Nantucket Rose by CF Frizzell

Author:CF Frizzell [Frizzell, CF]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781635550566
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2017-10-18T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

“She told me she couldn’t wait to come back, spend more time,” Laura said from the laundry room. “And not just to see the island, by the way.”

The comment took Maggie by surprise and stole her concentration as she slid her latest batch of cookies from the oven. Laura had no idea that Jill McGee would return to buy Tuck’r, and Maggie had to keep it that way. It helped that Laura believed Jill had other motives in mind.

“So, you’re insinuating she’s interested in me?”

Laura sent her an impish look over an armload of folded sheets. “She couldn’t praise you enough. I wouldn’t be surprised.”

“Hmm.” Maggie looked down and patted Retta, who now sat at her feet, eyeing the cookies. “Was I that oblivious? I just thought it was good business to show her around because she has some serious connections.”

“Good business?” Laura repeated. “Well, I’ll say. She really enjoyed the guided tour you gave, loved your baking, and she raved about Tuck’r. Bet she comes back before the summer’s over.”

“Funny you should say that. She emailed me already with a change in plans. She’s coming in August instead of Labor Day weekend.”

Laura smirked as she passed. “I see that hopeful little smile on your face, Ms. Jordan. You can’t fool me.”

I hate having to fool anyone. This is ridiculous. Reviving a whaling captain’s home into a B&B should be seen as a boon to the economy, regardless of whether I’m the owner. If only islanders weren’t so parochial about change… She sighed as she reached for the spatula. And if they weren’t so parochial, Nantucket wouldn’t be so…appealing.

Maggie reconsidered leveling with Laura as she layered cookies on a platter for the common room. So hardworking and devoted to Tuck’r, Laura nevertheless was a long-term islander who undoubtedly would resent Maggie’s plan to flip the business, be crushed to see Maggie as another of those conniving, disingenuous hit-and-run money grabbers that Nantucket staunchly rebuffed.

It won’t matter that I care about the island or that I’ll probably leave a piece of my heart here when I sell. She pushed into the common room, and two couples on the couches and an older woman at the brochure rack all greeted Maggie at once, delighted by the arrival of cookies. No, this would never get old.

“This is the most charming house, Maggie,” the older woman said, “and you are such a lovely hostess.” She bit into an oatmeal cookie. “Oh—still warm.” She set a palm on Maggie’s arm. “I meant to ask you at breakfast yesterday but was too excited about taking that little boat ride you arranged earlier. It was quite informative, by the way. Mr. Whitley was a bit gruff around the edges but so knowledgeable. So, before I get distracted again, I would like to book ten days with you next July. For myself and my daughter and son-in-law. Could you pencil us in now, or should I contact you around the first of the year?”

“Tuck’r would love to have you, Mrs.

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