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CHAPTERTHIRTY-ONE
The next morning, Jane went to Sandcastles early. She sat at the table she and her friends favored. Cooper lounged on the warm sidewalk next to her. Hailey brought a mug of coffee, and Jane spread the classifieds out on the table. Since her visit with Mike, she was more determined than ever to find someone. Liz had been right. Jane might have been subconsciously tying herself to Tides to avoid taking that next step in her relationship. She needed to get over her fear and move on. She wanted to spend more time with Mike and see where that led.
The appearance of a plate of pastries on the table diverted her attention from the help wanted section she was studying. Claire slipped into the seat next to her, a mug of coffee in her hand.
“You looking for a job?” Claire joked.
Jane sighed. “Just studying the ads. Mine just doesn’t seem to be working. No one new has applied.”
“I thought you were interviewing someone yesterday?”
“Yeah, that didn’t pan out.” Was she being too critical? She hadn’t called Mrs. Weathers yet to tell her she wasn’t hired. Maybe she should give her a try. She might be better than nothing.
“Oh, sorry.” Claire sipped her coffee, and Jane reached over to cut a bran muffin in half.
“It’s not as easy as I thought it would be.”
“Don’t worry. Things will work out.” Claire’s gaze skipped over Jane’s shoulder, and her brows pulled together. “Hey, is that Liz Weston? That woman looks familiar, and I know you said she was staying at Tides.”
Jane twisted in her seat to see Liz walking down the sidewalk on the opposite side of the street. She waved at her. “Hey Liz!”
Liz looked up, a little confused at who would be calling her name. Then, upon recognizing Jane waving at her, she smiled and started over.
“I’m not sure if you guys know each other?” Jane gestured between Claire and Liz.
“I don’t know.” Liz squinted at Claire. “Hard to remember everyone from our younger days.”
“Liz, meet Claire. She owns Sandcastles Bakery here. I highly recommend it! Would you like to join us?”
Liz hesitated, and Claire jumped up from her seat. “Please do. I’ll pull another chair over and get you a cup of coffee.”
“Well, okay. Don’t go to any trouble for me.” But it was too late. Claire had already pulled a chair next to Jane and was halfway to the bakery door. Liz sat down and bent to pet Cooper.
“It’s lovely here. Do they have good coffee?” Liz asked.
“The best.” Jane took a sip of hers.
Claire returned with more pastries and a mug and small plate for Liz. “Help yourself.”
“Just coffee for me.” Liz patted her stomach. “I just had one of Brenda’s delicious breakfasts at Tides with the nice couple that’s staying there. The Silvermans.”
“Those sure can fill you up,” Claire said.
“How is the house cleanup coming along?” Jane asked.
“Pretty good. Andie came over and bought some of the old junk… er, I mean antiques,” Liz joked. “And your friend Maxi gave me some pointers for staging and suggested I do some interior painting, so I hired this nice older lady, Sally, and she’s starting today.”
“Sally Littlefield?” Claire asked as she placed a steaming mug in front of Liz.
“Yes, that’s her.”
“She’s great. Did a lot of work here.” Claire gestured toward the bakery.
“And at Tides,” Jane added.
“She seems very efficient. She said it would take three days, so I’ll be staying at Tides for a few more days at least.”
“At least?” Jane raised her brows. “Does that mean you’re thinking of moving into your old house?”
