Beverly frowned. “I hope that never happens. I guess I’ll have to find out when the meeting is and be sure I go to it.”
“That’s what Miss Eleanor said. I’m not a registered voter here, so I guess I can’t really offer up my opinion.” Just another reminder she was still an outsider here. But then, she hadn’t totally made up her mind if she was going to make Magnolia Key her permanent residence, so she hadn’t changed her voter registration.
Beverly set a heated muffin on a plate and handed it to her. “It’s hard to stop progress, and I don’t mind some changes, but I would really hate to see big, tall buildings on the island.”
“Miss Eleanor said the people on the town council were fools.”
Beverly laughed. “She’s not that far off. The group we have now is pretty set on passing things that help themselves rather than benefit the town. I’m hoping in the next election that we can get some new members on the council.”
“Do you think that will be too late?”
“I hope not.”
Maxine headed back out to bring Miss Eleanor her muffin, wondering if the town she’d come back home to was going to change before she even got used to being here again.
* * *
The morning got busy and Maxine didn’t even see Eleanor and Darlene leave. But Eleanor left her payment for breakfast on the table. Since she got almost the same thing every time she came in, she didn’t really need to see the bill.
She looked up as the door swept open, and Dale stood in the doorway. A little flutter jittered in her chest, which she ignored. She waved and gave him a just-a-minute sign while she finished taking the order of a group of ladies who came in on Fridays midmorning and played bridge with their coffee. She was getting to know the routines of the regulars.
She poured their coffee and turned in an order for a plate of cinnamon rolls, then hurried over to Dale. “Morning. Coming in for a late breakfast?”
“Ah, no.” He shifted from foot to foot. “Uh, I already ate.”
“Okay…” She stared at him.
“I just wanted to be sure you haven’t changed your mind. That you’re still going out with me tonight.” He looked at her expectantly.
She laughed. “Yes, we’re still going out. But I have to admit, I’m a bit nervous.”
“Don’t be. It’s just… me. Pretend it’s just like some other time we went to grab something to eat.”
“Only it doesn’t feel like that, does it?”
He shook his head. “No, it doesn’t. It feels… special.”
Special. He thought going out with her felt special…
“I’ll let you get back to work. Just wanted to check.” Relief spread across his face. “So we’re still on.”
“Still on.”
“I’ll pick you up at six.”
“You’re going to walkall the way across the courtyardto get me?” She pressed a hand to her heart and feigned shock.
“All the way. I’m a proper gentleman, you know.” His eyes sparkled.
“I’ll see you at six, then.”
He left the cafe, and she turned to find Beverly grinning at her. “You two are cute together.”
“What are you talking about?” She ducked her head and started clearing a table.
“Bet you have a great time on your date tonight.”
“I hope so.” She settled the tub of dishes against her hip. “I hope I don’t do something silly, or wrong, or… something. I can’t believe I’m going on a date.”
