Beachfront inheritance, p.1
Beachfront Inheritance, page 1
BEACHFRONT INHERITANCE
SOLOMONS ISLAND SERIES BOOK ONE
MICHELE GILCREST
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CONTENTS
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Also by Michele Gilcrest
CHAPTER 1
“Clara, you have your whole life ahead of you. Live it to the fullest. I don’t want you to have regrets and end up old like me, without experiencing the kind of passion and fire that comes with falling in love. You’ve served everyone well in your life, but it’s time to think about yourself, dear. Get out there. Open up your heart and make yourself available to love again. Promise me you will,” Joan whispered.
“But, Joan. How can I think about love right now? You’re sick. You need me here by your side. Who else will take care of you?”
Joan held Clara by the hand.
“Every man has an appointed time. My time has come. But you are on a different path. Make me proud. Get out there and love again.”
The alarm sounded and startled Clara out of her dream. She arose with ten minutes to spare before meeting Joan’s niece, Olivia, upstairs. She was on the sofa, slouched over, feeling numb over her current reality. No matter how real Clara’s dreams felt, her dear friend and boss, Joan Russell, was no longer with her.
Moments later, Clara sat upstairs watching Joan’s niece pace around the living room. She suspected Olivia was searching for the right words to explain her impending dismissal. One didn’t have to be a genius to figure out what was about to happen. It was inevitable now that Joan was gone. Her family members were ready to claim the estate and relieve Clara of her duties. She recalled the stories Joan used to tell her about feeling alone. All she wanted was to have loved ones who actually cared, instead of calling only when they wanted something, Joan would say. Estranged family members with distant relationships was something Joan and Clara shared in common. They bonded over Clara’s ten years of service as a housekeeper. But that all came to an abrupt end after Joan lost the battle with her deteriorating health. Now, it had only been two short days since Joan’s passing, and Clara was gaining firsthand experience of what the family was truly like. If only they were at her bedside during her dying days when she needed them most. If only they were there to help ease the pain and anguish Joan suffered. Clara spent the last several months at Joan’s bedside watching her fade away. And now, everything had come down to one predictable conversation with her niece on a dismal Sunday afternoon.
“Clara, thank you for meeting with me today. I’m sure Aunt Joan’s passing has been a whirlwind for you, as it has for the rest of us.”
“It has been, Olivia. I hope you know that I meant it when I said I’m ready to help with anything you need. I know this is a tough time for everyone.”
“Yes, thank you, but I think everything is under control for now. I set the arrangements for her service for Friday, and my brother and his wife are flying in on Tuesday. We’ll all gather to take care of some family business on Monday, and then that’s it. I’ve even picked out a realtor to help us take care of the house.”
“So soon?” Clara asked.
“Yes, I figured it would be wise to reach out to someone with in-depth knowledge of Solomons Island. You know, someone who can really highlight what the area offers while showcasing the mansion’s true value.”
“I see.”
Clara watched Olivia as she stared toward the lighthouse that stood towering in the distance.
“Joan always raved about Solomons Island being the best place to live in southern Maryland. I think she mentioned that she and her husband used to take the boat out on Sunday afternoons to go fishing when he was living,” Clara recalled.
“Yes, I’m sure they enjoyed the tranquility. It is rather peaceful out here.”
Olivia returned to her pacing.
“Clara, there’s no point in prolonging the purpose of our meeting. I’m sure you’re already making plans by now, anyway. I know my aunt paid you a salary, besides offering living quarters here at the mansion. With the realtor coming next week, we must have this place in pristine order to make a good first impression.”
“Absolutely, Olivia. I can deep clean and help pack up Joan’s medical equipment if you’d like. I’m sure the realtor will give us a couple of weeks to make sure everything is just so.”
“Thank you for offering. However, time isn’t exactly on our side. I’ve already hired a company to come in and stage everything early next week. Besides, my brother and I were thinking this would be valuable time for you to make new living arrangements and perhaps arrangements for alternative employment. Your living space will need to be staged by next week as well.”
“Next week?” Clara’s eyes bulged.
“Yes, dear. I know it seems sudden, but as you already know, my brother and I live out of state. We simply don’t have the time to fly back and forth. We have to get everything in motion while we’re here. On Monday we plan on attending the reading of Aunt Joan’s will, on Tuesday the staging company will be here, and on Wednesday we’ll meet with the realtor to get the ball rolling.”
Clara wondered how they could plan without first knowing Joan’s wishes. But she thought better of it and decided not to say anything.
“I’d be happy to have my assistant write a reference letter for you. My aunt always spoke highly of you, so that won’t be an issue.”
“Uh, thank you. I guess I’ll need to look for a job right away and a place to stay. Just to be clear. When should I be out of the house?”
“A week from today. We’ll see to it that you receive your regular paycheck, plus a bonus for the inconvenience.”
Clara was stunned. She could hardly believe after all her years of service that they could strip away her employment and her place to live within the blink of an eye.
“Again, I’ll have my assistant write a nice letter for you. I’m sure you can find another cleaning job in no time, hun. How difficult can it be to mop the floors and do the laundry?”
If that was Olivia’s way of offering words of comfort, Clara wasn’t buying it. Instead, she bit her bottom lip and tried to stop her leg from shaking uncontrollably. The mere fact that Olivia called her hun was enough to make Clara’s blood boil.
“How many years have you worked with Aunt Joan again?” she asked.
“Ten. Ten years, to be exact. Joan was more like family to me than my own family members. Honestly, I think that’s what Joan and I shared in common. We both had family members who cared less about us and more about themselves,” Clara said.
Olivia’s eyebrows were tightly knit together as she stared at Clara with her arms folded.
“Joan was one of a kind. Very thoughtful and selfless. I’m sure you wouldn’t know much about that.”
“You’re out of line, Clara.”
“Am I? You’re the one who came storming in here with immediate plans to cut me loose having no regard for anyone but yourself,” Clara said as she tried her best to control her trembling knees.
“I’ve apologized for the short notice, but there’s not much else I can do. My hands are tied. The decision about how things will be arranged isn’t solely up to me.”
“Right.” Clara fought back the tears.
“Perhaps it’s best that I return to my room and start preparing for my departure. Thank you for the additional week. If you need anything, you know where to find me.”
“Good evening,” Olivia snarled.
Clara returned to the basement where she could be alone while she tried to wrap her mind around what just happened. She knew it wouldn’t be wise to upset Olivia, seeing how she could kick her out tomorrow if she really wanted to.
As she flopped down on the sofa, Clara questioned why she hadn’t prepared more carefully for her future. It was rare that a housekeeper lived in a one-bedroom basement apartment by the beach with her own private entrance. She should’ve known it was too good to last as long as it did. A tear trickled down her cheek.
She called her friend Mackenzie, who always had a way of making her feel better whenever she was upset.
“Hello.”
“Hi, Mack. Are you busy?”
“Hey, Clara. I have about ten minutes left on my break, but I can talk. How are you?”
“I could be better.” Clara sighed.
“One of those days, huh?”
“Something like it.”
“Well, I guess that makes two of us. Things aren’t exactly peachy over here at work.”
“What’s wrong?” Clara felt somewhat relieved to take her mind off her own issues for the moment.
“My boss just announced to the staff he’s thinking about selling the café. He said he hasn’t made a final decision yet, but why would he go as far as telling us if he wasn’t seriously considering it?”
“Oh, Mack, I’m sorry. D o you think this would impact your position?”
“There’s no question about it. I know I don’t make a ton of money as a server, but the extra tips come in handy for me and my little girl. A one-bedroom rental costs a fortune for a single mother and her child these days. Consider yourself lucky. You really have it made living at your boss’ residence.”
Clara’s throat tightened as she tried to take a deep breath.
“Clara, are you still there?”
“Yeah. Hold on a second. I’m just grabbing my shoes and taking a walk out back.”
“You don’t sound like yourself. Is everything all right?”
Clara began taking a slow stroll toward the boat slip at the back of the house. It was her quiet place where she often went to clear her mind and listen to the sound of the waves.
“Joan passed away on Friday,” Clara said in a low voice.
There was silence on the other end of the line for a moment.
“Man, this really is turning out to be a rotten week, after all. I was wondering why you didn’t come by on Friday. Now I know.”
Mackenzie was the only close friend Clara had in Maryland, outside of Joan. On Friday evenings Clara would go to the café, order her favorite dessert, and sit at the counter for hours with a good book. Mackenzie’s curiosity got the best of her one day, and she walked right up to Clara and asked what she was reading that captured her attention for so long. The rest was history from there. The two become instant friends and the rest of the employees embraced Clara as one of their own after spending so much time there on Friday evenings.
“I know you mentioned she was pretty ill. You must be heartbroken, Clara.”
“As sad as it is, I’m happy she’s no longer in pain. I think Joan was sicker than she ever admitted. One would think that her niece, Olivia, would care to know more about her aunt’s last days. Instead, she’s already planning for a realtor to come to the house next week.”
“Are you kidding me?” Mackenzie said.
“I wish I was joking, but this is no laughing matter. Her brother is arriving in a couple of days, and she’s already notified me I need to be out by next Sunday.”
“But that’s only a week from now. What are you supposed to do? Just magically click your heels and have a new job and a new place to live overnight?”
“I know. My head is in a tailspin. The only halfway decent thing she offered was a bonus for the inconvenience. Even that felt half-hearted. She just wanted to get me out of the way so she and her greedy little brother could hurry and get their hands all over everything.”
“That’s awful, Clara. I wish I could offer you a place to stay. Stephanie and I barely have room in our little one bedroom. I never envisioned my little five-year-old sleeping on a pull-out couch in the living room, but it’s all I can afford for now.”
“Thank you, Mack. Just you being here means the world to me,” Clara said.
“Are you thinking about applying for another housekeeping job?”
“More than likely. Your highness already reminded me it shouldn’t be too hard. Let’s see, how did she say it? ‘How difficult is it to mop the floor and do the laundry?’”
“No, she didn’t,” Mackenzie grunted.
“Oh, yes, she did. You know, she didn’t even ask questions about Joan’s last days. She didn’t mention one word about her. I just don’t understand it.”
“Don’t worry, her day is coming. You can’t go around treating people like that without it coming back to haunt you.”
“True,” Clara agreed.
“Look, why don’t you come by the café around four. That’s when it normally slows down on Sundays. Maybe I could whip up your favorite dessert and give you a nice hot cup of Joe while you skim the want ads. Besides, you know how delighted Josh would be to see you since you didn’t come in on Friday.”
“Oh, Mack, please don’t start that again. Josh is a really nice guy, but I don’t want him thinking there’s a chance.”
“Didn’t Joan always say it’s time you learn how to get back out there? How are you going to catch any fish if you don’t extend your hook?” Mackenzie teased.
“She was right, but now is not the time. Please don’t egg Josh on and make him hopeful. My head is just not in the right space.”
“All right, love. Will I still see you around four?”
“Four o’clock on the dot,” Clara confirmed.
“Okay, I’ll see you then.”
As Clara hung up the phone, she glanced toward the mansion only to see Olivia staring from the window with a look of disdain. Making eye contact sent chills up Clara’s spine. Ordinarily, she would do everything to accommodate Joan’s guests. But this time, she looked away and searched for the nearest rock to toss into the water. Watching the ripple effect while trying to figure out her life would be far more productive than engaging in a staring match with the dark soul standing in the window.
CHAPTER 2
“Would you like your usual, cheesecake with black coffee? Or can I entice you to try something else?” Josh asked as he passed Clara a menu.
His section of the café was the only thing available for seating when Clara arrived. Everyone on staff knew he had a long-standing crush on her. He was the only one who still believed the crush was a secret.
She looked around before opening the menu.
“I think I’ll have dinner instead.”
“Well, in that case, allow me to introduce you to our crab cakes. I had a customer earlier who couldn’t stop raving about them. I’m assuming you like seafood and you’re not allergic.”
Before Clara could answer, Mackenzie tapped Josh on the shoulder.
“Hey, Josh. I was hoping you could do me a favor and swap tables with me. Can you grab table nine while I take care of Clara? We have some catching up to do.” She nodded her head, showing that he really didn’t have a choice.
“But I was just telling Clara about…”
“Josh.”
“Fine, she’s all yours. See ya, Clara.” Josh sounded defeated as he walked away.
“Poor guy. He’s smitten. It’s a shame you won’t at least go out on one date with him. Put the poor guy out of his misery once and for all,” Mackenzie said while sitting at the table.
“You and I both know that will only make matters worse. Thanks for switching tables, by the way. I didn’t want to be rude, but I’m not up for a long discussion about crab cakes tonight.”
“Crab cakes? You normally get dessert. He was probably so awestruck by your beauty he wasn’t even thinking straight,” Mackenzie teased.
“Ha ha, very funny, Mack. One of these days you’re going to learn that I don’t like it when people try to play matchmaker for me. It’s just not my thing. Besides, I told him I want to try something for dinner tonight. I figured I can eat while I update my resume.”
“All right, all right. I promised I’d stay out of it and I will. As for your job search, you know, my niece just graduated from college, and she’s always talking about searching for jobs online. I can call her to see if she can recommend specific websites. In the meantime, Josh was steering you in the right direction with the crab cakes. They’re to die for.”
“What is it with Marylanders and crab?” Clara smiled.
“Uh, hello. We’re surrounded by nothing but water filled with some of the most delicious crabs you’ll ever taste. You’ve been here long enough to know that by now.”
“You’re right, but I don’t know that I’ll ever get used to it. I’m more of a burger and fries kind of girl. I need some comfort food now more than ever.”
“I hear ya. How does a bistro burger sound? It comes on a kaiser roll, and we can give you a little side of bistro sauce, some fries, coleslaw, you name it.”
“I’ll take everything you just mentioned, plus a Coke on the rocks. It looks like I may be here a while. I can’t stand the thought of bumping into Olivia again, anyway. If it weren’t for the fact that someone needs to feed Holly, Joan’s dog, I’d never go upstairs again.”
