With a resigned sigh, Maxi hung up the phone and flopped down into a chair. She ripped her hair out of the bun and ran her hands through it before twisting it up on top of her head again. This was a disaster. Chandler Van Beck had entrusted her with curating a special gallery event for Winter Prelude, and now she had no art to show for it.
Just then, her phone rang again. This time, the caller ID showed it was Chandler himself. Her stomach twisted in knots as she picked up the phone.
“Maxi, how are the preparations going for the gallery event? I trust all is well?” Chandler’s voice was smooth but carried a weight of expectation.
Maxi hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. “Everything’s coming along, Chandler. I’ve got something special planned for the event.”
“Oh? Do tell,” Chandler pressed, his curiosity piqued.
Maxi felt her heart racing; she couldn’t let Chandler know about the artists pulling out. “Well, it’s a bit of a surprise, actually. I don’t want to give too much away, but I think it’s going to be something truly unique and memorable.”
“A surprise, you say? I do enjoy a good surprise,” Chandler responded, sounding intrigued but cautious. “Just remember, Maxi, this event is important not only for the gallery but for the cultural aspect of the Winter Prelude. I trust you’ll make it exceptional. And don’t forget it needs to be filled with holiday vibes and showcase a wonderful culture that people might not be familiar with.”
“You won’t be disappointed, Chandler. That’s a promise,” Maxi assured him, even as a wave of uncertainty washed over her.
“Ahh, so you are playing it close to the vest. Don’t want to reveal any more details? You know I have eyes and ears around town,” Chandler added casually.
Maxi felt a jolt of panic. Would someone see Priya and Gerard moving their things and tell Chandler about the empty gallery? How could she prevent that? “Of course I know that.” Maxi’s gaze darted around the room as she desperately tried to think about how she could spin this. A piece of paper had blown up outside and was resting against the window. It gave her an idea. “That’s why I’m going the extra mile to keep it all under wraps,” Maxi quickly responded, her mind racing. “Thewindows will be covered to maintain the element of surprise for everyone.”
“I like the sound of that. Keep up the good work, Maxi,” Chandler said before finally ending the call.
Maxi placed the phone on the desk, staring at it as if it were a ticking time bomb. She had just bought herself a little time, but now she had to deliver on her promise of a “surprise.” She couldn’t let Chandler or the community down. Winter Prelude was too important. Maxi stood up, straightened her blouse, and took a deep breath. One way or another, she was going to pull this off.
CHAPTER EIGHT
As Jane carefully arranged an assortment of cheese and crackers on a rustic, antique wooden platter, she couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to the room she was in. Tides was a place full of history. Each piece of furniture, every framed photograph, had belonged to her ancestors, and the place exuded a sense of belonging.
The room’s palette was in soft shades of blue and beige, reminiscent of the ocean and sand just outside the window. The air smelled of a comforting blend of salty sea air and the earthy aroma of vintage wood furniture. One could also catch the delicate fragrance of the cheese and crackers, beckoning anyone who entered to partake.
A classical music station played softly in the background, filling the room with tranquil melodies that blended well with the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore. The occasional cry of a seagull punctuated the soundscape, seamlessly intertwining nature and nurture.
The silk oriental rug underfoot still felt luxurious even though it was two hundred years old, adding a tactile richness to the room that was comforting and inviting. The armchairs andsofa had the worn-in softness that only came with years of love and use.
But it was the view that took center stage—the sky was an artist’s palette of pinks and blues, melding seamlessly into the horizon. Though the sun was setting to the west, its retreating light lent a magical glow to the eastward ocean view. The hues of the sky were reflected on the surface of the ocean, making the waves look like they were dancing in a kaleidoscope of color.
Jane heard a flurry of voices in the foyer and poked her head out into the hallway to see Susan, Betty, Carol, and Margie, their arms laden with shopping bags.
“I’ve set up the wine and cheese for you in here!” Jane called to them.
Their eyes widened appreciatively at the view and the setting Jane had prepared.
“Jane, this is gorgeous! You must join us,” Susan insisted, her eyes twinkling.
Betty chimed in, “Yes, absolutely. We could use a new person to talk to.”
“And settle our bet as to who got the best gift.” Margie laid her bags down and sat in an overstuffed blue chair. Even though the room was full of antiques, Jane had put in some modern furniture for comfort.
Cooper raced in and proceeded to greet each of the women, much to their delight. At least they loved having a dog at the inn. Jane had been a bit leery of having a dog there, but so far, all of the guests had loved him. If she ever did have a guest who was put off by a resident dog, she could always send him to stay with her boyfriend, Mike. Cooper was half his, after all.
Jane took a sip of her wine, savoring the robust flavor before setting her glass on the antique coffee table. “So, how was your walk along the Marginal Way? It’s a bit chilly this time of year.”
Carol giggled, “Oh, it was brisk, all right. But a little cold air never stopped us from enjoying the view.”
Margie added, “The ocean looked so alive today. The waves were really putting on a show.”
Cooper plopped himself next to Jane, his tail wagging in slow, contented sweeps. He looked up expectantly as Betty picked up a cracker. She popped it into her mouth then looked down at the dog. “We got something for you, Cooper.”
Susan reached into her bag and brought out a package of Beach Bones. She looked to Jane for confirmation before breaking one in half and holding it out to Cooper. Cooper sniffed it then took it gently and inhaled it in one gulp.
