Beach view lane, p.10
Beach View Lane, page 10
Carlotta leaned forward with interest, her silver bracelets jangling on her wrists. “What was that about a plant thief?”
April’s cheeks burned again. “As it turns out, Ryan Kingston is my neighbor, although I’d never seen him there. I thought his house was vacant—it had been all summer—so I borrowed some tiny pieces of succulents to show my mother and a landscaper.”
“And he caught you at it?” Carlotta asked, clearly intrigued.
April nodded, hating to confess, but she had little choice. This was the sort of mess one of her students would get themselves into, not her. Not at her age or with her experience.
Sipping her water, she gathered her thoughts. “He heard me. I suppose I interrupted his shower.”
“Oh, my.” A smile danced on Carlotta’s lips. “Well, you could certainly do worse.”
“That didn’t come out exactly right,” April said, feeling the heat rise in her chest. “Actually, my husband and I are...”
She couldn’t bring herself to say the D word out loud, but that was the next step for her. She’d have to engage an attorney and begin the process. This time, there would be no going back.
The table fell silent as if no one knew how to respond. April didn’t dare turn around again, yet, Junie was right. If Ryan hadn’t been here and known what to do, it might have ended badly for her.
And solved Calvin’s problem. She grimaced at the morbid thought.
Carlotta’s gaze flicked to April’s bare ring finger. “We wouldn’t want to intrude on your private life.”
“But we’re family,” Shelly said, jiggling Daisy, who now had a smile on her sweet face. “And you know what that means. So, what’s really going on with that? I haven’t seen you wear a wedding ring before.”
She hadn’t worn her etched gold band all summer because she’d been furious with Calvin. And now, she’d flung it at him, and who knew where it had landed? Surely, he picked it up.
“We’ve decided to part ways.”
April glanced at her hand. The news was public now, and a fresh ache seized her. She never thought she would ever be divorced. That was something that happened to other women, not her. Still, this was her new reality, and she was determined to get on with it. No more wasting time or energy over Calvin. She lifted her chin. “I’ll tell you all about it sometime, but it’s for the best.”
Swiftly, Ivy chimed in, “We’re here for you if you ever need to talk.”
“What happened?” Shelly asked.
“Excuse me?” Ivy turned to Shelly with a pointed look. “Just look at how hungry Daisy is. If you don’t feed her right now, you’ll regret it.”
“Oh, all right.” Shelly rose and headed toward the ladies’ room, her full cotton skirt swishing as she threaded through the fashionable beach crowd.
“I’m sorry.” Ivy reached for April’s hand. “I know this must be a difficult time, but don’t let Shelly bother you. She’s our wild child and often speaks before thinking.”
“Our family has its wild child, too.” Junie raised her brow and sipped loudly on her fruit smoothie for emphasis.
Under the table, April nudged Junie’s knee. “Shelly is like my other daughter, Maileah. They say what’s on their mind. I hope you’ll all get to meet her soon.”
As a newcomer to the family, April wanted to leave the Bays with a good impression.
Ivy reached out to April. “Do you think you’ll stay on Crown Island?”
“I plan to,” April replied. “I’m a historian, but I can’t return to my teaching position in Seattle. I’ve arranged to meet my mother’s accountant and attorney about setting up a historical society here. I’d like to work with the local tourist bureau and schools.”
Just saying those words lifted April’s spirits, and from the corner of her eye, she could see Junie beaming at her.
“You’ll find your way,” Ivy said. “I went through a similar situation when I was starting the inn. What’s that old saying? Sometimes we’re born entrepreneurs—”
“And sometimes entrepreneurship is thrust upon us,” Carlotta finished. “We’re here if you need us.”
“I appreciate that.” Changing the subject, April added, “Speaking of history, we have so many stories to share. I’d love to hear more about your family.”
Carlotta rested her chin in her hand with a faraway look in her eyes. “At one time, my sisters and I were inseparable. Would you like to hear more about Pilar?”
“I’d love that,” April replied, relieved that Carlotta sensed that. She still had many questions about her birth mother, but she also wanted to become better acquainted with her aunt before she left.
More than anything, April simply wanted to enjoy her new DNA-blended family today before her real work began. This was the beginning of her new life here, and it would be months before Carlotta returned. She was determined to make the most of her time with family and friends these next few months.
April realized this precious time with Junie might prove fleeting, too. Even though she didn’t think of herself as old, she was old enough to know that nothing lasted forever. Much as she hated to admit it, she might not have survived lunch if Ryan hadn’t been here.
While April turned her attention to Carlotta, she also resolved to see Ryan again and thank him properly. If he’d allow her on his property again, that is.
10
Junie had enjoyed lunch with her new cousins, although she’d been worried about her mother. Thank goodness Ryan Kingston knew what to do. Her mother was still stricken from yesterday’s encounter. Junie hadn’t spoken with her father, nor did she expect to hear from him. He was such a coward.
After lunch, the group dispersed, with Ivy, Shelly, and Carlotta leaving to catch the return ferry to Summer Beach.
“Are you ready to go home?” Junie asked her mother as they left the cafe.
“Actually, being out takes my mind off many things,” April replied. “How about we look at some of the hotel shops here?”
“We could take a surprise back to Nana.”
“She’d like that,” April said.
Junie paused. “I don’t think I’ve been shopping since before Mark passed away.”
“You always enjoyed it.”
“Except now, ordering whatever I need online is so easy. And I don’t need much.”
“It’s not always about what we need, but what lifts our spirits. Even small items that make us smile or have meaning to us. And you know how I love shopping for gifts.”
“No one does Christmas like you, Mom.”
“We’ll make some new traditions this year,” April said.
Junie admired her mother’s confidence in the face of the pending divorce that would affect her and Maileah, too. If her mother could face the future with optimism, she should, too. “That will be fun. Nana will love having us here.”
“One of my favorite memories from childhood was coming here to see that towering pine tree here at the Majestic. Every year, we would all dress up for the occasion. The hotel’s lobby elevator operator would flip the switch on the lights, illuminating the entire tree, and everyone would cheer. I can still taste the rich, creamy hot chocolate they would serve. It was topped with mounds of real whipped cream.”
That sounded wonderful to Junie. “I wonder if they still do that.”
“We’ll find out.”
As Junie strolled through the Majestic Hotel with her mother toward the boutiques, they admired vividly colored art glass and paintings of Crown Island. Likely from local artists, she mused. The hotel had a distinct personality, where beach living met traditional luxury. It was unlike other cookie-cutter hotels that looked alike, regardless of location.
“I’m beginning to understand your appreciation of history,” Junie said. She peered at several old photos on the wall from the early days of the hotel and Crown Island. “This hotel is a real gem, isn’t it?”
April agreed. “We should cherish it. In an era of mass production and homogenization, true craftsmanship should be treasured and preserved when possible. We’ll never see another hotel built like this one. It was unusual, even for its time.”
Junie paused by a pair of antique sideboards flanking the long hallway. “These are incredible. Do you know anything about them?”
“These are English Hepplewhite,” her mother said, running her fingers along the smooth patina.” “This is probably mahogany with burlwood inlays. I hope the new owner doesn’t replace these with something modern. They’re quite valuable. From about the turn of the century, I imagine.”
“The last century, you mean.”
“Likely around nineteen-hundred,” April said. “Or possibly before then, depending on whether it’s an old reproduction or one of the earlier Hepplewhite pieces. Either way, it’s beautiful. This hotel has such a fascinating history. So many lovely old photos, too.”
She paused by one on the wall and leaned in. “Junie, come look at this. I found something that will make you laugh.”
“What is it? I see a bunch of kids.”
“It’s from my grammar school field trip to the Majestic. We cobbled together period outfits for the trip.” April chuckled at the memory. “My mother sewed matching long cotton dresses for Deb and me. There we are,” she said, pointing to the two of them in front. “My dress was green gingham, and Deb’s was blue. The photo has faded, but they looked like something out of Little House on the Prairie.
June laughed. “Oh, how cute you look, Mom.”
“We had so much fun. It was on that trip that I became enamored with history and the hotel. I’ve never forgotten that. It still seems like yesterday.” April paused. “Time goes so fast, don’t you think?”
“Not for me,” Junie replied. “Sometimes days seem endless.”
Lately, though, she had become a little restless. Her mother went out more than she did, and once her grandmother was feeling better, there would be no stopping her. Ella was devoted to her yoga practice to build her strength. Some days, she had more stamina than Junie.
How long could she spend thinking about Mark? Wishing she’d told him how much she loved him before he left for London instead of the quick breakfast and send-off she’d given him. That reel had run so many times in her head that she’d memorized every movement, every word they’d exchanged. She could have—should have—done better.
But that was in the past. She could dwell on it or embrace the life she had left. Intellectually, she knew that. Yet, taking those initial steps was more challenging than it seemed. Few could understand that. She turned back to her mother.
“Between last night and today at lunch, how are you holding up, Mom?” Junie asked. She admired how her mother had rallied for lunch today after yesterday’s disaster.
“I’m still in shock that your father and I finally came to this crossroads, but I can’t say I haven’t seen it coming for a long time, honey. When I got up this morning, it felt like a release. At least I know what the future won’t be now.”
“I know what that’s like,” Junie said. “I have no idea what I’ll be doing this time next year. But your historical society idea sounds cool. Have you been planning that?”
“It’s been on my mind,” April replied. “There’s a need I think I can fill. You’ll find your way when the time is right.”
“I sure hope so. Still, I’m so angry at Dad. I can’t believe he’s done this to you. And all of us.” She slapped her cheek and moaned. “Oh, my gosh, this means I will have a little brother. And probably a stepmother my age. Unbelievable. What’s wrong with Dad? You have always been there for him.”
April heaved a weary sigh. “I don’t know, Junie. I thought your father and I had plans about what we would do after he retired. I suppose I was the only one planning.”
“Now you’re making new plans,” Junie said, sliding her arm through her mother’s. She wished she could have done something, but her mother was right. Their marriage was doomed due to her father’s philandering.
Junie counted herself lucky that Mark had been faithful to her.
She shook off those thoughts, determined to enjoy this day with her mother. They hadn’t been out much this summer, but that had been because of Junie. She wanted to start making up for it.
In the shopping corridor, they passed a children’s clothing shop—Beachwear for Kids—and Junie paused outside, admiring the small outfits in a rainbow of colors. Tiny surfing shorts, mermaid swimsuits, miniature sandals.
“I’ve always liked this store,” Junie said. “I had planned to shop here when we started our family.”
“You’re still young,” April said.
“Not as young as I was. I’m thirty-two and starting over.”
“Starting over at any age is difficult, especially when unexpected.”
“And now you’re going to say I should play the hand I’m dealt, right?” When April offered a small, guilty smile, Junie said, “I’ve heard every platitude in the last two years, Mom. I know I need to get out there again. It’s just not as easy as it sounds.”
“You came to lunch today. And you’re the one who connected us to the Bay family. I think you’re on your way.”
“It’s easier to do things for other people than for yourself.”
“It’s a good time to change that,” her mother said. “We should schedule massages and pamper ourselves a little. We could come to the spa here.”
“I’d like that,” Junie said, surprised at herself. “My therapist told me to take baby steps. That made me feel infantile. But I’m beginning to see her point.” Still, putting herself back out there was daunting.
She’d sold the online shop because she couldn’t handle the technology like Mark did, and shoes and accessories had suddenly seemed pointless. Sleep eluded her, and she had difficulty making even minor decisions. If she hadn’t sold the company, it would’ve lost its value because she wasn’t managing it well.
“I could see you with a shop like this,” April said, motioning to the next boutique. “Or that one, The Body Boutique.”
“That looks like a nice one. Let’s see what they have.”
Looking over her shoulder, April hesitated. “Why don’t you look around without me? I should find Ryan Kingston and thank him properly. It’s better to do that now.”
Junie watched her mother go. She seemed preoccupied with her task, which wasn’t like her. Maybe she simply needed time to herself. Junie would probably feel the same way if she’d just had a brush with death.
11
After leaving Junie, April made her way to the lobby, hoping to find Whitley, but she didn’t see him anywhere. She wanted to thank Ryan Kingston before she lost her nerve.
They might not have started off well with her traipsing through his yard disparaging his home. But if he hadn’t taken such swift action at lunch…well, she hated to think about what the outcome might have been.
She approached the front registration desk. “Hello, I was wondering if I might speak to Ryan Kingston.”
The young male receptionist gave her a cordial smile. “Do you have an appointment with Mr. Kingston?”
“No, but I just saw him at the restaurant. I won’t take much of his time.”
“I’ll try to reach him. Your name?”
“April Raines, thank you.”
While waiting, she saw him exit the side of the hotel near the front porte-cochère. “There he is.”
The clerk looked up. “I’ll call him for you.”
Before April could say anything, the energetic young receptionist had bounded toward the entry and signaled the bell captain, who gestured to Ryan.
He turned around.
April stepped outside under the wide port-cochère lined with a profusion of white daisies, red geranium, and glossy green ferns that were just being set out in lovely white planters.
She lifted her hand to Ryan, and he started toward her. She watched him approach, his long stride filled with confidence. She wondered what it would be like to be as sure of your position in the world as he was. To be a man of stature born into a world of privilege. They really had nothing in common. Nevertheless, she must thank him. She was raised with manners, if not great wealth.
As Ryan neared, her heart quickened. He was undeniably handsome, but more than that, he had an intriguing aura about him, as if he didn’t care what others thought. He was bent on a mission, whatever that was.
He stopped in front of her, his dark eyebrows drawn together in concern. “Is there something else I can do for you?”
April introduced herself. “I know we didn’t meet under the best circumstances,” she began, concerned that her voice was still hoarse. Facing him nearly took her breath away, so she paused. Her chest and throat were still sore from her ordeal.
Waiting for her to go on, a shadow of a smile crossed his face. “It’s not every day I step out of my shower to find a plant thief in my yard.”
“I won’t do that again.” Heat rose in her cheeks, but she had to go on. She’d come this far, and it was awkward enough with him living on Beach View Lane, a stone’s throw from her bedroom window.
She looked up at him, stricken by eyes that seemed to bore into her soul. “Thank you for acting so quickly back there. When I think of what might have happened, especially with my daughter there…” She shook her head. “Life has been hard enough for Junie.”
Ryan reached out and brushed her hand, sending shivers through her. She recalled the feeling of his arm around her.
“I’m sorry to hear that. Is Junie…alright?”
“Her husband passed away two years ago.”
Ryan furrowed his brow. “She’s very young.”
“Yes, she is. It was unexpected.”
“You care more for her than yourself.”
He said it as a statement of fact, not a question. This wasn’t how she’d envisioned the conversation going. April nodded and cleared her throat. “I wanted to thank you properly, so you know how much I appreciate what you did.”
Ryan took her hand and held it in his, staring at it as if he were at a loss for words. With a swift motion, he brought her hand to his lips, kissing the air just above her skin so that she could feel the warmth of his breath.
