“Really?” Sally’s eyes lit up with genuine delight. “Tell me everything.”
“There’s not much to tell yet. But he walked her home from dinner at his mother’s house last week. And I’ve seen him at the beach in the mornings when she paints. He says he’s just walking, but that man hasn’t taken morning beach walks since high school.”
“Margaret must be pleased.”
“I haven’t talked to her about it. But yes, I imagine she’s noticed.” Winnie traced the rim of her cup with one finger. “They’re good for each other, I think. They understand what the other’s been through.”
“Both got hurt by people they trusted.” Sally nodded slowly. “That’s not a small thing.”
“No, it’s not.” Winnie stared out the window again, watching clouds drift past the lighthouse. “Grant’s been closed off since he returned to Starlight Shores. Hasn’t let anyone close. But with Emily...” She trailed off, searching for the right words. “I don’t know…”
“Maybe they’re both ready now. Sometimes timing matters more than we want to admit.”
“Maybe.” Winnie hoped so. Both of them deserved something good after the past few years.
Sally reached for the last cream puff, then stopped. “You want this?”
“Go ahead.”
Sally took it and bit in. More powdered sugar fell. “What about Melissa? She settling in all right?”
“She is, actually. She and Emily have become friends.”
“Have they?”
“I saw them on the beach the other morning. Melissa had her camera, and Emily had her sketchbook. They weren’t talking much, just walking together.” Winnie remembered how they’d looked, two figures moving along the waterline in the early light. Comfortable in the silence. “I think it’s good for both of them.”
“Melissa seems like she keeps to herself.”
“She does. But she’s coming out of it a little. The lighthouse is good for her, I think. Quiet. Room to breathe.”
Sally finished the cream puff and dusted off her hands. “I should get back. The store’s been busy this week.”
“That’s good.”
“Good for the bank account. Less good for my feet.” Sally stood and carried her cup to the sink, rinsing it out of habit even though Winnie would wash it properly later. “I keep meaning to hire someone part-time.”
“You should.”
“I know. I just haven’t found the time to actually do it.”
“Make time.”
Sally laughed, drying her hands on the towel by the sink. “You’re one to talk. When’s the last time you took a day off?”
Winnie didn’t answer because Sally had a point and they both knew it.
Sally came back around the table and hugged her, a quick, tight squeeze. “Friday night? Save me a seat by the fire.”
“Always do.”
Winnie watched from the doorway as Sally walked across the courtyard toward the parking area, her friend’s figure moving with the same brisk energy she’d had at seventeen. Some things never changed.
Chapter19
Emily picked up the festival flyer Grant had left on her kitchen counter. The Springtide Festival was three days of art, music, and celebration. He’d asked her—multiple times—to display her work for the festival.
But that was three days of being visible. She set the flyer down as if it might bite her.
