Maxi nodded, a spark of interest in her eyes.
“It might not be a bad idea to give him a call. He could be looking for local talent, and it might give you something positive to focus on.” Andie reached out and squeezed Maxi’s arm. “I’m here whenever you want to talk.”
Maxi nodded. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”
They headed their separate ways with Andie feeling a little bit lighter knowing that she could help out a friend in need.
“And he didn’t deny having an affair?” Jane looked up from her comparison of the swatch next to Claire’s sandcastle cake sample. They were sitting on the back deck at Tides, the three of them at one of the tables and Cooper lying next to the wide stairs that led to the sandy beach. Maxi had just finished filling them in on the events of the previous evening.
Maxi saw concern, compassion, and even a little hint of pity in both her friends’ eyes. It had been hard to tell them about her confrontation with James, but now that it was out, she felt relieved. Besides, she needed the support of her friends now more than ever.
“Nope.” Well, that wasn’t totally true. She hadn’texactlymentioned that she suspected an affair. “I didn’t come right out and accuse him. I couldn’t bring myself to say the words. But I know he lied about pretending not to see me downtown.”
Claire clucked in sympathy. She, more than anyone, would know how it felt because Peter had done the same to her. “I understand. It’s hard to accuse them. Such a betrayal. Don’t worry. I know what you are going through and will help you every step of the way.”
“We both will,” Jane added.
“Thanks.” Maxi’s throat was too tight to say more. She cleared it and pointed at the cake sample. “Well, I say we cut this thing up and try it out.”
Claire made a face. “Might as well. The color doesn’t match the swatch enough. Don’t you both agree?”
Maxi and Jane nodded. “Sorry, but it’s off by quite a few shades.”
Claire cut the small sample into three pieces and handed them out, licking frosting from her thumb. “I’ll just have to try again. We may be eating a lot of sample cakes in the future.”
Cooper raised his head and looked over.
“Not you,” Jane said. “Cake isn’t good for dogs.”
Cooper put his head back on his paws.
Claire mashed the last of the cake crumbs onto the back of her fork. “How was it sleeping alone in the cottage?”
“A bit scary but also freeing. It’s great being right on the beach.”
“When do we get to see it?” Claire asked.
Maxi wanted to show her friends the cottage but not until she’d made it a little more presentable. She didn’t mind springing for a few minor repairs, especially since it would help Henry out, but mostly she planned to spruce it up with some new decor. And since she was known for her decorating skills, she didn’t want her friends to see it until she’d had that chance. “I still have some finishing touches to do on the cottage, You know it’s sort of run-down, right?”
“We don’t care about that!”
“I know, but I want your first impression to be a good one, so give me a couple of days.”
“Of course we will,” Jane said. “Let us know when you’re ready.”
“So what will you do now?” Claire asked. “Are you going to do more painting?”
“Funny you should ask. I need advice on that. I ran into Andie on the way out, and she told me that Chandler Vanbeck, the art appraiser that was here last week, is opening an art gallery in town.” Maxi appreciated Andie seeking her out to tell her and her offer to talk about things. She made a mental note to fill Andie in later on everything that had happened with James. She didn’t want Andie to think she was brushing her off.
“He was impressed with your work. I bet he’d want to put some of it in a show,” Jane said.
Maxi laughed. “I’m not sure I’m ready for that...”
“Didn’t he leave a card for you when he left?” Claire asked. “I think that shows he might be interested.”
“You should at least call him,” Jane suggested. “What have you got to lose?”
Maxi felt a nervous flutter of excitement. Her life-long dream was to be an artist, to have her work in a gallery. But it was all happening too fast. Too much was going on. Still... she’d be a fool to let this opportunity pass, wouldn’t she? “Maybe I will give him a call. We’ll see.”
