by Kay Correll
“Mr. Hamilton, Tereza is busy with a new table, can I help you?” She looked directly at Delbert Hamilton and avoided AJ, but not before catching the look of surprise in his eyes.
“I was wondering if we could get another bottle of wine.”
“I can get that for you.” She looked quickly at the label of the empty bottle.
“I’d appreciate that.”
“Granice, AJ, this is Courtney. She’s Tally’s granddaughter. Tally owns Magic Cafe. Don’t know if you know all that info about the island.” Mr. Hamilton made the introductions. “Courtney, this is my cousin, AJ, and my grandmother, Mrs. Hamilton.
“I… uh… nice to meet you.”
AJ leaned back in his chair as if this meeting wasn’t a bit awkward. “Courtney and I have met. We’re… friends.” He eyed her as if daring her to say more.
“Yes, he’s been in here a few times.” She hurriedly cleared the table of a handful of empty dishes, trying not to spill them. “I’ll be back with your wine.”
She could almost feel AJ’s eyes boring into her back as she walked away.
“AJ, so you know her?” Camille frowned and tossed her long, perfectly curled hair behind her shoulder. “She moved to town just a while ago. She has this incredibly out-of-control son, too.”
“Camille, don’t be like that. Bobby’s a good kid. He’s just a boy-boy. A very cute and active boy.” Delbert smiled. “I like him.”
“He ran me over on the beach, and I ruined a good pair of slacks.” Camille shook her head. “He’s a monster.”
“He’s just a normal little six-year-old boy,” Delbert insisted.
Weirdly, and for no reason AJ could discern, he wanted to defend Bobby, too. Which was strange, because he didn’t even know the kid. But Delbert seemed to be doing a good job of defending the boy on his own.
AJ watched the exchange between Camille and his cousin. They seemed like such different people, but Delbert obviously adored Camille. Camille was… well, she’d always been Camille. Full of opinions of others and herself. He liked her well enough, she was fun, but he certainly could never have dated her. She was too high-maintenance for his tastes.
Though she did always seem to find out about the best parties…
“Anyway, so you’ll come into town this week, right? How about Friday? I’m sure Delbert can make reservations at the club, right, honey?”
“I can try.”
“Then it’s all settled. We’ll all go out on Friday. You can meet us at the hotel at, say, eight?”
Camille didn’t really wait for anyone to agree. He didn’t have any other plans, so he decided he might as well say yes. “That sounds fine.” He gave his half-hearted reply while he watched for Courtney’s return, but Tereza came out with their new bottle of wine.
“Here’s your wine. Sorry for the wait. Would you like to see the dessert menu?” Tereza opened the wine.
“Yes, I’d love to see it.” Granice smiled at Tereza. “A spot of something sweet after that delicious meal sounds wonderful.”
AJ didn’t want dessert… didn’t want anyone to order dessert. He just wanted to head out. But it seemed he was trapped here for a bit longer. “Tereza, I’ll have another beer, please.”
Chapter 7
The next day, AJ escaped to the beach again. He’d begun to like his new daily routine of just wandering along the shoreline. He’d never thought that would be something he’d do, but its peacefulness appealed to him. It was almost like doing nothing, which was something that he never did. Ever.
He headed away from Lighthouse Point this time. Shoes in hand, he walked in the water, mindlessly picking up an occasional seashell. The bright sun warmed his cheeks, and he was glad he’d remembered his sunglasses to cut the glare. He wasn’t sure how long he’d been walking but didn’t really care. He had nowhere to be.
He looked up and stopped abruptly. There they were again. Tally, Miss Mary, and Bobby, with the energetic puppy at their side. If he spun around now, before they saw him, they’d never even know he’d been here. He started to turn when he heard Bobby cry out. Squinting, he peered down the beach. Bobby was on the ground, and the women were hovering over him.
He sighed. Totally against his will, he jogged down the beach toward them. It’s not like he could just ignore them now. Even he wasn’t that cold.
“Hi. Everything okay?” He looked down and saw things were not okay.
“Bobby tripped and sliced his knee open on something. Maybe a sharp shell.” Tally was drying the boy’s tears.
Blood dripped down Bobby’s leg, mixing with sand and seawater.
“I should call Eddie and see if he can come get us. I don’t think Bobby can walk back like that.”
“We’re not far from the cafe. I’ll carry him there.” It’s not like he could leave the boy here bleeding.
“Are you sure?” Tally looked up at him, concern plastered on her face.
“I’m sure.” He reached a hand down to help her to her feet.
“I got tangled in Stormy’s leash and fell-ded down.”
“I can see that. How about I give you a piggyback ride? You think you could climb on my back?”
“I guess so. I’m gonna get blood on you, though.”
“Not a problem.” He knelt down by the boy, and Bobby climbed on his back. Sure enough, his shorts were soon covered with blood.
“I’ll call Courtney and let her know what happened. She’s working at the cafe.” Tally slipped out her phone, made the call, then turned to Mary. “Mary, you come on with us. We’ll give you and Stormy a ride back to the inn after we get Bobby taken care of.”
“I could just walk back. I’ll be okay.”
“Oh, I know you would, but how about we get some tea after this long walk, and I’ll run you back afterward?” Tally’s words were casual, but the tone had an insistence to them. He wasn’t sure what that was all about.
“Tea sounds nice.”
The four of them plus the dog started down the beach toward the restaurant. The boy was surprisingly light and rested his head on AJ’s shoulder. Before they got all the way to Magic Cafe, Courtney came running toward them.
“Bobby. Are you okay?” Panic covered her face, and she reached out to touch Bobby’s leg.
“I’m okay. I cut my leg again.”
“I see that.” She looked closely at the wound then took in AJ’s bloody clothes. “Sorry about this. Thank you so much for bringing him to me. I can take him now.”
AJ eyed her and the distance left to the restaurant. “Nah, I’ve got him. You’re okay up there, aren’t you, buddy?”
“Mom, Mr. Hamilton’s got me. I’m probably too big for you to carry me now that I’m six.”
Courtney nodded anxiously. “Okay, well, thank you.”
She hovered by his side as they walked the distance to the cafe, with Mary, Tally, and the dog trailing right behind them.
“Here, set him down on this chair.” Tally motioned to a chair by the deck. “I’ll go get the first aid kit.”
He knelt down, and Bobby slipped off his back. “There you go, buddy.”
“Thanks.”
He looked at the blood on the boy’s leg. “I’m going to go get water to wash that off.”
“Thank you.” Courtney knelt beside the boy, her hands smoothing his hair and brushing sand off his leg, then moving back to pat his shoulder.
He took one more look at her motherly concern, a pang of remembrance stabbing through him. He turned away and closed his eyes for a moment. Just as quick as it had flashed through him, the fleeting memory was gone. He headed into the cafe.
Courtney tried to steady her hammering heart by taking a few deep breaths. When Tally had called and said Bobby had been hurt, she’d flown into an all-out panic, even though Tally had said it was just a cut on his leg.
She didn’t think any mother could resist panic when they heard their child was hurt.
“You doing okay?” She reached up and pushed a lock of h
air away from Bobby’s face.
“Yeah. I’m okay. I can’t believe I cut my leg again, though. Just like when Pops found me at that old gazebo and saved me. Now Mr. Hamilton saved me.”
“He didn’t actually save you.”
“Well, he carried me back to Magic Cafe. Grams said I couldn’t walk.”
AJ returned with a pitcher of water. “Tereza got this for me.” He knelt beside Bobby. “I’m going to dump this water on your leg, and we’ll see what we have, okay?”
Bobby pulled back. “I don’t know…” His eyes started to fill with tears.
“It will be fine, I promise. It might sting a little, but that’s all.” AJ’s voice held a soothing, patient tone that took Courtney by surprise.
“Okay, I guess so.” Bobby squeezed her hand and watched as AJ lifted the pitcher. He slowly poured the water on Bobby’s leg and washed the sand away. A long cut wrapped its way down Bobby’s leg.
“Got yourself a pretty good cut there.” AJ peered at the wound.
“I’m always cutting my leg. I had to get stitches last time.” The boy eyed him suspiciously. “I’m not going to have to get them this time, am I?”
“I’m not a doctor, but I don’t think so,” he assured the boy.
“Good, ’cause they aren’t very fun.”
“I think Mr. Hamilton is right. We’ll get it cleaned up, and I think you’ll be fine.”
Tally hurried back with the first aid kit. “Here we go. Let me clean that with some antiseptic, and we’ll wrap it up.”
“I think you should let Mr. Hamilton do it. He’s pretty good at this stuff.”
“I…” AJ sat back on his heels.
“Oh, Bobby, Mr. Hamilton has done enough.” Courtney put her hand on Bobby’s knee.
“But he’s good. See, he got the blood all gone, and it didn’t hardly hurt.”
“Here, hand me the kit. I’ll do it.” AJ reached for the kit. “This is going to sting, okay? But it gets the germs out.”
Bobby nodded, bit his lip, and held onto her hand.
AJ carefully poured the liquid and used a gauze pad to finish cleaning the cut.
She watched while he gently took care of her son. Reassuring him, moving slowly and carefully, telling Bobby exactly what he was doing with each step. She hadn’t expected this from a man whose eyes had flashed escape, escape when he’d found out she had a son. Maybe she’d judged him a bit too quickly. Maybe he’d just been surprised.
Maybe.
AJ wound a long wrap of gauze around the cut and taped it into place. “Good as new. Well, almost.”
“You should be a doctor.” Bobby looked at him solemnly. “You’re good at this.”
“Well, can’t say I ever wanted to be one.”
“What are you?”
“What am I?” AJ frowned in confusion.
“Yeah, you know. Like a fireman or astronaut or baseball player or something.”
“None of those, I’m afraid. I’m just…”
Courtney looked at him. She didn’t really know what he did.
“I’m just a businessman.”
“Oh.” Bobby looked disappointed. “Well, I guess someone has to be.”
AJ laughed. “I guess they do.”
“Well, I’m going to get Mary some tea then drive her and Stormy home. You all good here?” Tally picked up the first aid kit.
“Yes, we’re fine. Thanks. I think Bobby deserves an ice cream after all of this.” Courtney patted his leg.
“Mr. Hamilton, I’m hoping you’ll come to dinner tonight at my house as a thank you.” Tally stood looking down at AJ.
Courtney stared at Tally. What was she doing?
“We’re having Courtney and Bobby over for dinner tonight. We’d love it if you’d come. About six?”
“I… uh…” AJ stood.
“That’s a yes?” Tally smiled her welcoming smile that no one could refuse. Courtney knew AJ didn’t have a chance.
“Okay. Yes. That would be nice.”
Courtney took a deep breath. So now she had to have dinner with this man again. Well, at least he’d get to see what a handful Bobby was. She was certain Bobby would be back to his normal whirlwind self by this evening.
And then AJ could go back to his normal reaction to Bobby. Scared.
Chapter 8
Tally slipped a homemade peach pie into the oven. She was enjoying cooking again. Before Eddie came back, she mostly just grabbed something at Magic Cafe.
Eddie walked into the kitchen, carrying a package of fresh fish. “I got the grouper like you wanted.”
“Thanks. I think grilled grouper, a salad, rolls, and pie will be a good meal, don’t you? I got the pie from The Sweet Shoppe. Julie made fresh peach pie today. I just have to finish baking it.”
“Sounds great. This fella is lucky he picked today to help with Bobby.” Eddie grinned mischievously. “It was nice of you to ask him to dinner to thank him.”
Tally smiled. “Well, that’s not the only reason. I asked him because I’ve seen the way Courtney looks at him.”
Eddie laughed. “Ah, you’re a clever woman. Like that about you.” He leaned down and kissed her.
She still couldn’t get used to the fact Eddie was here every day. Smiling at her. Kissing her. Laughing with her. Tally wondered if she’d ever get used to it. She hoped not. She hoped that each day would stay as special as it seemed now.
Eddie put the fish in the fridge. “You’re always trying to give everyone their happy ending, huh?”
“Oh, I don’t know about a happy ending, but I think it’s high time she dated some men now that Kurt is out of her life.”
“He darn well better be out of her life if he knows what’s good for him. I’m annoyed his lawyer got him out on bail, but hopefully, when the case goes to court, he’ll get the book thrown at him. He still has the restraining order against him, and I’m sure his lawyer made it perfectly clear that he was to stay far, far away from Courtney and Bobby. I don’t think Kurt is dumb enough to make things worse for his trial.”
“I hope not.” Tally walked over to where she had everything out to make a nice fresh garden salad.
Eddie started to walk out of the kitchen and turned back. “Tally?”
“Hm?” She looked up from where she was chopping up a carrot.
“I love you.” He winked at her and walked out of the room.
She started humming while she finished preparing the meal.
Courtney stood in front of her closet, once again trying to figure out what to wear. She didn’t know why AJ threw her off balance, but he did. Okay, he was exceptionally good-looking, she’d give him that, but she refused to fall under the spell of his dazzle-the-ladies smile. Refused.
It was probably just that she hadn’t dated so long before going out with him. Not that tonight was a date…
She finally chose a simple sundress and pink sandals. After dressing, she walked out of her bedroom. “Bobby, you about ready? We’ll drive. I’m not sure you can walk tonight.”
“Momma, I’m fine. Let’s walk. I like walking to Grams and Pops’ house.”
Bobby had changed into clean shorts and a bright t-shirt Tally had given him that said “Make a Wish at Lighthouse Point.” He did look like he felt fine. Kids sure bounce back quickly. “Okay, we’ll walk.”
They went outside, and she closed and locked the door. Bobby slipped his hand in hers, and they headed for Tally’s. Bobby chattered the whole way, of course.
“And even though I got hurt walking Stormy, it doesn’t mean I can’t have a dog of my own, right?”
“Bobby, we’ve talked about it. Now is not the time to get a dog.”
“Aw, Mom.”
“Look, there’s Pops.” She changed the subject and waved to Eddie. Bobby slipped his hand from hers and ran up to him.
“Look. I got hurt again. Just like when you saved me. Only this time Mr. Hamilton saved me.”
“I heard about that.” Eddie swung the boy up in his
arms. “Come on, champ. Let’s go out back and start the grill.”
She watched as Eddie and Bobby went around to the back of the cottage then turned to head up onto the porch.
“Hi, Courtney.”
She spun around at the sound of her name. AJ stood just a few steps away, dressed in nice shorts and a collared short-sleeve shirt. The sun glistened off his hair, his face glowed a ruddy tan from his days on the island, and his brown eyes twinkled as he smiled at her. He held a bouquet of flowers in his hand.
“Hi.” Honestly, he was so good-looking, it almost took her breath away, which was ridiculous, because she was immune to that kind of thing. Especially from someone afraid of kids. She cleared her throat, rapped once, and opened the door. “Tally, we’re here.”
“Back in the kitchen.”
AJ held the door open for her as she slipped inside. She brushed past him, a bit too close for comfort. They headed to the kitchen.
“These are for you.” He handed the flowers to Tally.
“Well, thank you. You didn’t need to do that, though. This is a thank you dinner for your help with Bobby.”
“I appreciate the invite. Can’t tell you the last time I had a home-cooked meal.”
“Courtney, why don’t you two grab some drinks and head out back while Eddie grills.”
“I should stay in and help you.”
“No, I’m almost finished. I’ll join you in a few minutes. Go on out.”
They grabbed a couple of beers and headed outside. Eddie tossed a baseball to Bobby while he let the coals heat up.
“Hi, Momma. Hi, Mr. Hamilton.” Bobby waved then smacked a fist into his glove and waited for Eddie to pitch the ball back to him.
“Eddie is wonderful with him.” Courtney took a seat on the glider but then instantly regretted the decision.
AJ walked over and plopped down beside her, stretching out his long, tanned legs, just inches from her. “So, if you don’t mind me asking…”
She eyed him, wondering what he wanted to know. “No, go ahead and ask.”
