Read Online Beach Winds by Grace Greene - Free Book Online

the gallery the other day. Maia bent over the baby, too, and judging by her animation, she was stirring him up as much as his mother had tried to soothe him. Frannie watched as both women started laughing.
    No place for her there. A car drove past. She stepped back up onto the sidewalk.
    Maia saw her. She waved, but not only in greeting. She motioned for her to join them.
    Frannie hesitated, but then the other woman was looking her way, too, and she knew she looked odd standing there and staring. She stepped back into the street and crossed over.
    The woman had one hand on the stroller handle. She and the baby were both dressed warmly. Maia wore only a longish, bulky sweater over her clothing. She crossed her arms and gave a little shake.
    Frannie said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
    “ Not at all. Were you looking for me?”
    “ I wanted to ask about a painting.”
    “ Lovely! But first I want to introduce you to my friend, Juli.” She nodded toward the woman. “And this is her darling, beautiful son, Danny.”
    Juli held out her hand. “Are you new around here?”
    “ Yes. I’m staying at my uncle’s house, in Emerald Isle.”
    “ We live there, too, on the sound side. I hope you like our town. It’s a quiet time of year. Not typical beach weather, but I like it.”
    Frannie looked down at the infant. “He’s precious. How old is he?”
    “ Nine months.”
    “ Almost ten months,” Maia corrected. She added, “He’s a sweetheart.”
    Danny was watching them, his eyes moving from his mama to Maia to her, a stranger, but with that semi-vacant, slightly unfocused look that signaled he was on the edge of sleep. His mama smiled, but there was something in her expression Frannie couldn’t decipher. Different emotions, including something like confusion, played across her features. It kept Frannie from feeling comfortable. She was well trained at taking cues, but she couldn’t read anything with certainty in Juli’s face.
    “ It’s nice to meet you. Please don’t let me interrupt. I’ll wait in the gallery.”
    Maia touched her arm. “Juli is the artist who painted the beachscapes your uncle commissioned.”
    “ Really?” She extended her hand. “I’m pleased to meet you.”
    A man walked past and up the steps. Maia said. “A customer.” She turned to Frannie. “I’m freezing anyway. Come on in when you’re done chatting. Juli, I’ll see you soon.”
    Maia dashed up the steps and into the gallery.
    Frannie tried to refocus. “I don’t want to keep you, but I’m glad to have the opportunity to tell you the paintings are beautiful, and I know exactly where I’m going to hang them, that is, as soon as Brian paints the dining area.”
    Juli appeared to be listening politely, but when Frannie expected her to say, ‘I’m glad you like them,” instead, she said, “Brian is painting? Brian Donovan?”
    “ Yes.” What did Juli have against Brian? “He’s doing a beautiful job. Very…reliable.”
    After a pause, Juli answered, “I’m sure he is very reliable.” She shrugged, laughing a bit, and added, “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Your uncle is a very nice man. I met him a few times. He makes an impression. I suppose being career Navy doesn’t go away with retirement.” The baby whimpered. “My alarm clock is going off. Danny never lets me down.”
    Juli headed toward the parking lot and Frannie went into the gallery. The man passed her on his way out.
    Frannie said, “I’m sorry I interrupted you and your friend.”
    “ Nonsense.” Her voice was stern. “Don’t apologize. You didn’t interrupt.”
    She stutter-stepped, then caught sight of Maia’s face. It was mock anger. Teasing. She drew in a deep breath and tried to reset her expression.
    Maia gave her a funny look. “Would you like a cup of coffee? I have hot chocolate, too.”
    She shook her head. “No thanks. I’m fine.”
    “ Seriously. Do you have to be anywhere? Can’t you stay for a bit? It