Page 14 of Keeping it Local

“Yeah, I’m looking forward to putting my feet up,” I said, clicking the aloe cap shut.

“I know I’m the one who pushed you into the volunteer thing. Is it too much? I’m sure we can figure it out if you have to step back.”

“Oh, jeez. No. I’m fine. I’m used to it.” I plopped down on the other end of the couch with the glass of rosé she handed me. “I was just thinking it was so nice just to chill out yesterday on the beach. I think I need more of that.”

“Girl, same. I get it.” The microwave dinged, and she poured the buttery popcorn into a giant bowl. “I mean, look at what I do. I’m basically the gopher at all the town events. I plan them, I coordinate, and I do all the little things in between. It’s hard to say no when it’s an unlimited tap, especially when I’m trying to work my way up and prove myself to everyone who’s been here the last twenty years.”

“Exactly.” I nodded.

“Yesterday was great though. I try to get to the beach a few times a year, even if it’s mostly wading through tourists.” She grabbed her own glass of wine and nestled into the other side of the couch. “You and Johnny looked like you had a good time yesterday. Anything going on yet?”

“Megan.” I tilted my head at her.

“I’d just hate for you to spend the whole summer here, and all you get out of it is working and going to school,” she said. “That’s not what your mom wanted for you when she encouraged you to come here.”

I shrugged.

“Well, I, for one, think she doesn’t want you to work too hard.” Megan beamed.

“Even if that’s the case, I’m sure she didn’t want me having casual sex all summer, especially since she loves Michael.” My chest clenched thinking about him and how all signs pointed to us being together even though it was tough for me to wrap my head around.

Megan clicked on the TV and started scrolling through movies. “Who knows? Maybe she wants you to get some good practice before you settle down with him.” She stuck out her tongue at me.

I wasn’t sure if it was because I was so tired or the mere thought of my mom wanting sex practice for her daughter, but something came over me, and I started laughing so hard that I felt the tears spring out of my eyes and down my cheeks. A smile plastered to my face, and I knew in that moment that I needed more. I needed more fun in my life.

More joy.

More freedom to live how I wanted.

I just had no idea how to get there.

Chapter 8

Beth

“Thanks for coming in on your day off,” Mary said. “It’s been rough going with Ted helping out in the other shops. Hopefully, it’ll just be a couple hours.”

It was still early in the morning, and we had to prepare the bikes for the day’s renters, follow up about an upcoming party rental, and get the rentals assigned for next week. Mary had called me last minute asking if I could help. She had picked up several new reservations, and the boats hadn’t been ready yet. She needed me to handle the bikes and some of the office work while she got them ready to go. She was also planning to show me how to work some of the back-end systems to help out while she was at the other shops. She’d slowly been giving me more responsibility, and even though I didn’t need any more on my plate, I found myself really enjoying the change.

“No problem.”

“Well, I really appreciate it.” She paused and smirked, holding her coffee and blowing the steam off the top. “So, I’ve seen you and Johnny spending some extra time together. I saw you walking through town with him just the other day.”

“Oh, jeez.” I rolled my eyes. “We’re working together on the donations for the auction. It’s nothing more than that.”

“Okay, okay. But I’d make sure you’re putting on an extra layer of lipstick when he comes around, if you know what I mean.”

“Mary!” I flung a towel at her. Who would have thought this sixty-something woman would be giving me relationship advice? Especially when what I had with Johnny wasn’t a relationship. “It’s not like that at all. Plus, I’m not really a lipstick girl.”

“Mmhmm… If you say so. All I know is any man who can wear a t-shirt and jeans that well deserves a second look. He’s got an all-around nice package, if you know what I mean.” She still had that look on her face.

Unfortunately, I did know what she meant. Johnny was maybe the most attractive man I’d engaged with. I couldn’t help but watch his lean, but muscled, body on the beach the other day, the tattoo crawling down his shoulder and arm. Thank God I’d had my sunglasses on to hide the stares. The other part of me delighted though, having caught him staring at my ass a few times.

“Yeah, he’s cute.” I walked over to the bikes and started wiping them down, trying to get working on the job at hand.

“Beth, come on. I may not have dated in the last couple decades, but I know that man is more than cute. Actually, reminds me a little of my late husband, Gordy, back in the day. And he knew how to get me all hot and bothered without even touching me.” She beamed.

I covered my mouth, stifling a laugh. Comparing Johnny to her husband was a bit much, but she had spunk. I never knew what I was going to get with Mary.