Page 20 of Starfish Cottage
“I wouldn’t be so harsh on her.” Pearl gestured for them to move aside, and they all shuffled out of the way to make room for the others to get at the food. “She’s had it hard since her husband died.”
“That was a long time ago. People have tried to help.” Leena didn’t seem the least bit sympathetic.
Rose turned to Maddie. “I think if you just find something to add that doesn’t focus on alcohol, she won’t be able to find a reason to ruin things. You said you already have some things in mind. Let’s hear them.”
“Oh, well…” Maddie fiddled with the brownie on her plate.
“Maybe you shouldn’t tell us until you have things worked out and finalized.” Gina to the rescue. She had a feeling Maddie needed time to work through her ideas.
Maddie shot her a grateful smile. “Yes, exactly. I wouldn’t want to talk about something that won’t come to be.”
“Well now, don’t you worry about Constance. She’s hardly the only grouchy one in the town.” Rose’s gaze drifted out the window, and Gina followed it to see Dex and Lorelei standing beside his truck. It looked like they were in a heated discussion.
Leena noticed too. “Trouble in paradise out there?”
“I was proud of Dex for volunteering.” Rose’s affection for her grandson was evident. “But maybe Lorelei isn’t so keen on that.”
“I heard her talking on the way out,” Pearl said. “She seemed to think Dex’s offer to help with the event will prevent him from spending more time with her in Portland.”
“Indeed. Let’s hope it does,” Rose said.
“Rose!” Pearl feigned shock.
Rose shrugged. “I just don’t think she’s right for him.” Her gaze shifted to Maddie, and Gina could practically read her mind. Interesting because Gina had always felt like Dex and Maddie would make a good couple. Apparently Rose had the same idea. And it was clear she didn’t love Lorelei.
“Sometimes things just don’t work out for couples.” Deena and Chuck had joined them and were looking out the window at Dex and Lorelei now too.
“And sometimes couples find each other later in life. Like the two of you,” Rose said.
Deena sighed and glanced at Chuck. They both looked depressed.
“Is something wrong?” Rose asked.
“It’s our kids again. They’re really starting to get us down. They simply won’t listen to reason.” Deena gave a sad smile. “But I don’t want to bring down the mood. I have something Maddie might want to look at.”
Maddie looked interested. “Oh, what’s that?”
“I found an old trunk with some of Great-grandma Etta’s things in them. I thought since you own the cottage now you might like to look through them.”
“I’d love that. Are there more pictures of the cottage?”
“A few but just exteriors. No whisky or mention of it.” Deena laughed.
“It still will be fun to look, and who knows, maybe it will give me some ideas for the Marco Rosone event.”
“Excellent. I brought it over to Saltwater Sweets, so just stop by whenever you have a chance.” Deena turned to Gina. “And Gina, I must compliment you on that pie. It was so delicious. I was a big fan of your grandmother’s pie, but I think you might have outdone her.”
“Really? Thanks.” It was the best compliment Gina had ever received. Maybe it was time she gave more serious consideration into taking that next step.
* * *
Dex staredat Lorelei in confusion. When had this selfish side of her emerged? Had it been there all along and he never noticed, or maybe it had never been tested?
“I just don’t see why you have to volunteer to help. There are plenty of other guys in Shell Cove who can do that. What am I supposed to do while you are tied here to this town?”
Dex didn’t know how to reply. Was this the same woman he’d known since high school? Because right now, the way she was standing with her arms crossed over her chest and her usually pretty face twisted into a grimace, she seemed like a stranger.
“I only want to help the town. You know how important Shell Cove is to me.”
