Page 52 of The Beachside Rental

Simon’s voice caused her to jump.Her heart pounded in her chest.She had no idea he was awake.

With the leash firmly in her grasp, she turned to him.“I didn’t find him.He found you.When I looked out this morning, he had his head in your lap.I don’t know how long he was there.I wanted to wake you, but he seemed a little skittish, so I thought I would get him some breakfast.I hope you don’t mind.”

Simon smiled and shook his head.“I don’t mind at all.I’m just so thankful that he’s home.”

Gus dribbled water across the porch as he rushed over to Simon.Gus jumped up on Simon’s chest, leaving a muddy trail on his clothing.The two totally loved on each other.Simon heaped praises on the dog while Gus gave him a bunch of dog kisses.And Jenna had never seen a more wonderful sight.

Chapter Fifteen

Everythingfeltright.

Simon was so happy, so relieved to have Gus home safe and sound that it didn’t bother him that they didn’t have electricity.Although, he did notice that Gus was wet and had a lot of sand on him.

Luckily, there was a little bit of warm water left in the hot water tank—enough to give Gus a much-needed bath.Afterward, Simon realized there was no way to dry him except with towels.

Gus thought of another way to dry off and shook himself.Of course, Simon had been standing next to him at that moment and got totally sprayed—so did the bathroom wall and the mirror.

“Thanks, Gus.”When the dog sent him an innocent look, Simon continued, “You had a really scary experience last night.So, we’ll let it pass this time.I’m just glad you’re home safe and sound.”

After he did his best to towel dry Gus and brush him out, Simon changed into dry clothes.He could really go for a cup of hot coffee.

He jogged down the steps with Gus hot on his heels.He moved to the kitchen, and that’s when he recalled there still wasn’t any power.And no power meant no hot coffee.

Gus whined to go outside.Normally, Simon would just open the door for Gus and let him into the backyard, but not today.Simon wasn’t about to lose Gus twice in a twenty-four hour period.

With a leash connected to Gus’s red collar, he opened the front door.They stepped onto the porch and came to a stop.Now that the sun was up, he could see just how much damage the storm had done.

Thankfully, all of the houses appeared to be standing, but the same could not be said for the trees and other vegetation.There were some other items strewn around such as lawn ornaments and some porch furniture.

And his yard had a tree down.If their carts had been in their usual spot, they would have been smashed by the fallen tree.It was a shame to see the loss of trees.They gave the street not only some shade but also some gracefulness.

Neighbors were out surveying the damage too.The whine of a chainsaw could be heard coming from down the street.It was time to get to work.

The morning sun was already warm as he headed down the steps.He spotted Jenna standing by the road.She was with a group of people.As he neared them, he realized it was some of her family.They must have stopped by to check on her.

He stepped up next to her.“Everything all right?”

She nodded.“As good as it can be in the aftermath of the storm.”Her gaze moved past him to Gus.She knelt down, and the dog immediately went to her.“And how are you doing?”

Simon turned his attention to Neil, Caleb, and Myra.They got to talking.He learned that being further inland, they didn’t have as much damage as they had on the beach.He also learned that they’d shut down the market for the day to allow the workers, including Jenna, to clean up in the aftermath of the storm.But they knew people were going to need food once the power came back on, and then it would be business as usual.

In the meantime, Jenna’s siblings were there to help.And they weren’t the only ones.There were a lot of Bluestar residents out and about, lending a helping hand up and down the street.Most were cleaning up debris.They piled the broken limbs on the side of the road for pick up.The people who weren’t cleaning were providing food and refreshments to the workers.Everyone was doing something, so Simon needed to get to work.

After he took Gus for a short walk around the duplex, he surveyed all of the work that needed to be done.Luckily, the Adams siblings had come prepared with ladders, rakes, and a whole host of other supplies to put this place back to normal or as close to it as they could get.

Simon put Gus in the house, where he’d be safe, and closed the door.Gus was having none of it.The dog barked at the door.The barking turned to sorrowful howls.

Everyone sent Simon a pitiful look.In the end, Neil supplied some yellow nylon rope that Simon was able to attach to a rail on the steps as well as the D-ring on Gus’s collar.

As Simon got to work along with Jenna and her family, he could see why Gus wanted outside with them.The dog was constantly getting attention.And soon Gus seemed like his normal laidback self.

Jenna stepped up to him.“You look happy.”

“I am.I was really starting to doubt if I would ever see Gus again.I’ve never been so worried.”It was the truth.He was keeping a very close eye on Gus as he worked.He wanted absolutely no repeats of the night before.“And how are you doing today?”

She shrugged as she pulled out debris from around one of the house’s piers.“A little tired.I could really use some caffeine.”

“Did I hear the word caffeine?”Myra was working nearby.“I heard they now have some power in town.I could make a coffee run, if anyone is interested.”