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Jan stepped forward. “Thanks for inviting me along today,” she said sincerely. “It was really great to meet you, Etta. We’ll have to meet up again soon.”
“Definitely,” I agreed. After quick hugs goodbye, I stepped back out into the sunshine, feeling rejuvenated. Since it was nearly lunchtime, I decided to stop by the grocery store on my way home. I was craving one of their fresh deli sandwiches. As I walked, I reflected on the morning spent with Marla and Jan, grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with the town I loved.
Chapter 8
I strolled into Molly’s Diner on Monday morning, my stomach rumbling in anticipation of one of her hearty breakfasts. As I sat down in a corner booth, I contemplated the burst of creativity I had experienced over the weekend. I managed to get a significant chunk of writing done on my novel, inspired by my change of location and reconnecting with both old and new friends.
The sound of animated chatter caught my attention. I recognized the unmistakable voice of Carolyn Dalrymple coming from the booth behind me. She was deep in gossip-filled conversation with Molly about none other than my return to Pebble Point and the “rekindled connection” with Alexander. I had to stifle a laugh at Carolyn’s nosiness. I could see Molly trying to downplay the gossip from the corner of my eye, aware that I was within earshot.
I decided a little playful eavesdropping couldn’t hurt. Leaning back casually, I pretended to peruse the menu while listening to Carolyn and Molly’s hushed discussion.
“Oh, Molly, isn’t it simply scandalous?” Carolyn whispered loudly. “Etta coming back to town after all this time, just when Professor Alexander has finished renovating that beautiful house? And he is still unmarried. It’s no coincidence, mark my words.”
I heard Molly sigh. “Now, Carolyn, we shouldn’t jump to conclusions. Etta’s been gone a long time, and she is not that type of person at all…”
“Remember how close she and Alexander were?” Carolyn continued, undeterred. “Why, I recall they were nearly inseparable after her father passed. And don’t you think it’s curious she only returns to Pebble Point now?”
I had to press my lips together to hold in a laugh. If only Carolyn knew I had simply come back to write my novel, not rekindle some torrid romance from the past. Her imagination truly ran wild.
“Let’s give Etta the benefit of the doubt,” Molly replied gently. “I’m sure she’s just happy to be back home.”
I smiled to myself. Dear Molly, always ready to temper Carolyn’s gossipy ways.
Just then, Carolyn noticed me sitting there. Her face flushed red with embarrassment.
“Oh, Etta dear!” she exclaimed, flustered. “We were just talking about the lovely weather we’ve been having.”
I met her gaze and gave her a knowing look. “No need to stop on my account,” I said lightly. “I’d love to hear more about this ‘scandalous’ gossip.”
Carolyn stammered something unintelligible and hastily exited, leaving Molly and me to share an amused chuckle. Some things never changed in this charming little town of Pebble Point.
***
I hurried into the office, eager to start my second day at Pebble Point Publishing. The old floorboards creaked familiarly under my steps as I approached my little office space. I set my bag down and shrugged off my jacket, hanging it on the antique wooden coat rack by the door.
First things first. Coffee. I definitely needed more coffee before I could tackle Jerry’s marketing plans once again.
I went down the hall to the tiny kitchen that served as our office coffee lounge. It was barely big enough for a mini fridge, sink, and coffeemaker, but it would do.
I glanced down at my outfit as I waited for the coffee machine to percolate. This morning, I chose a navy blue knit dress that hugged my curves in all the right places. It wasn’t too flashy, but professional enough for my new marketing job. I hoped it struck the right balance between a small-town girl and a big-city professional.
The rich aroma of fresh coffee filled the tiny kitchen. I inhaled deeply. Much better than the burned sludge they served at The Chronicle.
I filled my mug and added just a splash of cold water. As I lifted the mug to my lips, I heard footsteps approach down the hall.
“Morning, Etta,” came Alexander’s warm, familiar voice. “I see you’ve discovered our little coffee corner.”
I lowered my mug and turned to face him, feeling suddenly self-conscious. Alexander stood in the doorway, looking distinguished and handsome as ever in a slate gray suit accentuating his tall, lean frame. His salt-and-pepper hair was neatly combed, his blue eyes bright behind his glasses.
“Morning,” I said, hoping I didn’t sound as flustered as I felt. “I hope you don’t mind me helping myself to coffee.”
“Not at all.” He held up an empty mug. “I was just coming to refill myself.”
I gestured for him to come in. “Well, don’t let me stop you.”
As Alexander stepped into the tiny kitchen, I became acutely aware of how close we were standing. I caught a whiff of his cologne, something woodsy and masculine. I felt my cheeks grow warm and busied myself adding sugar to my coffee, even though I took it without.
Alexander filled his mug half with milk and half with coffee and turned towards me. “Did you get settled in alright on Friday? I’m sorry I didn’t have time to see you again.”
