by Kay Correll
Ruby turned to Mischief after finishing her second cup of coffee. “So are you ready for your morning walk?”
Mischief raced over and grabbed his leash, bringing it to her and wagging his tail. She laughed. “I guess that’s a yes.”
She grabbed her jacket from the hook by the door, snapped on Mischief’s leash, and they headed out the door. The sun sparkled off the gently rolling waves and a very light breeze ruffled her hair as they set off down the beach.
She had no specific destination in mind… though a walk toward Charming Inn sounded like a good idea. No real reason, though…
She rolled her eyes. Of course, there was a reason. She was hoping to run into David. She’d thought he might make plans with her to do something again, but he’d left last night without saying a word about getting together again.
Of course, she could have asked him to do something, but she just hadn’t quite worked up the nerve. She knew it was perfectly acceptable to ask a man out. Not that she’d be really asking him out. Not like out on a date. But… she could have asked him to do something with her. Maybe grab coffee? Or even just take a walk?
Maybe when they got to the inn, she’d go search him out and see if he wanted to join them on their walk.
“Ruby, hi.”
She’d been so engrossed in her thoughts that he startled her. “David.”
“I guess we both had the same idea about taking a walk on this beautiful morning.” He smiled at her and reached down to pet Mischief. “Hey, buddy.”
“I guess we did.” Go ahead, ask him to join you.
“Mind if I join you two?”
“Not at all. Please, do.” Well, that worked out nicely.
He fell into step beside them, walking back the direction he’d come, but he didn’t seem to mind.
“I had a really great time yesterday, Ruby. From breakfast, to exploring the town, to the boat ride… even getting soaked in the storm.”
“I had a wonderful day, too.”
They got back to the beach in front of the inn and Mischief stopped to sniff some driftwood, so they paused to let him explore. David turned to her. “I was wondering— I mean.” He sucked in a long breath of air. “I’m kind of rusty at this. Let me start again. I wondered if you’d like to go out with me. Like out to dinner. Like on a date.” He laughed. “Obviously, I’m still not very good at this asking a woman out thing.”
Her heart double-beat in her chest. A date. She hadn’t had a date in how long? Not since before she’d met Barry, and that was a very, very long time ago. She’d been a teenager when she’d met Barry. And she was way, way past the teenage state now.
He stood looking at her, patiently waiting for her answer.
“I— Yes, that would be okay.” Okay? It would be okay? Way to give him an enthusiastic reply. “I mean, it would be nice. I’d like that.”
He smiled then. “Good. Great. Tomorrow night work for you?”
“It does.”
“Would you like to come to dinner here at Charming Inn? Or we could go somewhere else. You know the places to eat here better than I do.”
“The inn is fine. I could just meet you here?”
“How about I walk over and get you?”
“Okay.” That terribly enthusiastic word again. “Well, here’s your stop.” She pointed to the inn. “Mischief and I will head back home now, but I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow it is. Six o’clock?”
“Six is fine.” She turned and tugged gently on Mischief’s leash. “Come on, time to go home.” The dog looked at her, reluctant to give up his driftwood exploration. “Come on.” Mischief came to her side.
“I could walk you back to your house,” David offered.
“Oh, that’s okay. We’ll be fine.” She gave a small wave and headed back down the beach. Not running away, really. But at a brisk pace. She needed some time to think. To feel.
A date. She was going on a date.
And her next thought was why hadn’t she said yes to him walking them back home?
When she got back home, Ben was sitting on the steps to the deck. “Where have you been?” He jumped up.
“Out taking Mischief for a walk.” She omitted the part about running into David and taking a walk with him.
“I called.”
“Oh, I must have left my cell phone here at the cottage.”
“Mom, you have to remember to carry it with you. What if you needed something?”
“I’ll try to remember it.” She eyed him. “But you know, we got along for years without always having a phone with us twenty-four-seven.”
“Still, you should take it with you.”
She led the way inside and unleashed Mischief. “Ben, we need to talk. Sit, I’ll make us some tea.”
Ben sat at the table, not looking pleased. She put the water on to boil and slipped into the chair across from her son.
“Ben, I love you dearly. You know that. And I truly appreciate all you’ve done for me since your father died. And you’ve taken over running the marina and you’re doing a fine job of it. But you have to…” She paused and frowned, choosing her words carefully. “You have to let me… live.”
“But, Mom—”
“No buts. I’m going to make my own choices about my own life. I know you’re not thrilled that I’m seeing David.”
“You’re not really seeing him.”
“Actually, I am. I’m going out on a date with him tomorrow.”
“What do you know about him? Did you know he has a son? Is he divorced? I couldn’t find that out. Used to work for Bellington Company. And why is he already retired? Seems young for that.”
“How do you know all of that about him?”
“You’d be surprised what you can find out from a simple search on the internet.”
“You Googled him?”
“I did.” And her son didn’t look like he regretted it.
“David is a lovely man. You shouldn’t be searching the internet for information about him. Besides, we’re… I don’t know… friends, I guess.”
“Everyone does a search on people these days.”
“I don’t.” She shook her head.
“You’ve only known him a few days. He could be some creep or something.”
“He’s nice. I enjoy his company.”
“He’s going to leave soon.”
“He is, but while he’s here, I plan on seeing him and enjoying spending time with him. I’m sorry it upsets you, but…” She shrugged. “I’m still going to see him.”
He let out a long sigh. “I guess I’m not going to talk you out of it, huh?”
“No, you’re not. And you need to quit worrying about me so much. I’m fine. I admit I had a rough time when your father died. But I’m stronger now.”
“I know you are, Mom. You’re one of the strongest women I know. I just… I just don’t want to see you hurt.”
“I won’t be. I’m just spending time with a new friend.” That was all it was. Just enjoying David’s company. It was nothing more. Nothing at all.
And if she kept telling herself that, maybe she’d believe it, because who fell for a person after only a few days?
“Okay, I’ll give you your space.” Ben stood. “But I don’t have to like it. And you still call me if you need anything.”
“I will. Don’t you want to stay and have tea?”
“I better head to the marina.” Ben leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Love you, Mom.”
“Love you, too.” Ben left, and she made herself some tea and sat back down, mindlessly dipping and swirling the tea bag in the cup.
She had a date tomorrow. A date. And she really had no one to tell. Well, Ben knew now, but it’s not like she had a best friend to call and tell. Barry had been her best friend along with being her husband. Oh, they had some couple friends they did things with, but she rarely saw them now that she was single… a widow. How she hated that word. Widow.
Her phone rang, and she answered it
, seeing it was from Charming Inn. Maybe it was David? “Hello?” Her voice sounded breathless.
“Ruby, it’s Lillian.”
“Oh, hi, Lil.”
“A few of us are headed to the community center. An impromptu knitting get-together. You want to join us? Dorothy and Mary will be there, too.”
“You know what? That sounds perfect.”
“I’m going to walk. Want me to swing by and you can walk over with me?”
“Yes, that sounds wonderful.” Wonderful, now there was a word that conveyed enthusiasm. She should have used it when David asked her out.
“Okay, I’ll see you soon.”
She took a few sips of her tea, then set it on the counter. She’d rather go to the knitting group than sit here all alone with her tea and her thoughts.
Mischief was sound asleep in his bed. “I’ll be back soon.” He opened one eye, looked and her, and closed his eye, snoring softly again as she left the room.
She grabbed her knitting project off the chair in the front room and put it in her knitting bag. With a quick look around, she walked out to the deck to wait for Lil.
Chapter 9
Lillian walked out of The Nest, the area of the inn she shared with Sara. Sara had named it when she’d been a young girl growing up here at the inn. The name fit their space perfectly.
She headed to the beach and leisurely walked toward Ruby’s house. The sun was out and lacy clouds drifted above. A pair of pelicans swooped by. Her niece, Sara, had been right. She should take more time off. And a slow walk was good for her now that she wasn’t restricted like she had been after her fall. She still couldn’t believe she’d broken her hip. Old ladies broke their hips. She was still… young.
Or she felt young.
Usually.
She was enjoying spending time with the women at the knitting group at the community center. Her life had been so focused around running the inn for so long that she didn’t have many close friends. Lots of friend-friends though. Hard to live on the island without acquiring lots of friends.
She neared Ruby’s cottage, and Ruby waved and came down the beach to join her with a smile. “I wasn’t sure if you’d come the beach way or the street.”
“I never pass up a chance to walk on the beach.” She adjusted her bag on her shoulder.
“Me neither.” Ruby fell into step beside her and they headed to the community center.
“I was out on the deck at the inn earlier and saw you out on the beach talking with David Quinn. He seems like a nice man.”
“He is—” Ruby paused.
Lillian swore a blush swept across Ruby’s cheeks.
“He asked me out on a date. Tomorrow night. We’re having dinner at Charming Inn.”
“Good for you. That should be a nice time.”
“Well, it seems so strange to be going out—going on a date—after all these years.”
“I’m sure it does, but I’m glad you’re going to do it. We can’t let life get us down and out when it throws us a curve. Like when you lost Barry. That must have been so hard, but look at you now. You’re out and about again. Joined the knitting club. And you got that adorable pup, Mischief.”
Ruby let out a long sigh. “So much has changed since Barry died. I finally feel like I’m coming out of this long slumber in a dark cave or something like that. I could barely function after he died.”
“I think you’re doing admirably after a blow like that. Barry was a good man.”
“He was.”
It had always been obvious that Barry adored Ruby and she adored him. They’d been one of those couples. Still madly in love after years and years of marriage. And his death had been such a sudden shock. She didn’t blame Ruby for hiding out while she recovered.
“I’m not sure I even know how to date.” Ruby let out a nervous laugh.
“Well, I’m sure not the one to ask. I can’t remember the last time I went out. Too busy. But just be yourself, and you’ll be fine.”
“I guess so. I wonder what I should wear? I mean… wow, a date. Me.”
“Just pick out something that makes you feel special. A favorite simple dress, or slacks and a sweater.” Here she was giving advice like she knew what she was talking about.
“You’re right. I’m overthinking this.”
She laughed. “I’m pretty sure overthinking everything is just part of going out on a first date with someone.”
They entered the community center and walked to their meeting room. About half a dozen knitters sat in a circle, needles clicking. Ruby waved to Dorothy, who motioned them over to sit beside her and Mary.
“I’m so glad you two could join us. I had the day off and Mary and I thought it would be nice to see who could join us.” Dorothy moved her bag out of the way so they could sit down.
“I walked over with Lillian.” Ruby sat in the chair next to Mary.
“Oh, it’s a pretty day for a walk, isn’t it? Adam drove us over, but I told him we’d just walk back when we’re finished.” Mary held up a pink baby blanket. “Look, I’m almost finished. I’m putting on the edging.”
“It turned out great.”
“I’m donating it to the women’s shelter in Sarasota. They can always use more blankets for the babies who end up there. And the yarn I used is washable.”
“That’s so nice, Mary.” She should do that, too. Knit for the shelter. She’d poke around in her way-too-large yarn stash and see what washable yarn she might have.
Lillian pulled out her knitting with a flourish. “I’ve almost finished this cabled wrap.”
“That’s lovely, too.” Ruby looked at her almost-finished lace scarf. It was taking forever. It was beautiful, but she was so ready to move onto a new project. One that wasn’t quite so complicated and required so much concentration.
“Hi, ladies.” Noah McNeil walked into the room. “I heard you were doing a last-minute knitting group get-together.” He grabbed a chair, swung it around, and settled on it backward, resting his arms on the chair back. “So… since you all are here. I was wondering if I could ask a favor.”
“Ask away.” Dorothy nodded.
“It’s for the Festival of Lights. Opening night. We’re having refreshments that night. Just coffee, hot cocoa, and I’d love to have cookies to serve, too.” He looked at them expectantly.
“Noah McNeil, are you asking if we’ll make cookies for the festival?” Dorothy looked over the top of her glasses at him.
He grinned. “I am. If any of you could help with that, it would be great.”
“I’ll help,” Ruby offered. She loved to bake but didn’t have anyone to bake for these days. Occasionally she’d make something for when Ben came over, but that was it.
“I’ll help, too.” Dorothy turned to Mary. “Want to help me bake cookies?”
“I’d love to.”
“So if I can chase Jay away from the kitchen long enough one of these afternoons, how about we all come to Charming Inn and we can use our kitchen and bake the cookies?”
“That sounds like an excellent idea.” Dorothy picked back up the sock she was knitting.
“That is a great idea.” Ruby smiled at the ladies sitting around her. Cooking with her friends sounded like a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. And it would help out for the festival. A win-win for everyone.”
“Okay, I’ll talk to Jay and set up a day. I’ll call everyone or text you.”
Noah stood, a self-satisfied grin on his face. “I knew I could count on you ladies.”
“You knew we could never say no to you after all you do for this town.” Dorothy’s lips twitched in a smile.
“I hope I always have that sway over people. It sure helps when I’m trying to work on these festivals. Do you have any idea how many festivals we have a year?” Noah laughed.
“Too many to count.” Lil nodded. “And I love every single one.”
Ruby had to agree with that. Though, she hadn’t been to many recently. That, too, was going to
change. She was going to embrace the town traditions and festivals again.
They all got back to their projects. Dorothy paused and frowned. “You know what? I think we need a name for our knitting group. We met at the yarn shop until it closed. Now here at the community center. But we’ve never had a name for our group. Anyone have an idea for a name for us?”
“Oh, a name sounds like a great idea.” Mary’s eyes lit up.
“Knit Wits? Purl Girls?” Lillian tossed out some ideas.
“Oh, those are good.” Dorothy pursed her lips. “Needle Nerds?”
“That’s clever.” Ruby grinned. “Cable Crew? The Cast-Offs?”
Dorothy laughed. “These are all good.”
“I’ve always wanted to be part of a ‘society’.” A wide grin slipped across Mary’s face. “I’m not sure why. It just seems official or something.”
“How about The Yarn Society?” Lillian suggested. “It does have an official ring about it, doesn’t it?”
“I like it.” Dorothy nodded. “What do you all think?”
“I think it’s a great name,” Ruby said. “We can be Yarnies.”
“Oh, this is perfect.” Mary clapped her hands.
“The Yarn Society it is.” Dorothy picked her knitting back up. “Come on, fellow Yarnies, let’s get back to work.”
And just like that, Ruby was part of a group. A society for what that was worth. She didn’t care what they called themselves, she was just happy to be included. She was starting to feel like she belonged. Belonged to something bigger than herself. A peaceful contentment wrapped around her like a favorite knitted shawl.
Chapter 10
Sara stepped into Noah’s office at the community center and he looked up from his work. A quick smile spread across his face and he jumped up and came around his desk. He opened his arms wide, and she stepped inside, lacing her arms around him. He nuzzled her neck. “Mmm, I wasn’t expecting this.”
“I know. I just missed you.”
“We’re meeting for dinner tonight, aren’t we?” He held her close and she could feel his heart beating. She always felt like she could get her balance, no matter what, if she could just reach Noah’s arms.
