Secrets on Cedar Key Read Free Page A

track. Oh, and by the way . . . what was your opinion of Worth?”
    I was surprised when I felt warmth creeping up my neck. Damn hot flashes. “Oh . . . he was nice. Very nice. And friendly. Very businesslike too.”
    Chloe laughed. “In other words . . . I wasn’t lying, huh? Pretty hot?”
    â€œYeah . . . I guess so. I mean, I really didn’t notice. He wasn’t here very long.”
    â€œRight,” she said, and I saw the grin that crossed her face. “You know, Marin, just because your husband passed away, it doesn’t mean your life is over. You can still appreciate a good-looking and pleasant guy.”
    All of a sudden I felt flustered. “Yes, of course. I know that,” I said and was grateful when Berkley walked in the door, putting an end to further discussion.
    I spied the basket of hand-dyed yarn she was carrying. “Oh, good,” I said. “You spun more yarn for us.”
    â€œYup, another ten skeins.”
    Chloe reached over to touch the soft greens, yellows, blues, and lavenders. “Gorgeous. Jill did another great job with the dyeing.”
    Berkley had relocated to Cedar Key the previous year from Salem, Massachusetts, opened up the chocolate shop on Second Street, and provided us with yarn from her alpacas, which were kept at her friend’s farm in North Yarmouth, Maine. She had also fallen in love with Saxton Tate III, a British mystery author who lived on the island.
    â€œThanks,” she said, and I saw her gaze take in the hole that dominated our wall. “Geez, I heard about all the excitement here yesterday with Ned. Is he okay?”
    I brought her up to date on Ned’s condition while she walked over to take a peek into the room on the other side.
    â€œI’m glad he’ll be all right. But what a shame about the delay in the work.”
    â€œNot exactly,” I told her and explained about Worthington Slater taking over.
    â€œOh, that’s great. So maybe you’ll have the needlepoint shop up and running by Christmas after all.”
    â€œHere’s hoping. Do you have time for coffee?”
    â€œYeah, a quick cup would be nice. Oh, I have some news. Saxton’s daughter, Resa, and her husband arrive here next week.”
    â€œThat’s great,” Chloe said. “Do you think they’ll really end up purchasing the bed-and-breakfast?”
    â€œI think there’s a pretty good chance. Resa’s husband, Jake, has been doing a lot of research about opening a pediatric practice in Gainesville, and it seems he’s found another physician who’s interested in being his partner. So that will enable them to relocate here. They have an appointment with Alison next week to look at the B and B, so if they like it . . . who knows? They could end up making an offer on it.”
    â€œI’m sure Saxton is thrilled that his daughter might be living in the same town.”
    Berkley accepted a mug of coffee from Chloe. “Thanks. Oh, he is. I think he still feels guilty for not seeing her for thirty years, so it’s like he’s getting a second chance. I’m hoping it will all work out for the two of them.”
    I nodded. “Resa was pretty understanding, wasn’t she? I mean, not all daughters would be so quick to forgive a father who made no attempt to see her since she was a child.”
    â€œYeah, I think Resa’s pretty special. She feels that her parents’ divorce was the cause of the estrangement with her dad, so she doesn’t blame him.”
    â€œWhat time are you closing today?” I asked. “I wanted to stop by and get some chocolate.”
    â€œI’ll be at the shop till five. I’m out of truffles, though. My shipment from Angell and Phelps is due in tomorrow.”
    â€œThat’s fine. I’ll get some dark chocolate pieces.”
    â€œWell, there you are.” All of us turned toward the door to see Grace Trudeau walk in