The Bookstore on the Beach - Brenda Novak Page 0,25
probably didn’t know, or remember, that Autumn and Quinn had a bit of history. But Autumn wished she’d mind her own business.
“Of course,” Erin responded. “I’m sure he’ll be out in a few minutes.”
“Quinn’s here!” Laurie announced as if Autumn hadn’t heard the entire exchange and it was going to be such a treat for her to see him.
Autumn forced a smile. “It’s busy in here tonight. I’d rather not disturb him.”
“He won’t mind taking a few seconds. You two went to school together, didn’t you?”
Her mother sent her an apologetic look. No doubt she could tell Autumn wasn’t excited about what Laurie had just done. Mary would never have made the same mistake. She listened to the subtext of a conversation and watched those who were speaking. In most instances, except those when her own fears and limitations kicked in, she knew what to do and what not to do, while her far less intuitive sister bowled ahead, regardless.
Autumn reminded herself that Laurie’s intentions were good as she confirmed that she and Quinn had indeed attended the same high school, one year apart from each other. But Laurie’s intentions didn’t make it any less awkward when, shortly after their food arrived and right when she had a mouthful of crab, Quinn appeared at their table—as requested.
“Hello. It’s nice to see you,” he said, greeting them all before focusing on her. “Wow, it’s been a long time, Autumn. How are you?”
The food in her mouth went down as a hard lump. He hadn’t aged at all. His dark hair, with the cowlick in front that swept it up off his forehead, looked as thick and silky as ever. Between that, his dimples and his straight, white teeth, he looked so much like JFK Jr. she couldn’t help thinking he should’ve been born a Kennedy. Except that his eyes were blue and not brown. “I’m doing great. You?”
“Hanging in there. Are you here for the summer or—”
“Just for the summer.” She wondered if he’d heard that her husband had gone missing—and, if he had, whether he’d mention it. To show they cared, most people she knew, especially here, asked her if she’d heard anything, and she had to explain, over and over, that there’d been no news. But if Quinn brought up that subject, it would be natural for her to inquire about his partner, or former partner, and she had a feeling he’d try to avoid that.
Sure enough, he asked about her children instead. “Did you bring the kids with you? Or are they old enough now to be working for the summer at home?”
“They’re still in high school and here with me. They’re seeing some friends tonight.” She was afraid she had a piece of salad stuck in her teeth but there wasn’t anything she could do to check.
“They must love coming to the beach.”
“Yes, they were really looking forward to it this year. I’m sure they’ll be swimming in the ocean almost every day.”
“Will you be at the beach with them?”
“Sometimes. When I’m not helping out at the bookstore.”
His lips curved in a faint smile. “You always had a book in your hand.”
She’d left the novel she’d been reading in his tree house the night she gave him her virginity. She remembered doing it on purpose, so that he’d have to bring it to her, and was now embarrassed about that, too. She still remembered the title: Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver. “I love to read.”
“Like your mother. She must be glad to have you back.”
“I am,” Mary piped up.
“How’s your mother feeling?” Laurie asked, jumping into the conversation.
“Some days are better than others,” he replied.
Laurie lowered her voice, giving her next question a deeper reverence. “Do the treatments seem to be working?”
“We won’t know until her next blood test, which isn’t for two more weeks.”
“Tell her that I’m praying for her,” Laurie said. “We all are.”
Mary set aside her fork. “How’s your father holding up?”
“Mom being sick is hard on him, of course, but he never complains. Keeping busy helps. Fortunately, this is our busiest time of the year, what with all the tourists coming in.”
Autumn could imagine how much they were juggling to keep up and hated that Laurie had disturbed him on her account. “I’m sorry to have interrupted you at work. The kitchen must be slammed right now.”
“It’s no problem,” he said. “I’m glad I had the chance to see you. But I’d better get back.” He looked at her aunt, uncle and mother.