“Yes. We’re pretty lucky to live in this little corner of the world, aren’t we?”We?Maybe she was warming up to the idea of staying.
They headed back to the mainland and caught the last ferry back to Magnolia Key. He drove them home and walked her back to the guest house.
“I had a really wonderful time.” Should she ask him in? Or maybe it was getting kind of late for that. She did have an early shift in the morning.
“I did too. We’ll have to do it again soon. Go on an adventure, I mean.” He grinned conspiratorially.
“Much better than a date.” She nodded soberly, trying to hide her own grin that wanted to break free.
They stood there for a moment, hesitation swelling between them. Just as she shoved her hand out for a shake, he went in for a hug. They both laughed. He hugged her lightly and stepped back. “Sleep well.”
He crossed the courtyard, and she waited until he disappeared inside and the lights turned on in his cottage before she stepped inside her own. She leaned back against the door.
For a moment, she’d been sure he was going to kiss her. But no, just the awkward shake-hug dance they’d done.
But she wasn’t ready for a kiss yet, anyway. Was she?
Oh, good. Overthinking everything again.
CHAPTER17
Beverly hurried around getting ready for work the next morning. The house was so quiet in the mornings now without Maxine here. She was glad that Maxine was finding her footing back here in Magnolia. And happy that Maxine and Dale had become friends. And now had a date. Everything was falling into place for her friend.
It must have been kind of scary to have a date after all those years. She hadn’t had one herself in… she didn’t know how long. Well, that was a lie. She knew exactly the last man she’d dated. And look how that had turned out. But she didn’t think about that—think about him—anymore, she reminded herself.
She drove to the ferry landing and arrived just as the boat was pulling in. After getting her delivery of baked goods, she headed to Coastal Coffee. “Morning, Sal.” She greeted the cook as she set the boxes on the counter.
“Morning.” Sal nodded as he finished making the coffee.
“I peeked. There’s strawberry muffins today.”
“Nash will be happy about that.”
Beverly headed out to write the day’s specials on the chalkboard, then unlocked the door and flipped the sign to open. She was anxious for Maxine to come in so she could hear about her date.
Maxine arrived soon after that, a smile on her face.
“So you had a good time last night, huh?”
“I did.” Her smile broadened. “Really nice.”
“So you got over all your nervousness?”
“I did. You know, he said he was nervous, too.” She laughed. “And somehow that made it all better.”
“How was Magic Cafe?”
“Wonderful. Just like I remembered it.”
“I haven’t been there in over a year now, I think. Darlene and I went together last time. I should plan to go again soon.”
“You should. The food is so good.”
The cafe was soon busy, and they didn’t have much time to chat. As the crowd died down, Beverly cornered Maxine for more questions. “So, tell me everything. Did he ask you out for another date?”
“He just said we’d do it again soon.”
“That counts.” Beverly bobbed her head. “Was it strange going on a date after all these years of not dating?”
