“Have you heard anything from Mark?”
“No, and I don’t expect to.”
Just then, Jonah walked up to the table. “Good morning, ladies.”
“Morning.” Beverly and Darlene greeted him. She looked at Eleanor, waiting for her to speak.
“Jonah.” Eleanor nodded slightly.
“I’m just going to go grab a cup of coffee at the counter. I’ll leave you ladies to it.” He walked away and slid onto a stool at the counter, where Maxine poured him a cup of coffee.
“You really should give the man a break. He comes in here all the time when he knows you’re here. He cares about you. You can tell from the way he looks at you. Don’t you think it’s time you quit stalling?” Beverly said as she leaned forward.
“I’m not stalling.” Eleanor insisted.
“You know, you really do have to give the guy credit. He’s wooing you as best he can,” Darlene added.
“We’re too old for that.”
“But are you? Really? Is anyone ever too old for love?” Beverly gave Eleanor a hard stare.
“I—”
“Mother, I’ve been looking for you.” Cliff Griffin appeared at their table, his gaze traveling from Eleanor to Jonah and back. “Why is that man always around you these days?”
“What man?” Eleanor asked innocently.
“That Jonah fellow. I’ve heard the gossip.” Cliff’s voice got louder.
Darlene glanced toward the counter. Jonah was looking over at them and frowning.
“Why are you dating that man? I can’t figure out what you see in him or what you’re doing with him. You know he’s probably just after your money.”
Jonah rose and walked over to the table. “Is there a problem here?”
“No, not at all. And maybe stay out of private conversations.” Cliff glared at him.
Jonah stood his ground. “Well, I don’t take kindly to people upsetting Ellie.”
“Ellie? Ellie?” Cliff looked incredulously at Jonah. “You call her Ellie?”
Eleanor slowly rose from her seat. “Cliff, you don’t get to tell me what to do with my life. I decide. No one else makes any decisions for me ever again.”
“Mother, you’re not thinking straight.”
Beverly stood. “Cliff, I think you should leave. I told you that you’re not welcome here at Coastal Coffee.”
Cliff ignored Beverly. “Mother, come on. Let’s leave. I’ll walk you home.”
“No, I think not. I’m staying.” Eleanor slipped her hand through the crook of Jonah’s elbow. “With Jonah. I decide what I want. And I want Jonah.”
Jonah’s mouth dropped open in surprise. “Ellie?”
Eleanor turned and looked up at him. “I’ve been an old fool. I’ve wasted time worrying about things that don’t matter. What people think. How old we are. I do want you. And I don’t care who knows it.”
“Oh, Ellie.” Jonah reached out and touched her face gently.
Cliff frowned. “Mother, if he thinks things are getting serious, you need to see a lawyer. Protect your assets. If he asks you to marry him, get a prenup.”
