Page 36 of The Beachside Rental

“Other than the deck stuff, is there anything else that needs to be done?”

She stopped as though to give the question some thought.“I don’t think so.I’ll be home a little after three.And then we can head over to my mother’s.”

“Oh.I didn’t think we’d be going over so early.”

She nodded.“With the storm on the way, we’ll all pitch in to secure the property.But don’t worry.You don’t have to do anything.”

There wasn’t a chance he was just going to stand around and watch her work.

She turned and rushed back to the kitchen island.She grabbed her purse and apron.

Simon stood in the doorway.“Gus, let’s go.”

The dog turned his back to him, as though he hadn’t heard a word Simon had said.They both knew that wasn’t the case.

Jenna approached Simon.She stopped and glanced over at Gus, who was eyeing up the couch, as though he were going to climb up there and take a nap.

Jenna turned back to him with a big grin on her face.“Looks like he isn’t ready to leave yet.”

“I’m sorry.He isn’t usually this contrary.”

“No problem.I can’t wait around.Can you just close up on your way out?”

He nodded.After she was headed down the stairs, he turned back to Gus, who had now jumped up onto the couch.

Simon took long quick strides in his direction.He wrapped his fingers around Gus’s collar before he could lay down.“Let’s go.”

Gus hesitated for a second, just long enough for Simon to imagine having to carry this big dog home.If he did, Gus was going to be grounded the rest of the day.He knew that his four-footed friend would hate being housebound all day.Gus liked to spend a lot of the day outdoors.

“Okay,” Simon said, “I guess we’re doing this the hard way.”

Just as Simon bent down to pick up Gus, the dog jumped off the couch.“That was a good choice.”

Simon kept a firm grasp on Gus’s collar as he led him to the door.Making sure to turn off the light, he paused at the door to lock it but then decided not to lock it just yet.He closed the door, and with his fingers still clutching Gus’s collar, they walked home.

“I can’t believe you had to embarrass me in front of Jenna.I know you like her, but, dude, you have to listen to me.Otherwise, she might not want either one of us around.”

Gus whined.

“You should be ashamed.You can’t go making yourself at home in someone’s house without an invite.”Simon sighed.He knew it was a waste of time.The next time Gus was given a chance, he’d run into her house.Gus knew what he liked, and he liked Jenna.Simon just hoped the feelings were mutual.

The bread shelf was empty.

The milk case was empty.

All day there had been non-stop customers at the Island Market.Jenna’s feet hurt by the end of her shift.But she stayed late to help out.

It was that way every time a big storm was forecasted.She didn’t think there would be much left in the store by the time they closed that night.It was good business, but it was going to take a lot to restock the shelves.

She was certain Neil had already anticipated the uptick in business, and he’d ordered extra supplies that would arrive bright and early Monday morning.It would also mean everyone showing up early to help with restocking so the aisles would be clear of boxes for when the doors opened, and the customers arrived.

She was more than an hour late when she got home.She yawned as she made her way up the stairs.

When she reached the porch, she was greeted by Gus.His tail was rapidly swishing back and forth.It brought a smile to her face.It was nice to have someone greet her.She’d never considered getting a dog before, but she was starting to warm to the idea, especially if they were as sweet as Gus.

“Hello, boy.”She leaned down, and with both hands, she fussed over him.

Gus sat down and ate up all of the love that she was serving up.In that moment, she was totally jealous of Simon.