’d been holed up writing for hours, maybe even a few days as he looked exhausted and badly needed a shave. Though the dark stubble shadow looked good on him. She guessed he’d been locked in the zone when time ceased to exist.
“I didn’t expect to see anyone. Hope my appearance doesn’t scare you. When the writing is going well, I forget to do basic things like bathe and shave.”
Nantucket Neighbors (Nantucket Beach Plum Cove series Book 2) Page 13
