Five Years or So

by Kay Correll

  Her eyes widened, and a slow grin crossed her face. “Thanks.”

  “Oh, and you’re in charge of lunch today. You good with that? I’m going out for a while.”

  Her eyes grew even wider. “Yes, of course I am. That’s great.” She nodded enthusiastically.

  “Good.”

  He hurried about with his morning chores. Getting the coffee going, pulling things from the fridge, making up pancake batter. The breakfast rush kept him busy until midmorning when he stopped to make the picnic lunch. He made sandwiches using some of Dana’s fresh sourdough bread. He washed strawberries and put them in a container. Robin loved strawberries. He sliced some cheese and packed up some crackers, then made some sweet tea and poured it into a thermos. At the last minute he grabbed a few of the oatmeal cookies. Then he tossed in an apple and an orange.

  Probably way too much food but, honestly, he knew nothing about picnics. He’d never been on one and wasn’t sure what had prompted him to choose a picnic for an outing with Robin. It had just popped into his mind and he’d asked her.

  He turned to find Robin standing beside him. “Feeding an army?”

  He grinned. “I couldn’t decide so I put in anything I thought of. You ready to go?”

  She frowned. “I’m sorry—”

  He swore if Mason had gotten in the way of this picnic…

  “I need another twenty minutes or so. Is that okay?”

  He broke into a wide grin. “Yep, sure is.” She wasn’t canceling. She just needed more time. “I’ll swing by your office in twenty.”

  “Perfect.”

  Yes, it was perfect. They were going on a picnic. He and Robin. Today.

  Robin slipped into shorts and a t-shirt, finished up the ordering she needed to do online, then waited for Jay. She looked up to see him standing in the doorway to her office. He had on shorts and a t-shirt with the picnic basket in one hand, a beach blanket tucked under his arm, and that irresistible lazy smile on his face.

  She jumped up from her desk. “I’m all ready.”

  “Come on then. Daylight’s burning.”

  They headed out to the beach and slowly walked to Lighthouse Point. Large fluffy clouds dotted the sky, and the sun darted in and out from behind them. A strong breeze blew in from the water, tossing her hair about, and she reached in her pocket for an elastic and pulled her hair back in a ponytail. They walked along the water’s edge, and she stopped to pick up a shell.

  Jay laughed, opened the picnic basket, and pulled out a small bag. “Here, I knew you’d be shelling as we walked. You just can’t resist the call of the shells, can you?”

  She grinned and dropped the shell in the bag, reaching to pick up another shell that she just had to have, then they continued down the beach.

  The golden light highlighted Jay’s cheeks, and the breeze ruffled his hair in a wild and carefree manner. His long, tanned legs stretched out as they walked, but as usual he slowed his pace so she could keep up with him. He was always thoughtful like that.

  They settled on the blanket at the point, and she leaned back on her elbows, watching the birds dart around at the water’s edge, playing a merry game of chase. She welcomed this unaccustomed break to her routine.

  Jay seemed relaxed today, and she saw no sign of the intensity she’d seen in his eyes last night. Or had she only imagined it?

  Robin looked over at him and then quickly at the sandwiches he was unwrapping. The crust was perfectly brown, the bread perfectly baked, and she knew this probably irritated Jay because he’d grudgingly admitted to her that Dana made better sourdough than he did.

  She sat up and took the sandwich he offered her. She briefly chanced a glance over at him again and caught him staring at her. She quickly looked back at the food spread before her and reached for a glass of the sweet tea. The cool liquid did nothing to soothe her jangled nerves. She grabbed a napkin and waved it in front of her face, hoping it would cool her flushed face, but it just fluttered ineffectually.

  She didn't know why this day with Jay was any different from any other day she’d been around him. She spent hours and hours with him in the kitchen, walking home from work, or just hanging out. So why was this different?

  But she had to admit it was different. At least to her. Something had subtly changed between them. She felt electricity crackle all around them as if waiting for a storm coming in from the sea.

  And she was certain he felt the same thing. Almost certain. Unless she was wrong…

  To her, at least, it felt like they were racing in front of the storm, trying to reach shore before it hit. Yet knowing they weren’t going to make it in time. Knowing the storm would crash over them.

  She turned and looked at him again, and this time she didn't turn away from his gaze. Their eyes locked, and she held her breath.

  He reached his hand over, covered hers, and squeezed it lightly. “We're in some kind of pickle now aren't we, Robs?”

  “What do you mean?” Only she knew exactly what he meant. She just wasn’t ready to admit that fact.

  “You know what I mean. There's something here, isn't there? Something between us. Something different.” His voice was husky and insistent.

  So he did feel it.

  “There is something here, I'm just not sure what it is.” She looked at him and saw the fire blazing in his eyes, just like last night. She hadn’t imagined it. That exact look was right there in his eyes, yet again. She shivered slightly in spite of the heat of the day, in spite of the fire burning within her.

  He slowly ran his hand up and down her arm, sending thrills of electricity surging through her.

  His forehead creased. “It seems strange that after five years or so we're just sitting here discussing what this could be. We've been friends for a long time.”

  “We have, but something has moved, something has shifted. And I'm not sure I want it to change because what if everything blows up in our faces?” She looked out over the water, afraid of where the conversation was heading and yet wanting it to get there. She turned back to him, searching his face as if it held all the answers.

  “You know, Robs, I think there's only one way to solve this.”

  “And what's that?” Her words came out in a breathless whisper, and she couldn’t look away from his intense, fiery gaze.

  “I think the only way to fix this is to kiss you. See what happens.”

  She could barely hear his words over the pounding of her heart and the crashing of the waves on the shore.

  And if she didn’t take a breath pretty soon she was going to faint. She inhaled deeply, her eyes never leaving his as he leaned closer to her and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. Then he deepened the kiss, and her hand went up to grab his shoulder to steady herself and she swore that fireworks and lightning crackled and crashed around them.

  He finally pulled back, stared at her, and let out a long, deep breath. “Wow, Robs. Why did I wait so long to do that?”

  She reached up and touched her lips. “I don’t know. Why did you?” She sent him a tiny smile, then glanced up at the sky, surprised to not see actual fireworks or lightning bolts.

  “I don’t know either, but I’d like to make up for lost time now.” His eyes gleamed with purpose.

  “That’s a good plan.”

  He leaned in and kissed her again. And then kissed her off and on throughout their picnic. A picnic that was filled with laughter, and ease, and kisses. So many kisses.

  Chapter 13

  Jay was thoroughly enjoying himself. If this is what picnics were like, he wanted to go on one—with Robin—every day for the rest of his life. His heart was singing inside of him. Throbbing with life and joy. This was better than perfecting an absolutely flawless dish. And not much in his life could top that. Although Robin probably wouldn’t be keen on being compared to cooking.

  He stared at her, stretched out beside him. She was resting on her elbows and smiling slightly as she looked out at the waves.

  The ringing
of a phone caught his attention, and he glared at his cell sitting on the blanket where he’d tossed it. The incessant ring was annoying. He didn’t want to talk to anyone. He wanted to sit here and kiss Robin. He glanced at the number.

  “It’s the inn.” He sighed and answered the phone. “Hello?” He practically growled into the phone.

  Robin grinned at him and sat up, sipping innocently on her sweet tea with the glass pressed up to those lips of hers.

  “What?” He frowned. “Okay, I’ll be back as quickly as I can.” He clicked off the phone. “Oven stopped working. It’s been a little cranky lately, but I can usually get her to work. Dana’s in a bit of a panic.”

  “We should go then.” Robin jumped up and started collecting their things. They packed up the picnic basket and headed for Charming Inn, hand in hand. He liked the feel of her hand in his and the way she’d look up at him and smile as they walked along.

  Her cheeks were rosy from the sunshine, and her lips were pink from the kisses. And all he could think was that he wanted to kiss her again.

  “Oh, heck, Robs.” He dropped the basket and pulled her into his arms and did kiss her again.

  She grinned at him when he finally released her. “Once you get started on something, you kind of like to keep going, don’t you?”

  “You bet.” He nodded, picked up the basket, and they hurried the rest of the way back to the inn.

  By some kind of unspoken mutual agreement, they dropped hands as they neared the inn. He wasn’t ready to share this newfound relationship with Robin and certainly didn’t want to talk to anyone about it… or have anyone gossip about it. He headed to the kitchen and she headed back to her office.

  Dana looked like she was about to burst into tears when he strode into the kitchen.

  “I’m sorry. I had everything under control. I did. But then the oven went out, and I used the old, smaller one, but things got backed up. And I know I need to get things started for dinner tonight, too. I’m sorry.”

  “Hey, not your fault. Let me see if I can make her work again.” He got out some tools and messed with the connections on the stove. They really did need to get another backup oven. Or a new oven and this one could become their backup. He’d mention it to Robin and see if they had it in the budget.

  “Did you get it?” Dana hovered close. “I am so sorry for ruining your time off.”

  “You didn’t ruin it.” Nothing could ruin it. He’d had a fabulous afternoon. “And look, the oven works again. Let’s get the dinner prep going.”

  “You’re not mad?”

  “Mad? Why?”

  “Because it’s the first time you’ve left me in charge like this and I failed you.”

  “You didn’t fail me. The oven kinda did. But it looks like you did fine. Lunch crowd is over and all’s well.”

  He turned away but didn’t miss the relieved look on Dana’s face. Was he really that horrible a boss to work for? He pursed his lips. Maybe he had been. He should be giving her more of a chance. He could remember when he was an eager assistant, wanting to learn more and do more. He was going to remember to be more patient with her and give her more responsibility.

  Heck, he felt like being nice and patient with everyone today. He smiled and whistled while he got to work on the dinner prep.

  Lillian reached for her phone and saw it was Etta Swenson calling from the historical society. “Etta, good evening.”

  “Lil, I hope I’m not bothering you. I know you’re busy getting ready for your wedding.”

  “Of course, you’re not bothering me.”

  “I was doing some research, and I found some information that might lead us to figuring out the owner of the journal you found.”

  “You did?”

  “I looked up the census records, and I found two possible leads for who the author might be. In the 1880 census there was a John Smith with a wife, Matilda and daughter Anna. The ages work out about right for your Anna. The 1890 census was destroyed. But there’s still a John Smith listed in 1900 census, but no wife, no children. Living alone. I assume Clara was born after 1880 and both girls had moved out by 1900.”

  “Really? Well, that gives us something to go on, doesn’t it?”

  “So I did some searching on the cemetery records and there was a Matilda Smith who died in 1886, beloved wife of John Smith and mother to Anna and Clara.”

  “So this John Smith was raising the girls on his own?”

  “I’m not sure. There was a Belle family living next door to them. But no Jane Belle listed. But with the 1890 census missing, she might have been born after 1880 and moved out by 1900. Possibly. At least this is a start. I printed all this out for you.”

  “Thanks, Etta. After the wedding I want to start looking into this more. And I really appreciate your help.”

  “Okay, I’ll help in any way I can. Night, Lil.”

  “Night, Etta.” Lil hung up her phone, went in to her bedroom, and picked up the piece of turquoise sea glass they’d found with the journal. She rolled it over in her palm, wondering why it was hidden with the journal. Wondering about the mysterious Anna. Wondering what happened to her. She really wanted to find answers. She sighed as she set the sea glass back on her night table. For now, she needed to just concentrate on her wedding. After things settled back down, she was determined to solve the journal mystery.

  She went back to the kitchen to make some chamomile tea before heading to bed. Her hip was beginning to ache a bit like it did when a storm was coming in.

  Chapter 14

  On Monday Robin went to the mainland again to find a dress for Lillian’s wedding—and this time she brought Charlotte. Mrs. Gleason was back home and had taken Barney, so at least she didn’t have to worry about what damage he was doing at the bungalow while they were shopping.

  Charlotte pulled out three dresses at the first shop they went into. “Try these on.”

  Robin tried on the first one and loved it. It was very her and comfortable and made her feel… what? Pretty? And she sheepishly wanted to look pretty for Jay… even if she was going to the wedding with Mason. What a mess she’d made of things.

  Charlotte frowned and looked at her. “What’s wrong. You said you loved the dress, but your face says something different.”

  She turned to her friend. “Oh, I love the dress. It’s just… Mason asked me to be his date at the wedding.”

  “Okay, and that’s a problem why?”

  She sank onto the seat beside Charlotte. She hadn’t found the right time to talk to Charlotte about Jay. About what had happened. She’d been keeping it to herself. Taking the memory out like a special keepsake and looking at it over and over. But now she felt the need to talk. She glanced around, then leaned close to Char.

  “Because Jay kissed me yesterday.” A small smile tugged at her lips. “He kissed me a lot.”

  Charlotte broke into a wide grin. “Well, it’s about time.”

  “And he asked me to go to Lillian’s wedding. But I’d already said I’d be Mason’s date.”

  Charlotte’s forehead creased, and she nodded. “Yep, you have a problem.”

  “Though I’m just going with Mason as a date since he doesn’t know anyone in town. There’s nothing serious going on there.”

  “Yet, Jay is going to be jealous.” Charlotte’s eyebrow raised.

  She let out a long sigh. “I know he is. But I can’t do anything about that now. It just is what it is.”

  “You could always explain things to Mason…”

  “Tell him what? That Jay kissed me and my heart swooped to the sky and all I want is to spend more time with him and for him to kiss me again?”

  Charlotte laughed. “Something like that. But maybe not so detailed.”

  “I don’t know. I already told him I’d go with him. It will be okay, won’t it?”

  Charlotte shrugged. “I don’t know…”

  She jumped up. “Anyway, I love this dress. We’re finished here.”

  “Tr
y on the other two before you decide.” Charlotte nodded toward the dressing rooms.

  “But I love this one.” She ran her hands down the fabric.

  “Go.”

  Robin came back out with the second dress on. She loved it, too. “How do you do this? Pick out the perfect dress? I was in this store last week and found nothing.”

  “Now the third.” Charlotte motioned with her hand. “Try it on.”

  She came back out with the third dress. “How am I ever going to decide? I love them all.” She turned around slowly to show Charlotte.

  Charlotte’s forehead creased as she looked at Robin. “I think—if you really don’t have a preference—that I like the second one the best on you.”

  “Perfect, because I love all of them and I’d never be able to make a decision.”

  “It goes well with your eyes and I think we’ll pull your hair up for the wedding. I’ll do a fancy knot or something for you.”

  “I don’t know what we’d do without you, our very own fashion coordinator.”

  She put her clothes back on, bought dress number two, and they headed outside. “Look, there’s the wedding shop. As long as we’re here, let’s pop in there and you can look at wedding dresses.” She pointed at the shop across the street.

  “I don’t know…”

  “Got to start looking soon.” Robin grabbed Charlotte’s hand. “Come on.”

  “Okay, I’ll go to the shop. But then we’ll grab lunch and you’re going to tell me everything about Jay and what happened.”

  They went into the shop, and Charlotte looked through the dresses on display. “I don’t really see anything that looks exactly like what I’m looking for.”

  “How about that one you looked at three times? Over there?” She pointed to a dress on a mannequin.

  “I guess I could try it on.”