Beach Rental by Grace Greene Read Free Book Online Page B

plate. She waited and watched him. He showed no concern.
    She decided to copy his attitude. Juli folded her napkin and laid it on the table next to her plate. Ben stood behind her to pull out her chair, an unexpected act, but it was her own response that surprised her. She felt special, warm and tingly, and the smile that grew in her heart appeared on her face. Ben took her hand as she rose. The other diners smiled at them and admiring eyes watched them as they passed by on their way to the exit. Everyone loves lovers, right? Juli enjoyed it, grateful no one knew the truth.
    Ben led her out of the restaurant and down the sidewalk. The traffic was still light because it was barely May, but it wouldn’t be long before tourism was in full swing. They jay-walked across the road. Ben moved ahead and she followed along, grabbing peeks through plate glass display windows until they stopped at the Front Street Gallery. She recognized the name from Ben’s card.
    The gallery building was the first in a long row of shops and restaurants, situated between the block of shops and a house that was probably no longer a residence. It was set further back from the road than the other businesses and not attached to the row. It gave it distinction, sort of set it apart from the rest.
    Narrow concrete steps with a painted iron railing let up to a large wooden door, also painted black and with a large plate glass window insert. Through the display windows, colors of every hue caught the attention of passersby with the message of come in and see more .
    She’d never been in a real art gallery. Never went in because she knew she’d be spotted as someone who didn’t belong.
    “Have you ever been in here?”
    “No, I enjoyed art, but never did anything about it.”
    The walls were hung with paintings and prints, some in groupings, some spaced politely along the walls. There were several tables holding crafty knick-knacks and small artwork, all looked locally made.
    Maia rushed over. “Good morning, Ben. Welcome, Juli. Can I show you around?” She moved between them and took their arms, but she addressed Juli. “We are very much a local gallery and we make it a point to support and represent local artists and craftsmen. We have colorful, crafty items for tourists who are looking for souvenirs and fine art for those who want to take a reminder of the coast with them to hang on their walls. A lot of our customers are locals who want to bring the color of the beach life they love into their homes.”
    Ben said, “Bring the beach inside—that’s what I’d like to do. Our house is plain. I never noticed before, but it needs color. Juli, I’d like you to choose some items.”
    “You mean buy a painting?”
    “Yes, and whatever else you like.”
    She’d always lived for the day because today had been as much as she could manage. Choosing artwork to decorate Ben’s house seemed frivolous. His house looked great as it was.
    “I have to think about this.”
    “Take your time and look around.” He faced Maia. “Is Luke in?”
    “He’s in the office.”
    Ben touched her arm. “I’ll be back shortly.”
    He left her standing there. Juli watched him walk to the back of the shop and knock on the closed door with only a pause before entering. To speak with Luke.
    ****
    Luke had entered the gallery by the back door that morning—his usual entrance and exit. Maia was already at the counter out front and the sign on the door was turned to OPEN. He waved when she looked up and went directly into his office.
    Sunday noon. Before he’d even left home, he’d thought about ditching the business casual and taking the boat out, but since Ben had bowed out of most of their business interests, the workload was burying him. So much for the joys of small business ownership. He pulled the invoice folder for the Charleston gallery from the inbox.
    He heard a knock on the door and looked up as Ben entered.
    “Busy?”
    “Always. Come in anyway and have a