Beach Rental

by Greene, Grace

  “No, it isn’t.” He rubbed his forehead again, then shook his head. “But in a lot of ways it’s easier for me now because I don’t have to worry about selling the house and countless other tasks because the estate stays with you. If you want to handle it all yourself, say the word. I’ll take you back home.”

  He was right. This was easier on him and he could walk away. He could say, you’ve got it now, it’s your problem. Then what would she do?

  “I’d like your help.”

  “So, what’s wrong?”

  Out of nowhere, it felt as though her eyes would explode with tears. She covered her face and breathed deeply—in, out, and over again.

  “Are you alright?”

  She nodded, took another deep breath and withdrew her hands. “It feels final. I didn’t expect it to feel that way.”

  “Final.”

  “I know it’s stupid. I thought I was ready.”

  “Do you want to wait for another day?”

  She shook her head. “No, it won’t be any better.” His eyes were red, too. “Somewhere Ben is looking at us and laughing at my foolishness.” Some of the flood leaked out of the corner of her eyes. She brushed the wet away and forced a smile.

  He didn’t smile back, but he looked a little less intense as he signaled and pulled back onto the road.

  It was simple at the bank. Shortly before he died, Ben had asked her to sign signature cards in case he needed money in a hurry and was unable to take care of it himself. She’d done it and it hadn’t seemed remarkable to her that he trusted her. Had he already been planning to make her his heir? Today, the only changes needed were to remove Ben’s name. His death certificate was all they needed.

  It shouldn’t be this easy to tidy up the loose ends of a life.

  A concept, a responsibility, mushroomed in her head, momentarily blocking out everything else. The loose ends were tidied, but not erased. They were transferred to her.

  The essence of Ben’s life was transferred to Juli.

  An inadequate vessel.

  There’d been a day when she could’ve taken the money promised to her and run—but for having known Ben. She couldn’t disregard the fact of his existence. Admit it, Juli. His impact, his legacy, is about more than money.

  It’s about my whole life.

  Now, he was gone, but the ties weren’t more easily cut. In fact, they were impossible for her heart and conscience to sever.

  “Would you like to go to lunch?”

  An unexpected invitation. She looked at Luke. She didn’t want to go straight home. Going to the bank had almost been part of the ritual of passing. Something law demanded. It was a milestone that should be acknowledged.

  “I’m sorry, Luke. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. My head is all jumbled. Yes, I’d like to go to lunch.”

  “Any preference?”

  “None. Anything is good.”

  He pulled into a shopping center parking lot. “How about Rucker John’s?”

  “Fine. Ben and I ate there once.” She wished she hadn’t said that.

  “Would you rather…?”

  “No. This is great.”

  The hostess seated them and the waitress gave them menus. “What would you like to drink?”

  “Water,” Luke said. Juli nodded agreement.

  They were still examining the menus when she returned with the glasses of ice water. “Do you need another minute before ordering?”

  “Yes, please.”

  Juli reviewed the menu, then placed it on the table. Luke was staring across the room.

  “You look like you have something on your mind,” she said.

  “I do, but it’s none of my business.”

  She shrugged. “Go ahead and say what you’re thinking.”

  “I’ve never understood something.”

  “What?”

  He shook out the folded napkin. “I know why he asked, but why did you agree to marry him?”

  “Is this genetic or just a family tradition?”

  “What?”

  She fidgeted with the silverware, tapping the handle of the knife on the table. “This need to interrogate over food.”

  “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”

  She released the knife and clasped her hands to keep them still. “No, wait. I’m the one who’s sorry. Interrogate is a harsh word, but it’s a joke—was a joke—between Ben and me. I don’t mind. Really.” She ran her fingers down the moisture film on the outside of her glass. “I mean that. You know I’m blunt. If I don’t want to answer, I won’t. If you ask something you shouldn’t, I’ll tell you.”

  He sat up straighter. “I’m listening.”

  “Why I married Ben….” Deep breath. “It was his eyes.” She looked at the nearby fireplace, its embers cold. “It was what I saw in his eyes. Honesty. Openness. No, not really openness. Vulnerability, but with courage. The willingness to risk being hurt or ridiculed.”

  She straightened the napkin in her lap, almost wishing Luke would interrupt, would pick up the thread of this conversation and take it elsewhere.

  “I saw someone who, for reasons that made no sense, wanted me. Wanted my companionship. Wanted me on any terms he could get me. Me. Juli. I looked in his eyes and trusted him.”

  “Excuse me.” Luke pushed his chair back and walked off toward the restrooms.

  The first stab of shock at his abrupt departure passed quickly. No call of nature was that compelling. He’d asked for it, right? What had he expected her to say? That she’d married Ben for the money?

  The waitress returned to take their orders. She looked at the empty chair. “Should I come back?”

  Juli nodded. “Yes, thanks.”

  Luke returned within minutes. “Sorry for the interruption.” He sat and placed his napkin back in his lap.

  “I wanted to say one more thing. There was also the money.”

  He choked on his water. He coughed and she rose, thinking she needed to pat him on the back, but he motioned to her to sit.

  “I’m okay, really.” He laughed and coughed again. “I commend your honesty.”

  “And practicality.”

  “That too,” he agreed.

  “And luck. I never had luck, not a bit of it, not until I met Ben.”

  Silence stretched between them. Juli placed her hands flat on the table and stood. “I’ll be right back.”

  Luke reached out and took her wrist as she walked past.

  “Ben was lucky, too.”

  The ladies’ room wasn’t empty, but no one was at the sinks. She took a paper towel, dampened it and held it to her eyes. So much for her eye makeup. She didn’t wear a lot anyway, so he’d probably never notice the difference.

  A woman came out of a stall and stopped to wash her hands. Juli tossed the towel into the trash and returned to the table.

  Luke said, “The waitress came, but I didn’t know what you wanted to order. She’ll come back.”

  Poor waitress. All because of our drama. Well, she probably had drama of her own she inflicted on others. She did return and Juli placed her order.

  She folded her hands in her lap and tried to adopt a better attitude. “How are you doing, Luke?”

  “Me?”

  “I know you’re busy. You have the galleries. Maia told me you’re managing several in different cities and some other business interests, as well.”

  “Two galleries. I sold the one in Virginia Beach. Traveling to and from Charleston is enough.”

  “Can’t you hire someone to do some of the work for you?”

  “I can, but first I have to find that person.”

  “Is it so hard?” Or do you not want to replace Ben? That’s what Maia had told her. “It’s no good giving up your life to work. I know what I’m talking about, although, don’t misunderstand me, I’m not comparing the jobs I worked with the work you do.”

  He nodded, but didn’t speak.

  “It’s summer. You have a boat. What would you be doing
if you had time off?”

  She stopped talking while the food was delivered. When the server left, he still hadn’t answered.

  “Maybe that’s none of my business.” She said it deliberately, knowing he’d protest.

  “It’s not a secret. Boat, yes. Take a trip for pleasure, not work. Jog. Swim. Read a book.”

  She leaned forward. “Then do it. Hire someone and take a break.”

  “It sounds easier than it is.”

  “What’s the hard part?”

  Luke concentrated on chewing his food and drinking his water. Juli gave him peace for a few minutes.

  It wasn’t until they stood to leave that he said, “I’m leaving for Charleston this evening. I’ll be down there for a few days. Maybe I’ll put the word out about the job. There are a couple of people I might consider.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  They drove to the Glory in companionable silence. They were almost back when Luke asked, “What about your plans?”

  “Plans, me? I’m staying here for the time being.”

  “Is that enough for you? You don’t seem like someone who’d be content to sit around doing nothing.”

  “I’m taking art lessons and doing some painting. I’m in no hurry. For now, I’m content.” She opened the door and the hot air rushed in. “Thank you, Luke. We accomplished a lot today.”

  She shut the door before he could answer. She was feeling teary again.

  Who would have imagined a courteous conversation could be so encouraging? Over time, her feelings would settle down and maybe they could be friends, after all.

  As for work, she liked being a lady of leisure. Sitting around for a while—not doing nothing, but doing only what she wanted—was a wonderful gift and she intended to enjoy it.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Juli dropped by the gallery at the end of September. Maia waved at her when she came through the door.

  “Want to get lunch?” Juli asked.

  Maia spread her arms as if to encompass all of the displays and said, “I have no help today. None. Brendan doesn’t come in until this evening.” She stapled a couple of receipts together and stowed them under the counter. “If you don’t mind sharing my chicken salad sandwich, we can do lunch in the back room. With the door open, I’ll be able to hear the bell.”

  “I doubt you brought enough for two. I’ll go down the block and get some takeout if you can wait?”

  “Sounds perfect. Lunch in the back room when you return. I could use a sweet tea with lemon, if you don’t mind?”

  “Got it. Be back soon.”

  There was a small table in the back room. The door to the room was adjacent to Luke’s office door. His office was open; he wasn’t in.

  Maia positioned her chair near the door. She could watch the gallery and hear the bell ring if someone entered the front door. She took a sip of tea and unwrapped her sandwich. She stared down at her sandwich, then looked at Juli’s. “Is that a cheeseburger and fries?”

  Juli nodded, chewing.

  “How do you stay so slim eating like that?” Maia patted her hip. “I keep saying I’ll work this extra padding off.” She sighed.

  The bell rang. Maia did a quick chew and swallow of what she’d already bitten off and, wiping her mouth with a napkin, took off to greet the customer.

  After a couple of minutes Juli peeked around the corner of the door. Maia was lifting a painting from the wall and a man was standing nearby. As Juli was turning back, the door to the alley opened.

  “Luke. Hi.”

  He smiled, caught by surprise, but it looked genuine and she responded in kind. Briefly, they stayed as they were, sharing the moment, until Juli felt a nibble of fear. This was lovely. But dangerous.

  “Is Maia with a customer?” His voice was low.

  His tone was almost conspiratorial, personal, and it gave her a shiver.

  Juli nodded toward the gallery. “Yes.”

  “I’d like to ask you something. I know it’s early, but you might want some time to consider it.”

  “What?”

  “Thanksgiving. It’s in a couple of months. I’d like you to share it with my family. My mother cooks a fantastic turkey dinner.”

  Thanksgiving? Ridiculous. This was still September. More than that, why would anyone think she should share a holiday meal with the Winters? She forced the words out. They sounded harsher than intended. “I met them once. Your parents. At the funeral.”

  “I know. Please understand they only knew what they were told. About you, I mean. If Ben, if the marriage, had lasted longer, they would’ve gotten to know you for themselves. They’re good people, Juli. Whatever negative things people thought of you—whatever judgments they made—blame those on me.”

  She stared at the table, at the crumbs littering the white paper in which the grill had wrapped the burger.

  “Think about it? I hope you can forgive me for making judgments, for acting on my emotions about Ben to your detriment. I’ve already told you I believe you were good for Ben and he was lucky to find you. I’m sorry it took me so long to see it and admit it. I hope you’ll forgive me and give the rest of the family a chance.”

  She wanted to say, “Does it matter?” Instead, she closed her lips before the incredulous words could be voiced.

  Luke’s smile was slight, but sincere as he nodded his head and went into his office.

  Juli sniffled and blinked her eyes. She wouldn’t cry. This wasn’t the place for it.

  “I’m back.” Maia reclaimed her chair and her sandwich. “A sale and a happy customer.” She frowned. “What’s wrong with you?”

  “Nothing. I’m fine.”

  Luke closed his office door and the latch clicked.

  Juli leaned forward and whispered, “He mentioned Thanksgiving.”

  Maia looked confused. She whispered back. “That’s two months away. Why are we whispering?”

  “Never mind. We’ll talk about it another time.”

  “Whatever you say. Can I stop whispering now?” Her dimples bloomed.

  “Yes, please. Now tell me about your sale.”

  “Never mind the sale. What I need is reliable help.” She stopped for a moment, then added, “And a boyfriend, a reliable one.” She sipped her tea.

  “Luke has a good prospect for a new manager down in Charleston. I don’t have to tell you how badly he needs someone there who can handle the larger responsibilities. I was afraid he’d never move forward with it, but he actually talked to the guy on his last trip down there. I‘m so relieved.” She crumpled her trash. “You know, I should’ve thought of this before. I wonder if you’d mind helping me out?”

  “With what? Finding a reliable boyfriend?”

  “No, silly. I need help with the gallery for the Roundtree showing.”

  “You mean like working at the gallery?” She could think of worse jobs, but she wasn’t looking for work just now, and certainly not retail. She’d had her fill of customers, enough to last for a lifetime.

  “No, well, sort of, yes. We have a show, an open house for a new local artist. It’s coming up in a couple of weeks and, for the most part, we’re set, but it’s the prep time before. See, we close the gallery early and then have to move a lot of the etcetera stuff out of the way. We need the floor space, plus it should look more elegant than seashells crafted into sea creatures with googley eyes will allow.”

  “Count me in. I’m happy to help.”

  She waved her hands at the ceiling. “We have to pack it up and move it upstairs. It’s a lot of up and down.” She sipped her tea. “It’s always a big rush, but we have to be careful, too. Willing hands are a big help.”

  ****

  When Maia telephoned in mid-October, she said, “If you can get here around two o’clock, we’ll have time to clear the gallery floor, spruce it up, then leave to get ourselves dolled up. Bring your outfit with you—it’s fancy dress—and we’ll get changed over at my place.”

  “Maia, I can’t
.” Juli stumbled over the words.

  “Oh. Something came up? No problem, I’ve got a couple of other people I can ask.”

  “No, wait. You misunderstand. I’ll help get the gallery set up for the showing, but I can’t attend the festivities.”

  Maia’s voice rose. “What do you mean, you can’t attend?”

  “Think about it. Ben has been gone two months. How will it look?”

  Juli heard a groan through the receiver, then Maia said, “I see your point, but is that your only concern?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Not because you’re shy or feel…you know.”

  “Because I won’t feel good enough or accepted?”

  “Acceptance works both ways, Juli.”

  “What do you mean by that?” She waved her free hand as if someone could see it. “Never mind. It doesn’t matter. Bottom line, Ben’s memory deserves better. Didn’t you say that once?”

  “The situation was a little different. Still, I understand. Two months a widow. We know Ben would want you to enjoy yourself, but it may provoke others to ask questions about things that are none of their business.”

  “Don’t pout. You’ll get wrinkles.”

  “How do you know I’m pouting? You can’t see me. And, anyway, I’m disappointed.”

  “I’ll help get the gallery floor cleared and get the decorations up and then discreetly disappear.”

  Maia grumbled.

  Juli said, “I’m glad it matters to you, but face it, we’re both marshmallows. If I’m there, and one curious question is asked about Ben, we’ll both sob. Think of what it’ll do to our makeup. Not good for business at all.”

  “Yeah, we’ll be soggy, wrinkled marshmallows. Not good on a lot of levels.”

  ****

  Juli showed up in her jeans and a lightweight cotton shirt, ready to work.

  Maia led her to one of the round display tables in the middle of the gallery floor. “Thank goodness, you’re here. Brendan cancelled. He’s got an upset stomach or something. Do you think it’s an excuse? I hope he’s telling the truth. He’s been very reliable. If he’s turning into a slacker, well, I can’t deal with it.”

  “He’s probably sick. I thought I was coming down with an upset stomach, too, but it passed. Must be a virus going around.” Juli noted boxes with white packing paper were near the display tables. She picked up one of the shell sea-creatures and wiggled his eyes.