And that realization scared him more than he cared to admit.
What if his development project really did change the character of this place? What if Beverly was right all along? What if his mother was right?
He paused at the door, hand on the knob. These were questions for another day. Tonight, he just needed to get through an evening of cards with his mother and Jonah without revealing that he’d almost kissed Beverly Mooney and then chickened out like a teenager.
As he opened the door, he wondered if maybe, just maybe, he’d get another chance… but would he chicken out again?
Chapter 22
Beverly lifted her head as the bell over the door jingled, and she smiled. Eleanor entered with Jonah at her side, his hand resting gently at the small of her back. They made their way to Eleanor’s usual corner table.
Every Tuesday, for as long as Beverly could remember, Eleanor arrived for breakfast and sat at the same table. But now Jonah joined her. The change in routine might have seemed small to others, but in Magnolia Key, where traditions were as predictable as the tides, it felt significant.
“Good morning, Beverly,” Eleanor called, settling herself into her chair.
“Morning, Eleanor. Jonah.” Beverly grabbed two menus and headed their way.
Eleanor waved off the menus. “No need. I’ll have my usual, and Jonah will have?—”
“The veggie omelet with wheat toast,” he finished, smiling at Beverly.
She nodded, tucking the menus under her arm. “Coffee for both?”
“Please,” they answered in unison, then exchanged a glance that made Beverly feel like she was intruding on something private.
She returned with coffee, two mugs, and cream for Eleanor.
“Thank you, dear.” Eleanor nodded.
“It’s nice to see you two enjoying breakfast together.”
Eleanor’s cheeks colored slightly. “Well, it made sense. Jonah’s been so kind, letting Cliff and me stay with him while the repairs are being done. It’s the least I can do to treat him to breakfast.”
“Ellie,” Jonah said gently, “you don’t need to explain having breakfast with me.”
Her blush deepened, and Beverly had to bite back a smile. She’d never seen Miss Eleanor—no, Eleanor—looking so flustered.
“And how are the plans coming for the fundraiser?” Jonah asked, steering the conversation in a new direction.
“Really well.” She poured their coffee. “Tori is letting us use the theater next Saturday. Cliff’s been amazing at getting donations for the silent auction.”
The door chimed again, and she glanced over to see Dale rushing in, his hair windblown and eyes wide with excitement.
“There you are!” he called out, spotting Eleanor. “I knew I’d find you here. I need to talk to you.”
Eleanor set down her coffee cup. “Dale, we’re having breakfast.”
“It’s about Vera,” Dale said, slightly out of breath but keeping his voice low. “And Prince Lawrence.”
Eleanor’s expression changed, and she straightened in her chair. “Well, don’t just stand there. Join us.”
Dale pulled out a chair at their table and sat down, nodding hello to Beverly and Jonah.
“What have you found?” Eleanor asked.
Dale pulled a folder from his messenger bag and extracted a piece of paper. “This,” he said, sliding it across the table. “Look, that’s Vera. And Prince Lawrence.”
Eleanor picked up the paper. She studied it closely, her eyes narrowing as she examined the image. After a long moment, she nodded. “Yes, that’s Vera.”
