by Kay Correll
“It was fine. Just a tiny bit rough.”
He climbed off the boat—unassisted by Ben. They all headed down the long dock with Ben by his mother’s side, effectively cutting him out from walking anywhere near her. Okay then.
“Mom, it looks like a storm might be coming in. I’ll drive you and Mischief home.”
No mention of giving him a ride.
“Don’t be silly. We’ll walk back. That storm won’t hit for a bit.”
Ben scowled.
He swore Ben scowled more than anyone he’d ever met. Though, maybe not when Ruby wasn’t around him. Ruby turned to him. “We should probably head back now. It does look like it will storm soon.”
He nodded. He almost took her arm to climb up the step near the shop but decided that wasn’t a prudent move in front of Ben.
“I’ll talk to you soon.” Ruby hugged her son.
“I’ll call you tonight.”
They left the marina and headed down the sidewalk. The tension in him eased the farther they got from Ben’s disapproving scowls.
“I’m sorry about Ben,” Ruby said as if she could read his thoughts.
“What?”
“Ben. He’s being… silly.”
“He’s just being protective.” He grinned at her. “But, seriously, I’m a good guy. He doesn’t have to worry.”
She smiled up at him, her eyes as clear blue as the skies had been on their boat trip. Well, at least the first part of their trip. He glanced up at the sky now. Gray clouds threatened to storm.
Ruby looked up at the sky, too. “Guess we miscalculated how speedy the storm would come in, but that’s Florida for you. We should pick up the pace.”
They got almost back to her house before the storm hit with big splattering drops of rain. He took her hand and they raced the last bit to her house. By the time they got there, they were both soaked. They stepped inside and Mischief shook, tossing drops of water everywhere.
“Here, I’ll get us some towels.” Ruby hurried away while he stood dripping on the rug by her door. She returned with two fluffy towels and he tried to dry off as best he could.
“I’m going to change into dry clothes and see if I can find something dry for you to put on.”
“Oh, I’m fine.” Though his shirt was stuck to his skin, and he had to admit he was a bit chilled.
She came back, dressed in dry jeans and a sweater, and handed him some sweats and a long-sleeved shirt. “These should do. They were…” She swallowed, then thrust the stack of clothes toward him. “They were my husband’s. I haven’t gotten around to sorting through all of his things yet.”
He frowned. “You’re sure?”
“Of course. Go change. The bathroom is down the hall and to the left.”
He hurried down the hall and slipped out of his soaked clothing. He glanced at the stack of her husband’s clothes. Feeling about as self-conscious as he ever had, he pulled on the sweats and dry shirt. They did fit, even if they felt super awkward. Would she look at him standing there in her husband’s clothes and… what would she think?
One way to find out.
He headed back out to the main room. Ruby had lit the fire and was standing in front of it, her hands stretched to the flames. She turned when he entered the room and nodded slightly. “They fit. I thought they would.”
He shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot.
She turned back to the fire. “Not a lot of houses down here have a fireplace, but I love having a fire in the winter. It’s just a gas fireplace, so I don’t have to mess with firewood, but I do love having it to chase off the chill. I grew up in Michigan. We always had a fire going. Real wood up there, but this one works for me for down here.”
He walked up to it, feeling the heat emanating from it. It cast a cheerful glow into the room.
“Here, let me throw those clothes in the dryer.” She took the bundle of wet clothes.
He settled into a chair by the fire, feeling slightly more comfortable, and she soon came back with two cups of hot tea and gracefully sat down in the chair beside him.
Mischief padded over and stretched out by the fire. They sat and sipped the hot tea in silence, but he didn’t mind. It was a cozy silence. A silence that wrapped comfortably around them like a familiar quilt.
He stretched out his long legs, warming his feet by the fire.
Even with the rain, this day still had been the Best. Day. Ever.
Chapter 7
Ruby and David sat by the fire, sipping on hot tea, as the afternoon slipped into early evening. She enjoyed just having him here beside her.
He finally sighed and stood. “I guess if my clothes are dry, I should change and head back.”
She stood, reluctant to see him go. “I’ll go get your clothes.”
After changing in the guest room, he brought Barry’s borrowed clothes back with him and handed them to her. “Thanks for the loan.”
She set the clothes on a chair and turned to him. “Glad I had something dry for you to wear.”
She walked him to the door, and they just stood there for a moment, an awkward silence slicing the air between them. He finally gave her a small smile. “Well, I should go.”
She nodded and opened the door. He walked down the sidewalk and turned back once to wave to her. She stood in the doorway watching him walk down the street.
She finally spun around and went inside, closing the door gently behind her. Sudden emptiness loomed through the house. She shivered and went back by the fire. Mischief looked up at her as she settled in the chair by the fire, picking up Barry’s clothes as she sat down.
She stared at the clothes resting in her lap. She finally unfolded the shirt, holding it out in front of her, then clutching it to her chest. Memories of Barry wove around her, and she could just picture him wearing this shirt, smiling at her, teasing her. She closed her eyes against the memories.
Then there was David wearing those exact same clothes. So strange. Yet, familiar in a way. Anyway, what choice had she had? He’d been drenched. She got up and put the clothes in the laundry room so she didn’t just sit there and hold them, lost in memories. She returned to the fire with another cup of hot tea.
The night stretched out before her. She did okay during the days now. But the nights? They seemed to go on and on. Mischief moved close to her and settled at her feet as if he could feel her unrest. She reached down to scratch behind his ears. “You’re a good one, Mischief.”
The dog closed his eyes and rested his chin on her feet.
Charlotte climbed aboard the Lady Belle. “Ben, you here?” She knew he was. She could hear him banging around inside.
“In here.” His voice drifted out to her.
She slipped into the main cabin that held the kitchen and sitting area. Ben slammed a cabinet door. “I can’t find the soup. I know I bought some tomato soup.”
She walked over to the pantry cabinet, opened it, and pulled out a can of soup. “This one?” She handed it to him.
He scowled. She didn’t like to see him upset. Maybe things weren’t going well with the marina? She wasn’t sure if she should ask him but couldn’t help herself. “Is everything okay?”
“No, it’s not. Mom took a boat out on the bay today. First time since…” He paused, tilted his head to one side, and rubbed his neck. “Since Dad died.”
“That’s good, isn’t it?”
“I would have preferred if she’d let me go out with her. But she took that David guy.”
“But your mom is an experienced boater, isn’t she?”
“Well, yes, but… it’s been a while. And then that storm came up. What if she’d gotten caught out in the storm? Her first time out in years and… it was reckless.”
“Did she get back before the storm hit?”
“Yes… but…” He turned around and rummaged through a drawer, scowling yet again. “Where’s the can opener?”
She opened the drawer with the can opener and handed it to him. He was the one
who’d set up his kitchen. She’d just gotten familiar with it when she’d come over and cook for him.
He opened the can of soup and dumped it into a pot. “You want some?”
“No, I’m meeting Sara and Robin, remember? I just wanted to stop by on my way to Charming Inn and see you.”
He turned to her and opened his arms and she walked into his embrace. “I’m sorry I’m so cranky. I’m glad you stopped by.”
She rested her head against his chest. They stood like that for a few moments before she pulled away. “I’m sorry I can’t stay.”
“No, go have fun with the girls. I’m sure they’ll be better company than I will be tonight.”
She rested her hand on his arm. “It will be okay. Your mother’s a grown woman. It’s okay that she dates. I’m sure it’s hard to see her with someone other than your father—”
“It’s not that,” he interrupted her. Then that scowl came back. “Is it?”
“I don’t know. That’s something you’re going to have to work out on your own. But it’s nice to see her going out and doing things, isn’t it?”
“Yes… but she doesn’t know anything about this guy.”
“But she’s getting to know him. That’s good, right?”
“I’m not sure…”
She kissed him lightly on the cheek, knowing he’d sort this all out sooner or later. She just hoped it was sooner. “I’ve got to run. We still on for tomorrow night? I feel like it’s been forever since we’ve spent a nice evening together.”
“I know. I’ve been so busy at the marina. But yes, dinner here on Lady Belle. It’s a date.”
“Sounds perfect.” She climbed off the boat and headed over to Charming Inn to meet her friends. She hoped she and Ben did actually get to have dinner tomorrow. It seemed like every time they set something up recently for just the two of them, something came up and the date got cancelled.
Sara and Robin were already sitting at a table in the dining room, sipping wine, when she got to the inn. She slipped into the seat across from them. “Sorry, I’m late. I stopped by to see Ben. He’s in a mood.”
“What’s wrong?” Sara asked.
“He’s upset that his mother is seeing some guy, David. I think he’s staying here at the inn. I met him. He seems like a nice guy.”
“David Quinn?” Robin asked.
“Yes, that’s it.”
“He does seem like a nice guy. I was at the desk when he checked in. He’s got a top floor room here for a week or so.” Robin signaled the waitress.
Charlotte ordered a glass of wine. “I think he’s just having a hard time picturing his mother with someone who’s not his father.”
“Ben’s been very protective of his mom since his father died,” Robin said.
“Well, he’s going to have to figure this one out. His mother is too young to be rattling around in that house of hers.” She turned to Sara, ready to change the subject. “So, how’s Noah doing?”
“He’s busy with the Festival of Lights.”
She laughed. “Of course he is. He always has a hand in every festival this town has.”
“And we have lots of them.” Robin grinned.
“I love the Festival of Lights, though. Oak Street looks so lovely all lit up and the gazebo is magical with the lights.”
“It’s like the town has found a way to extend the holiday season through the winter months. Like a winter wonderland.” Sara took a sip of her wine, then waved to someone across the room. “Anyway, I love the festival, but it’s been keeping Noah super busy. I haven’t seen him as much as usual. But we have a date tomorrow night.”
“Ha, so do I. Though I hope Ben will be in a better mood.”
Lillian walked up to the table. “Hello, girls. It’s so nice that you’re all back in town now. Love seeing you all together again. Oh, and Jay made his famous pot roast tonight.”
“Oh, I love his pot roast.” Robin’s eyes lit up.
“I thought you might like to hear that. But I’ve got to go. I’m on hostess duty tonight but wanted to drop by the table to say hi. Oh, more customers, gotta run.” Lillian turned and quickly crossed the floor to greet a young couple standing in the entryway to the dining room.
“She’s recovered quite nicely from her fall and her broken hip.” Charlotte watched Lil walk. She just had an almost imperceptible limp. She turned to Sara. “And just think, if Lil wouldn’t have fallen, you wouldn’t have come back and met Noah and we all wouldn’t be back together again.”
“I’d rather she wouldn’t have had her accident, but I am glad to be back here on the island.”
Robin raised her glass. “To you two finally coming home where you belong.”
“To the three of us.” Charlotte smiled and clinked glasses with her two very best friends in the whole wide world. She was a lucky woman. Very lucky.
Now all she needed was for Ben to figure out how to deal with his mother seeing someone and not be so busy that he kept cancelling their own dates.
Robin watched as Sara and Charlotte left the dining room. She’d told them she wanted to check a few things before heading home. Her job helping Lil with the inn kept her busy, but she loved every minute of it.
Maybe she’d just pop into the kitchen and tell Jay how great his pot roast had been. She cleared a table on her way across the room, always helping out wherever she could, just like Lil.
She hip-checked the door to the kitchen, pushed her way inside, and set the tray of dirty dishes near the sink. The young man they’d hired to help with dishwashing stood by the sink. At least Jay had some help in the kitchen these days. They’d hired a part-time cook a few months back and Jay—occasionally—let the cook actually cook. Using Jay’s recipes, of course.
Jay turned around from where he was mixing up something in a large bowl. A dark-gray t-shirt stretched across his broad chest proclaiming Cooking is My Superpower. He got that right.
He smiled at her. “Well, hello there. Heard you were here with the girls tonight. I wanted to come out and say hi, but we got busy here in the kitchen. Did you have a good time?”
“Fabulous time. Love having them back here. But I just wanted to come tell you how great the pot roast was.”
His chest puffed up with pride. “Thanks.”
“You make the best pot roast on the planet.”
“Nah.”
“Pretty sure you do.”
“Just pretty sure?” He grinned that impossible grin of his.
“Okay, I’m positive.” She leaned against the counter. “Whatcha making?”
“Mixing up some cookie batter. I want to have cookies for tomorrow. If I make them up now and put them in the fridge, I’ll have a jump-start on tomorrow.”
He pretty much lived and breathed cooking for the inn. Lil had been lucky to find him for the chef here.
“Oh, I’ll have to pop in tomorrow for hot cookies.”
“I’m sure you will.” His mouth curved in a quirky smile. “I’m just finishing up here. If you give me a minute to clean up, I’ll walk you back to your bungalow.”
“Sure, I’d like the company.”
Jay finished up, and they got their jackets and headed outside. The night had cooled off, a bit on the chilly side. Well, chilly for this Florida girl. Jay didn’t seem to mind.
They headed down the sidewalk, in and out of the light from the lamps lining the street. A few couples hurried past, each smiling and nodding as they went by.
“What was that for?” Jay’s voice interrupted her thoughts.
“What was what for?”
“That sigh. You just sighed.”
“I did? I was just thinking about today. Nice evening with my friends. Great dinner.”
“I heard it was the best roast on the planet.” He grinned at her.
“It was.” She sighed again. “But… do you ever just get to that point in your life where things are going well and… almost too well. I’m really lucky.” She shrugged. “I just really lo
ve my life these days.”
He paused and looked at her. “It shows.”
She felt the heat of a blush on her face. “I—well, I guess that’s good.”
He reached out and squeezed her hand. “Yes, that’s good, Rob, that’s very good.”
They continued their slow amble along the sidewalk, and she swore that she loved her life more with every step.
Jay was a good friend even if he was impossible and teased her all the time. She was glad he’d come to town and they’d become friends. Their strides matched, and they walked on in perfect synchrony.
Chapter 8
David regretted he hadn’t made plans to see Ruby again. Yesterday had been a great day. Now today, his whole day stretched out before him with no plans at all. He could do his daily walk. Or sightsee on his own and poke around town. He could get started on his ever-growing stack of to-be-read books.
But none of those ideas sounded very appealing to him. Not alone. Not after having such a fabulous time with Ruby yesterday.
He could picture her face laughing. Her excitement at sharing her town with him. Her eyes twinkling. They did honestly twinkle.
When he’d planned this trip, he’d imagined he’d spend all his time alone. But he’d had a marvelous time just being with Ruby. Doing simple things. Walking. Talking. Taking the boat ride. It honestly felt like his heart that he’d kept tightly protected the last few years was beginning to thaw.
What a silly thought. Hearts don’t freeze or thaw. He shook his head at the nonsense. He set his empty cup down on the dresser in his room.
Morning coffee finished. Dressed. Ready. And no place to go.
He shook his head. Since when did he mind being alone? He grabbed a light jacket and shrugged it on over his t-shirt. A brisk walk would do him good. He was kind of getting into this daily walk thing. And he enjoyed walking all over town instead of driving.
And if he just happened to walk down the beach toward Ruby’s house? Well… who knew what might happen?
