Page 35 of Coastal Reflections

Elaine reached Townsend’s and pushed open the door, immediately greeted by the fragrant aromas of sugar and pastry dough.

“Hi, Elaine!” Iris called out cheerfully and then continued to busy herself with the customers she was assisting.

Elaine slipped past Iris, unable to keep from smiling gleefully. She always enjoyed barging into Shep’s kitchen. She knew the fact that he tolerated her intrusion on his private space meant that she was special to him.

Shep was standing at his counter, carefully pouring sugar into a measuring cup. He didn’t seem to hear the door open, and Elaine took a few steps into the kitchen before clearing her throat loudly.

Shep whirled, dropping the bag of sugar and nearly dropping the glass measuring cup.

“Oh goodness,” Elaine gasped, hurrying forward to help clean up the spilled sugar. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

Shep’s ears were a bright shade of pink as he set down the measuring cup and began to gather the spilled sugar into a little mound using the sides of his hands. “It’s all right.” He paused for a moment and smiled at her. “It’s nice to see you.”

She smiled back at him, feeling a flush of happiness. For a moment there, she’d been afraid that she’d irritated him. That was the last thing she wanted, considering what she was about to ask him!

“It’s nice to see you too,” she said warmly. “I have a question for you, Shep. Do you have a minute?”

Shep shrugged. “This cake doesn’t need to be ready for another four hours, so I have plenty of time. What did you want to discuss?”

“Well—” Elaine paused and took a deep breath. For a moment, her courage failed her entirely and she wanted to make up some other excuse for needing to talk to him—she could pretend that a vegan guest was coming to stay at The Birchwood House, or that someone had a nut allergy and all the baked goods would need to be nut-free⁠—

“Yes?” Shep prompted kindly, brushing the mound of sugar into a batter-crusted bowl and then dumping it in the sink.

I can do this, Elaine told herself firmly. I’ve lived through all kinds of challenges and done incredible things with my life. I can handle asking a man to spend some time with me, and I can handle phrasing it in a way that makes it sound like a date.

She clasped her hands together and inhaled. “I was wondering if you would like to spend some time with me tomorrow night.” She’d meant to say more—she’d meant to start out by talking about how much their friendship meant to her and how much she enjoyed spending time with him. Instead, she felt so flustered that she was unable to get out more than the invitation itself. “I was thinking we could walk through the lovely autumn trees and all the lights on Main Street. Maybe get some tea or some gelato.”

Shep’s eyes were wide with surprise. He looked as though someone had just told him that the aliens had landed in the middle of Coral Sands’ town square. His mouth opened and closed a couple of times, as if he was trying to speak but he couldn’t manage it.

“I—I’m sorry, Elaine, but I’m busy. I won’t be able to accept.”

Disappointment flooded her stomach like a rush of cold water. She felt sure that Shep was simply making up an excuse because he wasn’t willing to go on such a romantic outing with her. After all, he was famous for avoiding social engagements. What could he possibly have going on the following evening?

I guess I overstepped, she thought, feeling sad and also a little embarrassed. Maybe he does just see me as a friend after all.

“I understand.” Elaine smiled at him, keeping a stiff upper lip. She was determined not to let him see how disappointed she was. “I’ll go on my way then—I don’t want to interrupt your baking. Good luck with your cake!”

She waved as she slipped through the kitchen door. Iris was still busy with customers, and Elaine hurried out of the shop as fast as she could, not wanting to have to talk with anyone else. Now that she was out of Shep’s sight, she was having trouble not letting her eyes blur with tears.

I’m proud of myself for trying, she thought as she hurried along the sidewalk, back toward The Birchwood House. I couldn’t have known what Shep would say in response to me, and it was worth trying. After all, he might have said yes.

At that thought, the tears filled her eyes, and she had to pause underneath an oak tree to pull her handkerchief from her purse and dab her eyes. She took a few steadying breaths, reeling her emotions back in, and then squared her shoulders. She was determined to keep a brave face on the situation and not let her emotions show.

She made her way back to The Birchwood House, and the sight of the beautiful mansion gleaming in the afternoon sunlight stirred her heart. She reminded herself that she was incredibly lucky to live there with her beloved daughter and granddaughter, and that once the disappointment of Shep’s refusal wore off, she could go back to being totally content with the life that she’d made for herself.

She walked along the wrap-around porch until she reached the kitchen. She didn’t feel like bumping into any of the guests who were likely to be relaxing in the parlor or nibbling at the pastries that were resting on a table in the main entryway. Michelle, too, was probably at the front desk, chatting with guests and ready to greet anyone who walked inside.

Elaine tugged open the side door and was greeted by the smells of coffee and vanilla. She heard the sound of Audrey laughing, and her eyes darted to the kitchen island, where Audrey and Michelle were baking, both of them wearing colorful aprons and giggling about something.

Elaine forced a smile onto her face, not wanting her girls to know how sad she was feeling. The second Audrey looked up and noticed her, however, her expression fell.

“Mom,” Audrey said with concern. “What’s wrong?”

Michelle also looked concerned, and she set the spoon she’d been holding down on the counter. “You look really pale, Grandma.”

Elaine chuckled, floored by how perceptive they both were. “I’m okay,” she said, sitting down at the kitchen table with a sigh.

“But something’s wrong,” Audrey prompted, walking over to the table and sitting next to her.