Page 27 of Between the Lines

Maude took it. The grip was firm and practiced. Almost mechanical. “We haven’t met,” Maude said. “Maude Harrigan.”

“I know,” Darcy said, still smiling. “You do websites.”

Maude felt the smallest shiver go through her. Had this woman researched her? “That’s right.”

Ollie stuck his hand out. “Ollie Keen. Maude’s boyfriend.”

At that word, Gigi arched her brows and took his hand. “Hello, Ollie.”

That was the first time Maude had heard him use that word since high school, but this was not the moment to freak out about it.

Darcy shook his hand, too, her eyes sweeping over him like she was measuring him for a suit. “Gigi was telling me how close everyone is here. How people look out for one another.”

Gigi beamed. “It’s like a little family.”

“Is it?” Darcy asked lightly.

Maude answered before Gigi could. “It can be. Depends on the people.”

Darcy’s gaze shifted back to her, assessing again. Then she nodded. “Of course. Like with anything.”

Milo chose that moment to shake himself, sending a spray of sand in a small arc around his paws. Darcy stepped back a fraction, as if she couldn’t bear to get dirty.

“Well,” Gigi said, clapping her hands once. “We should keep moving before the sun gets any lower. It was so nice running into you.”

“Yes,” Darcy said. “Nice to meet you, Maude.”

“Likewise,” Maude said.

They stepped aside as Gigi and Darcy continued down the beach, Gigi talking again, Darcy listening. Or at least pretending to.

Maude waited until they were a few yards away before she let out a breath.

“I guess Gigi’s making new friends,” Ollie said quietly.

Maude shook her head. “I’m not sure that’s a good thing.”

She glanced back once, just long enough to see Darcy turn her head, too, as if checking to see whether Maude was watching.

Their eyes met again. Darcy looked away and kept walking.

Maude tightened her grip on the leash. “Come on,” she said to Milo.

The dog trotted forward, happy and oblivious.

Lucky him.

Chapter Eleven

The Queen’s Arms was busy like it usually was, the low murmur of conversation mixing with the clink of glasses and the occasional burst of laughter from the bar. Music played in the background, rock and roll from when music was worth listening to.

At least in Paige’s opinion.

The pub sat squarely on Colony property, which meant familiar faces drifted in and out all evening, but the pub itself had its own unique rhythm. It was cozier than The Bee’s Knees and more focused on atmosphere than food and drink. Even so, the food was good and the drink selection was extensive.

Graham liked it because it reminded him of home. The dark wood, the proper chips, a bar that served the kinds of beer and cider a real pub would. And then, of course, there was darts.

Paige liked it because Graham liked it. She often thought his accent got just a little stronger when they were here, which she found adorable.