Captiva Ever After (Captiva Island Series #7)

“I also would make sure that you communicate your plans with others. Let your friends and family know where you plan to be during the storm. Keep your cell phones charged, but I can’t guarantee that the towers will stay upright. All we can do is be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. And, please, do not forget our fur babies. I have a cute cocker spaniel myself. We’ve got to make sure our pets are safe as well.”

Chelsea rolled her eyes. “So far, I haven’t heard anything we didn’t already know.”

Just then, Linda St. James spoke up, “You all know me. I’ve lived on this island my whole life so I’ve been through this before. The island might take a hit, but the people and businesses that call Captiva home are strong and resilient.”

Maggie looked at Chelsea. “Now she’s running for Mayor or something?”

“Whatever happens, this island will survive and be stronger.”

At that statement, the crowd clapped and some even whistled.

“I think it’s safe to leave now,” Maggie said, turning to Paolo. “I don’t think there is much here that is helpful. I think it’s nothing more than an opportunity for grandstanding.”

The four of them got up and started for the door when Linda stopped Maggie.

“Leaving so soon?” Linda asked.

“Hi, Linda. Yes, we’ve all got a lot to do before the storm hits.”

“I don’t blame you for wanting to protect the inn. You’ve got a special day coming up. I hope the inn survives, but just in case it doesn’t, what are your plans for Becca’s wedding?”

Maggie glared at Linda. “Didn’t you just give an uplifting and inspiring speech about how strong us islanders are?”

Linda smiled, “Well, yes I did but I was talking about true islanders. You know, people who were born here.”

“What exactly is your problem, Linda?” Chelsea asked, stepping in to defend Maggie.

Linda looked at Chelsea. “No problem at all. We’re here to discuss hurricane preparedness, not Maggie’s personal grievances. I cover events based on their newsworthiness and the information provided to me. It’s not my fault if people take offense to what I put in the paper.”

Frustrated, Maggie wouldn’t leave without letting Linda know how she felt. “Linda, you know very well that my inn plays a significant role in our community. It’s not just about the wedding; it’s about the livelihoods of my employees and the well-being of our guests. Your selective coverage affects my business and the local economy.”

Harold overheard Linda and Maggie’s conversation. “Ladies, let’s focus on the matter at hand—the hurricane. We can address personal grievances at a more appropriate time.

“Let’s get out of here,” Maggie said.

With no sign of the lingering tension between Maggie and Linda abating even with a hurricane poised to hit the island, Chelsea pulled Maggie outside.

“What the heck was that about?” Trevor asked Chelsea.

“It’s a long story,” Chelsea said.

Looking at Maggie, Chelsea started to laugh.

“What’s so funny?” Maggie asked.

“I feel like I’ve just witnessed a reenactment of that scene from the movie Field of Dreams when Kevin Costner and Amy Madigan go to the town hall meeting and Amy Madigan calls out Beulah and wants to fight her in the parking lot.”

Maggie shook her head. “Very funny.”

Chelsea smiled. “Oh, come on. You have to see the humor in all this. If you don’t, I think you’ve finally lost complete perspective on this wedding.”

“I’m just so disappointed in Crawford,” Maggie said.

“You mean you still haven’t talked to him about the newspaper article?”

Maggie shook her head. ‘No. I was afraid of making things worse.”

Trevor interrupted them. “I’m going back to my place and begin boarding up our house. Did Sarah tell you that we’re going to my parents’ West Palm Beach home?”