Romance: Calmer Tides - A Suspense Romance Novel (Romance, Suspense Romance, Contemporary Romance Book 1)

by Nancy Adams

  He checked his watch again. 12:11. Maybe she wasn't coming. But just as he thought that, there she was. He spotted her off in the distance. Her soft, silky hair blowing in the wind, exposing blue eyes that would make even the deepest of oceans jealous. He noticed the strain on her face, and could tell she was limping again. Not as severely as the day before, but it was still there. He could see it. Maybe she’d rolled her ankle—but then why try and hide it? She wasn't trying to hide it just from him, but from everyone. Which made him all the more curious. And all the more protective.

  A flush of rage surged through him at the thought of someone doing that to her. He’d always hated a bully, and never was one to stand idly by and watch them work. He hoped this wasn't the case with Abby, but if it was, he would make it right. He'd protect her. Just as he had tried to protect Hannah.

  Hannah…. His thoughts trailed off.

  “Ah gringo!” Ricky called. “That her?”

  Eli shook himself back to the present. He nodded.

  “Aye yai yai... you got a lotta work to do man.”

  “Thanks for the vote of confidence, Rick-o.”

  “Hey, all I'm saying is, she doesn't look like someone who’ll be taken easy. You’re gonna have to win that girl over, again and again.” Ricky shrugged, then pointed his spatula at Eli. “But she'd be lucky to have you.”

  The sudden compliment on the tail end of the insult caught Eli off guard, but when he looked over at Ricky he was already back at work. Usually Ricky didn't talk seriously at work, or ever. He showed his love in other ways. Sometimes through insults, but Eli knew he could count on Ricky. That he'd always be there for him when he really needed it. Just like he’d been there for Eli when Hannah died.

  Eli stood up straight, and pretended not to notice Abby approaching, looking over old orders taken from the rush that ended minutes ago.

  Moments later he heard her soft voice.

  “Hey.” Her words sent shock waves through Eli's body.

  “Oh hey! I almost thought you weren't going to come.” He immediately regretted saying that. It showed he’d been expecting her—worse, that he’d been waiting for her. Not a good start.

  If she was disturbed by his statement, she didn't show it. Instead, she gave a grin that twisted Eli's stomach into a pleasant knot.

  He couldn't even understand these feelings himself. He didn’t really know her, and besides, he’d already had his chance at true love. If a second time around was going to be anything like the first, he didn’t want any part of it.

  “No, of course not.” She pursed her lips, then bit down on the lower one. Eli stared, unable to help himself. It had been these little things about Hannah that had driven him mad, too. In the best way.

  Now she was the one who looked unsure. Eli froze, his charm, the natural charisma that usually flowed so effortlessly from his mouth, suddenly absent.

  After what seemed like an eternity, Ricky spoke up.

  “Hola señorita,” he called from the back. “My name is Ricky Jimenez. You can call me Ricky, or Rick-o.” He winked at Eli, who rolled his eyes. “I'm the only one who actually knows how to really cook a good meal around here, so make sure I'm working before you buy.”

  Abby gave Eli a semi-surprised, yet impressed look. Probably amused by Ricky's outgoing personality.

  The simple way Abby's eyes made contact with his was enough to turn Eli's legs into noodles. What was this effect she had over him?

  “It's nice to meet you Ricky,” she called back to him.

  “You as well Abby!” And then he froze. Realizing what he’d just done. Eli shook his head at him fractionally, eyes wide. You aren't supposed to know that. Ricky grinned at him, then quickly put his head down pretending to work.

  Abby looked amused. Which only intensified Eli's embarrassment.

  “How'd he know my name?” she asked. Obviously enjoying the torment she was causing him.

  Eli panicked, his mind completely blank. He laughed a little.

  It sounded forced.

  “Word travels fast in a small town. Not often you get a pretty young lady coming to Treasure Bay for more than a few days.”

  He offered a smile, hoping she bought it.

  “Yeah, definitely.”

  She didn't.

  “Alright” Eli said awkwardly, “what can I get for you on this fine day? We’re running a special. Half off everything except the crab medley.”

  She laughed. “Umm... I think I'll just have a burger and fries.”

  “And to drink?”

  “Water would be perfect.”

  “Alright, coming right up. And don't feel you have to stand here and wait. You can go ahead and sit down over there,” he motioned towards the empty table, now cleared of its improvised sign, “and I'll bring it right over.” He waited, breathless, for her to move. Why did he care so much if she stayed? Why did everything in him need to be near her, as though her very presence was a source of happiness?

  “I appreciate that, but I really need to get back.”

  Eli was crushed. This was the part of love that no one talks about, but happens more often than not. The part that makes you want to crawl up into your bed. To turn off your phone, shut your blinds, and give up on the world. Because, for at least that moment, nothing, and I mean nothing, else matters, except you and your despair and her rejection.

  Wait, love? Was that what he felt? What was happening to him?

  “You sure?”

  Her head started to move, and Eli blurted out a last Hail Mary, “I could always give you a lift back to your work when you're done.”

  God, he hated how desperate that sounded. But he would say it again, given the chance, if it would make her stay.

  “Umm...” His spirits lifted... there was a chance, a hope, a.... “It's okay,” she said, and his hopes crash-landed. He was dejected, and probably looked the part, and Abby must have noticed, since her tone softened as she tried to explain herself.

  He went back into the kitchen and prepared her order, making sure to add enough ice in her water to keep her cool in the hot summer heat, and handing it to her in complete silence.

  “Thanks,” she said awkwardly. The connection seemed lost. All progressed he had worked so hard for was gone. But the worst part? He knew it was his fault. He pushed too hard, too soon, and ended up driving her away.

  Idiot, Eli thought to himself.

  He managed a small wave, and she did as well.

  Ricky walked slowly out from the back. “You okay, gringo?”

  Eli nodded, but he wasn't. His eyes were still fixed on where Abby had stood only moments ago.

  “And, since when are we doing half off specials?” Ricky asked.

  “We aren't,” Eli said. “Not anymore.”

  seven

  AS THE WEEK WENT BY, things began to settle. Abby’s days became routine. She would wake up early, shower and get ready. Melody would make them both hot tea, and they would sit and drink it together before Abby set off for work. She wasn't ever one to neglect exercise, but all this walking up and down the hill was starting to show. Her jeans didn't fit quite as snugly in the waist, and her legs felt much stronger, and she had better endurance. These days she barely noticed now when the hill got steeper just before the turn-in for Melody’s house.

  She was starting to enjoy her job with Chuck, as well. As predicted, the summer season had brought tourists, and a few had mentioned to her that it would be great if someone lead kayak tours around the bay. Abby was quick to offer her services, and Chuck had promoted her on the spot. Even paid her double during the hours she spent on the water, which she hadn’t expected, but was more than thankful for.

  Things with Eli had calmed as well. Just small-talk here and there, nothing more. Eli seemed a lot more withdrawn around her lately, and Abby wondered if that afternoon at the café had anything to do with it. She hadn’t meant to offend him, but staying had seemed to imply she wanted something more than friendship, when he was so obviousl
y flirting with her. And she just wasn't ready for anything more. She hadn’t been rude. But maybe she hadn’t been nice, either.

  She could do that at least, right? Friends were nice... and that was all she wanted, anyways. It wasn’t as though she went out of her way to avoid him, either. In fact, she ate at Splash nearly every day. Usually phoning her order in ahead, though. Kirsten and Ricky were usually the ones who answered the phone, and Abby really enjoyed talking with Kirsten. The girl reminded Abby of a younger version of herself. Naive, bold, and couldn't be told anything. But she was friendly and outgoing, too. Abby wanted to let her know some of the things she wished she’d known herself when she was that age. Things she hadn’t known until it was too late.

  As Abby climbed the final section of the hill towards home, she stopped to admire the view. Things had gotten a little crazy at work today, and Chuck had agreed to pay her overtime if she agreed to stay and help finish taking inventory. She really liked Chuck, and he had done so much for her that she really hadn’t given it a thought. They worked hard, and when they were done Chuck thanked her and told her to take tomorrow off. She wasn't going to complain.

  Now Abby enjoyed watching the last golden rays pierce into the horizon as the sun set behind her. The resolute mountain forcing an early shade as the sun vanished behind it. She wanted to stay there forever, freezing that moment in time to soak in the glory of it all.

  After being fully engulfed by shade, she turned back up the hill and arrived at Melody's doorstep.

  Abby stepped inside, slipping out of her worn-out Converse. She could probably afford a new pair, now—once she received her first paycheck, anyway, which was due soon. Maybe she and Molly could drive to the mall and have some ‘girl time’ like they used to do back in high school.

  Making her way across the living room, she noticed Melody perched in an old rocking chair in front of the large back window. She was reading, swaying gently back and forth, so focused that she seemed to have missed Abby coming in.

  Abby touched her grandmother’s shoulder to gently announce her presence, but it didn't work. Melody nearly fell out of her chair.

  “Oh! You scared me sweetheart,” Melody exclaimed, reaching for her heart. Abby didn't like the way her face strained when she did it.

  “Sorry, I thought you would have heard me come in.”

  Melody closed her eyes. “I… I suppose I didn't. Too focused, I guess.” She smiled softly, and Abby relaxed a little.

  “What are you reading?” she asked, glancing at the cover. Of Mice and Men. “Oh, I love that book! I had to write a book report on it for my final in high school.”

  “Yes, I love it too. Being so strong that you can't control how it affects those around you. Especially the ones you love. It always makes me think.” Melody sat back into the rocking chair, placing a worn out bookmark between the pages, then shutting it and placing it to the side. “How was work?”

  “How was work?” “It was fine. Chuck's been great, such a beacon of light during this storm. When he asked me to work late today, I couldn't imagine saying no. It's not like I ever have plans around here anyway.” Abby took a step towards the couch, moved a cushion out of her way, and made herself comfortable.

  “And whose fault is that?”

  Abby laughed. “I'm guessing you think it's mine?”

  “I do.”

  Abby rolled her eyes.

  “That reminds me.” Melody said. “Molly called today to see if you were free. I told her that you hadn't come home yet, but that I'd let you know to call her when you do.”

  Melody dropped her head backward against the couch. “Another day, I think,” she said. “I’m wiped. I don’t want to do anything except soak for an hour in a hot, soothing bubble bath. I’ll call her back later.”

  “That's not all though,” Melody said. Abby lifted her head. “She also mentioned Eli had taken a liking to you, but that you had been quite cold to him. Is that true?”

  Abby rolled her eyes. Can't tell that girl anything. “I don't think he liked me, Grandma. More was just curious about the new girl in town. I let him know I wasn't interested and that was the end of it.”

  “Oh Abby.” Melody shook her head. Her tone made Abby feel as though she was little girl again, about to be punished for something she’d done wrong.

  “What?”

  “Eli doesn't get to know the new girls. If he's interested in you, there's a purpose behind it. Since Hannah passed, I haven't even seen him look at a girl with intentions other than selling her fries.”

  Abby didn't know what to say. Could her grandma be right? If she was, Abby would feel like a complete fool.

  Melody leaned in closer.

  “Abby, sweetheart, I understand skepticism; it's a valuable asset not many posses. If you really don't feel anything for the man, then that's fine. But don't push him away just because you’re afraid. Fear can stop us from the very best of things. And when we fall, it tries to hold us down. So that we stay stuck, and never move forward.”

  Abby's eyes swelled up with tears. Even though she hadn't even told her grandma everything, Melody still knew the right things to say.

  Her grandma got up out of her chair, and sat down next to Abby. Holding her tightly in her frail arms. “There there, sweetheart. I've got you,” she whispered.

  Abby broke into an uncontrollable sob, and held onto her grandmother for dear life.

  “You have no idea what I've been through though Grandma,” she managed to say through her tears. “I don’t deserve him. I've have my chance, and I wasted it.”

  Melody released Abby so that she could look her straight in the eye. She wiped her tears away, and held her face tenderly in her hands. And with complete conviction said, “Everyone deserves a second chance.”

  Abby fell back into her grandmother’s arms.

  * * * * *

  “That's everything,” a young girl said. She was short, tan, and sported a pair of unfathomably large sunglasses. Eli wasn't judging, just making an observation, like he had been doing all day long. Noticing quirks or characteristics, only to be forgotten as soon as the next customer came up.

  The entire day had been a blur. The flow of customers had been steady. No time to rest or catch up. Orders coming in, food going out. Nothing else but a little witty banter with Ricky. Though Eli was technically here, his mind wasn't. It was somewhere else entirely. In another dimension perhaps—a place of euphoria.

  He slid two new orders over for Ricky, who had been steadily falling further and further behind. “One large Fish and Chips, one clam chowder Bowl,” he yelled.

  “Ey!” was all Ricky mustered back. Focused on speed, not words.

  Eli had called Kirsten half an hour ago, asking if she could come in and help. Which, after a little persuading, she reluctantly agreed to do. It was her day off, but they needed her. He even told her he'd pay her overtime, which ended up being the tipping point in the discussion. She should be showing up any minute now, and not a moment too soon.

  Eli couldn't remember the last time Splash had needed all three of them working to keep up. He blamed the number of tourists, but Eli knew in his heart that wasn't the case. It was him. He didn't have it together today. Really hadn't had it together all week. Ever since his last encounter with Abby.

  When Kirsten showed up, she immediately jumped in taking orders and working the cash register, while Eli moved towards the back, and started helping Ricky catch up on orders. They worked feverishly for the next few hours, until the rush finally died off. And then they were all wiped.

  “Why don't you guys take a little break,” Kirsten said. “Get something to eat. I’ve only been here a few hours; I can handle it here for a bit.”

  Eli thanked her, and didn’t argue. A large grin stretched across her face. She’d finally proven herself to him, and she knew it; Eli saluted her, only half mockingly, then headed out with Ricky.

  They grabbed a couple of hot dogs and headed to one of the tables by the water
to eat them. They didn't usually eat their own food—repetition would have made it boring—but today they gave in. It would be a walk to go anywhere else, so they conceded to convenience.

  They sat in total silence, the gentle breeze cooling their bodies. Three seagulls balanced on the railing, waiting for crumbs. Behind them lay yet another perfect sunset. Eli turned toward it, and wondered how many he'd seen. How many he'd watched with Hannah, holding each other for warmth as the temperature dropped with the light. What he would give to have her here to watch just one more with him.

  A single tear rolled out of his eye, and he didn't try to catch it halfway. He instead let it slip. Falling freely down his cheek.

  After a long silence, Ricky finally spoke. “How you doing, gringo?” He spoke softly, without sarcasm or ulterior motive.

  “I'm alright,” Eli said, still facing the half circle of golden light.

  Ricky sighed, looked towards the sun and then back at Eli. “No, really Eli. How are you doing? It won't help to keep it inside.”

  He had forgotten how well Ricky knew him, how he could sense when things were wrong. Besides Rudy, Ricky was really the only one he could trust and open up to.

  He let out a wheezing laugh. “Not too good Ricky, not too good.”

  Ricky nodded. “I know.

  “You know it's been almost three years? The anniversary is coming up again in June.” Eli shook his head and laughed. Gazing back at the sun, he said, “Where did the time go?”

  “Yeah,” said Ricky. “It does go by too fast.”

  Eli knew Ricky could relate. His wife of 14 years, Marta, had previously miscarried two children, one even making it out into their arms before they finally had their first and only surviving child, Jay. He was eight, now, and thought the world of Eli. He always tried to get Eli to play games with him during Ricky’s summer barbecues. Eli always obliged. He liked kids, and used to hope he would have some of his own. Though that was looking more and more like wishful thinking. He’d probably just have dogs for the rest of his life. But it could be worse.