Beachfront Embrace Read online

  “No, not at all. I think it’s a sign that the weather is shifting, and people are focusing on more indoor activities, that’s all. I keep telling Mike that we need to revamp things for the winter months to try to drum up some new business, but I guess he’s focused on so many other things.”

  “Well, that’s okay. I ought to be used to it by now. Every business has a busy and a slow season, right?”

  “I suppose,” Clara responded.

  “Did you have a chance to talk things over with Mike?”

  “Yes and no.”

  “Which is it?” Mae asked.

  “We barely scratched the surface. Things didn’t go the way I hoped they would and now I think he’s distancing himself. It’s to be expected. All I’ve focused on these last few days is my sister who couldn’t care less about me.”

  “Oh, I wouldn’t go that far.”

  “That’s because you don’t know my sister.” Clara grunted.

  Just then, Mackenzie walked in with a couple of brown paper bags in hand that smelled like fresh bagels. The sight of her dear friend warmed Clara’s heart.

  “Clara Covington, where have you been?” she asked, laying down the bags and giving Clara and Ms. Mae a hug.

  “I know. I’m guilty as charged. I promise I haven’t been hiding from you,” she said.

  Mae chimed in, looking forward to the girl time just as much as Clara.

  “Perfect timing. Clara was about to update me on how things were going with her sister. Grab a chair and make yourself comfortable. Hopefully, you brought enough bagels for the rest of us?” Mae said.

  “Yes, Ms. Mae, you know I wouldn’t forget about you,” Mackenzie said, smiling.

  Mae pulled a few paper plates out of the cabinet. She figured since she was free, why not pull up a chair and indulge in breakfast and friendly conversation for a little while.

  “I came over to check on my girl here and make sure everything is okay. The café hasn’t been the same without you, love,” Mackenzie said.

  “Thanks, Mack. Trust me. I’m trying so hard to get back to normal as soon as I can. I asked Agnes to make plans to go elsewhere this morning. I’ve had all that I can take.”

  “How did she respond?”

  Clara could feel herself getting worked up all over again.

  “I don’t know. I walked away without waiting for feedback. What was I supposed to do? She showed up out of nowhere and has literally turned my world upside down.”

  Mae stopped spreading her grape jam long enough to inquire further.

  “Well, what on earth did she do that was so terrible?”

  “Let’s see. For starters, she dated my ex-husband and is now pregnant with his baby. I just found the last part out by accidentally walking in and overhearing a conversation she was having with Keith. Need I say more?” she asked.

  “No. That about sums it up. Now it makes sense why you’re ready to kick her to the curb,” Mae replied.

  Mackenzie hugged Clara again before pulling up a chair.

  “This has been one heck of a year for you. Can we have some good news… You know, a string of good luck for a change. Something positive for goodness’ sake,” Mackenzie said.

  “I’m with you, Mack. I need more than good luck at this point. I need a miracle. I took Ms. Mae’s advice and had an honest talk with Mike, only to have that backfire before the evening was over. You guys don’t know how much I messed things up.”

  “What happened?” Mackenzie asked.

  “The quick version… I walked downstairs to check on Agnes because she wasn’t feeling well. That’s when I overheard her talking to Keith. Next thing I know, I was grabbing my keys and storming out the house, leaving Mike sitting on the beach by himself,” Clara said.

  “Oh, no,” Mae replied.

  “It gets worse. I ran out of gas by the time I reached Huntingtown, and I didn’t have my cell phone. Thankfully, this sweet couple took me in and let me use the phone in their hardware store.”

  “That was kind,” Mack said.

  “It was. Fran, the store owner, sat and talked with me for a while. It turns out we actually have a lot in common. But, once Mike got there, and we could gas up and drive back… I don’t know… the conversation went south pretty quickly. If I had to do it all over again, I’d take back what I said… or at least do a better job of explaining, but with my head so caught up in my sister’s drama, I can’t focus on giving him my all right now. I want to, but-”

  “You’re distracted. It’s to be understood.” Mae added.

  “Try telling that to Mike. I don’t think he sees things from the same point of view. Hence, the reason I believe he’s distancing himself and working in North Beach for the next couple of weeks.” Clara explained.

  Mae took a bite out of her bagel, holding her finger up to explain.

  “Don’t worry about him. He’ll come around. The one thing I can tell you from our conversation is it’s obvious he loves you. Don’t lose sight of that.”

  “Thanks for the reminder. This morning’s conversation was so cold and to the point.”

  “Ms. Mae is right. He’ll come around. Maybe you can take a night off from dealing with your sister and go over to his place and remind him how much he’s needed in your life,” Mackenzie said.

  “That’s a good idea.”

  “In the meantime, what do you plan to do about your sister? Personally, I’d be ready to knock my sister into next week if I ever found out she was sleeping with one of my exes. Even if the relationship was over, it’s the principal behind the whole thing,” Mae said.

  “Thank you! My point, exactly. I feel like she ripped open a fresh wound. I just closed that chapter and although there are no more personal ties, why would she ever decide to fall for Keith? Of all guys… really?” Clara said.

  “All right, before we get all riled up, let’s put things in proper perspective. Is she wrong for this? Yes, absolutely. But, she doesn’t have a place to go according to what you told me, Clara. Are you really going to kick her out?”

  “Heck, yeah, she should kick her out!” Mae said with a little too much enthusiasm.

  Mackenzie and Clara stared at her.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Carry on,” Mae responded.

  Clara stopped to take a phone call from a customer. She busied herself jotting a few items down, then conducted a little research on the computer before concluding the call.

  “Okay, where was I?” she asked.

  “You were about to describe your plans for kicking Agnes to the curb,” Mae said with a smirk on her face.

  Clara looked to the ceiling, stretching back in her chair.

  “Do you remember the stories I used to tell about how my former boss Joan and I bonded so well?”

  Mae and Mackenzie nodded. “Sure, we do. You used to talk about her all the time,” Mack replied.

  “She was there for me when I first moved to Solomons Island. We had a lot of wonderful things in common and we were both a support system for one another. I was more than just her housekeeper. We were both stranded by family members who lived self-centered lives.”

  “Yes, and I’m sure her reasons were justified for doing so, but you’re not Joan. The real question is what does Clara want to do? The Clara I know may be hurt, but she would never go against her parents’ wishes and cut off all ties with her sister. You would at least see that she has somewhere to go, Clara,” Mackenzie said.

  “Hmm.” Mae grunted.

  “I told her she should stay with Keith. This is his responsibility, don’t you think?” Clara asked.

  “You mean, Keith, the same guy who already moved on to another woman? Yeah, that sounds like a solid plan,” Mack said.

  “Hey, wait a minute. Whose side are you on?” Clara asked.

  “I’m not taking sides. But, I know you well enough to challenge your thinking about what you’re doing. I’m not saying she has to live with you, but it’s been ten long years and she’s the only family you have, Clara
.”

  “No. You guys are my only family. You, Ms. Mae, the entire lighthouse staff have been more like family to me than Agnes will ever be,” she said, with her eyebrows folded like an accordion.

  “I know, sweetheart, but whether you like it or not, you and Agnes share the same blood. Nobody ever said forgiveness was easy. But, it may be your only option if you want to hold on to the last family member with a bloodline that connects to your parents.” Mackenzie suggested.

  A cloud of grief hung over Clara.

  “Okay, let’s switch things up a bit to lighten the mood,” Mackenzie said.

  “Great idea,” Clara responded.

  Mackenzie leaned in closer, lowering her voice.

  “Is Brody here?” she asked.

  “No, he’s in North Beach with Mike,” Mae responded.

  “Okay, good. Y’all will never believe this, but guess who asked me to go on a date the other day?” McKenzie asked.

  “Uhh. Let me take a guess… could it be… Brody?” Mae said, kidding around with her.

  “Did you know about this? I had no idea he was interested in going out with me.”

  “You can blame me for that. He approached me, asking about your dating status, and I told him I’d look into it. But, I’ve been so consumed that it sort of slipped my mind,” Clara said.

  “I’m a big believer in all things happening for a reason. Don’t worry about it,” Mackenzie replied.

  “Wait. What’s going on with you and Bill? Did the two of you call it quits?” Clara asked.

  “He called it quits on me. Turns out he met another woman on the job, and I guess she possessed more of the qualities he was looking for in a woman.”

  “I know what she possessed, all right.” Mae chuckled.

  Mackenzie and Clara cracked a smile but investigated little to find out what Mae meant by it. Mainly because they feared whatever crazy comments might follow.

  “Whatever the case may be with the new woman, I’m over it. I’ll admit my insecurities were getting the best of me at first. I asked Josh if he’d seen Bill and his new woman around, but he hadn’t. Then, I started thinking to myself, why do I even care? As for Brody, I’m not sure if anything will come of it, but he is good looking, kind, and his timing couldn’t be better because I need a pleasant distraction right about now.”

  “I can actually see the two of you together. Just make sure he doesn’t become your rebound guy. It took a lot of courage for him to speak up. I’d hate to see him get hurt,” Clara said.

  “Clara, you know me better than that. The way he came in and ordered something so he could talk to me was sweet. Ms. Violet saw it coming all the way from across the room. He was so nervous he almost got up and left. I wouldn’t dare experiment with his feelings,” she said.

  “Where are you going on your hot date?” Mae asked.

  “I’m not sure. All I know is he’s picking me up around four this Saturday, and he asked me if I like the water.”

  “This ought to be interesting. I can’t imagine Brody being the romantic type. All he ever does is work and head home for the evening.” Mae continued.

  “Apparently, that’s not all he has up his sleeve. I think he’s really into you, Mack,” Clara said.

  The three looked at each other with smiles at the prospect of budding love. Only time would tell if Brody and Mackenzie would hit it off, or if they would be nothing more than good friends.

  Chapter 9

  “Agnes, are you downstairs?” Clara peeked into the basement but saw nothing, except for a few bags.

  “Agnes?” She searched on the main floor, almost giving up when she caught a glimpse of her standing on the deck.

  She rolled the sliding glass door open and stepped outside.

  “I’ve been looking for you,” Clara said.

  “I was hoping to catch you as well. I have everything packed up and I promise I’ll be on my way soon. I just wanted to talk to you one last time. I know I haven’t been the best sister in the world, but please hear me out, Clara.” She begged.

  Clara sat in a nearby chair.

  “We probably both have a lot to say, but you can go first.” She offered.

  “I’m not pregnant.”

  “How can you be so sure?” Clara asked, feeling a rush of a relief.

  “Right after you left this morning, I drove to the local pharmacy and picked up a test. The minus sign showed up very clear… you can’t miss it. I saved it in case you wanted to see it for yourself.”

  “But, what about the conversation I overheard you having with Keith?” Clara asked.

  Agnes felt like she was at a loss for words.

  “My cycle was late, and I hadn’t been feeling well for a couple of days, so I just assumed it had to mean that I was pregnant. This morning I was planning to tell you about my plans to take the test, but our conversation didn’t exactly go as planned.”

  Clara closed her eyelids.

  “I’m not sure what you’re expecting from me as your sister, but you have to know this isn’t easy for me,” she said.

  “I know, and I am so sorry. Really, Clara. There’s nothing I can say to fix the mess that I’ve created, but the least I can do is show you. I never intended to show up and ruin your life like this. I always hoped we’d reconnect on better terms.”

  Clara leaned back in her chair, not knowing whether to feel relieved or to brace herself for the next wave of turmoil.

  “I’m sincere when I say I don’t want to be a burden to you anymore than I already have. It’s my hope that although we reunited under terrible circumstances, we can still have a fresh start and be close to one another like mom and dad always wanted. If that’s out of the question, then I’ve already packed my bags. I’ll leave today. All you have to do is say the word.” Agnes offered, holding her breath, waiting to hear from Clara.

  “Where are you going to live?”

  “Out of my car if I have to. I’ve been in worse situations. I’m a New Yorker, remember. I can handle it,” she said.

  “Are you out of your mind?” You can’t live out of a car with nothing but a designer bag and no cell phone service. You wouldn’t last one day, and you know it,” Clara said, laughing at her.

  When the laughter simmered down, Clara’s curiosity got the best of her.

  “Did you tell Keith?” she asked.

  “Not yet.”

  “Good. Wait, a while longer. Make him sweat a little,” Clara said.

  Agnes chuckled.

  “I’m not kidding. He deserves to sweat from all the pain he’s caused. Were you aware that he came to my house a few months back, threatening me for a portion of my inheritance?” she asked.

  “No. According to him, he hasn’t seen you in years. I just went along with his story, not really thinking much of it because I also hadn’t seen you in a long time.”

  Clara looked at her suspiciously.

  “Believe me. I knew nothing about your inheritance, and I certainly didn’t know Keith was in touch with you. What a scumbag,” Agnes said.

  “He’s a scumbag, all right.”

  “So, does this mean the two of you are still legally married?” Agnes asked.

  “No. Earlier this summer I hired a divorce attorney who could help me expedite the process. We’re divorced now.”

  “You were still married all this time… oh man,” she whispered.

  “Yeah, another huge mistake on my part. I just keep on making one poor decision after another. Hopefully, now, you can see why I’m not so quick to forget our past.”

  “Clara, believe me. I’m not looking to gain anything other than a temporary place to lay my head until I get a job. Then, I’m out of here. No strings attached and no hidden agendas. I promise,” Agnes responded.

  Clara relaxed her posture and began petting Holly, who was now sitting at her feet.

  “Ugh, Agnes, what am I going to do with you?” she asked.

  Agnes shrugged her shoulders.

  “Perhaps give
me another chance at being your sister? I may not be perfect, but it can only get better from here,” she replied.

  “Are you sure about that?” Clara asked.

  “I’m positive. I want a fresh start in life across the board. I want to put family first, get a new job, and find myself… I feel like I don’t even know who I am anymore,” Agnes replied.

  “How do you plan on finding yourself?”

  “Well, for starters, I’m going to put off dating for at least a year or more if I have to. I’ve always fallen head over heels, never really taking time to be on my own and discover who I am and what I want out of life. I’m sick of putting men first. This time I really got burned, bad.”

  “Hmm, I could’ve told you that was going to happen with Keith. Were you really in love with him?”

  Agnes held her head down in shame.

  “Yes,” she whispered.

  “How could you look a man in the eye knowing he’s the same man your sister was with? Yuck, just thinking about it makes me sick,” Clara said, reverting to the same level of frustration she’d started off with.

  “I don’t know how to explain it other than you and I were so disconnected for so long… plus, I was trying to fill an empty void, and he showed up just in the nick of time.”

  Clara got up from her chair, inviting Agnes to follow her for a walk along the shore.

  “I can’t stand here pretending like I understand… nor do I find any of this to be acceptable. No matter how many times you explain it… it’s simply not okay. However, for the sake of not continuously beating a dead horse, I have nothing more to say about you and Keith. Whatever happens is between the two of you. I will not let it ruin my life. Just make sure he doesn’t come anywhere near my house or Solomons Island. He’s not welcome. Have I made myself clear?” Clara explained.

  “Yes, of course. You should know that I feel the same way. It’s over for good. Once I tell him about the test results, I have no intention of contacting him anymore. I swear.”

  “Well, good. As for us… I had every intention of seeing that my locks were changed by the end of the week.”

  Clara stopped and looked her sister in the eyes.

  “But, if you’re serious about getting your life together… and I mean serious, then you can stay a little while longer. I, too, had to work very hard to put the pieces of my life together and trust me… it wasn’t easy. We can take this one month at a time, but you’ll have to get a job and pull your own weight. In the meantime, maybe we can get to know each other again… and if we can’t… we’ll be honest about that, too.” She offered.