“I’m fortunate, I suppose. My parents are doing well in Florida, and I’ve got a brother in Lansing and a sister getting ready to go to college.” Kelly wasn’t entirely sure what else to say. It wasn’t a situation she’d have to deal with, though she dealt with plenty of families at work in a similar situation. “Here’s my cabin. Thanks for the company, and I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.” Kelly hesitated, confused by the desire to kiss Josie good night.
“Yes. I’ll see you tomorrow. Sleep well.” Josie walked backward for a few steps, her expression unreadable, before she turned and waved over her shoulder.
“You, too.” Kelly watched Josie as she turned and walked out of sight. Why is she still single? Kelly knew it was her wishful thinking that Josie was single. She very well might not be, but she hadn’t seen anyone other than Ruth at the lodge. Josie’s lover could be away, or maybe they didn’t live together. She decided speculation would get her nowhere. She’d just have to ask Josie. She was done dating unavailable women. She wanted someone to settle down with and share a life. She sat on the small couch in her cabin and propped her feet up on the coffee table. Longing for Josie to sit next to her and snuggle was fruitless fantasy until she found out if she was available. She picked up a book and set it back down. Between the long drive, the hot tub, and the stirrings Josie elicited, she was pooped. It had been a good day and she intended to enjoy every one of her vacation days. She turned up the heater in the living room and got ready for bed.
Chapter Eight
Kelly checked her GPS for the third time before disconnecting it in frustration and pulling into a gas station to find a map. “Hello?” She leaned to search the empty space behind the counter. “Is anybody here?” She turned back toward the entry door at the sound of the bell.
“Well, hello.” A tall auburn-haired woman, lean and hot in a beige uniform, stood grinning at her from the door. She stood three inches taller than her in her leather work boots. “Luke’s out back. He’ll return in a minute.” She offered her right hand and Kelly took it. “My name’s Barbara, but please call me Barb.”
“It’s good to meet you, Barb. I’m Kelly, and I’m looking for a map.” She released Barb’s hand to turn and look for Luke.
“I’m sure Josie had maps of the island for you at the lodge, didn’t she?”
“How did you know I was staying there?” Kelly shifted from foot to foot, slightly uncomfortable with Barb’s familiarity.
“Drummond Island might be two hundred fifty square miles, but there’re only about a thousand year-round residents, and I’m one of only a few conservation officers. I pretty much know all of the rental property owners, and I guessed you’re probably from her group.” Barb flashed a smile, softening her angular features. “Where do you need to go?”
“It’s a new nursing home opening in June.”
“Ah. Just keep heading east on 134, the road you came in on. It’ll be called East Channel Road, too. You’ll see the facility on the right just before you get to the road to the airport.”
“Thank you. I planned to use my GPS, which ended up sending me on a wild goose chase.”
“Yeah. It happens often on the island. Put in the airport’s address and you’ll be fine.”
Kelly left the station without meeting Luke, but she wouldn’t soon forget the sexy conservation officer. She began to wonder about Drummond Island as she walked back to her car. First Josie and now Barb. Two of the sexiest women she’d met in a long time, and she had to drive three hundred and fifty miles to find them.
She drove another ten minutes before she saw the facility’s large granite sign. Kelly understood why the company had chosen this site as she followed the winding driveway to the one-story brick building nestled in a stand of pines. The area exuded serenity. She took a moment to appreciate the fresh air and peacefulness before proceeding to the entryway. The doors opened to an enormous, fully carpeted common room, with a grand piano positioned in one corner. Comfortable-looking upholstered couches and chaise lounges faced the piano, and a large screen TV, affixed to the wall, was easily visible from anywhere in the room. A number of tables with chairs strategically placed for easy access filled in the middle with plenty of room for wheelchairs.
She continued past the unoccupied desk she presumed would be the check-in point for visitors, and the scent of new carpeting faded as she wandered through the empty tiled hallways. She peeked inside the swinging doors leading to the kitchen and noted the stainless steel appliances. No expense spared here. The empty hall, lined with empty rooms on either side, had a well-positioned wide hand rail on both sides and nurses’ or aides’ stations located on each end. The building’s design consisted of two squares with an adjoining hallway. The rehab portion of the facility on one side and the long-term care portion on the other. She wondered how long it would take to fill the numerous rooms.
She retraced her path toward the maintenance room, disturbed by the lack of personnel. Where’s the security in this place? She pulled out her phone when she returned to her car and tried Janis’s number. She’d been warned about the spotty cell phone service, and the warnings held true. She was supposed to be on vacation anyway. She’d deal with the unlocked doors when the time came. The building was new and clean and appeared to be ready for residents. She found herself looking forward to the challenge of starting up a new facility. She’d be part of bringing safe, reliable care to those who needed it. She drove back to the lodge feeling optimistic and with thoughts of a soak in the hot tub.
The first thing Kelly saw when she pulled into the parking area was Josie, who was facing one of the cabins and waving her arms over her head.
“Hey, Kelly.” Josie trotted toward her.
“Hi, Josie.” Kelly unsuccessfully tried to ignore her solid body and the slight sway of her breasts.
“I just wanted to let you know I’ve installed a few security lights around the place this morning. I’ll let everyone know when I see them, but I’d appreciate it if you’d let them know when you talk to them.”
“Sure. Must be what all your gesticulating out here was about.”
“Gesticulating, huh?” She chuckled. “Yeah. I’m testing the range of these things.”
“Have fun. We’re all meeting in the lodge soon to review our plans for the day, so I’ll tell the group. First, I’m heading to the hot tub.”
“Enjoy. Oh…by the way…there’s no spotlight in the hot tub area. Only two around the outside perimeter.”
She smiled and Kelly’s breath caught. She really needed to find out if Josie was single. She didn’t pay much attention to the cruiser pulling into the lot as she went into her cabin to change. Thoughts of the new facility ran through her mind, and as much as she was trying not to think about work, she couldn’t help it. A long soak could clear her head and leave space for the fun she could have today with her friends. Fun was something she hadn’t had in way too long.
* * *
“I don’t know where he came from, Barb.” Josie and the conservation officer sat in Josie’s office. “He only told me his name, Abe Bernstein, and he wanted to buy the place. He said he used to hunt with someone named Jack who owned this place. I told him I didn’t know who Jack was, and I was the owner. Then he left in a huff. When he came back the second time, I told him again that I didn’t want to sell and mentioned the Mulligan place for sale. He said he wanted this property but didn’t say why. He gives me the creeps.”
“Huh. I wonder if he’s looking for Jack Moor. He used to own the hardware store in town, but he sold out years ago. I’ll certainly keep an eye out for anybody suspicious, but it’d be a good idea to make a report with the police. They can send a patrol by a couple of times a week for you.” Barb sat in a chair opposite Josie and rested an ankle on her knee.
“Sounds good. Abe also said that it would be ‘worth my while’ to sell to him. He’s an oddball.”
“What were the dates you found the disruptions?” She pulled a notepad and pencil out of
her shirt pocket and made notes. “Got it. I’ll make sure the state police have this information. On a lighter note, congratulations on your first group here.”
“Thanks. They just arrived yesterday, but they’re a great bunch. My grandmother loves them.”
“Kelly sure is a looker. Do you know anything about her?” Barb lowered her foot and leaned toward Josie.
“Not much. I know she’s a nurse, and she’s here alone with a group of friends. When’d you see her?” Josie frowned.
“This morning. I ran into her at Luke’s gas station. She was looking for the new nursing home up on 134. I guess it makes sense if she’s a nurse.” Barb stood and put her notepad away. “I’d better get back to work. I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for anything suspicious for you.”
“Thanks. I’ll walk you to your car. Hey, don’t forget the powwow this weekend.” Josie waved as Barb drove away. Her unbidden reaction to Barb’s interest in Kelly bordered on protective or possessive, maybe jealous, and was totally unlike her. She shook off the unfamiliar reaction and headed to the lodge to check on Nooko.
* * *
Kelly stepped behind the privacy screen to change into her jeans and sweatshirt. The warm water had relaxed her to the point of grogginess, so she splashed her face with cool water from her water bottle before heading to the lodge. Ruth sat in one of the leather chairs facing Josie on the couch.
“Where is everyone?” she asked.
Josie indicated the empty seat next to her. “I don’t know. Nooko and I’ve been here drinking tea and talking about the powwow. We haven’t seen anyone.”
Kelly took Ruth’s hand and squeezed gently. Warm. “It’s good to see you again, Ruth.”
“It’s good to see you, too, Kelly. Did you sleep well last night?”
“Like a baby. I love how dark and quiet it is here.” She sat on the opposite end of the couch from Josie and put her feet up on the coffee table. “And this sure beats working.” She tipped her head back and closed her eyes. “I suppose they’ll be here eventually.” She opened her eyes and turned toward Josie. “Do you have plans for this afternoon?”
“Just sitting here feels pretty good for now.” She toed off her shoes and propped her feet up next to Kelly’s. “I finished installing motion detectors on the parking lot and porch lights today. Let me know if they disturb you, please.”
“Sure. You’ve been busy. You put in security lighting, huh?” Kelly wondered if Josie was worried about something specific. It seemed like an awfully safe place, out in the middle of nothing as it was.
“Yes. It was something I’d planned to do weeks ago, but I just didn’t get to it. It lowers the price of my insurance, too.”
“Ah. Makes sense.” She closed her eyes and rested her head on the back of the couch, but restlessness soon had her shifting again. “I didn’t drive all this way to sit around. As good as this feels, I’m going to take a walk to the water. I haven’t seen it up close yet.” Kelly sat up and bent to put her shoes back on. She couldn’t remember where the girls had said they’d go today, but she was okay with being on her own.
“Take Kelly on a tour, honey,” Ruth said. “Show her the boats and the fish cleaning hut. And don’t forget the path along the water by the leaning pine.”
“The leaning pine?” Kelly asked.
“It’s an old pine tree grown out over the water. Good idea, Nooko. Will you be okay here alone?”
“I’ll be fine. Your friends will be here soon. I’ll keep them company.” Ruth waved them away.
“I’ll pass on the fish cleaning hut,” Kelly whispered.
Josie chuckled. “No problem.”
Kelly slid her hands into her jean pockets, surprised to again want to grab Josie’s hand as they walked. She looked forward to seeing the sights Ruth had been so excited about, and pushed aside the unfamiliar feelings. They could be dealt with later.
Chapter Nine
“This is gorgeous.” Kelly stepped over a fallen branch on the path as she and Josie reached the water’s edge. The water sparkled in the late morning sunshine, and she watched a few small fishing boats bob on the gentle waves. “It’s peaceful.” She took a deep breath, catching the scent of fish and fresh water grasses.
“Yeah, it is. I never get enough of it.”
Kelly turned to Josie and caught her pensive gaze. “You said you grew up on this island. Did you always live on this land?”
“Pretty much. We lived in a small Indian hutment for a few years after I was born. But we moved to this lodge when my grandfather finished building it. I only have vague memories of the Ojibwe community.” Josie smiled and pointed toward a small bench Kelly hadn’t noticed nestled in the brush.
The view was even better from the new spot, and as they sat quietly, Kelly had the surreal feeling of being transported back in time to when canoes lined the wooded shore. “I wasn’t sure what to expect when Debby suggested this vacation. I just wanted to support a lesbian-owned establishment and get away for a while. I had no idea this gem existed.”
“Had you never heard of Drummond Island?”
“Oh yes. But I always thought of it as far away up north where they get five feet of snow. I guess I’ve pretty much lived in my own little world of work and riding my horse.” She shifted on the seat and her leg nestled against Josie’s.
Josie glanced at their legs but didn’t move away. “Where do you ride your horse?”
“There’s a fairground near my house where I ride in barrel racing and gymkhana events. Debby and Kristen participate as well. I love it.”
“So, you’re a nurse who loves to ride her horse and…lives alone? No one special in your life?”
Kelly hesitated, surprised at the personal question, but intrigued. “No. No one special. I was going to ask you the same thing. Why do you live here alone with your grandmother?”
Josie chuckled. “I’m totally single and have no plans to change.”
Kelly stifled her unexpected disappointment. She wanted to know, and now she did. Josie was single but unavailable. “No desire to find a love to spend the rest of your life with?”
“None whatsoever. Is that what you’re looking for?” Josie’s tone held only curiosity, no judgment.
“It is. I love my horse, and I love my friends, but I feel there’s a piece missing. I want someone to come home to after work. Someone special to feel next to me in bed and to wake up with in the morning. Someone to share a love and a life.” She scanned the expanse of water and wondered for the umpteenth time if maybe she was expecting too much. “Don’t you ever get lonely?”
“I’m too busy to get lonely. I’ve spent my life either working at the cabins or going to school. I’ve dated some, but found I’m not relationship material. You ready to head back? Your friends might be looking for you.” Josie stood, surprising Kelly with her abrupt withdrawal. I guess that subject’s off-limits.
“You’re right. Thanks for showing me all this. It’s nearly as good as the hot tub.” Kelly took one more look over the water before following Josie back to the lodge. When they got back, she decided to head to her cabin for a minute or two to chill out. She’d kind of hoped for a connection with Josie, and now that she knew that was out of the question, she wanted to push away the defeated feeling before she rejoined the group. It’s not like I’ve lost a soul mate. Geez.
She smiled at Josie when she went her own way, hoping she didn’t look as disappointed as she felt.
* * *
The group of women had pushed three tables together and sat on either side with Nooko on one end.
Josie stopped to watch the interaction for a moment after Kelly went to her cabin and wondered if she would be back to join her friends. She shook off a cloak of melancholy, realizing that even if Kelly wasn’t a guest at Harlow’s by the Bay, she’d have to keep her at arm’s length. There was no way she’d get involved even for a night with someone set on commitment. There was no one and only true love for her. Kelly was sexy and enticing, b
ut totally off-limits.
She fought against the bombarding memories. She understood about missing pieces. Her own anguish at the abyss left by the loss of her mother barely compared to the devastation it caused to her father. The love they’d shared and all their future plans had been snatched away in an instant by a senseless accident. She wouldn’t take a chance of living through such loss. If she never allowed herself to fall in love, she’d never have to go through the pain of losing it. Or of putting someone through the devastation of losing her. Loneliness she could live with; that pain of loss, she couldn’t.
She concentrated on her other lodgers and her nooko. “Hi all.” She stepped behind her grandmother and rested her hands on her shoulders. “Looks as if you’re all enjoying yourselves.”
“Did you have a nice walk, Joslyn?” Nooko smiled the innocent smile Josie recognized when she was holding something back or plotting something.
“I did, and Kelly loved the leaning pine. Thanks for suggesting it.” She ignored Nooko’s sly smile.
“You saw Kelly?” Debby asked.
“Yeah. She was in the hot tub earlier. I took her by the water, and then she went back to her cabin. By the way, I wanted to let you all know I installed a few security lights on the property. None in the hot tub area but around it, and day and night sensors on the porch lights, so please let me know if they bother you.”
“Oh, we will,” Kristen said. “So far everything’s great. We’re going into town tonight to one of the restaurants you recommended. The ten percent discount coupon you gave us is great.”
“I’ll go bang on Kelly’s door and let her know what time we’re leaving. Be right back.” Debby kissed Alex lightly before heading out the door.
“Are you comfortable, Nooko?” Josie worried her grandmother was pushing herself to try to help at the expense of her own comfort.
Love Came Calling Page 5
