Jane supposed the dress had potential. It was simple, just the way she liked it, but was it good enough for the opening? What would Mike think of it? Andie, of course, looked like a model in a gray chiffon pantsuit with silvery trim. Her dark hair had been brushed to a silky sheen and flowed down past her shoulders.
“I don’t know. It’s kind of plain.” Jane glanced into her closet. Maybe she could dress it up with some fancy shoes?
“It suits you. With some simple sparkly earrings and a necklace, it would be stunning,” Andie said.
“Maybe.” Jane slipped the dress off the hanger and pulled it over her head.
“This reminds me of your freshman prom, when you couldn’t decide what to wear.” Andie zipped up the back and nodded her approval over Jane’s shoulder in the mirror.
Jane smiled at the memory. “You picked out that pretty blue dress, and I got a lot of compliments.”
Andie nodded. “I think you look even better now.”
Jane turned back to the mirror. She supposed she looked okay. Luckily she had a slim figure, and the dress accentuated that and seemed to make her silvery pixie haircut look modern and chic.
“Those were fun times.” Jane turned to Andie. “I miss those times.”
“Me too. Simpler times. These last few weeks have been...” Andie’s voice drifted off, and she looked away from Jane, out the window toward the ocean. Jane’s heart sank. Here it was, the good-bye speech. At least Andie was trying to let her down gently.
Jane picked a pair of diamond stud earrings out of her jewelry box. “It’s been great having you here, but I get that you want to go back to work.”
Andie turned from the window. “When I first came, I figured I would bolt after a week like usual. But I wanted to spend more time with Mom, and then there was the garden project, and suddenly this place started to grow on me. And now I’ve realized that Lobster Bay is where I belong.”
Jane turned from the mirror, adjusting the back of the earring. “You mean you’re staying?”
Andie’s smile widened. “Yep.” Then her smile faded. “I hope that’s good news.”
“Of course it is!” Jane threw her arms around her sister. “We’ll fix up your old room and get you some better furniture and—”
“I’m not going to stay at Tides. I don’t want to take up a room that could bring income, and besides, I need my own space.”
“Oh, of course.” Jane felt slightly disappointed, but it made sense. Her sister would want her own place. Maybe she was sick of helping Jane out and would find work elsewhere. The gallery, perhaps?
“Don’t worry. I’m still going to help out here with the guests, but there’s really not enough for it to be a full-time job.”
“Oh. That’s great!” Jane said. “What else are you going to do?”
“Well, I’ve bought an antique store.”
“The one downtown that’s been closed all this time?” Jane had wondered when someone would buy that.
“Yep. It has an apartment above.” Andie told her about meeting Rita and appraising the items for the other women. “So I feel like I can fulfill a need there, and it will be fun. I like helping out here, but I’m chomping at the bit to get back into antiques too.”
“Sounds perfect.”
The crunch of tires on gravel came through the front-facing window, and they looked outside to see Mike’s car pull up.
“Looks like our date is here,” Andie said. “You ready?”
Mike was in the foyer. Dressed in a sharp black suit, he looked so handsome it made Jane lose her breath. As they descended the stairs, he looked up. His gaze tracked over Jane, making her feel self-conscious.
“You look amazing.”
“Thanks.” Andie teased by answering him, though it was clear by the way Mike couldn’t take his eyes off Jane that the compliment was meant for her.
“You both do.” Mike held out both elbows. “How lucky am I to be able to escort Lobster Bay’s most beautiful sisters to the art gallery opening.”
Jane took one arm, Andie the other.
“Very,” they both said at the same time.
Jane’s heart was full. She glanced at Mike from the passenger seat. His smile was relaxed, with none of the stress she thought she’d seen earlier after his mysterious phone call. She truly must have imagined that. She settled back into her seat, happier than she'd been in years. Tonight her best friend was realizing her dream of having an art show, her sister was staying in town, and she was attending the art show on the arm of the most handsome guy in town.
Chapter Twenty-One
James had to admit the Lobster Bay Art Gallery was comparable to any gallery he'd seen in a big city. He knew the opening had happened pretty fast and had expected it to look thrown together, but it didn’t. The building was an old mill and had vaulted wooden ceilings and exposed ductwork painted black. The walls had been painted stark white, which highlighted the artwork. The floors were black tile. The front of the building had been renovated to have glass windows that rose two stories high.
The space consisted of several large rooms. Dotted around the rooms were four-foot-tall rectangular blocks that held sculptures. The lighting had been aimed precisely to highlight the individual works of art.
It wasn’t hard to find Maxi’s paintings. In fact, he could tell which ones were hers with a glance. Maybe that was because he knew her so well. He stopped to study his favorite, a sailboat with bright-white sails cutting through the cobalt sea. It was finely detailed and even had little people on board in striped shirts. It was so vivid and realistic he could practically smell the sea air.
“Do you like it?”
Maxi stood beside him, a hopeful, hesitant smile on her lips. She looked radiant in a royal-blue satin dress. Classy plus artsy. He fell in love with her all over again in that moment.
“It’s amazing.”
A blush crept over her cheeks, making her even more radiant, if that was even possible.
“Thanks.” They both looked at the painting, their shoulders touching. “I was out of practice, but I think it came out pretty good.”
“Maxi... I’m sorry, I...” James stuttered. All the words he wanted to say got stuck in his throat, and only gibberish came out.
She turned to face him, reached out to touch his arm. “Oh, James, it’s not—”
“Maxi!”
Chandler grabbed Maxi’s elbow and turned her away from James.
“Excuse me,” he said to James then turned back to Maxi. “I have someone you simply must meet.”
Maxi shot him an apologetic look as Chandler dragged her away. “Sorry, we can talk later.”
James was left staring. What had she been about to say? That it wasn’t necessary to apologize because she’d already moved on? His hopes plummeted. She’d rushed off with Chandler and left him there. That said enough, didn’t it?
He put his glass of champagne on the next passing tray and left.
Andie wasn’t scanning the crowd at the art gallery grand opening for anyone in particular. Certainly not for Shane Flannery. Talking to Jane about high school proms had brought up memories of Shane. She still had vivid memories of how he’d looked the night of their senior prom, still a kid but almost a man. He’d made everything magical—an orchid wrist corsage, a limo, dinner at a fancy restaurant then the prom, the beach later.
Oh well, that was all in the past. Andie sighed and sank into the shadows of the ten-foot-tall potted palm in the corner, where she’d retreated to be alone with her thoughts.
As she scanned the crowd, her gaze fell on Jane, Maxi, and Claire. They were clustered around one of Maxi’s paintings and looked to be having a great time. Maxi’s cheeks were flushed with pride, and Andie felt happy for her. She really was talented, and Andie had heard several of the attendees comment on how vibrant her paintings were. Maxi was going to have a successful career.
Maxi might have been right about Chandler, though. Andie noticed the way Chandler looked at he
r. Right now he was talking to a group in the corner, but his eyes kept straying to Maxi.
Where was James? Andie had seen him and Maxi talking earlier. It had looked serious, and Andie had hoped they were reconciling. But now she couldn’t find him. Hopefully James wouldn’t see the way Chandler was eyeing his wife.
The palm tree rustled, and Mike stepped out, his expression registering surprise when he saw Andie.
“Oh, hi. I wasn’t expecting anyone to be here.” He peered out into the crowd warily as if not wanting to be seen.
“Are you hiding from someone?”
Mike’s gaze flicked back to Andie. He sighed. “Sort of. My ex is here, and I think she might not want to be my ex anymore.”
“You mean she’s still interested in you?” Was that the phone call Jane had been worried about? Protective feelings for her baby sister bubbled up. “Do you return the interest?”
“What? No! That’s why I’m hiding back here. She’s very... persistent. Practically threw herself at me when she saw me.” His gaze went back to the crowd, and his voice softened. “I don’t want it to ruin my chances with Jane.”
“Which one is she?” Andie knew practically no one there, and she was curious.
Mike pointed his chin toward a blond woman. She looked to be in her thirties, younger than Mike. She was batting her eyelashes up at a tall gentleman. “Looks like she might have found another victim.”
Mike let out a breath and leaned against the wall. “Let’s hope. I don’t know why she’s still after me. I broke up with her before I came out here. She usually goes for rich, prominent guys that can help her be seen around town. Not sure what I even saw in her. She’s nothing compared to Jane.”
Andie turned to study Mike. The guy was clearly distraught. “She usually goes for rich prominent guys?”
“Yeah, she likes the limelight. Sort of a social climber.”
“What’s her name?”
“Tiffany.”
Andie handed Mike her champagne glass. “I think I have an idea that might help you out and also solve another problem at the same time.”
The night had been like a dream come true, Maxi thought, as she stood with Jane and Claire in front of her painting. Her painting! Hanging on the wall during an art gallery showing. Just two months ago she would have laughed if anyone told her she’d be standing here now with her two best friends. There was only one other person who she would want at her side.
“Have you guys seen James?” she asked.
“I saw him earlier but not in the last half hour. Did you talk to him?” Jane looked distracted. She was scanning the crowd, probably looking for Mike.
Maxi nodded. “We talked earlier, but Chandler pulled me away to meet one of the art gallery patrons, and I’ve been looking for him ever since.”
“Did you resolve anything?” Claire asked. She was wearing a chic pink tea-length dress that gave her a rosy glow and made her look like she was twenty-five. Or maybe she glowed because she had come on Rob’s arm. The two were clearly infatuated. Maxi had watched them as they kept looking through the crowd for each other, Claire’s cheeks turning pink every time they locked eyes.
“I think so... not sure. Chandler pulled me away before we had much of a chance to talk. That’s why I was looking for him. To finish the conversation.”
The dawning realization that James had left dashed Maxi’s good mood. If he were here, she would have seen him by now. But why would he come and leave so early? Was it only to tell her what he had started to say? And what, exactly, had he been starting to say?
He’d been saying he was sorry. Maxi assumed it was because of the rift between them, though now that she thought about it, James had no reason to be sorry. What if he meant he was sorry that he didn’t want to be married anymore? What if her “finding herself” had shown him that he didn’t want to be with her? Had she been too selfish and waited too long to make things right, and he wanted out? She wanted her art career, but all of this wasn’t worth losing James... What should she do now?
“Who is that woman with Andie?" Claire’s question pulled Maxi from her thoughts. Andie was chatting with a pretty blond girl who Maxi hadn’t been introduced to. As she watched, Andie flagged down Chandler and introduced the two of them. “I don’t know. Maybe one of Andie’s antique business acquaintances. That’s how she knew Chandler.”
“Probably,” Jane said. “I forget she has a whole other life and people I don’t know in it. Or I guess I should say she had a whole other life.”
“Had? What do you mean?” Claire asked.
Jane beamed. “Andie’s decided to stay in Lobster Bay.”
“Oh, that’s great!” Maxi was glad. She liked Andie and wanted to get to know her better.
“I think that’s a good move. I’m glad for both of you,” Claire said. “Will she be working at Tides? Giving up antiques?”
“Part-time. She’s buying the old antique shop on Main Street. The one that’s been closed.” Jane’s eyes narrowed, her gaze directed at the corner of the room. “Is that Mike over by the plant?”
Maxi turned. “Yep. Oh, here he comes. Wonder what he was doing over there?”
Jane shook her head. “Who knows.” Jane returned her attention to the group. “Anyway, I’m glad she’s staying. Aside from Mom, I don’t have any family.”
Maxi touched her arm. “I’m happy for you. Andie’s great.”
“Thanks.” Jane smiled as Mike stepped into their circle. “And I’m happy for you. The show is doing really good. Looks like you have a great start to your career.”
Maxi glanced at another of her paintings. Five people were grouped around, pointing at it and discussing. That was a good sign. She should just focus on the show and her painting career. But what should she do about James?
James stood at his car, looking at the large windows in the art gallery. Golden light spilled out, and inside he could see shadows of the people mingling. Maxi was one of those people. Was she with that Chandler guy?
They’d been together at the Purple Blueberry, and now he’d dragged her away as if he were a priority. Were they dating? The thought made him sick. He couldn’t decide what to do. He’d never been a quick thinker. He needed time to mull things over.
Should he go in and tell Maxi how he felt? But he didn’t want to make a scene or ruin the show for her, and if she was dating this Chandler guy, then it might not matter how he felt.
“You look glum.”
James almost didn’t recognize Sally Littlefield without her trademark overalls. Tonight she was wearing a long black skirt and black and tan blouse. She still had the braid, though now it was coiled around the top of her head.
“It’s Maxi. I’m not sure she wants me back.”
“Really?” Sally tilted her head. “We did a good makeover. Did you go to the Purple Blueberry like we told you to?”
“Yeah, but she was with that gallery owner. Chandler. I didn’t stay long.”
Sally’s eyes narrowed. “Why not? Did she invite you to stay?”
“Yeah... but I felt uncomfortable.”
“Uncomfortable? How uncomfortable is it going to feel to not be with Maxi at all?”
“Well, when you put it that way...”
“And what about here at the art show?”
“We were talking, and then Chandler came and pulled her away. I didn’t know how to take it. Maybe she’d rather be with him.”
“I doubt that. He’s not her type. You don't have to worry about that. But if you don’t do something fast, you might have something to worry about.” Sally leaned in close. “You ask me, you’re going to have to get out of your comfort zone if you want Maxi back. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some free champagne to drink.”
Sally walked off toward the art gallery, and James stood by the car for a few more seconds before getting in and driving away. Get out of his comfort zone? How in the world was he going to do that? He needed time to come up with a plan.
Chapter T
wenty-Two
Why did they all have to check in at once? Jane thought the next morning as she dodged angry aunts and chatty cousins in order to register all the guests who had come for the wedding.
Thankfully she had Andie here to help because Jane doubted she would have been able to referee the argument going on between the bride’s feuding great-aunts.
“I will not stay on the same floor as her!” Aunt Birdie, a plump woman in her mid-seventies wearing a red polyester pantsuit, crossed her arms over her chest and glared at a shorter woman with a salt-and-pepper bun, who was wearing a pair of navy stretchy pants and a blue flowered shirt.
“Well, I’m certainly not staying on the floor below you!” Aunt Gladys huffed.
“Ladies. Would you like some fresh-baked cookies? We can figure out the room arrangements over here.” Andie herded them off to the corner of the foyer where Brenda had set out snacks for the guests’ arrival.
“Are they gluten free?” Birdie asked. “I’m allergic to gluten.”
Jane turned her attention back to the registrations. The feuding aunts were the least of her worries. She wanted to get the rest of the guests lingering in the foyer checked in before the bride’s mother arrived.
The mother, Marilyn, had called earlier to say she’d be checking in around ten thirty and stated in no uncertain terms that she was expecting a full inspection of the premises shortly after she arrived. Judging by her demanding tone, Jane wondered if all the bridezilla’s demands had really originated with the mother, as Andie had guessed from talking to them on the phone. Then again, the apple might not fall too far from the tree, and she could be dealing with both a bridezilla and a monster mother of the bride. She just hoped everything they’d done would pass muster.
Brenda came whistling out from the kitchen as Jane finished the last check-in. At least Brenda was enjoying the influx of guests. She’d been happily cooking muffins, breads, and cookies all morning to feed them.
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