Page 47 of Captiva Café

Linda's gaze narrowed slightly, as if sensing ulterior motives but unable to pinpoint them. "How...community-minded of you."

"I live to serve," Chelsea replied.

Linda turned to Jacqui, visibly deciding to ignore Chelsea's presence. "I wanted to check if you're still interested in the joint advertising we discussed. The Chronicle is planning a special section on island businesses for the summer edition, and your previous quarter-page ad would fit nicely on page three."

"Actually," Jacqui said, "I was thinking of upgrading to a half-page. The spring showing was successful enough to justify the expense."

Linda's face lit up with genuine pleasure. "Wonderful! I'll make a note of that. Would you prefer the same design, or shall I have our graphic artist create something new?"

As the two women discussed advertising layouts, Chelsea observed Linda with the keen eye of someone who had known her for over a decade. There was something different about her today, beyond the dress and makeup. A lightness in hermovements, perhaps. A softness around the eyes that had not been there before.

It was, Chelsea had to admit, rather touching.

The bell above the door jingled again, and all three women turned to see Maggie entering, a look of surprise crossing her face at finding this particular gathering.

"Well," she said, taking in the scene. "Isn't this cozy?"

"Maggie," Linda acknowledged with a nod that was almost friendly. "I was just discussing advertising with Jacqui."

"And I was just helping customers," Chelsea added virtuously.

Maggie's eyes twinkled with knowing amusement. "Of course you were."

"Did you need something, Maggie?" Jacqui asked. "We just got in those sea glass pieces you admired last month."

"Actually," Maggie said, "I was hoping to find Chelsea. Paolo mentioned he saw her heading this way earlier."

Linda glanced at her watch. "I should be getting back to the office. I have an editorial to finish before noon." She turned to Jacqui. "Why don't you stop by later today to discuss the design options? Say, around four? I'll have some examples ready."

"Perfect," Jacqui agreed. "I'll bring the photos of the new pieces we might want to feature."

With a brief nod to Maggie and Chelsea, Linda departed, the scent of her floral perfume lingering in the air behind her.

As soon as the door closed, Maggie turned to Chelsea, eyebrows raised. "So this is where you've been hiding all morning. Iris said you didn’t even stop by for scones and coffee. When I heard that I got worried. Are you hiding from us?”

"I wasn't hiding," Chelsea protested. "I was working. Gainfully employed, contributing to the island economy."

"She's spying on Linda," Jacqui said flatly, moving to straighten a display that had been disturbed by the morning's customers.

"I'm gathering intelligence," Chelsea corrected. "And you'll never guess who came in first thing this morning, looking for a gift for a 'hypothetical' woman who sounds remarkably like our newspaper editor."

Maggie's eyes widened. "Byron?"

"The very same," Chelsea confirmed with satisfaction. "Nervous as a teenager before prom. Bought a watercolor of the marina."

"No." Maggie gasped, properly impressed.

"Oh yes." Chelsea nodded. "And that's not all. Did you notice Linda’s dress? Blue, with actual styling—and lipstick. She says she's meeting Jacqui later to 'discuss advertising,' which I'm certain is just an excuse to linger in case Byron happens to stop by again. She absolutely knows he was here."

"You're incorrigible," Maggie said, though she couldn't hide her smile. "Both of you," she added, including Jacqui in her mock disapproval.

"I'm innocent," Jacqui protested. "I'm just trying to run a business. Chelsea's the one who practically interrogated Byron about his 'hypothetical' gift recipient."

"I was providing artistic consultation." Chelsea sniffed. "It's not my fault he's transparent as glass when it comes to his intentions."

Maggie shook her head, but her expression was fond. "Well, since you're here actually working—" the word was heavily weighted with skepticism, "—I won't keep you. I just wanted to let you know that Emma and Gareth are coming for dinner tonight. Sarah and Trevor too. We thought you and Steven might like to join us."

"Emma's still pregnant, then? No baby yet?" Chelsea asked.

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