Maxine went to the bank and deposited the check, feeling almost rich. Well, compared to her financial situation for the last few years. It had been scary living without much backup savings. Now she could breathe easier.
Victor had a sharp lawyer handle the divorce and ended up with almost everything. She hadn’t been able to afford a top-notch lawyer like his. So she was happy she finally ended up with something to show from their years of marriage and all she’d done to run his life for him so he could concentrate on business. He’d insisted she never get a job while they were married because she needed to be ready at a moment’s notice to throw a dinner party or handle anything else that came up that he didn’t want to deal with. Not to mention be the one who always handled everything kid related. She wasn’t sure how she’d let herself be put in that position, and it annoyed her thinking back on it. But the past was the past, and it was silly to waste time with the what-ifs.
She walked out of the bank and into the sunshine, letting it bathe away her regrets. She turned and headed down the sidewalk to Second Finds, anxious to see what she could find for Beverly’s bookcase.
She pushed into the store and smiled as the sound of the bell rang over the door. The familiar scents and sights of the shop greeted her.
Dale looked up from where he was unpacking a box across the room. “Well, hello there.”
She crossed over to him. “Hi. Beverly sent me on a mission.”
“Oh?”
“I finished the bookcase, but she thinks we should put some historical memorabilia on the top shelf. It’s pretty high and I think it would be hard for people to search out books on it.”
“You’ve come to the right place.” He swept his arm out in dramatic fashion. “I happen to have quite a bit of history in here.”
“Do you have any suggestions for me?”
“I have some hand-blown fishing net floats. They were used in the 1800s and early 1900s.”
“Oh, I like that idea. Very island-y.”
“I also have an old ship’s porthole that I made a wooden stand for to hold it upright. It’s a small porthole, about twelve inches.”
“That will fit, and it’s another wonderful idea. I’m grateful to have your help with this.”
“Here, I’ll show them to you.”
She followed him deep into the shop and agreed with both his choices. “I think I’ll wander around a bit more and see what else I can find.”
“Of course. Stay as long as you like. I’ll take these two items up to the checkout.”
She wandered around the store, getting lost in the history. Old leather suitcases, vintage clothing, more old paintings. Then she found an old handbag and white gloves. That would be perfect.
She carried them up to the front of the store. “Look at these. I love the intricate beading on the purse.”
“I would guess that’s from the 1920s. It’s in nice shape. And those long white gloves are called opera gloves. They were very fashionable during that same era.”
“I think they will be perfect. A bit of nautical and a bit of women’s fashion.”
“You made great choices.” Dale rang up the purchase. “I’ll deliver them tomorrow, if that’s okay. The porthole is heavy.”
“Okay, thank you. But I think I’ll take the purse and gloves with me.” She would have liked to stay longer and just browse, but she’d already been here for over an hour.
“I—uh…” Dale looked at her for a moment. “I was wondering. I mean, I was just getting ready to close up the shop. Would you like to come over to my place and pick out some books from my aunt’s collection? I’d love to donate some to the lending library.”
“Yes, I’d love to.” And then she’d get to spend more time with him.
Another one of those unexpected thoughts… Where were they coming from?
“Great, I’ll just lock up and flip the sign to closed.”
They headed outside as he pulled the door shut behind them. “Walking okay? Or we can take the van.”
“Walking is fine.”
“Ginger’s cottage is this way,” Dale said as they headed down the sidewalk, then he laughed. “Oh, I guess you know that. You grew up here. And yes, it’s my cottage now. It’s just hard to think of it as that.”
