Beach Rental(40)

Luke was helping Ben, not her. He despised her, and she, him.

Whoever said it was a thin line between love and hate was right. In a flash of insight, Juli realized that despite whatever else she felt, she was attracted to Luke.

She was disgusted with herself for not being a better person. She had money and comfort and a husband, if in name only, who respected and cared about her. Luke was nothing more than an annoyance—a bully who constantly put her down. She would remember that; it should be easy.

Juli slipped past him as he opened the door. Brendan was speaking with a customer and Maia was waiting by the counter. Juli hesitated. Was the lunch invitation real? Brendan might wonder about her closeted meeting with Luke, especially if the lunch plans evaporated.

Maia stepped out from behind the counter. “Are you ready to go?”

“I am.” She crossed her arms to hide her shaking hands.

“I hope you don’t mind staying on Front Street. Something close and quick?” Maia lowered her voice as they exited the gallery. “I don’t want to leave Brendan for too long. Luke will be able to help him, but I want him to learn the job the way I like it done.”

Juli used the walk down Front Street to pull herself together. They stopped at the restaurant where she and Ben had brunched on that first morning. The memory was sweet and helped banish other thoughts.

The waitress led them to a corner table near the windows.

Maia said, “You looked a little pale. The short walk did you good. I’m so glad you could make it.”

So, Maia hadn’t invited her as a cover for Luke.

“I’m glad, too.” Juli spoke tentatively.

“I meant to call sooner. It’s been so busy. Eileen quit and left me short-handed. That’s two in a row. I have to keep Brendan.”

“No need to explain.”

“When Luke suggested I take a little time away during the day—said, in fact, I was overdue for our rain check, I knew he was right. You know how it is. You get so focused on the work it’s easy to lose sight of enjoying life.”

So Luke did suggest it. Juli let it simmer in her brain for a few minutes while the waitress took their orders.

“Their garden salad is great. You’ll like it.” Maia bubbled on, “And what about the art lessons? Are you enjoying them? Anna’s amazing, isn’t she?”

“Yes, to both.”

Maia leaned forward and spoke almost in a whisper, “She says you are very talented.”

“What? You’re exaggerating. I’ve barely started to learn.”

“No, indeed. Her exact words were that you have a lot of natural talent.”

“That means my work is amateurish.”

“Stop it, Juli. That’s not what it means. And, in the end, the fun and the experience is the goal, isn’t it? Satisfaction? No one can take that away from you.”

Another reminder of her temporary life. It was good to be reminded. It was foolish to forget it.

Maia continued, “When you’re ready, I want to display some of your art at the gallery.”

“What?” It shot through Juli like a cannon blast. “That’s crazy.”

“Not at all. Everyone starts somewhere don’t they? Why not the gallery? We spotlight a lot of local artists.”

Juli was grateful to receive her salad and rolls. Never did anyone more attentively butter their bread or inspect their salad. Maia was keeping her off-balance, as if continually yanking at an invisible rug beneath her feet. Juli opened her mouth to speak and was cut off once again.

“How is Ben these days?”

“He’s good.”

“I’m so glad. He was very sick when he went to the doctor. It was coincidental and had nothing to do with his current condition, but that’s how they found it. He was recovering when you met. It’s so romantic—meeting in the garden at the party.”

“I didn’t know he’d told you.”

“Oh, my, yes. He went on and on about this wonderful girl he’d met. Well, you should know I’m a romantic at heart. Unlucky in love, that’s me. I told him not to let love slip through his fingers. Not many chances come along. Oh, my, but Luke was angry.”

“I’m sure he was worried—”

“He was. But they were fussing over Ben as if he was already gone. They meant well, but it was their issue, not his, if you know what I mean? They have to deal with their grief and not burden him. Does that make any sense?”

“Yes, but it’s understandable.”

“Sure it is. I’ve been half in love with Ben since the day I met him, but he never got over his first true love.”

“You are a romantic.”

Maia laughed. “Isn’t that what I said?”