Page 10 of Keeping it Local

I was taken aback a bit when she said that. Huron Rentals was one of the mainstays in town, and even before she owned it, there was another family that ran it. It was the only bike and boat rental in the little tourist town.

“Maybe you just need someone else to pull some weight for you.” I took the broom from her and started sweeping. “Besides, I’m looking to make some changes up on the farm back home. Might be good for me to see how you run things here—give me a few other ideas to take back.”

“You know what?” She hooked her thumbs on her beltloops. “That sounds like a plan.”

My chest swelled as my simple summer position became an opportunity instead of just a job.

Between my classes, work at the store, and just normal life, combined with her off-and-on work schedule, Megan and I hadn’t spent much time together. When she found out we would be off the same day, she jumped up and down and insisted she take me to Port St. Clair beach. I hadn’t been in years—probably since I was a kid—and I was looking forward to it.

Megan was running around packing her giant beach bag, and since I didn’t have one, she was packing a separate one for me too. Sprinting all over the house, she gathered everything she thought we needed—beach blankets (towels weren’t nice enough apparently), giant umbrella (because, skin cancer), and all the other little things, including snacks. She was one of those uber-prepared people who was in control of everything and had as much fun as she possibly could at the same time.

“Okay, I think we’re ready!” she shouted from down the hall. “This will be so fun! You’ll finally be able to enjoy the town.” When she came back, she grabbed a bag and headed for the car.

Following her to her SUV, I loaded up the other bags. “I’m not really used to downtime.” I was used to farmer’s markets on the weekends, working the greenhouse when I was home, and coordinating all the day-to-day with vendors.

“Well, today we change that.” Starting the car, she put her sunglasses on and looked at me. “Let’s roll.”

When we got to the beach, I was surprised how full it already was for so early in the morning. Taking off her flip-flops, Megan pointed out a spot halfway between the water and the pavilion and made her way over. I could tell she’d done this a few times because she set up in record time. Once we were laying down, she got right to it.

“I have to ask since we haven’t talked about it… How’s it going with Johnny?” She slid her sunglasses down her nose, awaiting my reply.

“It’s fine,” I said, giving her a quick glance before shutting my eyes and taking in the rays. “We actually haven’t talked much. We still need to meet up about gathering donations for the festival auction.”

“Just ‘fine’? Come on. You know I didn’t just pair you up for no reason.”

I jolted up. “What are you talking about?” I asked.

“Johnny is the summer-fun guy.” She went on. “He’s the guy all the girls ogle when they come here on vacation. You need a break, girl. Thought it could be some good fun for you.”

“Oh, God,” I said, lifting my own glasses. “Are you serious? Come on, Megan.”

“Based on what I’ve seen, you need a little fun in your life. Too much work and not enough play.” She propped herself up on her elbows. “I should know. I used to do that too. Now, I take advantage of my surroundings.”

I shook my head, rolling my eyes at her. Yes, she definitely enjoyed it, and I had heard many stories over the years of her getting together with tourists or other people who’d come through town. She was always up for a new adventure.

“Let me tell you, there is a big benefit of living in a place where people come and go all summer. I can enjoy myself without having to worry about a long-term commitment. Win-win.”

I laughed at her gumption. “How long have you been planning this?”

“Oh, not long, but I saw you both sitting there in that meeting, and I had to do something. It was too good!” She kicked her feet like she was a kid on Christmas day. “You’re so in your head all the time. Don’t let these experiences pass you by. When is the last time you had a date?”

“I don’t know,” I said, thinking back. “Maybe New Year? Michael and I decided we needed to cool it after that.”

“Yeah, you’re due, girl.” She laid back down, grabbing a water bottle. “Johnny is the perfect person to get you out of your rut.”

“I’m not in a rut. I’m just doing my thing.”

“Please. You’re in a rut. This is your summer of freedom. Take the bull by the horns, seize the day, live life to the fullest.” She kept going.

“You trying to create your own inspirational greeting card collection?” I teased.

“Maybe I will!” She giggled, laying down. “What is it with you and Michael, anyway? It sounds like you need to cut bait with him.”

“We’re not dating. We’ve been over since winter. It’s just… complicated,” I said, plainly. “He’s always there. I thought we were done.” I shook my head. “We are done. But he wants to start things up again when I’m back in town after Labor Day.” I sighed, then continued, “It’s hard to say no to that with all the history between us. He was my first love. We just want different things, even though, sometimes, I think things would be so much easier if we just wound up together.”

“Don’t sound so excited about him,” she joked. “Who cares if that’s the case, anyway? You could have a nice summer fling, then head back north and do whatever it is you want with this Mike guy—not that he sounds that amazing, anyway—but you do you.”

“He goes by Michael.”