“That’s kind of strange.”
Maxine came back from refilling Miss Eleanor’s coffee. “I think she’s seen that pendant before.”
“We were just both saying that.” Beverly nodded. “Hey, speaking of Dale…”
As Dale walked up to them, Maxine’s eyes lit up, and a smile brightened her face. “Hi,” she said softly to Dale.
Dale smiled back at her, and for a moment, it was just the two of them. Beverly was certain no one else in the cafe existed for them. She smiled to herself, pleased with how things were progressing for Maxine and Dale. She gave them their moment, then cleared her throat. “Dale, have you met Tori yet?”
“No, I haven’t.” He pulled his gaze from Maxine and smiled at Tori. “But I’ve seen her around town. Heard you’re the one restoring the theater. Very happy to see that.”
“Nice to meet you,” Tori said.
Dale turned to Maxine. “I just wanted to make sure we’re on for our date tonight.”
“We’re on. Six o’clock?” Maxine blushed just the tiniest bit, and Beverly smothered a smile.
Beverly switched her attention to Dale. “Hey, look at this.” She held out the pendant and turned to explain to Tori, “He’s kind of our history buff around here.”
He took it and looked at it carefully. “It looks old. At least a hundred years, I’d estimate. Maybe more. And if I’m not mistaken, those are real diamonds and emeralds. That must be worth a pretty penny.”
“I found it hidden in a drawer at the theater.”
“Interesting.” Dale looked at it again. “Let me take some photos of it, and I’ll do some research. See if I can find out anything. I would think someone would remember a pendant this remarkable. I’ll let you know if I discover anything.”
“Thank you. I’d appreciate it.” Tori nodded.
Dale took a series of photos and handed the pendant back to Tori. “Well, I better run now. Just wanted to check in.” He reached out and squeezed Maxine’s hand. “See you tonight.”
Dale left and Tori ordered her breakfast. “Maxine, why don’t you sit? Things are slowing down now. Let’s join Tori for coffee.”
When Tori’s order was up, Beverly brought it to her. Then she stood behind the counter making napkin rolls and chatting with her and Maxine. “So, Tori, how are the renovations going?”
“They are going really well. Nothing big that was missed on my plans. Well, except for the new popcorn machine and the soda dispensers. Those needed to be replaced. Gavin noticed I didn’t have them listed in my plans.”
“That Gavin is a stickler for details. When the lighthouse was being restored…” Beverly paused. “Well, let’s just say he wanted things done a certain way. He has… opinions.”
“I’ll say he does. Lots of them.” Tori laughed with a twinge of amusement in her tone. “And the annoying thing? His suggestions usually have at least the hint of a good idea in them.”
“I haven’t seen him around much since I’ve been back,” Maxine added.
“He’s kind of a loner these days. Ever since the whole lighthouse restoration.” Beverly wasn’t sure how much more to say.
“Why is that?” Tori prodded.
“Well… things got a little bit difficult for him during that project. The town got a bit, ah… critical. He pulled back. Been pretty much a loner since then.”
“That’s too bad. I remember him as an outgoing kid when we were growing up,” Maxine said.
“He was. Then he moved away for years. Suddenly, he was back in town. Opened The Bike Shop. He was more reserved than I remember him as a kid.” Beverly shrugged. “But who knows? We don’t really ever know what’s happened in someone’s personal life, do we?”
Tori stared at her coffee mug, her expression thoughtful. “No, we don’t, do we?” she said softly.
Beverly got the feeling Tori was talking more about herself than Gavin.
More customers came in and she excused herself, her mind still full of questions about the pendant and wondering what secrets Tori might be hiding. But of course, it was none of her business.
Chapter14
