“Help yourself,” Brenda said half sarcastically. “I have plenty for the few guests we have. I can’t wait until there’s a full house to cook for.”
“You won’t have to wait long. Wedding guests will start to arrive soon.” Jane sounded stressed instead of happy.
“That’s good, isn’t it?” Andie said as she grabbed a piece of toast and folded it around another piece of bacon.
Jane sighed. “I suppose it is. It’s just all that checking in and dealing with their complaints. I think this wedding is testing my limits with people.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll help with the people part.”
Jane’s face lit up. “I appreciate that so much, but don’t you need to get back to your job?”
Andie frowned. Was that a hint? “Not right away. I want to help out.”
“You have no idea how grateful I am. And for helping out with Mom too. It really takes a load off.”
Andie checked her watch. “Speaking of Mom, I’m on my way to visit her this morning. You don’t need me to do anything for the pictures of the centerpieces you’re sending to the bride before I go, do you?” She and Maxi had finalized the design and made up a sample centerpiece for Jane to send to the bride and her mother for approval.
“No. Claire and Maxi are coming in a few minutes to work on the pillows, and Claire’s bringing a sample of her sandcastle cake so we can compare the frosting to the swatch, if you want to wait around.”
This was the first time Jane had included Andie in her plans with her friends. It felt silly and high-schoolish to care about that, but for some reason Andie did. “Darn! I wish I could, but I want to get to Tall Pines before Mom goes in for her nap. You know how tired she gets after breakfast.”
“Yep. Right about now I could agree with her.”
Woof!
They turned to see Mike Henderson at the back door. Cooper always got excited when he saw Mike. The dog had originally belonged to Mike’s grandfather, who now resided in Tall Pines. Cooper had bonded with Jane and ended up at Tides when Mike couldn't keep him in his rental.
“Hi, Mike.” Andie motioned for him to come in. “You seem to be a regular here at breakfast. Maybe you should just book a room and move in.” Andie couldn’t help but tease. Mike and Jane had become more than friends. They thought they were hiding their feelings from everyone, but it was blatantly obvious.
Andie shoved the last bite of bacon and toast into her mouth. Seeing that both Jane’s and Mike’s faces had turned beet red, now was probably a good time to make her exit. “Gotta run. I want to have some time with Mom before nap time.”
Andie ran into Maxi in the foyer.
“Hi, I’m glad I ran into you.” Andie paused. Maxi had dark circles under her eyes and looked stressed. “Are you okay?”
Maxi took a deep breath, her eyes misting. “Yes, I suppose. I had it out with James last night.”
“Oh no. Did it not go well?”
“It went as expected. Truth is, once I got on a roll, I did most of the talking. I was proud of myself that I didn’t buy into his excuses or let him talk me into staying.”
“Staying?”
“Yeah, I’ve moved into that cottage I rented from Hailey’s grandfather.”
Andie had to give Maxi credit. She didn’t waste any time. “Oh, do you want to talk about it?”
Maxi glanced at the key fob in Andie’s hand. “It looks like you’re heading out.”
“I was going to see my mom, but if you need to talk...”
“No, you go ahead. We can catch up later. I’m supposed to meet Jane and Claire anyway.” Maxi managed a smile. “Was there something you wanted to tell me, though?”
Of course Maxi would want to unburden herself with her best friends, not Andie. “Do you remember Chandler Vanbeck?”
Maxi’s brow furrowed, and she tilted her head. “The art appraiser that was staying here?”
“Yep. He’s opening an art gallery here in Lobster Bay soon. Do you still have his card?”
