by Abigail Keam
Usually very shy, manatees didn’t make contact with humans as a rule. Eva reached out to touch the sea cow and felt ridges cut into her skin. “You’ve come back,” whispered Eva, knowing that this was the sea mermaid that she and Mike had pulled off the fishing wire. “I wondered if you were all right.”
The manatee softly butted Eva again with her snout and then slowly swam away.
Eva felt that the manatee had blessed her. For the first time in years, Eva felt joy. She turned in the water to gaze at the motel. It was a little colorful gem among the rot of white and beige buildings that dotted Highway 1.
She would be polite and listen to Dennis about rebuilding their life together again. She wanted to be sure as it affected the rest of her life, but how many manatees would she have to opportunity to touch in New York?
She realized that New York didn’t hold magic for her anymore and there was more to life than making lots of money. There was saving gentle manatees and making a home for a bothersome iguana and nosy pelicans. There was offering a clean bed and a calm refuge to people after a long road trip. There was Jenny playing with Snowball. There was swimming in turquoise water as storm clouds hovered above the ocean in the distance. There was watching pink flamingos fly overhead.
None of that was in New York.
Dennis just wasn’t enough anymore.
41
Several months later, Eva was watching workmen install a tall pole that was designed for osprey nests. She knew it might be too late for ospreys or eagles to nest this season, but was hoping for success in the next. She would love to see eagles or ospreys nesting as long as they left her iguana and pelicans alone and stayed to a diet of fish.
After the workmen had finished and left, Eva checked the cat traps. Key Largo had an excess of stray cats, which needed to be neutered or spayed. Eva worked with a local animal agency and captured cats for them. After the animals had been operated on, the agency would release the cats back into the wild.
Eva checked seven traps, two of which held hissing and angry cats and one with a raccoon. Eva let the raccoon out and gave water and food to the cats, reassuring them that they would be fine. She carried the cats up to the office where they would be picked up by the animal agency.
The mailman came into the office and dropped off the mail. He offered to take the cats to the agency since it was on his route and he was a member of its board.
Eva gratefully handed over the crates.
Going through the mail, she discovered an official letter from AAA, which stated that they had given her a high rating and would be including the Pink Flamingo Motel in the next printing of their Florida travel book.
Not only was that was wonderful news, but Eva had a full roster of guests for the next month and others were booking for later months. She was sixty percent full most weekdays, and a hundred percent full on weekends. That was extremely good by hotel standards. She hoped the trend continued and her guests spread the word about her.
Looking at the accounting books, Eva realized that she was actually making a profit.
Ecstatic, Eva was humming when Mike and Jenny strolled in.
“Hey there, guys,” greeted Eva. “What’s up, Buttercup?”
Jenny ran to give Eva a big hug.
“Jenny wanted to say goodbye before she left,” said Mike.
“Leaving? Where are you going?” asked Eva, looking down at Jenny.
“School is out and now the storms will come. I’m going to be with my great-aunt in Orlando.”
“You’ll have a great time, I’m sure. She’ll probably take you to Disney World.”
Jenny nodded with enthusiasm. “I go every summer.” She motioned for Eva to bend down so they could look at each other face to face.
Eva smiled and bent over. “Yes?”
“You must promise me that if the Big Blow comes, you’ll get out in plenty of time. If you wait, you can’t get out,” Jenny warned with all sincerity.
Eva was taken aback by Jenny’s sense of urgency. “I’ll be all right. We might not even have . . . what did you call it . . . a Big Blow.” Eva tussled Jenny’s hair, “Besides, your father will be here to guide me.”
Mike cleared his throat. “No I won’t. I’m taking Jenny to Orlando and then I’m leaving for the summer myself. Got a job south of Ft. Lauderdale. Thought my mother might need a break for the summer.”
“Oh,” replied Eva, somewhat disappointed. She suddenly felt off kilter.
“I’ll be back this weekend to get the Sea Horse. I’m going to live off her while working.”
“I wish you both a happy and productive summer, then. Don’t worry, Jenny. I’ll call you often on your aunt’s cell phone. That way you can keep tabs on me.”
“Promise that you’ll call.”
Eva could see that Jenny was sincerely worried and tried to reassure her. “I’m a big girl and can take care of myself, but I will check in with both you and your father often. You can tell me what you’re doing in Orlando. Your grandmother is down the road if I need help. Before you know it, the summer will be over, and you’ll be back here helping me. Would you like that?”
Jenny’s face broke out into a smile and she looked at her father for confirmation.
Mike nodded.
Giggling, Jenny gave Eva another hug.
“What about Snowball?” asked Eva.
Mike rolled his eyes. “She’s in the jeep with those two tubs of stuff you bought for her. Can’t thank you enough for that.”
Eva walked Jenny and Mike to their vehicle. She gave each one a hug. “You two be careful . . . and have lots of fun for me,” she said while strapping Jenny in the jeep.
“Call me if you need something. I have weekends free. Doesn’t take me too long to get back down here,” reminded Mike.
“Okay.”
Mike grabbed Eva’s hand. “I mean it. Call me if you need me.”
Eva felt a stab of electricity go through her wrist, up her arm and into her chest. She quickly pulled away from Mike. “I promise.”
Mike gave Eva one last look before heading out on the highway and turning left.
Suddenly Eva didn’t feel as confident as she did earlier. “Shake it off, girl. Shake it off,” she said to herself before going back into the office.
42
Eva had checked out the last guest for the day and was giving instructions to the maids when Dennis strode into the office.
He had been flying back and forth to New York for work. Obviously he was back. Eva hadn’t made up her mind yet and had even told him to stay in New York. If she wanted to rekindle their relationship, she would follow, but Dennis wouldn’t budge. He’d fly off for a week or so and then show up again, mostly on weekends. If the Pink Flamingo was full, he’d stay at another hotel but would help Eva during the day. Eva had to admit Dennis was handy and easy going with the guests.
Sooner or later she was going to have to make a firm decision. One day Eva was determined to stay in Key Largo. Then when she saw Dennis, she recanted her decision. This couldn’t go on forever. Eva needed to make a choice.
She couldn’t help but notice how handsome Dennis was now that he had a tan. He was good looking, wealthy, and debonair. He would be a catch for any woman. Yes, he had made a mistake, but a mistake that many men make. And now he seemed to be truly sorry.
Maybe she had been too quick to divorce him. Maybe she should have stuck it out until the bloom had faded from the affair. Maybe part of this mess was her fault.
“Got a moment,” he asked.
“Sure,” replied Eva.
Dennis wagged his finger and jaunted outside.
Eva followed and found Dennis standing beside a new black Mercedes convertible. “What’s this?”
“Your new car.”
“My new what?”
“Your new car,” repeated Dennis, dangling the keys. “My gift to you. I thought we could take a leisurely drive up to New York and see the sights like an old married couple.”
Dennis’ smile disappeared. “I thought you would love it.”
“I do. It’s beautiful, but black cars are impractical in Florida due to the heat and I’m not ready to leave.”
“Dump this dump, will ya! Our life is in New York.”
“I just got the motel on her feet. She needs more time. I need more time.”
“Okay, Evie. Have it your way. I will wait as long as it takes, but don’t string me along. Even I have some pride left.”
Eva squeezed Dennis in a bear hug. “It’s a beautiful car. I thank you so much but I can’t accept it at the moment.”
Dennis threw the keys into the air and caught them. “Then I will have to drive this magnificent machine until you feel comfortable to accept. I refuse to take it back. To do so would admit defeat and that’s not me.”
Eva could tell that Dennis really loved the car and wondered if he had sub-consciously bought it for himself. Maybe she should go ahead and tell him that she felt the pull of the Keys stronger and stronger each day.
Eva was not sure if she could live without the sun anymore.
43
Dennis came into the office wiping the grease from his hands on an old rag. He had just been in the laundry room repairing the dryer, which had gone on the blink.
Eva had to admit that Dennis was saving her money. Even when she tried to pay him, Dennis refused and said it was the least he could do for her. He was making it very hard for her to let him go . . . permanently.
“It’s really windy out there,” announced Dennis. He looked in a mirror to straighten his hair.
Eva stepped outside and looked around. It was indeed more windy than usual. She walked across Highway 1 to the ocean side and could see the sea was choppy. Hmmm, thought Eva. She turned and went back to the motel. This time she went to the bay. It too was choppy, which was very unusual for the bay side.
Concerned, Dennis watched her return deep in thought. “What is it?”
“I think I better turn on the weather station,” replied Eva, looking at the sky.
The sun was shining brightly in the brilliant blue sky. Not a cloud could be seen.
“It’s probably just a squall, but better safe than sorry.”
“What’s a squall?” asked Dennis.
“Nothing for you to be concerned about.”
Not convinced, Dennis ran out and raised the roof on his Mercedes convertible. He was not taking any chances, squall or no squall.
44
Eva checked the local radio station, which stated that a tropical depression was headed their way. She then went on the computer and saw the same message. Giving a sigh of relief, Eva went about her business. Tropical depressions were something she could handle. A hurricane was a different matter.
Her guests stayed close to the motel, swimming in the lagoon or the pool. The ocean was too choppy to go snorkeling or kayaking. The deep-sea fishing and diving boats were still running, but Eva noted that more and more boats were coming in and docking.
When she noticed that one of her deck chairs had blown into the bay, she retrieved it and studied the sky again. It looked gray and angry now. Eva went back in the office and turned on the radio. It was still saying a depression had formed and was heading for the Keys.
Eva felt uneasy. She not only had the Pink Flamingo to think about, but her guests as well. Her clients depended on her for their well-being and safety while they were staying at the Pink Flamingo. Eva didn’t want to get them caught in something that was dangerous.
She got in her truck and drove over to Aussie Jack’s.
There were more cars than usual for the daytime she noticed as she parked. Looking around back, Eva saw a parade of boats of all types tied up at the dock.
She spied Jack storing cases of soft drinks in his storage shed.
“Hey there, Sheila,” teased Aussie Jack.
“Hello,” greeted Eva smiling. “Can I bother you for a beer?”
“Sure thing. Let’s go inside, though. Too windy out here.”
Eva followed Aussie Jack to the bar inside the restaurant. He quickly poured her drink and then joined Eva on a barstool.
The restaurant was packed.
“Business sure is brisk,” commented Eva, looking at all the customers, “as is the water.”
“Gets this way every time there is a storm. Guys go out fishing, water gets too choppy, and they come here and drink the rest of the afternoon away. I don’t mind the storms. They’re good for business. At least, my business.”
Eva took a sip of her drink. “That’s why I’ve really come, Jack. Do I have . . . do we have anything to worry about here? This is my first storm.”
“Ah, a virgin. Nope. Winds are below thirty-nine mph. I don’t even bother to put up shutters for that little bit of wind.”
“Do you think it could change?”
“Definitely. It could change any moment to something more serious or it could just blow itself out. Most of the time, these storms knock themselves out by the time they reach shore. Nothing at all.”
Eva sighed with relief. “Thanks. The dark sky and the water were starting to freak me out. I’m sure you’re right. The storm will blow itself out.”
“Keep your radio on, just in case. It can change really fast, but usually it’s nothing.”
Eva drank the last of her beer. “Thanks again, Jack. I was about ready to throw everyone out and leave on the first bus myself.”
Aussie Jack winked at her. “Since you’re a virgin . . . if I think things have taken a turn, I’ll let you know. But you still keep listening to the radio.”
“Will do.”
Eva felt more assured now that Aussie Jack would warn her if he felt the situation called for it, but she wished that Mike was still in Key Largo.
She really needed him.
45
Mary phoned Eva later that day. “Do you want to stay with me, Eva? I know that a first storm can be unnerving, to say the least.”
“I’m all right. Dennis is here with me. We’ve taken all of the necessary precautions.”
There was silence on the phone for a moment, then Mary said, “I’m going to my sister’s tomorrow morning. I’ll stop in before I head out.”
“That would be great. Have you heard from Mike or Jenny?”
“Jenny is the reason I’m leaving. She’s having a fit. Expect to receive a call from her soon. She wants you to leave the Keys.”
“Mike?”
“He’s checking in every four hours. Says the water in the marina is very choppy. Good thing he doesn’t get seasick.”
“Yes, well, I’ve got to go, Mary. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Have a bag packed, just in case, Eva. Who knows? You might want to get out with me.”
“We’ll see. Thanks Mary, but I’ve got a guest here now. Gotta go.”
Eva hung up the phone and turned her attention to her guest. For several hours she didn’t even think of the storm, she was so busy.
That would prove to be a big mistake on her part.
46
By nine that night, the depression had been upgraded to a tropical storm, but it was still far out in the Atlantic. She followed its progress on the computer. It seemed to be moving to the left of the Keys and going out into the Gulf. Still she checked every hour where it was located. Finally around midnight she fell asleep at her computer desk.
That was another mistake.
47
Eva was awakened by a banging on the office door.
“Eva. EVA! OPEN UP!”
Wiping the sleep from her eyes, Eva rushed to the office door and swung it open.
Rain was battering Aussie Jack as he stepped inside. Water slid off his raincoat and drenched the floor.
“What is it?”
“I just talked to the mayor. There is going to be an evacuation order. The storm turned into a hurricane and it’s heading this way.
It’s already a three and might turn into a four.”
“Oh, no!” exclaimed Eva. She felt a sudden stab of fear.
“The hotels are being evacuated first. Get your people up and out before the roads clog up and make sure as soon as you check out your last guest, you get out, too.”
“When is it going to land?”
“Not until after nightfall, but you need to get out now before the roads flood. My family has already left. I’m going to join them as soon as I get the pets. My wife didn’t have room in her car. Now promise me you’ll get out this morning.”
“Thanks, Jack, for letting me know.”
Aussie Jack gave Eva a strange look. He noticed that she did not promise him. “Well, I’ve done all that I could for you. Get out, Eva. Get out.”
Eva shook his hand and watched as he left. After making sure that Jack got into his car safely, Eva then called Dennis. He was staying in Bungalow Two, his favorite, and she told him to come to the office pronto. As soon as she hung up, she began to call the occupied bungalows.
Eva remained calm while she explained to her irritated guests that an evacuation was ordered and they needed to check out and leave ASAP.
Within twenty minutes, frightened guests were returning their old-fashioned keys and leaving in haste. Although the sun was rising, the dark storm clouds and battering rain made it almost impossible to see. Eva cautioned everyone to drive with care and that policemen were already out on Highway 1, helping motorists leave the Keys.
By the end of the hour, everyone had checked out and had beaten the crowd getting out of Key Largo.
Eva felt her heart beat slower.
