You can write to me at the address at the bottom of the letter. If I don’t hear from you, I’ll understand. I know we had plans to leave together, but this is something I have to do.
I do care about you.
Love,
Cliff
She looked up at Eleanor with tears in her eyes. “He did hear what Theodore said.”
Eleanor bobbed her head. “Yes, I was afraid he did.”
“He says he was leaving to make a success and prove himself. And… he asked me to write him.”
“But of course you never did because Theodore took the letter and hid it.”
“All these years…” She trailed off, lost in sadness, lost in knowing how that one night had affected her life so deeply. And all her thoughts about that night… and about Cliff… were so very wrong.
“I’ve spent too many years watching my son drift through life, never quite connecting with anyone or anything. And I’ve spent too many years watching you build walls around yourself. Maybe it’s time for both of you to know the whole truth and talk about it.” Eleanor met her gaze directly. “So, now are you going to go talk to him?”
She looked at the letter again and trailed her fingers over the words “Love, Cliff.” A fierce wave of determination swept through her. Now it was her turn to try and make things right.
“Yes. Yes, I am. It’s high time that Cliff and I have a serious talk. But then, I don’t know what happens next.”
“That’s for you and Cliff to figure out.” Eleanor stood. “I’ll leave you to it then.”
Chapter 19
Beverly left her cottage with the letter in her pocket and drove around town. Her heart felt lighter than it had in years, yet also strangely unsettled. The sun was beginning to set, casting golden light over Magnolia Key’s still-damaged streets as she searched for Cliff.
She checked Jonah’s house first but only found Jonah tending to his garden. He mentioned Cliff had gone to help with cleanup efforts around town. Next, she tried the hardware store, the park, and even drove past the site where Cliff’s controversial development was planned.
No sign of him.
She spotted Cliff’s red truck on the side street near the old theater building and pulled over. The historic theater had suffered minor damage during the hurricane. It was mostly water damage from a section of the roof that had leaked. Tori had mentioned she was organizing volunteers to help with repairs.
She crossed the street and tried the front doors, finding them unlocked. The grand old lobby was dim, but she could hear voices and the sound of something being dragged across the floor coming from the main theater.
“Hello?” she called out, her voice echoing slightly in the cavernous space.
“We’re in here!” Tori’s voice called back.
She made her way through the lobby and pushed open the double doors to the theater. Inside, Tori was supervising as Cliff hauled heavy debris into a pile near the stage. Both were dusty and looked like they’d been working hard all afternoon.
“Beverly.” Tori smiled, brushing dust from her hands. “What brings you over here?”
“I was looking for Cliff, actually.” The words felt strange coming out of her mouth after so many years of avoiding him.
Cliff stopped what he was doing, surprise evident on his face as he set down the piece of damaged ceiling tile he’d been carrying.
Tori glanced between them, a knowing look passing over her face. “Well, we were just finishing up for the day, anyway. I think we’ve done all we can until the professional roofers get here tomorrow.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to interrupt if you still need help.”
“Absolutely,” Tori said, already reaching for her jacket. “Cliff has been a tremendous help, but we’re done for today.” She turned to Cliff. “Thanks again for pitching in. I really appreciate it.”
He nodded. “No problem. I’ll come back tomorrow to help the roofers if you need me.”
“That would be wonderful.” They all headed outside, and Tori locked the door. “I’ll leave you two to talk.” She gave Beverly a supportive smile as she passed.
