“I could come by and look at it,” Dale offered.
“It’s pretty old, I think. And it’s so strange. It’s not a painting of Magnolia Key, but there’s an old building on it. It looks exactly like the one we used to have here by the landing. And that hasn’t been here for over fifty years. The building didn’t look that old in the painting either. I thought with your knowledge of antiques and things, you might have some idea of when it was painted and maybe who painted it. Or maybe even an idea of the location depicted in the painting. Just seems strange it was hidden here, doesn’t it?”
“I’ll come by this week to see it.”
“Thank you. It does have my curiosity going.”
“Enough talk about the painting,” Eleanor interrupted. “Are you going to finish with the cleanup?”
“Of course,” Dale said, shooting Maxine a quick look of amusement. “We’re on it.”
Eleanor then turned and walked away.
“Miss Eleanor had a strange reaction when you mentioned the painting.” Maxine frowned.
“Maybe.” Beverly’s brow creased. “I should show it to her.”
“Good idea. She knows a lot about the town’s history too,” Dale said. “And it is strange that the exact same building is in the painting.”
“Or maybe I’m imagining that. But there is just something about the building that makes me think it’s exactly like our old landing building.”
“I’ll pull some old photos of it and check,” Dale offered.
“That would be great. I’ve got to get my things back to Coastal Coffee. The coffee urn and stuff. You guys good here?”
“We’ve got this,” Dale said.
They took the last of the tables down and loaded them into Dale’s van. “Well, that was a full day. I was glad the town came out in support. Miss Eleanor looked pleased with the total funds raised, didn’t she?”
“She did. I swear she almost smiled.”
“I saw that.” He closed the door on the van. “I should get these back to city hall.”
“You need help?”
“No, I’ve got it.”
He climbed in, gave a small wave, and pulled away. She stood there on the sidewalk, watching the van head down the road. It was good to feel like part of the town today. To help in raising money for the park. She hummed under her breath as she headed back toward Beverly’s cottage.
CHAPTER9
On Tuesday morning Eleanor came in as usual and sat at her table. Maxine brought her coffee but was reprimanded when she didn’t bring cream over with it. Maxine motioned to the bowl of creamers on the table.
“Not that fake stuff. I always use real cream. Beverly brings it to me in a nice little pitcher.”
She hurried to the kitchen to do as Miss Eleanor instructed. “Beverly? Miss Eleanor is here. She?—”
“Needs her cream.” Beverly smiled as she held out the pitcher. “None of those little creamer cups for her.”
“Thanks.” She’d have to remember Miss Eleanore’s quirks. Maxine hurried back out and delivered the requested cream to Miss Eleanor’s table.
“I’ll have the blueberry muffin. And Beverly always heats it up for me.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Another thing to remember.
She brought out Miss Eleanor’s food and took the orders from two more tables. Janine came walking out from the kitchen, and the tray of food she was carrying tilted precariously. Thankfully, the girl managed to get everything to the table unscathed.
“Hey there.”
