Love on the Boardwalk (A Cinnamon Bay Romance Book 1)

by Nikki Lynn Barrett

  “I thought we were leaving this alone, ladies?” Eva responded, her tone light and easy.

  “Doesn’t hurt to ask every once in a while,” Hattie replied.

  “Every day is now every once in a while?” Eva’s brows rose. “Hmm. That’s interesting. I’ll be right back with your order.”

  Mac remained silent, keeping his head low until the right time came to make his move. Eva returned to the table with their drinks, where the Golden Girls continued talking and making their presence known. They had that aura about them. Not overly loud, but everyone was aware of them. It seemed like the coffee shop fell into a hush.

  Probably because no one wanted their secrets spilled, and if they said something, it would be remembered by the three.

  That terrified him.

  But Eva said they were harmless and helpful.

  So here went nothing.

  Mac dusted off his shirt, closed his laptop, and walked over to their table.

  As expected, all eyes were on him. “Morning, ladies.”

  “Why hello, Mac,” Birdie chirped.

  “How are you this morning?” Hattie asked.

  “I’m doing all right. Hoping to be doing a little better. Mind if I take a seat?”

  “Don’t mind at all,” Trixie replied, gesturing.

  He cleared his throat and set his laptop in front of him.

  Eva made her move, heading around the table to stand beside Mac.

  “Here’s the thing,” Mac began.

  “Oooooh, they’re up to something, hmm?” Trixie leaned forward.

  Eva’s hand landed on Mac’s shoulder. He didn’t know if she even realized it, but he sure didn’t complain. Her touch, even a simple one as this, set his body on fire. “We’d… Mac would love it if you can help get Elizabeth to agree on something.”

  Birdie’s expression was knowing. Her lips curved up slightly.

  “I’d give anything to be able to get into her brother’s house.”

  The ladies remained quiet.

  Did that mean he should continue? Nerves grew like a virus and spread in his gut. What would they say? Damn this silence!

  “We’d go through it for her, but convincing her is going to be tricky,” Eva explained.

  “You’re involved in this?” Birdie questioned Eva.

  She shrugged. “Mac’s a friend, and I’m helping a friend. Nothing wrong with that.”

  “They both had a cup of Café Amour,” Trixie whispered loudly. “See this, ladies?”

  “Oh, I see it all right,” Birdie replied.

  Eva held up a hand. “Let’s not bring the drink into this.”

  Mac watched her carefully. She sure had a strong reaction to this blasted drink the ladies wouldn’t give up on.

  “Why do you want to get into Macklin Parker’s house?” Hattie questioned.

  He knew asking the ladies to help wasn’t going to go as smooth as he’d hoped. But because of Eva’s strong conviction over the drink, he didn’t want her to have to bargain with the old birds by agreeing to put it back on the menu. No, this was his problem, not Eva’s.

  Mac stepped in. “Macklin Parker was my grandfather.”

  “I knew it!” gasped Trixie.

  “No,” exclaimed Birdie, her hand splayed over her heart.

  Silence from Hattie. Narrowed eyes.

  Shifting in his chair, Mac began to sweat. What if he couldn’t convince them he was indeed Macklin’s grandson? They were his last hope of getting into the house and finding some information.

  “Royce Parker died childless,” Hattie informed him, with a quirked brow.

  Looking the ringleader straight in the eye, Mac went on to explain. “Royce and Amber Parker are my birth parents, but I was adopted by David and Ruth Jenssen. I have paperwork as proof, and I’d gladly show it to Elizabeth if she’d ever give me the chance.”

  “Why do you need to get into the house? What are you looking for?” Hattie was a tough one. Maybe even tougher than his aunt.

  “Answers. I’ve always wondered why he didn’t keep me. Now, I’m curious as to why he never told anyone about me.”

  That seemed to do the trick. For now, at least.

  “Of course, we’ll help you. We’d be honored. Lizzie will be so happy to get us off her case, she’ll agree in no time.” Birdie’s smile lit up her wrinkly face.

  Eva chuckled. “We’re counting on that.”

  “Don’t you worry, Mac. We’ll get you in that house,” Trixie assured him with a nod. “I knew you looked too much like Macklin for it to just be a coincidence.”

  “As long as Eva is with you when you go through the house,” Hattie added.

  So began the trouble. Mac blew out a breath of relief but wondered if Hattie had only agreed because she wanted to push him and Eva together. If that was the case, Mac was okay with it. He wanted to be with Eva any chance he could.

  This small town sure had its quirks, but with these ladies on his side, maybe this wasn’t so bad after all.

  “YOU SURE I should be here with you when you talk to her?” Mac asked nearly two hours later. He’d gotten some work done while the Trio of Trouble enjoyed their drinks and some added pastries.

  Trixie patted his elbow as they walked up to the house. “We’ve got this. Just watch.”

  He didn’t mind a front seat to this show, but what would his aunt say about him again?

  “Oh, Elizabeth!” Birdie rang the doorbell. “Lizzie, dear, are you in?”

  Mac grimaced. They sure had a way of making themselves known.

  “What do you want?” It didn’t take long for her to come to the front door. “A visit from all three of you? Good lord. You must want something.”

  “Want something?” Hattie spoke up. “Of course, we want something. Wouldn’t you like to join our book club? Get out a bit, socialize, read a book, and join us.”

  “You want me to join you?” Elizabeth’s tone was full of suspicion.

  “Yes, we do!” Birdie added.

  “Uh-huh. What is it you really want? You know I don’t get much reading done these days with my eyes.” Elizabeth stepped out. She squinted as she spotted Mac. “Why is he here?”

  “Before you go slamming the door on the man, why don’t you listen to what we’ve got to say?” Trixie suggested.

  “I see. So, you aren’t here to include me in anything. You’re here to bribe.”

  Mac would laugh if he wasn’t so nervous right now. They were damn good at bribing; he didn’t have any doubts about that.

  “You need help, and we’ve got just the thing.”

  “I need help?” Elizabeth scowled. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Macklin’s house.”

  “Oh. Now I get it.” She pointed at Mac. “You’re back for more. You don’t know when to quit, do ya?”

  He cleared his throat. “I…”

  “Hold on. We’ve got this,” Trixie interrupted him. “Lizzie. Mac has proof he’s Macklin’s grandson. None of us know why Macklin never told anyone about Royce and Amber having a baby, but the fact is they didn’t. Macklin let Mac here be adopted. He’s got all the papers to back up his story.”

  Birdie spoke up. “If you’d ever go get your damn eyes checked, you could see how much he looks like your brother. Now, Mac and Eva can help clear out the house. It needs to be done. In return, Mac can get peace of mind and closure.”

  Silence fell between them after that statement.

  Eerie, dreadful, too long-lasting silence.

  “What would it hurt?” Hattie finally asked. “You need the help, he’s offering. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

  Elizabeth muttered under her breath, but so far, she didn’t turn around and slam the door in their faces, either. “One condition.”

  “Oh?” Mac’s interest was piqued now.

  “I hear you’re a graphic designer. How good are you?”

  What the hell? Did everyone in this town know everyone’s business? “Well, that’s actuall
y my specialty.”

  “I’m part of a knitting group, or at least, we’re trying to get it going. Make us some graphics under our direction, maybe even bring Eva and help us out one night. Young, fresh eyes would be nice to help us get started. You do that, and you have yourself a deal.”

  “Done.” Mac didn’t hesitate. Although he had to wonder if his aunt could even see well enough to knit. Plus, would Eva go for this? Hopefully, because he refused to turn this down.

  Trixie let out a whoop and twirled her arm in the air. “Told you we got this.”

  “You make sure your book selections are in audio, and I may just join your book club,” Elizabeth told them. “I enjoy a good book, but these old eyes aren’t what they used to be.”

  “So, when can we do this?” Mac asked, knowing he sounded too eager. His heart raced. This worked, and what she wanted in return didn’t seem too bad, either.

  “You can drop by tonight for the keys, and I’ll have instructions on what I want done.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  A NOTHER LONG WORKDAY had come to an end. Eva closed the shop and gasped when she stepped out to find Mac waiting for her. “You scared me!”

  “Sorry. Didn’t mean to. I told you I’d be here.” He shot her a sheepish grin.

  “Yes, but I thought you’d have come inside!” Eva chided, setting a hand over her chest, trying to calm her ever so fast beating heart.

  “Now why would I do that when I know you’re trying to close up shop? It seems I distract you.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “What makes you say that?”

  He shrugged, a grin lighting up his handsome face. “Just a guess.”

  “Just a guess my aunt Fanny.”

  “You have an aunt Fanny? I’d love to meet her.”

  Eva glowered. “Your sarcasm is showing.”

  He nodded, his grin widening. “You have that effect on me.”

  “Noted.” A zing shot straight to her core. This man had one hell of an effect on her as well.

  Forty-five minutes later, they stood in front of the house, keys in hand. Their visit with Elizabeth went better than expected. Whatever the dear ladies did, they did it with perfection. Eva expected to get bad news earlier, not to hear that she and Mac were granted permission to enter the house.

  “Nervous?” she asked Mac, who remained still.

  “Hell yes,” he nearly whispered. “I wonder what I’m going to learn.”

  She itched to get in and explore. Something about sifting through someone’s life and memories was both exciting and felt a little like snooping at the same time. Eva gently took the keys from his trembling hand and led the way. “Let’s go explore.”

  “Are you Dora?” he asked.

  She laughed. “Would that make you Diego?”

  “Isn’t that her brother?” Mac made a face.

  “I think so. Why?”

  “Umm yeah. How about I’m not Diego. Or you’re not Dora.”

  She laughed. Mac didn’t have to say a word. He felt what she did, though neither knew what to do about it. “You could be Swiper.”

  “Swiper, no swiping!” he shouted.

  “Wouldn’t that be my line?” Eva retorted playfully.

  “Right. Good point.” Mac stole the keys from her and darted back down the driveway.

  “Swiper, no swiping!” she called out after him.

  He jogged back up, grinning. “You’re a pretty good actress,” he teased.

  “And you’re annoying. Now, time’s a wasting. Let’s go inside.”

  “Yeah, but you like me,” Mac replied as he stuck the key into the door and twisted it open.

  Eva held up two fingers about an inch apart. “A little.”

  “Progress.” Mac held the door as Eva walked in before him.

  The musty scent affected her nose immediately. Eva sneezed several times in a row. Great. Hopefully, this would fade soon. Otherwise, she’d be in for a long night.

  Mac flicked on a light, and they took in their surroundings in silence. This must be surreal for him.

  “Where do we begin?” she asked, wrinkling her nose, hoping another sneeze attack wasn’t inevitable.

  “I don’t know,” he replied, slowly walking around the living room. There were photos on the wall of Macklin Parker, and Mac studied every single one.

  Eva trailed behind him after closing the door. Now seeing photos, she couldn’t believe how much Mac looked like his grandfather. “Wow.”

  “Right?” he whispered, still standing there, staring.

  “How do you feel?”

  Mac seemed to shake himself out of it. “Dazed. In awe. Just ready to start the process.”

  “Maybe first thing, we take a tour of the house? Get a feel. Then find the best place to start digging.”

  Mac nodded, finally tearing his gaze away from the photos. “Yeah. Hey, I’m really glad you’re here with me for this.”

  Her heart warmed. “I’m glad you let me, and that we were able to get in here.”

  He reached for her hand. In silence, they toured the three-bedroom house. The dust continued to bother her. If it wasn’t a sneeze attack, then her eyes watered and itched. The last room they walked into, aside from not having gone up to the attic yet, seemed the best place to start.

  Macklin’s office.

  “What do you think—Achoo!” Eva grunted, wiping her nose. “Of starting here?”

  “I think you need some allergy meds, huh?” Mac studied her. “You look horrible.”

  “That’s a great thing to say to your snooping partner,” she muttered.

  “Hey! Just calling it like it is. I mean, you’re still hot, but damn, those red eyes kind of ruin it.” His lips curved up in a smile, then with concern. “You gonna be okay?”

  “Yeah. I should get used to this soon.”

  “Get used to it? No, that’s not good. It needs to go away. You know, I can go grab food and allergy meds. I know I’m hungry.”

  “We should have thought about food before, don’t you think?”

  “Maybe.” Mac shrugged. “But it’s a little late for that now. We’re here already.” Taking a spin around the room, he stopped and faced her again. “Maybe since we’re here, let’s look around, then decide on food.”

  “Perfect.” Eva sniffed, hoping she wouldn’t need the allergy medicine.

  She had a feeling she would. Great. Just great.

  “OKAY, I GRABBED several bags. While we’re searching, we can separate things by what may be important. That way, I can report to Elizabeth.” Mac held up two huge trash bags, anticipating plenty of paperwork in the drawers of the large, oak desk in the room. “I still can’t believe she trusted me with all this.”

  “I wonder why she has such a strong hesitance with you,” Eva mused.

  He shrugged. “Maybe she can’t really see me through those glasses. I don’t know. If you didn’t know you had a nephew, would you believe some stranger who just showed up on your doorstep?”

  “Good point. But don’t you want to build a relationship with her.”

  “Yeah. I mean, maybe. I’m trying not to let it all bother me. I had it good. I just want to know my history. If she doesn’t want to know me, doesn’t want to accept me, I’m not forcing it.”

  She stared up at him from her spot on the floor by the desk. “I’d be pushy and impatient.”

  “That’s just not me.” He kept his frustration at bay. Eva was just making conversation. But he still didn’t know how he wanted to handle getting to know anyone from his birth family. His aunt had been a surprise. In all honesty, he thought he’d come to Cinnamon Bay, get the info he wanted then hightail it back to Maine with no one the wiser. So far none of his plan had gone the way he’d wanted it to.

  She held up her hands. “Okay, so, let’s just get to it.”

  Was she annoyed now?

  “Wouldn’t you be more comfortable in the chair instead?”

  “I’m fine here.” She pulled open a drawer.


  “Eva.” He set the bags down on the other side of him and touched her arm.

  “What?”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “For…?”

  “Being kinda snippy. This is a touchy subject. I want to know so many things, but sometimes, I try not to want them, for various reasons. Like guilt, because I had amazing parents. But there’s always been that longing to know, like an itch that needs scratched, you know?”

  “I don’t completely get it, because I’ve never been in that kind of situation, but I understand the conflicting thoughts. I’m sorry too. I sometimes talk too much.” She gave him a soft smile before turning back to the drawer and pulling out the files.

  Mac held back a sigh and started going through a drawer of his own. He seemed to always say the wrong thing, and Eva was the last person he’d ever want to hurt.

  She’d gone above and beyond to help him. Especially by figuring out a way for them to get into his grandfather’s house.

  He owed her.

  The silence tormented him, and it had lasted long enough.

  “We need music,” Mac said, sifting through old house paperwork, IRS statements, and bank statements. Nothing of major interest, but Elizabeth would probably want them to deal with, whether it be going through the paper shredder, or making sure they held nothing of importance. Half a bag was filled already.

  “Do you sing?” Eva teased.

  “I don’t think you want to hear me sing. I might burst your eardrums,” he shot back playfully. “You?”

  She hummed, then burst into song.

  “Hey. Not bad!”

  Eva rolled her eyes. “Don’t lie. I’m a terrible singer. I think you need to get your ears checked.”

  “Ouch!” He put a hand to his heart. “You wound me. Don’t trust my judgment?”

  “That’s yet to be determined.” Eva pulled open another drawer, thumbed through some papers until a few cards fell out and spilled onto her lap. “Oh. Hey!”

  “What?” Heart thudding, Mac picked one up. “What is this?”

  “Cards.”

  They looked at each other after opening one each.

  “They’re written to me,” Mac whispered. He traced his finger over the words, reading, a curious melting feeling beneath his sternum.