“Really? Twenty pounds? That’s interesting.”
Sue laughed. “And he’s been using the tanning bed, too. He’s become even more vain with how he looks.” Curt had always been a sharp dresser, and was a handsome and charismatic man. Even though he’d been annoying her lately, she still recognized that most people found him quite charming.
Her mother looked like she was about to say something, then turned her head and looked out over the tops of the trees, to the sliver of ocean visible on the horizon. Slowly, she lifted herself from her chair.
“Let’s go into the dining room.”
Sue followed her inside. Her mother had a lovely villa that had everything she needed, including a small kitchen, but like most of the others, she took all her meals in the main house dining room. And Sue didn’t blame her. Why cook if she didn’t have to, and the food was unusually good. The chef had worked at some top restaurants on the island and Dover Falls had recruited him to run the kitchen. Sue had thought it interesting that a chef at that level would be interested. He’d even once run the ultra-exclusive new country club kitchen for a few years. But he once told her mother and her friends that this was pretty much his dream job now. He had free rein to make whatever he wanted and his hours were much better—instead of being at a popular restaurant until midnight or later, he mostly worked a regular day shift and as soon as the evening meal was served, his day was done.
There was always some kind of roast for Sunday dinner. Today it was roast beef with mashed potatoes, gravy, glazed carrots and popovers that were light as air and served with honey butter. Sue could have easily eaten a second popover, but it wasn’t worth the look her mother was sure to send her way.
They chatted about anything and everything as they ate. Her mother caught her up on all the goings on at Dover Falls, and apparently there was a lot of drama. One of her friends had broken up with her boyfriend and was already dating a new resident that had just arrived two weeks ago. It was evidently quite the scandal.
Dessert was a chocolate mousse that her mother daintily picked at, while Sue inhaled hers. As her mother sipped her coffee, she turned her attention back to Sue and Curt.
“I don’t want to suggest that anything is improper, but in my experience, when a man suddenly loses weight and takes extra care with his appearance…such as tanning, which is so ridiculous that I hardly have words, it’s a red flag. Have you considered the possibility that there might be someone else he is looking to impress?”
Sue set her coffee cup down so hard that a few drops splashed onto the snowy white linen table cloth.
“No, that never entered my mind. It’s Curt.” They’d been married for over thirty years and had two kids together. “I know him, Mom.”
“Hm. Right. Well, the wife is often the last to know, or the last to admit what is right in front of her.”
Sue shook her head. The very idea her mother was suggesting was ridiculous. Yes, she’d been annoyed with Curt from time to time, but their marriage was solid compared to a lot of people she knew. Surely, she’d sense if something was going on.
“I think you’re just being paranoid. My life is boring. Nothing like the soap opera that you are living in here.” Sue chuckled.
“You’re probably right, dear. I always did have a vivid imagination. It keeps things interesting. Where is Curt today? You didn’t mention why he couldn’t make it.”
“He’s at the office with Brandi and a few others on the committee for A Nantucket Affair.”
“Oh, that’s right. He’s in charge of that event. I always liked that one. And Brandi, she’s the new girl you hired a while back?”
“She is. She’s doing a great job and just landed us a new, big client. She’s Curt’s co-chair on the committee.”
Her mother added a bit of sugar to her coffee, gave it a stir, then took a slow sip. “Well, isn’t that nice of her? How old is she?”
“Mid-thirties, thirty-five or thirty-six. I don’t remember which.”
Her mother nodded. “And she’s a pretty girl? Is she married?”
“Very pretty. Long blonde hair and a figure I’d kill for, not an ounce of fat on her.” Sue smiled. “And she’s not married. I suspect she’ll find someone pretty quickly. At least I hope she will, otherwise I don’t imagine she’ll stick around very long.”
Her mother looked thoughtful. “Yes, for your sake. I hope she does find the right person soon. It sounds like she might be hard to replace.”
Sue was always surprised by her mother. For someone who had never worked, she had always had a good head for business, and Sue had often run things by her over the years.
“Yes, that’s very true. It will probably be hard to find another Brandi.”
Chapter 7
Lisa met her other best friend, Paige, for a late lunch, early dinner on Sunday at the Club Car. Rhett was going to be at his restaurant all day and into the evening, so when Paige suggested getting together, she didn’t hesitate. Normally, they would have included Sue, too, but Lisa knew she was having lunch with her mother. She always did the first Sunday of every month. more often, too, but always the first Sunday, without fail.
Paige spent her winters in Florida, but cut it a little short this year because she was anxious to get back to Nantucket to see Peter. He owned Bradford’s Liquors, and the two of them had been friends for years until they were both surprised when it took a romantic turn over the holidays. Lisa was pretty sure the two of them were madly in love, though Paige was being quite calm about it all. Lisa suspected she was afraid to jinx it, as things were going so well and Paige had been single for a long time. The two of them were thick as thieves, though, and though Paige had been back from Florida for almost two months, Lisa’d only seen her twice.
“So, things are still going well with Peter, I take it?” Lisa asked once they were settled and had each ordered a glass of wine.
Paige smiled and her eyes lit up as she talked about Peter. “I can’t believe it’s been over six months now since we started dating. It feels longer and yet like it just started at the same time, if that makes any sense.”
Lisa nodded. It meant her friend was head over heels for Peter. She was glad to see it. Paige was one of her dearest friends, and Peter was a nice guy. He’d lost his wife of many years to cancer a few years back and had been slow to consider dating anyone again until he and Paige got to chatting one day when she stopped into the store and asked for a wine recommendation.
“He went to see you in Florida?”
“Yes. He took a whole week off in February and came to see me. Said it was the first time he’d taken a real vacation in years.”
“I’m happy for you. I like Peter.”
Paige laughed. “So do I.”
They put their lunch orders in when the server returned with their wines. Lisa got the lobster salad roll and Paige lobster salad, no roll.
“Are you dieting?” Lisa asked. Paige had never had a weight problem as long as she’d known her. She was tall, naturally blonde and slim. She also did yoga all the time and recently started teaching classes a few times a week. Lisa kept meaning to go and try a beginner class. She was nervous because of her back and knees, but Paige insisted that it could help strengthen them and loosen her core muscles, which would help ease her aches and pains.
Paige laughed at the thought. “No, I just never eat the roll. I don’t want it to get in the way of the lobster.”
That was true. Paige always had ignored it. Lisa loved the combination of sweet lobster on a buttery hot dog roll, toasted to a golden brown.
“So, I think I might be ready to try one of your classes. Let me know which one is for absolute beginners and I will be there.”
“Excellent. Tomorrow at ten. Should I call you at nine to remind you?” Paige knew her well.
“No, I’ll be there.”
They caught up on all the local gossip over lunch and had just ordered coffees and a crème brûlée to share when both of them turned at the so
und of loud laughter at the bar. It was almost five, and the place was getting busier. There was a group of six or so at the end of the bar. One man surrounded by five or six women who seemed to be hanging on his every word. A pretty blonde woman had her arm around the back of the man’s chair and was whispering something in his ear. He then repeated it to the others, and they all broke into hysterical laughter again. The blonde woman moved her head back and Lisa recognized her as Brandi, and the man as Sue’s husband, Curt.
“That’s Curt, isn’t it?” Paige asked with narrowed eyes.
“Yes, and Brandi from his office. I’m not sure who the others are.”
“I thought he’d be with Sue, visiting her mother.”
“I assumed the same. Maybe it’s a work thing,” Lisa wondered.
“Maybe. That’s interesting body language, though. Look how she keeps leaning in and touching his arm. Maybe that’s just how she is.”
“Could be. He’s the same way. Curt’s always been a big flirt, but it’s harmless. He just likes women, loves the attention.”
“I’m glad Peter’s not like that,” Paige said.
Lisa was thinking the same thing. “Rhett’s not, either. I don’t think Sue minds, though. She trusts Curt. Though he has been annoying her more than usual lately, it seems.”
“Oh?”
“You know how she is. He gets on her nerves, sometimes. She usually ignores it, then he’ll do something inconsiderate, and she’ll call and tell me she hates him. But she’s just venting and doesn’t really mean it.”
“Marriage isn’t easy. All that compromising. I have to admit, I like not living together with Peter. We each have our own space, though we see each other almost every day and spend most weekends together either at my place or his. But I like having a few nights totally to myself. And I think he does, too.”
“I can see that.” Paige had lived alone for so long that Lisa knew she was somewhat set in her ways.
“I’m the opposite. I like having Rhett living with me. I missed him when he was gone for a week. The house felt empty.”
“Well, as much as I enjoy Peter’s company, I also didn’t mind being by myself in Florida.” Paige grinned. “I just didn’t need to stay there as long as usual.”
After they paid their bill and were about to leave, Lisa glanced over at the bar. Curt was still holding court and smiling at Brandi, who had her hand on his arm and was chatting away. To anyone who didn’t know better, they might assume they were a couple.
It was still bothering Lisa a little a few days later. She didn’t think there was really anything to it, but if she was Sue, she’d want to know if her husband was getting a little too chummy with someone.
So, when Sue called the next day to see if Lisa wanted to meet up for coffee downtown, Lisa mentioned it. They were sitting in a cute cafe on Main Street. Both ordered orange scones and non-fat lattes. Because Sue worked from home, she liked to get out once or twice a week in the late afternoon for coffee. Lisa liked to get out of the house, too, so it worked out perfectly. They usually walked around downtown for a bit after, strolling down to the docks and watching the ferries come and go.
“So, I saw Paige yesterday. We met up for a late lunch at the Club Car. I knew you were seeing your mom. How is she?”
“She’s good. Same as ever. Told me I could lose a few pounds.”
“Ugh. We all could. You look fine. Don’t pay any attention to her.” Sue’s mother had always been critical, and it didn’t help that she’d always been trim. She’d never worked and Sue’s father had been well off, so her mother was part of a crowd of other ladies who lunched, and never left the house without looking perfectly polished from head to toe.
“I’m used to it. Sure, I could lose a few pounds. But, I like to enjoy life, too. I don’t want to give up anything, like Curt with his sudden fear of carbs. No, thanks.”
“Speaking of Curt, we saw him on Sunday, at the Club Car. He was at the bar with a group of women. I was surprised. I assumed he’d be with you and your mom.”
But Sue didn’t seem fazed in the least. “He’s the chair again of the Nantucket Affair committee. I know they were meeting in the office that day. They must have gone for drinks after they finished up. Brandi was probably with him?”
“She was, yes. And four or five other women.”
Sue smiled. “I think Curt is the only guy on the committee. He must have been in his glory surrounded by all those women.”
“He didn’t seem to mind it.”
“That explains why he went to bed so early. He said he wasn’t hungry for dinner and fell fast asleep on the sofa watching TV, a little after seven. Must have been the drinks.”
Lisa was glad that Sue didn’t seem concerned by Curt’s behavior. It had looked a little off to her, but what did she know?
Chapter 8
Chase always stopped by the office with Beth before heading off to whichever project he was needed on. But he never stayed for long.
“Okay, I’m off. I should be able to break for lunch around noon. I can pick up subs for us, if that sounds good? Tuna with lettuce, pickles and hots for you?”
Beth nodded. “And a bag of chips. I can’t eat tuna without chips.”
“Got it. See you in a few hours.” Chase left and Beth turned her attention to the computer screen. She’d been on the Houzz site, and Pinterest before that, getting decorating ideas for the house. In between answering the phone and other work she needed to get done for Chase, she kept looking for the perfect colors and tiles for the bathroom. If it was her own house, to keep, she’d go for more vivid colors and patterns. For a flip, they needed the look to be elegant and fashionable but not too much, and the colors to be neutral, mostly soft blue grays and creams. The house had to be attractive but the buyers needed to see it as a blank slate, so they could make it their own. It was a fine line, and a challenge that Beth loved.
She’d always enjoyed the work she did for Chase. She was his right hand, talked to all of his clients, and acted as a project manager of sorts, directing where Chase needed to be, and putting in most of their orders with the suppliers. Her strength was planning and organizing, while Chase’s gift was working with his hands. He had a reputation for high quality work, at reasonable prices. He mostly worked by referrals and it kept him very busy.
It had been Beth’s idea to try the first flip. She’d always been careful with money, not much of a spender, and she’d accumulated a good amount of savings. Her original intention had been to use it for a down payment on a house someday. But now that she and Chase were living together, she wasn’t in a hurry to use the money for that. She hoped, at some point, they might build a house of their own and start a family. But until then, it was tempting to put that money to work.
They were both addicted to the HGTV shows on flipping, and Chase had once commented that it would be a really cool thing to do and that he had the perfect background for it—but then he never mentioned it again. Beth filed the comment away, though, and kept an eye out for a potential investment property.
That first opportunity came their way one day when Beth was chatting with Bob, one of their clients, who mentioned that his mother had recently died after a long illness and a stay in a nursing home.
“I had a realtor come and take a look and they gave me a long list of things I needed to do to get it into shape to sell or I’d never get the right price. I just don’t have the energy to oversee that right now. I might just tell her to sell it as is, I suppose. I’m not much looking forward to that, either.”
“Can you tell me more about the house? Where is it? What kind of work did she say it needed?”
“The location isn’t too bad. It’s a small lot, about a half mile walk to the beach. It needs some roof work, mostly replacing shingles, not a whole roof. The rest is cosmetic but there’s a lot—according to the realtor, all the wallpaper has to come down, and I see her point there. The carpets are all worn and need replacing. There’s some mold in the bath
room, the venting seems off. There’s more, but that’s the gist of it.”
“Could we take a look at it? We could give you an estimate and you could decide what to do?”
“Sure. Why not?” They agreed to have Chase stop by the next day to do a walk-through and put an estimate together. On their way home from work that day, Beth told him about the house and they drove by to take a look at the exterior.
“This could be an opportunity for us, to do our first flip—if you think it makes sense, once you work up an estimate. Keeping in mind, of course, that the cost you quote him will be less for us.”
“He won’t want to have us do the work and sell it himself?”
“We’ll give him that option, of course. But he’s exhausted and just wants to be done with it and put it behind him. We could make him an offer, as another option—if it feels right to you. I have a bit of money saved to invest, too.”
“You do?” Chase sounded surprised, and she didn’t blame him. They’d never discussed any specifics about their financial status.
“Yes, I’m a good saver.” She told him how much she had in her account and his eyes bugged out.
“That’s almost as much as I have. I’m impressed. And you’d really be willing to invest some of it? You could lose it all.”
Beth smiled. “You’re the best investment I can think of. We won’t do this unless we’re sure of it and that we leave plenty of margin for error. For unexpected expenses.”
When they met Bob the next day to tour the house, Beth’s excitement grew as they went from room to room. The house was small and needed a lot of work, but it was mostly all cosmetic, besides the mold in the bathroom from poor ventilation. Chase gave Bob a quote and his face paled.
“I’ll be honest with you. I don’t really have the time, energy or the money to do this. I guess I’ll call the realtor and just tell her to sell it as is.”
A Nantucket Affair Page 4