Claire sighed as she buttered a piece of warm, crusty bread from the basket Sarah had deposited in the center of the table. “You won’t believe it, but Sandee actually had the nerve to come into my store today. And no, we didn’t resolve anything. We’re both as stubborn as mules.”
“That’s tough,” Maxi said sympathetically. “I can’t even imagine having to deal with that level of tension.”
Claire took a bite of the bread, contemplating her next words. “You know, sometimes, I wonder if I’m just being silly about thewhole thing. But when I try to approach her rationally, she just... I don’t know, makes it difficult.”
“Well, you’ll get another chance to sort it out,” Andie chimed in with a mischievous grin.
Claire looked puzzled. “What do you mean?”
“You really don’t know?” Andie’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Both of you are on the roster to man the charity tent for the animal shelter tomorrow. You’ll be side by side for the entire afternoon.”
Claire’s eyes widened, the piece of bread frozen in midair. “You’re kidding. Please tell me you’re kidding.”
“Nope, it’s happening,” Andie confirmed, taking a sip of her wine. “Who knows, maybe things will work out.”
Claire snorted. “More like there’ll be a brawl.”
Everyone laughed.
“Maybe she really isn’t that bad if she’s volunteering to work the charity tent,” Jane said.
“Maybe.” Claire didn’t look convinced. “Tammi said we did have a lot in common, and I guess Sandee and Peter are getting divorced.”
“What?” Maxi looked surprised.
“Yeah, I had no idea. Tammi sounded like she even felt sorry for her,” Claire said. “Maybe I should give her a chance.”
“You never know, could be a new friendship.” Jane dipped a piece of lobster tail in butter.
“Doubtful.” Claire forked off a piece of swordfish. “What about you, Jane? How are your guests working out? I hope you don’t have drama like me and Maxi.”
“Thankfully, there’s no drama at the inn. The guests are absolutely lovely, and guess what? They all know Sally!”
“Doesn’t everyone know Sally?” Claire quipped, and they all laughed.
“How about you, Andie? What’s going on at the store?” Maxi asked.
“No drama, but I do have a little bit of a mystery.”
“Oh?” They all looked intrigued as Andie told them about the present she’d found in the trunk. “I have Sam and Bunny helping me try to find out who it belongs to.”
“Bunny and Sam, eh?” Claire grinned. “They’re so cute together.”
“They’re quite the pair, aren’t they?” Jane chimed in, nibbling on a piece of bread. “Every time I see them together, it just warms my heart.”
Andie nodded. “They really are good together. It’s like they’re both rediscovering their zest for life, and it’s adorable to see. It’s one of those late-in-life romances that gives everyone hope.”
“Well, I hope you find the owner. That would be cool to get a gift that was meant to come years ago,” Maxi said. “I have a lesson with Bunny tomorrow night after I interview that new artist. Maybe she’ll have solved the mystery by then.”
“I hope your new artist works out okay,” Claire said to Maxi.
“Thanks, and I hope your special time with Sandee turns out okay too,” Maxi teased.
Jane raised her glass. “I hope everything works out great for everyone. Here’s to good friends, easy solutions, and great meals.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
As Sam and Bunny stepped out of the library, leaves from the oak trees that lined the street cascaded down like golden confetti, greeting them in the crisp evening air. The town was a warm, inviting scene: twinkle lights adorned trees, streetlamps, and even the front windows of quaint local shops. Pumpkins were placed here and there, some elaborately carved with faces or designs that reflected the spirit of the season.
