“Oh, yes. I’m enjoying everyone’s company. Did you know Jaylin’s a veterinarian? And Debby’s a pharmacist and does barrel racing. And Dana and Maria own their own businesses, like you. I’m getting to know everyone, dear. Why don’t you join us?”
“Maybe I will later. Right now, I’m going to stop in the office. Just call if you need anything.” Josie appreciated the group being so kind to her nooko, but she doubted they’d want her around all day, every day. She’d need to find something to occupy her.
Josie checked the locks on the doors and checked for any signs of tampering with her safe. The note from Abe and his visits disturbed her. She couldn’t figure out why he wouldn’t take no for an answer. She couldn’t prove he was responsible for the upturned chairs and tipped-over firewood, but she was convinced he was behind the incidents.
She stopped at the two empty cabins to make sure they were ready for the occupants arriving Saturday, and she hoped this group was as easy as Kelly’s. From the front, the cabins looked to be in good shape, she walked to the back door of the first one and froze. The bottom corner pane of the multipaned door window was broken out. She pushed the unlocked door open and fleetingly thought perhaps she should call for help. She surmised there’d be no reason for anyone to harm her, and it could’ve been bored kids creating mischief. She’d have to replace the window before Saturday, though. She shouted as she entered, just in case, but froze in shock when she looked around. The place was a mess. The kitchen drawers had been pulled out and set on the floor, their contents strewn from one end of the kitchen to the other. The plates were removed from the cupboards and spread over the kitchen table, though thankfully they hadn’t been broken. The bedsheets and covers had been taken off the beds and thrown to the floor. She didn’t see anything taken, only messed up. The unbroken plates set haphazardly on the table were weird, and the drawers had been set on the floor, not flung and destroyed. Very odd. She hurried to her office to call the police and Barb before grabbing her camera to head back to take pictures. It was early evening before she returned to the lodge after taking plenty of photos. The police had said to leave things alone until they could come out the next morning, so she had.
Nooko sat alone in one of the chairs by the fireplace. A healthy fire blazed spreading warmth throughout the room. She gave a silent thanks to whoever stoked it before leaving for dinner. “Hey, Nooko. Everyone gone?”
“Oh, hello, dear. Yes, they just left. They asked me to go with them. Can you imagine? I thanked them, but I knew you had baked chicken for us tonight. Can we eat now?” Her nooko stood and grabbed her cane.
“Let’s eat out here tonight.” The temperature had dropped outside and the fire felt heavenly after spending time in the cool cabin.
She filled their plates and relaxed with her nooko.
She washed dishes and cleaned up after dinner before allowing herself to reflect on the damage to one of her cabins. She made sure Nooko was settled in front of the fireplace before she went to her office. The vandalism could certainly have been done by kids, but the more she thought about it, the more she considered it the work of Abe. He’d denied any pranks when she’d confronted him, but he would. Even if she could prove he was here, probably the most he could be charged with was trespassing and maybe breaking and entering for the cabin. She reviewed the pictures she’d taken and locked them away in the safe before locking up and heading to bed.
Chapter Ten
“No. I didn’t find anything missing. Whoever did this just tossed things around. It’s what makes me think about mischievous teenagers. But I believe you have a note in your files about a man named Abe Bernstein who I believe may be responsible for this. I’d appreciate it if you look into it.” Josie gave a statement to the police officer, hoping he’d hurry. She wanted to finish readying the two empty cabins for her upcoming lodgers, but she hadn’t touched the mess or fixed the broken window in fear of disturbing any evidence. She fidgeted and waited for him to finish his notes. She worried Kelly’s group might return from their outing and see the police car in the lot.
“I’ll file this report and make sure we send a cruiser out to patrol daily. Let us know if you have any more trouble.” He gave her a copy of the signed paperwork before leaving.
Josie breathed a sigh of relief and quickly replaced the broken glass pane as soon as she got to the cabin. Nooko had told her the couple with the dachshund had gone fishing and the others had taken the other two dogs hiking and swimming. She supposed Kelly had gone hiking as well, but she’d taken her own car. She allowed herself a short fantasy of joining Kelly in the hot tub when she returned. She’d never imagined anyone loving the hot tub as much as she did, but Kelly’s enthusiasm for it even beat her own. She continued the daydream of bubbling water and Kelly stretched beneath her writhing in orgasm for a few more minutes before getting back to work. A little harmless fantasy couldn’t hurt as long as she kept it as only a fantasy.
She took a break for lunch and returned to the lodge to check on Nooko. She went to the kitchen first, thinking she might be fixing sandwiches, but she was nowhere to be seen. She checked her bedroom and bathroom, quickening her pace as memories of finding her on the floor surfaced. She opened the door to the hot tub area puzzled by the sounds of laughter drifting out of the room. She peeked in the door to see Kelly standing in the middle of the six-person tub supporting Nooko, who floated on her belly giggling. Both women laughed as Nooko splashed and kicked. Kelly glanced up at her and winked, and a flood of longing flowed from her head to her toes.
“You guys are missing lunch, you know.” Josie stood with her hands on her hips in mock annoyance. “I’m making turkey sandwiches to go with fresh coleslaw. You’re welcome to join us, Kelly. I’ll be in the kitchen.” She grinned and shook her head as she left. The excitement at the thought of sharing a meal with Kelly took her unawares. And the look of innocent joy on Nooko’s face was something she didn’t remember seeing in a very long time. It made her heart warm. It wasn’t long before they joined her.
“This is great. Thanks for inviting me.” Kelly pulled a chair out for Nooko before sitting at one of the tables in the lodge.
“You’re welcome. Thanks for entertaining Nooko.”
“It wasn’t entertainment, dear.” Nooko spoke, looking serious. “It was exercise. Kelly’s a nurse, you know, and she has a list of strength and balance movements for me to try.”
“That’s great, Nooko. You’ll have to show them to me so I can help you when Kelly goes home.” She set out paper plates and a tray of sandwiches on the table. “Help yourself.” She put a sandwich on one of the plates and cut it in half before placing it in front of her grandmother.
“How come you’re not out fishing or hiking with the others, Kelly?” Josie asked.
Kelly scooped some coleslaw onto her plate and furrowed her brow. “I’m not into fishing, but I love the idea of floating on the water with my face to the sun, cooled by a soft breeze. I could get into lying back gently rocking with the waves, listening to the lapping of the water against the side of a boat.”
Josie squashed the picture in her mind of Kelly lying with her arms stretched and her head in Josie’s lap as the warm tendrils of sunlight skimmed over her naked body, the ebb and flow motion of the boat matching their rising passions. She cleared her throat and squirmed in her chair. “Sounds pretty nice to me.”
“Me, too.” Nooko smiled, looking wistful. “I wouldn’t mind a little boat ride.”
“Let’s go after lunch. It’s a beautiful afternoon, and your group’s only using one of the boats.” Josie looked at Kelly, thrilled at her smile and enthusiastic nod. It had been a spontaneous offer, but they both looked so happy she’d gladly have made it again. “Good. You guys lucked out with the weather, by the way. It was rainy and cold this week last year.”
Kelly grinned. “It wouldn’t have mattered to me if you still had a foot of snow on the ground. Maybe not a foot of snow, but I needed a break before starting my ne
w position at the new nursing home facility a few miles from here.”
“It’s a long way from home for you, isn’t it?” Nooko asked.
Kelly nodded and swallowed a bite before answering. “Yes, it is, but it’s only temporary, and I was looking for a change, so it’ll work out for the best. The company’s leased a small apartment for me, so I don’t have to commute.”
“Does that mean you’ll be close by?” Nooko sat up straight and held her fork in the air, waiting for a reply.
“Yes, I will, Ruth.”
“Oh good. We’ll still be able to see you, then.” Nooko went back to eating as if nothing happened and everything was settled.
Josie finished her sandwich, delighted to know Kelly would still be nearby after her vacation but worried about Nooko’s apparent attachment to her, given that she’d be leaving when her contract was finished. Still, it would be nice to have a new friend around. She ignored the little voice in her head that wondered if friendship was all she really wanted.
* * *
The sunlight sparkled off the clear water of the bay as Josie pushed the rowboat away from the dock. She began slow strokes with the oars, steering them along the shoreline and pointing out the vegetation as they glided across the water. She watched Kelly reach to steady Nooko when a wave rocked the boat, and Nooko grabbed the sides of her seat. She smiled a silent thank you when she caught her eye across her grandmother’s head. Kelly shrugged one shoulder as if to say it’s no big deal, tipped her head back to the sun, and closed her eyes. She’s beautiful.
“Let’s show Kelly the leaning pine tree from the water’s side.” Nooko sat up straight and pointed toward the shore ahead.
“Here we go.” Josie rowed them closer to the shore and grabbed a branch overhanging the water to hold them in place.
“It’s lovely out here.” Kelly turned to the shore where Nooko was pointing enthusiastically. “And the pine tree is pretty cool. I love the way it supports itself with its roots and suspends over the water while reaching toward the sun. Thank you for showing me this, Ruth. Is there significance to this tree?”
“There is for me. Joslyn told me there really are some pine trees, somewhere, that lean toward the equator or something, but this one is special.” Nooko’s eyes sparkled as she watched the tree and continued. “It was right under there.” She pointed toward one of the branches just high enough above the water for a rowboat or canoe to travel under. “That’s where Harold proposed to me.” Nooko tipped her head and smiled softly. She looked lost in a magnificent memory.
“That does look like the most romantic spot on the shore. I understand why you accepted his proposal.”
“Oh, I didn’t accept. Not right away, anyway. It was what happened after that made me say yes. He sat waiting for my answer and we started drifting away from shore. It was a lovely summer day, but the wind had picked up and he was having a hard time keeping us from floating away. He had to stand up to reach that branch to hold us in place. He was holding on to the branch for dear life while I was sitting in the boat slowly drifting away. I grabbed his legs and the boat floated out from under us.” Nooko began laughing at the memory and tears rolled down her cheeks. “Well, Harold couldn’t hold on to that branch any longer, and we both fell into the water fully dressed. That’s when he did what he did, and I accepted his proposal of marriage.” Nooko stopped talking and looked lost in her memories again.
Josie glanced at Kelly who looked as perplexed as her. “What did Grandpa do, Nooko?”
“He kissed me.” Nooko pressed her fingers to her lips and closed her eyes. “Right after he dragged us out of the water to the shore. He just leaned over me and kissed me. It was our first kiss. I knew then that I would marry him and we’d spend the rest of our lives together.”
Kelly took one of Nooko’s hands between hers with tears on her cheeks. “Thank you for sharing that wonderful memory with me, Ruth.”
“Yes, thank you, Nooko. I never heard that story.” Josie pushed her words through the lump in her throat, overwhelmed by Nooko’s story as well as Kelly’s show of tenderness.
“Thank you for bringing me out here so I could see that spot again.” Nooko sighed and gazed over the water.
“I’m going to turn us around to head back soon. I need to get the two cabins ready for our next group arriving this weekend.”
“Are the new people going to be here for the powwow this weekend?”
“They’re scheduled to be here, but I don’t know if they’re planning to go. They’re a group of four from Canada.” Josie guided the rowboat to the dock, stepped out, and secured it to a post with a rope before reaching for her grandmother. Kelly knelt on the seat as Nooko stood and steadied her from behind as if she’d done it a hundred times. “Thank you for your help.” Josie spoke softly to Kelly as she stepped out of the boat. She concentrated on steadying Nooko to shake off the sudden flood of desire generated as their arms brushed.
Chapter Eleven
Kelly peered into the window trying to evaluate how comfortable she was going to be in the little apartment. The Realtor had told her the one-bedroom unit was available whenever she was ready. She used the key she’d been given when she stopped to sign the lease agreement to let herself in, but she was only five days into her vacation and had no intention of moving yet. She brought in her extra suitcase with her work scrubs and a few sweaters and jeans and put it in the bedroom.
She verified that the promised bedding and towels were in the closet before starting her tour, which turned out to be a short one due to the teensy rooms. She noted the apartment-sized green refrigerator and stove and lack of microwave. A small cupboard above the counter contained plates, glasses, and cups, and the two narrow drawers were filled with mismatched silverware. At least she wouldn’t have to buy anything except her food. She sat on the solitary wooden chair and leaned her elbows on the scratched Formica top of the metal kitchen table. The table sat against an outside wall with a window overlooking a lush green space enhanced by a bird feeder on a shepherd’s hook. She’d enjoy watching the birds, but sighed realizing she’d have to work to be comfortable there.
The fact Josie was only a short drive away lifted her spirits. Even though Josie wasn’t relationship material, and she found herself having to suppress her attraction to her nearly every time they were together, they shared a comfortable, relaxed connection. Their walk along the water and short boat ride with Ruth were times when the stress of her job had totally melted away. She smiled at the memory of Ruth kicking in the hot tub and her determination to stay strong. She was an example of an elderly woman who’d likely never need a nursing home. She could be an excellent example for most of Kelly’s patients. She checked the condition of the bathroom and the compact washer and dryer before she locked the door and headed back to the lodge.
She took a longer route back to spend some time alone and enjoy the scenery. She pulled off the road onto a deserted area by the water and watched the waves lapping onto the shore. She rolled down the car windows and breathed in the fresh air. She missed her horse. She’d checked in with her sister when she’d arrived on the island and was assured that everything was fine and she’d call if that changed, but Pogo was her baby. She missed him, and she had no doubt that he was missing her. In a few days, she’d be living in a little apartment, miles from home, and starting a challenging job that she hoped would turn into a rewarding experience. She felt a bit off balance and out of her comfort zone, and her inability to shake her attraction to Josie bothered her. She’d wanted a change and she got it. She’d take things a day at a time and call Tory to check on Pogo when she got back to her cabin. She turned and took the shorter way back.
“Hi, Kelly. Did you have fun exploring today?” Josie tossed a log onto the fire as she spoke. Ruth sat at her usual end of the couch with her hands toward the fireplace.
“I did. I checked out the apartment I’ll be calling home soon. It’s in a nice location.” She couldn’t think of anything mo
re positive to say, so she poured a cup of hot chocolate and took a seat in one of the leather chairs near Ruth.
“Will you be joining us for the powwow?” Ruth asked.
“Oh, definitely. I’m looking forward to it. Is it far from here?”
“Not at all. There’s a park just down the road where they set everything up. It’s a beautiful wooded setting. Perfect for a powwow.”
“Sounds great. I’m glad we could be here for it.” Kelly sipped her hot chocolate and watched the muscles in Josie’s arms as she tended the fire. Her perusal was interrupted by loud laughter and shuffling as her friends entered the lodge.
“Hey. There you are.” Debby waved from across the room.
“We’ve got fish!” Maria set an overflowing bowl of filleted walleye on one of the tables.
“Wow. Would you like me to fry those up for you?” Josie offered.
“Oh yes. I’ll help.” Ruth grabbed her cane and started toward the lodge kitchen.
“I caught them all,” Maria piped up from the other table. “I love your fish cleaning hut, and thank you for the offer to cook them. I certainly can help, too.” She grabbed the bowl and followed Ruth into the kitchen.
Kelly moved to sit at the table next to Debby. “I thought you went hiking today.”
“We did. Maria and Dana went fishing. Did you go check out your apartment?” Debby asked.
“Yep. It’s small.” Kelly tried to sound optimistic.
“Ah. At least it’s only for a few months. And you’ll be close to Josie.” Debby grinned and wiggled her eyebrows.
“Josie is pretty hot.” Kelly smiled. “But there can never be anything between us.”
“Do you want there to be?”
“She and I have different ideas of what we want. I like her a lot, and Ruth, too. Maybe we could be friends, but nothing more.”
“She seems honest and straightforward, and I like the way she looks at you.” Debby reached for Kelly’s hand. “Just be careful. I don’t want to see you hurt.”
Love Came Calling Page 6
