“I’ve never heard of this Bardonzia.”
“Not surprised. It’s a small country and quite a ways from here.”
“So you think this painting is of Bardonzia?”
“I’m not sure, but I think so. My theory is that this painting is of their landing. I need to do more digging before I’m certain.”
“But how do you think it ended up here? And why was it hidden?” Maxine said as she stepped forward.
Dale stepped back.
Beverly shook her head at them. They’d have to sort all this out themselves after Maxine told him she was staying.
“Anyway, I’ll keep trying to find out more information. I do love working on this little town mystery.”
“I can’t believe how much you’ve already figured out. Maybe I’ll put the word Bardonzia up near the painting and see if anyone knows more about it. Someone should if they really were our sister island.”
“That’s a good idea.” Dale took back the photo. “I should go now.” He turned and hurried out the door.
Beverly turned to Maxine. “You need to talk to him, you know. Tell him you’re staying.”
“I know. But… I told him I was leaving. And I know that’s a big thing with him. Just as he started to trust me, I decided to leave. I don’t think he’ll take a chance on me again.”
“But you won’t know until you talk to him, will you?”
“I’ll try to talk to him tonight. You know, if he’ll listen to me.”
* * *
Dale hurried out of Coastal Coffee. Of course, he’d known there was a chance of seeing Maxine if he went into Beverly’s shop, but he’d been so excited to share his news. But seeing Maxine still here tore at his heart.
He knew she was still in town. There had been no sign of her moving out yet. But he’d done his best to avoid seeing her. He stayed in his cottage when he was at home, no longer going out on the beach. He didn’t even sit out on his deck, just in case she’d walk by on her way to or from the beach. The courtyard was off limits too.
He spent long hours working at Second Finds and came home late each night. He rearranged the shop and filled the corner where he’d planned to add the coastal furniture that Maxine was going to provide. All those plans were gone now.
And he felt like a horrible person for being so angry with her because he really did understand why she was going back to Philadelphia. She was a good person and wanted to take care of her daughter. He got that. But it didn’t make it any easier to accept.
His heart clenched, and he realized he was still standing outside the door to Coastal Coffee, lost in his thoughts. He spun around and headed back to his shop, putting as much distance between him and Maxine as possible. As if that would fix his heart.
He’d spent every minute since she’d told him she was leaving trying to convince himself he had no feelings for her. And he was almost starting to believe it. Except… when he’d seen her, he knew he was just a big fat liar. The feelings were still there.
But maybe he could keep those feelings as a reminder to never let his guard down again. That’s what any sane person would do. And never let themself be put in a position to get hurt again.
CHAPTER25
Maxine kept looking out the window of the guest house, watching for Dale to come home. The last week or so he’d been coming home later and later. Avoiding her, of course. She didn’t blame him. But now she needed to talk to him. Explain how her plans had changed. And maybe he’d give them another chance.
She walked over to the window and saw a light on in his cottage. Finally. She marched over, surrounding herself with as much courage as possible, and knocked on his door. When he didn’t answer, she knocked again. Louder.
Finally, the door swung open, and he stood, looking… well… looking good. Handsome. And annoyed.
“Yes?” He didn’t ask her in.
“I wondered if we could talk.”
“I’m not sure there’s anything else to say. I understand why you need to leave. I do. But I’d rather we not see each other while you’re still here.” He ran his fingers through his hair as he quickly hid the hint of pain that flitted through his eyes. “Honestly? It’s just too hard to see you.” His voice was barely audible.
She reached out for his hand, but he snatched it back as if her touch had burned him. “But that’s what I wanted to talk about…” She took a deep breath. “I’m not leaving. I’ve decided to stay here on Magnolia Key.”
