Beverly poured two glasses and led her over to a small table in the corner of the kitchen. They sat down, and Beverly let out a small sigh. “That feels good to get off my feet. Busy day today.”
“I wish I could say I was that busy. We haven’t been completely full of guests for weeks.”
“I’m sure it will pick up. It’s the end-of-summer lull is all.” Beverly took a sip of her tea. “Oh, one of your guests came in today. He said you recommended the cafe to him. Mark Donovan. He was quiet, but friendly. He seemed like kind of a lost soul.”
“You picked up on that too?”
Beverly nodded. “And he seemed familiar. I finally put two and two together and figured out he’s that mystery author.”
“He is. Though he told me he’s having a bit of writer’s block, which was why I suggested he put it aside and just explore the island for a bit.”
“Always a good suggestion. Wandering the island always helps one sort things out.”
“It does. Not that I’ve had much time for that. Felicity has been busy with Brent. Helping him with some research.”
“You should hire someone part-time. Everyone needs a break sometimes. It really helps that Maxine is here and helping me with the cafe. I even took a full day off the other day.” Beverly’s mouth rose into a wry smile.
Darlene laughed. “Really? Well, good for you. Owning your own business isn’t for sissies. It’s a lot of work, a lot of hours.”
“It is. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Beverly leaned back and stretched out her legs. “Say, did you hear about the new inn opening up?”
“Felicity mentioned it.”
“It opens this weekend. They’re calling it Sea View Inn.” Beverly looked at her closely. “You worried at all about it?”
“No, I don’t think so. It sounds like it will appeal to a different clientele than the guests who come to my B&B.”
“You’re probably right. And the wine bar they have—with something called small plates?—won’t compete with Coastal Coffee because I’m only open for breakfast and lunch, not happy hour.”
“As much as I like things to stay the same here on the island, I know that’s not possible.” She frowned. “Any more news about Cliff and the high-rise he wants to put at the end of the boardwalk?”
Beverly scowled. “Not that I’ve heard. I think it’s stuck in some kind of re-planning stage. Trying to get it to squeeze past approval with the planning committee. I think they’re having another open council meeting soon. I plan on going and voicing my opinion that a structure like that has no business on this island.” She shrugged. “Anyway, I suggested to Cliff that he no longer come into Coastal Coffee. I have no desire to see him. There are other places he can frequent if he needs to eat out.”
“Eleanor is pretty mad at him about the whole thing. She told me she didn’t know where she went wrong in raising him. He should know better than to try to change the whole small-town atmosphere of Magnolia Key.”
“Well, Cliff has always done what he wants. What’s best for him. Never considering other people.” Beverly’s words came harsh, clipped.
“Hopefully, we can convince the town council to reject his plans.”
“Hopefully. But he does have a few buddies on the council. And quite often, a Griffin or a Whitmore gets what they want.”
Darlene smiled. “But have you ever seen Eleanor not get what she wants? And she sure doesn’t want that high-rise.”
Beverly laughed. “There is that.”
She rose. “I should get to the store and back to the B&B.”
Beverly took the glasses and put them in the sink. “I’m glad you stopped by. Don’t be a stranger.”
She waved and slipped out the back door, eager to get her groceries and back to the B&B.
Darlene pulled into her usual parking spot behind Bayside B&B, then gathered the grocery bags from the trunk. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the wraparound porch, where Mark sat in one of the white rocking chairs, a notebook open on his lap.
“Good afternoon, Mark. Did you enjoy exploring the island?”
He looked up, closing the notebook. “I did. The lighthouse was exactly what I needed today. Thank you for the suggestion. Oh, and I had a late lunch at Coastal Coffee. Another good suggestion.”
She didn’t mention that she already knew that because she’d stopped by to see Beverly. His smile seemed more genuine. He stood and stepped forward. “Here, let me help you with those bags.”
