Windswept Way (Hope Harbor #9)(40)
Author: Irene Hannon

 

“You’ve been to Edgecliff?” The man was full of surprises.

 

Charley spoke over his shoulder. “Naturally. I’m her taco supplier.”

 

“But I thought . . . that is, she has a reputation as a sort of . . . recluse. I didn’t think she socialized.”

 

“She doesn’t seek out the company of others, if that’s what you mean, but I don’t believe she turns away the few people who come to visit her. Don’t you two ever talk while you’re there cutting her grass?”

 

“No. I’ve seen a curtain move on occasion, and I wondered if she was watching me. But she’s never come out. I assumed she didn’t want to interact.”

 

“It’s easier to hide behind curtains sometimes.”

 

Or masks . . . or scarves . . . or sunglasses . . . or caps.

 

Charley didn’t say that as he flipped the fish, but the words hovered in the air nonetheless, as real as if they’d been spoken.

 

Or was he imagining a message that wasn’t there?

 

The town’s resident sage set six corn tortillas on the grill and flashed him a smile. “Will you give Ashley my regards? And Rose too, if you have the opportunity?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“I’ll have to get up there soon and see the progress that’s been made.” He shook open a brown bag and set it beside him, then began assembling the tacos. “Marci from the Herald says everything appears to be coming together. The open house should be a smashing success.”

 

No need to ask how he knew about that. The man had his finger on the pulse of everything that happened in town.

 

“Let’s hope it brings in business. Ashley and Rose are spending a fortune on the renovations.”

 

“How could it not, with all the energy and enthusiasm Ashley has poured into this project? It’s refreshing to see someone with such passion for her work. The world could use more of that. Success doesn’t always have to be measured by the almighty dollar.” He finished wrapping the last taco and slid it into the bag, along with two bottles of water.

 

Jon fished out his wallet and extracted cash to cover the tab. “But dollars do pay the bills and put food on the table.”

 

“I agree money is a necessary evil, but it doesn’t feed the soul. Nor does hiding behind curtains. And now I’m off for a stroll on the beach as this day winds down. Enjoy your tacos.” He reached over his head and pulled down the roll-up shutter that closed off the serving counter, ending the conversation.

 

For a long moment, Jon remained where he was, the savory smell of the tacos tickling his taste buds.

 

It appeared his dinner order had come with a generous side of philosophy.

 

Sort of like his last visit had, early in the spring on a blustery day, when he’d complained about the wind and the fog-reduced visibility on the roads.

 

What had Charley said then?

 

Something about how a shift in the wind could usher in a welcome change, clear away fog, and let the sun shine through so the road ahead was clearer.

 

There were certainly winds of change blowing at Edgecliff, bringing fresh air and new life to the isolated and insulated estate.

 

He rounded the taco stand and struck out for the tiny park and the picnic table Laura had claimed.

 

Perhaps there were winds of change blowing in his life too, now that he’d decided to ditch his disguise and begin making a few forays into town, thanks to prodding from Kyle and Laura.

 

But whether those winds would usher in a sunny day or unleash a new tempest remained to be seen.

 

 

 

 

 

15

 

 

Laura was already seated when Ashley arrived at the Bayview Lavender Farm tearoom and was shown to their table.

 

“Sorry I’m a few minutes late.” She slipped into the chair across from Jon’s sister. “I got stuck on the phone with the caterer for the open house I mentioned while I showed you around Edgecliff. She had quite a few questions.”

 

“No worries. I’ve been enjoying the relaxing view.” Laura swept a hand over the rows of blooming lavender bushes outside the window. “You should too. I’m guessing you could use a little downtime.”

 

Ashley exhaled and looked over the serene scene. “You’re right. I’ve been going nonstop since Rose and I signed on the dotted line, dealing with more than a few challenges and naysayers.”

 

“Who’s been giving you grief?”

 

Oops.

 

If Mom hadn’t called on the heels of the caterer, she’d never have let that slip.

 

She unfolded the lavender linen napkin and draped it across her lap. “Let’s just say my mother isn’t gung-ho on this project.” She gave Laura a three-sentence explanation. “But my dad would have approved.”

 

“I’m glad of that. Supportive parents are worth their weight in gold.”

 

At the tinge of melancholy in the comment, Ashley studied her. “I take it your parents fall into that category.”

 

“Yes, they did. They’re both gone now.” She swallowed. Brushed a bead of moisture off her water glass. “They were flying with another couple to a weekend getaway six years ago. Their friend was an experienced pilot, but for reasons never determined, they didn’t clear the trees at the end of the runway. No one survived.”

 

Shock rippled through Ashley. Hard as it had been to lose Dad, at least he hadn’t been taken in a tragic accident.

 

“I’m so sorry.”

 

“Thank you. They were wonderful people.” Laura sniffed and sipped her water. “Would you like to see their picture? We took a family shot the Christmas before the accident. It’s the last one I have of the four of us.”

 

“Yes. Please.”

 

While Laura dug out her cell, the tearoom owner approached. “Welcome again.” She set menus on the table. “This is our selection of tea. I’ll be back in a few minutes to take your order and answer any questions.”

 

As the woman departed, Laura finished scrolling through her phone and held it out. “From happier times.”

 

Ashley took it, and though she gave Laura’s parents a quick glance, it was the tall, dark-haired man standing beside them that drew—and held—her attention.