Love Came Calling

by C. A. Popovich

  “Hi there. I’m glad you came by. Nooko’s enjoying herself and wants me to thank you again for sending Caitlin over. The exercises have done wonders to boost her confidence, and I can see her stability improving.”

  “Oh, you’re welcome. Caitlin’s a sweetie. She has all the residents clamoring for her attention at work, so I’m not sure she’ll be able to get away anymore. We’re nearly full now, and she’s needed full-time.” Kelly relaxed back on the bench, feeling as if there was nowhere else she’d rather be. “I didn’t mean to intrude, Josie. I only stopped by to see how she was doing and let you know about Caitlin.”

  “You’re never intruding.” Josie had turned to face her and their knees touched. “You’re welcome anytime, Kelly.” She gently cupped her face with one hand and Kelly watched her eyes darken before she dropped her hand to her lap.

  Kelly willed her breathing back to normal. Josie’s hand was warm and gentle and smelled lightly of fish. She felt so close to being kissed, and Kelly wanted her kiss more than anything she’d wanted in a long time.

  “Are you guys planning to cook those teeny-weeny fish you’re catching?” Kelly asked, shaking off the inappropriate longing.

  Josie laughed. “Heck no. I thought Nooko needed a little something different to do today. I’ve got a pot roast with vegetables, potatoes, and corn cooking, and we thought we’d go to the Teepee for ice cream later. Can you join us?”

  “I’d love to. Thanks.”

  They sat in silence, enjoying the breeze off the bay, watching the sunlight sparkle on the water, and Kelly relaxed into the moment, pushing aside her confusion. She was dating Barb, and Josie hadn’t indicated that she’d changed her mind about being open to a relationship. What was she doing putting herself back into situations that made Josie so tempting? She mentally shook herself, her serenity shattered.

  Kelly stood abruptly, willing a solution into her jumbled thoughts. Her desire for Josie had only grown in the time they’d spent together, and she could tell Josie desired her, too.

  “You okay?”

  Josie’s brow furrowed, and Kelly knew she needed to offer an explanation.

  “Yeah. I’m fine.” She debated whether to disclose how unsettled she was. “I’m just not sure I’m being honest with myself, or you, about why I’m here.” She sat back onto the bench. “I don’t want to send you mixed messages, but I miss you, and I don’t know what to do about it.”

  Josie was quiet and Kelly covered her hand with hers, allowing herself that small connection, fearing it wasn’t enough.

  They were silent for a while, until Josie squeezed her hand softly. “I’m not sure what to say to that. You know where I stand, but I also can’t get enough time with you. I don’t want to send you mixed messages either.” She stood, pulling Kelly up with her. “So maybe we should call it a night?”

  Kelly knew her smile probably wasn’t convincing, given the look of sadness in Josie’s eyes, but she couldn’t fake being happy. “That sounds like a good idea.”

  * * *

  The trip home from the Teepee was quiet. Kelly appeared lost in thought and Josie struggled to find words to respond to her claim of missing her. She missed Kelly when she was gone, too, but she refused to acknowledge it meant more than missing a friend. She parked in front of the lodge and helped Nooko out of the vehicle.

  “Thanks for inviting me along. I’m going to end up twenty pounds heavier by the time I get home if I keep eating so much ice cream.” Kelly placed her hand on her belly and grinned.

  “I’m glad you came with us. Would you like to come in for a cup of tea or coffee before you leave?” Josie helped Nooko up the steps and waited for Kelly’s response, unsure of what else to say.

  “Thank you, but I think I’ll head home. Take care and you keep up the good work, Ruth. I’ll tell Caitlin how well you’re doing.”

  Nooko looked content after she hugged Kelly good-bye and sat to peruse the local newspaper. Josie understood Nooko’s desire to go back to her house, her home, where she’d spent so many years with her husband. She thought of her mother happily cooking, or sweeping the floor, always smiling and positive, always loving her and her father. “Do you think love just happens, Nooko?”

  Nooko set her paper aside but didn’t immediately answer. “No, honey. The Creator gave us the ability to love, but we have to be brave enough to embrace it. We all are part of nature, of the world around us, of the great plan of the Creator. Think about how many people we have the opportunity to meet in our lifetime. All of our relationships have meaning and purpose and are offered to us as gifts. Lessons to learn.” Nooko sat back quietly and looked at her, clearly waiting for her to continue.

  “How did you know Grandpa was the person you wanted to love and spend the rest of your life with? And weren’t you afraid of losing him?”

  “I spent many months getting to know Harold. Times were different. There wasn’t dating the way you kids do it now, but we spent time together and learned what was in each other’s heart. The body, mind, and spirit of another are what show their ability to give themselves in love. Harold’s love called to me. Our spiritual interaction joined us, and I believe the Creator was pleased with my choice. As to fearing I’d lose him, I can only say if I worried about loss all the time, it would have kept me from enjoying the wonderful years we had together. None of us knows how much time we’ve been given. All we can do is appreciate the time we have.”

  Josie quietly contemplated her nooko’s words for a few minutes before standing and tossing the book she’d only glanced at on the table. “I’m going to make my final walk around for the night.”

  “I’ll be here, dear. I want to finish reading this article about the library.”

  Josie followed her usual route around the cabins and back to her office. She double-checked the safe and the locks on the doors. Everything was quiet. She took a path through the woods on her way back, needing to process what Nooko had said about love. She remembered, as a child, her mother talking about the Creator, and her father, God. Her own beliefs had fallen somewhere in between until her mother’s death. What kind of God or Creator would allow such tragedy? Why give a person someone to love and snatch them away? She hadn’t been able to make sense of it before, and she still couldn’t. But…maybe Nooko was right about making the best of the time you had and not worrying about what might happen. For the first time in years, she felt a spark of hope that the lonely emptiness she’d defined as solitude could be filled. Memories of Kelly’s face, her touch, her kiss arose. But Kelly was with Barb. She lumbered back to the lodge. Maybe Kelly isn’t the one. Maybe she’s just the one to show me that I want more. It didn’t seem likely at the moment, but for the first time, she was open to the idea.

  “Everything looks good.” She sat next to Nooko on the couch.

  “I miss…never mind. I’ve already told you.” Nooko stood and took two steps without using her cane. “Look, Joslyn! I’m getting steadier.”

  “Great. Just be careful.”

  Nooko used her cane for the rest of the trip to her bedroom, wearing a huge grin.

  Josie made herself a cup of tea and took it to the front porch. She sat on one of the rockers to appreciate the summer evening, and her thoughts strayed first to Kelly, then to Nooko’s words. Her emotions tumbled about inside her like loose marbles. She worked to make sense of her feelings, but the irrational fear of loss kept creeping to the forefront, and she didn’t know how to change that.

  Chapter Twenty-three

  “I’m sorry, Josie. I didn’t find anything criminal on this guy. No arrests, no nothing. We searched the Secretary of State database and found this picture, though. Is this the guy?” She held up the driver’s license picture she’d found online for the only Abe Bernstein living in the Upper Peninsula.

  “Yeah. That’s him.” Josie cringed at the sneer on his face. “Creepy guy.”

  “His son, Joe, has been picked up twice for drunk driving, but Abe appears to be clean.” Barb lean
ed on the front desk reviewing the paperwork she’d brought.

  “Just because he doesn’t have a record doesn’t mean he’s trustworthy.” Josie allowed her disappointment to show about the information Barb had found on Abe.

  “You’re right. He could be a sneaky one. I did find an Abe Bernstein who was a member of the Purple Gang out of Detroit in the nineteen twenties, but he died almost fifty years ago. Maybe this Abe is related somehow.”

  “Thanks for trying, Barb. I hope to find out more about his motives on Wednesday. Are you still planning on being here?”

  “Oh, yes. We’ll probably post his picture around the island if necessary. Did he give you a time?”

  “No. I guess I’ll just be ready all day.”

  “Okay. I’ll plan to be in the area and you can text me when he gets here. I’ve got to get back to work.”

  “Thanks, Barb. I appreciate your help.” Josie collected her cleaning supplies and headed to the vacated cabins. She pushed aside thoughts of whether Barb and Kelly were going out later as she finished her chores and went to find Nooko. It was none of her business, and Barb had been a friend for a long time. She should just be happy for them. Sure. I can do that.

  “Any news, dear?” Nooko asked from her seat on the couch.

  “Barb didn’t find anything significant about Abe, but she did find his driver’s license picture. I guess we’ll just wait and see what happens Wednesday.”

  “Maybe he’ll offer you ten million dollars for the place.” Nooko chuckled.

  Josie laughed. “I’ll admit I might consider ten million, but only for a second. I don’t want to sell. I love it here, and I love what I’ve accomplished so far. I don’t think the land value will decline, so I’m not worried about getting my money out of it. Do you understand?” Josie worried her nooko might prefer she sell the place and move to her house.

  “I’m teasing you, honey. Of course you should stay and do what you love. You have a wonderful opportunity here, and happiness and contentment mean more than all the money in the world.”

  Josie had concealed her anxiety at the thought of seeing and talking to Abe all week, but knowing she had Nooko’s support helped quiet her nerves. She held back tears and pulled Nooko into her arms. “Thank you. I love you, Nooko.”

  “I love you, too. Everything will work out.”

  * * *

  Josie supported Nooko under her stomach as she kicked and waved her arms against the resistance of the water. “You’re doing great.” She counted the number of turns as she circled. “Just two more.” She rounded the last turn and started at the sight of Kelly standing in the doorway clapping.

  “Good job, you two.” She entered the room and sat on one of the plastic chairs.

  “Kelly!” Nooko called out, then whispered, “I told you she’d be back.”

  “Hi, Ruth. You’re doing a super job. Do you feel stronger?”

  “I do. Wait. Joslyn, help me out of here.” Nooko kicked and turned until she was standing.

  “Whoa, Nooko.” Josie supported her as she stepped out of the hot tub and followed her out.

  “I don’t mean to intrude. I just stopped by to see how Ruth was doing without Caitlin.”

  “As you can see, she’s doing quite well.” Josie wrapped a towel around Nooko’s body and then her own. She curbed her pleasure at Kelly’s unexpected visit. “Can you stay for dinner?” She smiled inwardly at her covert intent to find out if Kelly had a date with Barb.

  Kelly stood and held up one finger in a “be right back gesture” and left the room.

  “Did she leave?” Nooko asked.

  Kelly reappeared in the doorway before Josie could answer.

  “I told you it was my turn to bring food.” She held up two bags from the homemade pasties restaurant.

  Nooko led the way to a table in the lodge, barely leaning on her cane at all.

  Kelly spoke softly. “She really is feeling better, isn’t she?”

  Josie nodded. “I’ll get the plates while she shows off for you.” Josie hurried to the kitchen to take a moment to settle her nerves. Kelly’s unexpected visit thrilled her, but the confusing questions about her own feelings dulled her enthusiasm. She took a deep breath and returned with plates and silverware. “Here we go. Let’s eat.”

  “How’s your job going, Kelly?” Nooko asked between bites.

  “It’s going well. I’ll be able to go home earlier than originally planned. The nurses and staff are catching on quickly, and the patients are being well cared for.”

  Josie took a bite of her pasty and scrambled for something to say to ease the blow to her gut. She knew Kelly was only on the island temporarily, but she didn’t figure on the hollowness the reality caused. “You’ll be here for our lunch tomorrow, won’t you?” she asked.

  “Of course. I’m looking forward it.”

  She smiled and the now familiar butterflies fluttered in Josie’s belly. “Good. I’m looking forward to it, too. So, Nooko, how’s ice cream at the Teepee sound?”

  “I’m ready,” Nooko said.

  “I can drive, if you want,” Kelly said. “It’ll make me feel like I’m burning some calories.” She smirked and pulled out her keys.

  The restaurant was more crowded than Josie had ever seen it. “Wow. It must be the beautiful evening. I’ve never seen it so crowded. You guys relax. I’ll go stand in line.” Josie climbed out of the car.

  “Kelly will go with you.” Nooko waved her hand, shooing her away. “I’ll be fine here.”

  Josie continued to the end of the line and waited for Kelly.

  “I’d say Ruth is trying to prove her independence.” Kelly stood close as the line grew and a group of kids milled about them.

  Josie suspected Nooko had ulterior motives by staying in the car and sending Kelly out. She surveyed the crowd and took a step back to allow a kid to cut through the line. The heat from Kelly’s body against hers enveloped her as if she were in her arms. “Yes, I think she is. She wants to go back home, and I guess I hope she can, although I’ll miss her. I’ve gotten used to having her here. And I think having so many people around has been good for her, too.” Josie moved forward to place their order and handed Kelly her ice cream.

  “Thanks. This might sound odd, but I’d miss her, too. I enjoy spending time with her.” She paused and licked her ice cream. “And you.”

  “I like spending time with you, too.” She stood unmoving, tethered by their connection, until her cold fingers reminded her Nooko was waiting. “I guess we better get this to Nooko before it melts.” She held up the bowl of melting vanilla ice cream.

  “I thought you’d forgotten about me.” Nooko grabbed her ice cream and scooped a spoonful into her mouth.

  Josie watched Kelly taste the top of her scoop with the tip of her tongue before sliding the spoon into her mouth. She hummed as she swallowed, and Josie whimpered inside.

  * * *

  “Thanks for coming by tonight and bringing dinner. You made Nooko’s day.” Josie and Kelly sat on the porch and watched fireflies flicker in the fading evening light.

  “My pleasure. It seems I’m having a hard time staying away.” Kelly shifted in her seat and leaned forward with her elbows on her knees. “I should go and let you get to bed.”

  Josie checked her watch. “It’s still early. Nooko’s reading the paper, and I need to make my final walk around the cabins.”

  “Could I walk with you?”

  Josie stood and reflexively reached for her hand. “Let’s go.” The rightness of their connection took her by surprise, but the dullness of the usual gnawing fear stunned her for a moment. She pushed aside the unfamiliar feeling and glanced at Kelly. Her eyes were lowered, and she walked slowly next to her. She wanted to raise their joined hands to her lips and murmur the words against her warm skin, words she knew Kelly wanted to hear. Instead, she breathed in the warm evening air, knowing Kelly deserved her honesty. She released her hand. “I’m glad your work at the facility is going smooth
ly, although we’ll miss you when you leave the island.”

  Kelly looked surprised by the release for a moment and slid her hands into her pockets. “I’ve had a wonderful time here. Your resort is perfect, Josie. I think you’ll do really well with it.”

  They continued at a slow pace and Josie’s gut roiled at the feeling of distance between them.

  They checked every cabin and returned to the lodge so Kelly could say good-bye to Nooko. “Good night, Ruth.”

  “Good night, dear. Thank you for dinner. I’ll see you tomorrow for lunch, won’t I?”

  “Definitely.”

  “Good. You two run along. I’m going to finish the paper before I go to bed.” Nooko lifted the newspaper in front of her face.

  Josie shrugged and shook her head. “I guess we’ve been dismissed. I’ll walk you out.”

  Josie leaned back on the porch post. “Drive safely. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “I will.” Kelly didn’t move off the porch. “I’ll be here about noon tomorrow.” She still didn’t move.

  “I’ll be here.” Josie held her breath as Kelly moved closer, stood with her legs on either side of her thighs, and rested her hands on her waist. Josie stiffened, knowing this was a bad idea, but surrendered to her simmering need to feel Kelly in her arms, pulled her against her, and claimed her lips. Kelly pressed against her and, as the first time they’d kissed, she marveled at how perfectly they fit together, how right it felt. She cradled Kelly’s face in her hands and pulled away slightly to place soft kisses on the side of her mouth. Kelly tipped her head back, and Josie trailed gentle nuzzles down her throat to the velvety skin above her chest. She craved to continue, to tear off her shirt and nibble the smooth skin of her breasts, circle her nipples with her tongue, and watch her excitement build until the explosion of release overtook her. She craved all of it and more. The something more frightened her to death. She wrapped her in her arms, drew her close, and held her as their heartbeats returned to normal.