As they rose to leave, Beverly stopped her. “Come back anytime. For a meal or just to chat. You’re always welcome here.”
“Thank you, I will.” Gratitude washed through her for the budding friendships she was developing in this town, and shewas once again grateful for her decision to return to the island, if only for a while.
CHAPTER 5
Amanda rose early the next morning, eager to explore the island more. But first, she needed to get a few groceries. She quickly made a bowl of yogurt, fresh strawberries, and a sprinkle of granola on top. She knew better than to go to the store hungry. She’d come back with way more than she needed.
After breakfast, she headed toward the market with two canvas bags to tote her groceries back home with. As she approached the store, a familiar figure caught her eye. Connor. Mr. Leave-Me-Alone. He was loading groceries into his truck.
She eyed the distance to the door. Could she get inside without him seeing her? At that moment, he looked up and caught her staring at him. Summoning her courage, she put on a bright smile and walked up to him. “Good morning, Connor.”
He eyed her silently, and she wasn’t sure he was going to reply. “Morning,” he said curtly before turning back to load another bag of groceries into his truck.
She stood there awkwardly. “Lovely weather, isn’t it?” She cringed that she was reduced to small talk about the weather. The man unsettled her.
“Guess so,” he said as he closed the tailgate with a thud.
“I thought I’d explore the town a bit more today.”
No answer.
“Any must-see spots you’d recommend?” She knew he wanted to bolt for the driver’s door, but she couldn’t help herself. She hoped her questions annoyed him as much as his non-answers did her.
“Look, lady.”
“Amanda.”
He nodded. “Amanda. There’s the beach. The lighthouse. Or shops on Main.” He paused, eyeing her. “Not much else to do around here.”
“I see. Well, thanks for the suggestions,” she said cheerfully, sensing his discomfort.
As an awkward silence stretched out between them, he shifted on his feet. She wavered between trying to continue the conversation or to just let him go and put him out of his misery.
Connor cleared his throat. “I should go. Lots to do.” He moved to open the driver’s door, passing ever so close to her as he did.
“Of course. I won’t keep you.” She stepped back. “It was nice to see you, Connor.”
He paused, giving her a slight nod before starting the engine and firmly closing the door. As he pulled away, a tinge of disappointment crept through her. People usually liked her. She was a likable person, wasn’t she? She was known to charm even the most cantankerous, demanding person in charge of the events she managed.
Obviously, that charm was lost on Connor.
She went into the store and got only the items on her grocery list. Okay, and a pint of ice cream. A woman needed ice cream sometimes, didn’t she?
Amanda went back to her cottage and put the groceries away. She was half-tempted to take a spoon to the ice cream and indulge herself. Congratulating herself on her self-control, she headed over to the couch. She could go for a beach walk. Or maybe go see the lighthouse like Connor had suggested.
Or read. But she’d finished the last book she’d brought with her. There was a cute lending library inside Coastal Coffee, though. Maybe she’d offer up the book she’d just finished and see if she could find another one to read. Besides, Beverly had invited her to come back anytime, right?
She headed to Coastal Coffee and pushed inside. The now familiar sights and sounds of the cafe welcomed her. Beverly waved and motioned to her to take a table. She headed toward an empty table near the back.
“Just coffee,” she said as Beverly approached.
“Coming right up.” Beverly returned with the steaming mug. “No breakfast?”
“I ate early before a trip to the grocery store. Didn’t want to go there hungry.”
Beverly laughed. “Good idea. Otherwise, all this food that’s not on the list just jumps into your cart, doesn’t it?”
“Sure does.” She held up her book. “I just finished this book and thought I’d leave it for your lending library. Mind if I look for something else to read?”
