She opens it, holding it up to my face presumably to unlock it. She taps at the screen, smiling the whole time. When I try to peek over her shoulder she turns so I can’t see.
“Here you go. I texted Aubrey for you.” She hands my phone back to me with a grin like a Cheshire cat.
My phone is open to my text messages.
Me:It was really nice meeting you tonight. I enjoyed our time together. Maybe we could do it again?
“Seriously? You asked her on a date!”
“I’m helping you. You could be a little more grateful.” She jogs ahead to join Roman, linking her hand with his.
Sighing, I lock my phone and slip it into my back pocket.
I will not look at it incessantly until she texts back. Or doesn’t.
I arrived in Hemlock Cove last night. I wanted to see how the check-in at the inn was at a later than usual time for the families who drive in after work. I was happy when Dottie’s smiling face was there to greet me at nine p.m. She never acted like I was an inconvenience for coming late and my room was immaculately set up with a chocolate mint on my pillow.
This morning I will be diving into the continental breakfast, and trying not to compare it to Violet’s pastries that have added a few minutes each day to my workout routine.
“Good morning, stud muffin.” Dottie greets me as if she hasn’t been here since early this morning cooking after I made her stay up late. I do feel a little bit bad for that.
“Good morning, Dottie. Breakfast smells amazing.” I peek over at the buffet bar.
“We’ve got steak and eggs, home fries, and an assortment of toasts and bagels. I’ve got some regular old joe coffee, but if you want the good stuff—you know you need to go to see Nora at Salty Shore Roasters.”
“Oh, I know, I’ve experienced her drinks and haven’t stopped thinking about them since I left. I even tried to get Esther over in Balsam Cliffs to recreate them but there’s something about Nora’s coffee that just makes magic in a cup.”
I grab a plate and fill it with food. Dottie is clearly used to feeding a crew that needs something hearty to fill them up in the morning. And since I’m about to head out on the boat with Kane and Granger, I suppose I fall into that category today. I’m there to get photos, but I know Granger will put me to work. No one rides for free.
“You little trouble maker. Don’t let me tell Esther you said that or you won’t get coffee until she’s done making you grovel,” she chides.
“You wouldn’t dare…” I stare at her with my eyes wide. It’s a cruel joke to mess with my caffeine intake.
She just walks away laughing to herself and now I’m nervous that she was serious about telling Esther. When I visited before, it was a coincidence to hear that she knew Esther all the way back in my hometown.
Finishing my breakfast while I work on my article for check-in, I add a photo of the inn I took last night before coming in.
Kane:You ready? I’ll be by the inn in five, and I don’t have time for Dottie to interrogate me about when I’m getting married.
Me:Say less. I’ll be waiting outside.
Kane:This is why we’re friends. Also, Granger is absolutely making you work today so I hope you don’t have anything nice on.
Me:I know the rules for Granger’s boat. >
I pack up my laptop and clear my dishes from the table. “See ya later, Dottie.”
She waves from the open kitchen. “Enjoy your day, and tell Granger not to be too hard on ya.”
When I get out front, Kane's truck is sitting in the front driveway.
Opening the back door of his truck, I toss all my equipment on top of pairs of bright yellow and orange waterproof bibs. And, is that a lobster trap?
“Sorry. I’m living out of my truck these days. You’re lucky I got to shower this morning and get clean clothes.” Kane greets me as I hop into the front.
“I thought this was your slow time?”
“Slow for lobsters. Not slow for graphic design or admin shit that bores the fuck out of me for the business.” He shakes his head.
