Beverly rose and walked over to Dale, taking the painting from him. “Oh, that looks nice.”
He nodded.
Maxine watched him carefully. He didn’t even look her way.
“I’m going to hang it right now.”
“I took some photos of it, and I’m still researching to see if I can pin down when it was painted and what it’s a painting of.” Dale smiled—at Beverly.
“And maybe someone will know something about it. I just wonder why it was hidden in my bookcase. Who put it there?”
“Right now, it remains a mystery.” He shrugged. “I need to get back to the shop.”
“Thanks for bringing this over.” Beverly smiled at him. “Really appreciate it.”
He nodded again and disappeared. Without really saying a word to her—except she guessed she was included in thehi, ladies.
Beverly looked over at her. “You okay?”
“I guess so.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m not sure. Dale used to be so friendly. And ever since I moved into his guest cottage, he’s been… distant.”
“Was he? I didn’t notice.” Beverly frowned. “Well, maybe a little. He usually lights up when he talks to you.”
“No, he doesn’t.”
Beverly laughed. “Yes. Yes, he does.”
“Well, if he did before, he doesn’t now. He barely waves to me when he sees me. It’s like he’s… avoiding me.”
“Then why don’t you go over and talk to him tonight? Bring a bottle of wine to share or something.”
“I don’t want to bother him.”
Beverly shook her head. “Or maybe he’s thinking the very same thing. He doesn’t want to bother you. He’s giving you some privacy. You should go over.”
How had things gotten this complicated? Why was she so unsure of herself? Wasn’t she trying to become this more confident woman?
“Maybe I will…” But there wasn’t much confidence in her words.
CHAPTER13
The next morning Maxine woke up early and decided to take a walk to the beach and watch the sunrise. She hadn’t been able to sleep very well with Beverly’s words rolling around in her head. She’d actually picked up a bottle of wine and started to head over to Dale’s last night—twice. But she’d never made it out the door.
She carried her insulated mug of coffee with her to the beach and sat down, watching the birds race around at the frothy edge of the waves. She smiled at their antics.
“Good morning.”
She looked up to find Dale standing beside her, coffee mug in hand. “Ah, good morning.”
“I don’t want to disturb you.” He looked at her tentatively. Or did he look like he wanted to escape?
“You’re not. Want to sit down?”
He still looked uncertain.
