AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Emily
The ferry ride over to Marigold Island last night had to have been the weirdest one ever. I wanted to question Lucas about Clara, but every time I went to ask, it was like he intuitively knew and switched the subject before it ever began.
We spoke a lot about my poetry, and I even promised I’d share with him the poems I'd sent in with the application.
And I was so happily full on my linguine that I didn’t fight it and let myself rest on the way back to Marigold. I knew I had a lot of work ahead of me to get ready for Mimi and Grandpa to show up, so silence mostly sat between us.
But I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.
Was it because I’d mentioned the residency?
When he’d dropped me off at my house, he insisted on walking me up to my doorstep because he always did. And it was like the air between us was electrified even more, but he said goodnight, and I went inside.
The silence amplified the nagging thoughts I’d had about Lucas and Clara, so I pumped up the stereo last night and spent the entire night organizing the spare bedroom and wondering if I had merely imagined the hyped-up tension between us.
But what I knew I needed this morning more than anything was a sausage and cheese biscuit from Milo’s. That was the only thing that would get me through the busy day working at Baubles and Curiosities before heading back home to clean.
Rick wandered out to the counter that looked particularly cheery in the morning sunlight. I usually frequented the place on Friday nights when the lights were dim, music played, and people filled the bar.
“Hey, I missed you last night,” Rick said, smiling.
I slid onto the stool and let out an exasperated sigh before collapsing my head into my hands. “It’s been a crazy twenty-four hours.” I looked back up to see him watching me, concerned.
“Anything I can do to help?”
I shook my head. “No. It’s just a lot. I had a great day seeing my favorite mystery writer with one of my best friends, and then my evening ended with a call that my grandma broke her hip.”
“Oh, no. Mimi?”
I chuckled, nodding. “Oh, yeah. You know her.”
“After last year’s Christmas party, I think the entire island knows her.”
“Truer words, my friend. Mimi got a little frisky on the eggnog. I didn’t know things could jiggle like that.” I grimaced.
“It gave me hope for being seventy.” Rick laughed, shaking his head.
“Actually, she’s eighty.”
His eyes widened. “I’m sure she won’t let her hip slow her down any.” Rick smiled, inputting my breakfast order. “Well, I want you to know your presence was missed last night.”
“Even though I sit in the corner reading my book all night?”
He nodded. “Especially because of that. You’re a staple for this place.”
I laughed. “Great. Soon, you can start selling tickets.”
“I’m not above it.” He shrugged. “Did you need any help?”
“With what?”
“Getting your grandparents settled at your house.”
His offer surprised me, but it shouldn’t. Everyone around Marigold Island offered a hand when needed, but this offer felt…
Different.
I smiled, glancing around the bar. “Thanks. I just might take you up on that. Milo’s looks really different in the day. Not so moody. Kind of like you.”
