She nodded.
“You planned the big gala for the grand opening of my play last year.” Tori grinned. “Back when I was Victoria Duran.”
“Oh, I didn’t recognize you.” Her gaze swept over the woman and her transformed appearance with gray hair and casual clothing. This Tori looked nothing like the glamorous Victoria with flaming red hair that she remembered.
“Not many do anymore,” Tori acknowledged with a wry chuckle. “I actually bought the theater here in town. That’s what’s keeping me busy these days.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful. I have to admit I’m having a hard adjustment from the fast pace of my life back in New York to the slower pace here on Magnolia. Although the slower-paced life is just what I wanted.” She laughed. “You’d think there’d be some happy medium, wouldn’t you?”
“That’s what I found with my theater. It’s my happy medium. A way to feel fulfilled and engaged without the relentless grind of life back in the city.” A contented smile settled on her face. “I love my life here.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Would you care to join me for breakfast? I’d love the company. I just ordered.”
“I’d be delighted.” Tori settled into the seat across from her. “Beverly, I’ll have the oatmeal muffin and coffee.”
“You two get acquainted. I’ll be back with your meals soon.”
“So, how were your first nights here?” Tori’s eyes held genuine interest. “I couldn’t believe how quiet it was when I first got here. But now I can’t imagine going back to the noise of the city.”
“It was quiet. Although, I had my windows open and could hear the surf. So relaxing. Like nature’s lullaby.”
“So what are you doing with your event-planning business? Don’t you have any events coming up? I heard you were really in demand.”
“I’m taking a bit of a sabbatical. The fast pace, endless details, and constant demands on my time were starting to wear me down. I felt like I was losing the passion that first drew me to my career.”
“I bet. You have a lot to juggle with all those details for each event. It can be utterly exhausting, I’m sure.”
Beverly walked up with Tori’s coffee. “Speaking of events. Did you hear that they might cancel the Heritage Festival?”
“Oh, no. I hope not.” Tori’s brow crinkled.
“They don’t have someone to get it organized. Judy McNally was running it, but she took a bad fall. And Miss Eleanor is going out of town, or she’d step in.”
“I… I kind of remember going to the festival when I was a young girl. I was here with my parents.”
“You were?” Beverly asked. “Is that why you picked Magnolia Key for your vacation spot?”
“It was. I even have a postcard from here on my fridge. I’ve kept it all these years. I have such good memories of here.”
“Magnolia Key has a way of getting to you, doesn’t it?” Beverly nodded knowingly. “It has a way of calling you back when you need it.”
“I remember parts of the festival, but it was a long time ago. What all did it entail back then and what’s different now?”Amanda asked. She couldn’t help herself. An event planner wonders about these things.
“Well, lots of food. That’s the same. Barbecue and fresh fish. And so many sweets.” Beverly laughed. “And we have lots of music. Some small bands. A barbershop quartet. An arts and crafts sale showcasing local talented artists. And a display of exhibits and photos showcasing the town’s history.”
“I do remember the food. Cotton candy and funnel cakes. My father indulged my sweet tooth.” The brief memory flickered in her mind of the soft pink spun sugar and her sticky fingers as her father led her out to hear a band play at the gazebo at the edge of the beach. She appreciated that not much had changed with the festival she so fondly remembered. “It sounds like the town really kept up the tradition over the years.”
“We did. Though it has gotten a bit smaller over the years. And now it seems that no one wants to jump in and actually organize it.”
Amanda clamped her mouth shut.Do not offer to help. Do not.
Tori sighed. “I could help out some, but I have another show opening at the theater and things are kind of crazy there right now.”
Do. Not. Offer.
“It just is what it is. We’re running out of time.” Beverly shrugged, her expression resigned. “I’ll get your food.”
She and Tori sat and chatted while they ate their breakfasts. It was nice to have someone to talk to and share a meal with at a leisurely pace.
