“I think so... not sure. Chandler pulled me away before we had much of a chance to talk. That’s why I was looking for him. To finish the conversation.”
The dawning realization that James had left dashed Maxi’s good mood. If he were here, she would have seen him by now. But why would he come and leave so early? Was it only to tell her what he had started to say? And what, exactly,hadhe been starting to say?
He’d been saying he was sorry. Maxi assumed it was because of the rift between them, though now that she thought about it, James had no reason to be sorry. What if he meant he was sorry that he didn’t want to be married anymore? What if her “finding herself” had shown him that he didn’t want to be with her? Had she been too selfish and waited too long to make things right, and he wanted out? She wanted her art career, but all of this wasn’t worth losing James... What should she do now?
“Who is that woman with Andie?" Claire’s question pulled Maxi from her thoughts. Andie was chatting with a pretty blond girl who Maxi hadn’t been introduced to. As she watched, Andie flagged down Chandler and introduced the two of them. “I don’t know. Maybe one of Andie’s antique business acquaintances. That’s how she knew Chandler.”
“Probably,” Jane said. “I forget she has a whole other life and people I don’t know in it. Or I guess I should say shehada whole other life.”
“Had? What do you mean?” Claire asked.
Jane beamed. “Andie’s decided to stay in Lobster Bay.”
“Oh, that’s great!” Maxi was glad. She liked Andie and wanted to get to know her better.
“I think that’s a good move. I’m glad for both of you,” Claire said. “Will she be working at Tides? Giving up antiques?”
“Part-time. She’s buying the old antique shop on Main Street. The one that’s been closed.” Jane’s eyes narrowed, her gaze directed at the corner of the room. “Is that Mike over by the plant?”
Maxi turned. “Yep. Oh, here he comes. Wonder what he was doing over there?”
Jane shook her head. “Who knows.” Jane returned her attention to the group. “Anyway, I’m glad she’s staying. Aside from Mom, I don’t have any family.”
Maxi touched her arm. “I’m happy for you. Andie’s great.”
“Thanks.” Jane smiled as Mike stepped into their circle. “And I’m happy for you. The show is doing really good. Looks like you have a great start to your career.”
Maxi glanced at another of her paintings. Five people were grouped around, pointing at it and discussing. That was a good sign. She should just focus on the show and her painting career. But what should she do about James?
James stood at his car, looking at the large windows in the art gallery. Golden light spilled out, and inside he could see shadows of the people mingling. Maxi was one of those people. Was she with that Chandler guy?
They’d been together at the Purple Blueberry, and now he’d dragged her away as if he were a priority. Were theydating? The thought made him sick. He couldn’t decide what to do. He’d never been a quick thinker. He needed time to mull things over.
Should he go in and tell Maxi how he felt? But he didn’t want to make a scene or ruin the show for her, and if she was dating this Chandler guy, then it might not matter how he felt.
“You look glum.”
James almost didn’t recognize Sally Littlefield without her trademark overalls. Tonight she was wearing a long black skirt and black and tan blouse. She still had the braid, though now it was coiled around the top of her head.
“It’s Maxi. I’m not sure she wants me back.”
“Really?” Sally tilted her head. “We did a good makeover. Did you go to the Purple Blueberry like we told you to?”
“Yeah, but she was with that gallery owner. Chandler. I didn’t stay long.”
Sally’s eyes narrowed. “Why not? Did she invite you to stay?”
“Yeah... but I felt uncomfortable.”
“Uncomfortable? How uncomfortable is it going to feel tonotbe with Maxi at all?”
“Well, when you put it that way...”
“And what about here at the art show?”
“We were talking, and then Chandler came and pulled her away. I didn’t know how to take it. Maybe she’d rather be with him.”
“I doubt that. He’s not her type. You don't have to worry about that. But if you don’t do something fast, you might have something to worry about.” Sally leaned in close. “You ask me, you’re going to have to get out of your comfort zone if you want Maxi back. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some free champagne to drink.”
