Bungalow by the Bay Read online

  “Glad you came in. Can I get you something to drink? My special is a Basil-Motonic.”

  “I don’t know what that is, but that sounds fine,” AJ said.

  “I’m always concocting some kind of special drink, but the Basil-Motonic seems to be the customer favorite.”

  “I’ll try one too. I think?” She was skeptical, but this whole night was an adventure, why not try some new drink?

  “You’ll love it. I promise. If not, I’ll get you something else.” Will walked away to get their drinks.

  “Does everyone know everyone here on Belle Island?” AJ leaned back in his chair, relaxed and at ease.

  She didn’t know how he could be so relaxed because she realized she was going to have to carry on a normal adult conversation with him now that they were seated across from each other. No more just easily pointing out things around the town as they walked.

  This dinner conversation probably wouldn’t be anything like her normal ones with Bobby. Topics such as what Stevie, Mikey, and Billy had said at childcare that day. She heard about it in excruciating detail each night. Young boy brains were amazing things, and what they came up with amused her. Or they’d talk about why the sky was blue. Or why Bobby had to eat his vegetables.

  What was she thinking before her thoughts trailed to Bobby? Oh, yes. Adult conversation. “So, are you visiting the island for long?” That should work, right? A benign question, but showing interest in him.

  “I’m here for about a month. Maybe longer. Maybe shorter if I can arrange it. I… ah, I’m staying with my grandmother. She’s rented a house here on the island. Supposed to stay for the month, but… well, I’d rather not.”

  “So you’ll just have her stay here alone?”

  “Oh, she won’t be alone. She has Miss Chelsea with her. Miss Chelsea is kind of her companion-slash-housekeeper-slash-cook.”

  “So you might have to get back to work before the month is over?”

  “No… it’s not that.” He shifted in his chair, his previous ease shattered. “I’m… kind of between jobs right now.”

  Ah, that was rough. Courtney had lived in fear of losing the countless jobs she’d had. She always made sure she found a job—any kind of job—if she ever lost one. She had to have income to support Bobby. He was her number one responsibility.

  Though, AJ probably looked for some kind of high-powered job. He seemed the type. Those kinds of jobs were probably harder to get and took longer to find.

  AJ wasn’t about to tell Courtney his job troubles. How he’d had the job with his father’s company and screwed it up. That had been two years ago, and he hadn’t worked a day since. He’d half-heartedly tried to find work, but not very hard. He had a trust fund to tide him over. He’d even convinced himself he liked his carefree life, invited to the best parties in New York and Los Angeles. Running with a fast crowd. Hopping over to Europe for different festivals. It was a good life.

  Well, it had been until he’d been with some friends who had gotten themselves arrested on their last trip to Europe. Some expensive lawyers had smoothed it over, and they’d all come home safely, but it had, of course, hit all the papers.

  Then his father had grounded him to the island. That’s the only way to look at this exile. Go to the island with his grandmother and stay out of the news or lose access to his trust fund. But he wasn’t about to tell Courtney that either.

  “I hope you can find work soon. I’m sure it’s worrisome to be out of a job.”

  “I’m sure something will turn up.” Of course, he’d been saying that for a couple of years now, much to his father’s disgust. But then, he kind of liked annoying his father, so there was that.

  Will delivered their beverages. AJ took a sip of the specialty drink. Then another. It tasted like a mix between a mojito and a gin and tonic. “This is great, Will.”

  Will grinned and waited for Courtney to try hers.

  She took a sip and her eyes widened. “Oh, this is good. I wasn’t sure.” She took another good sip.

  AJ smiled at her enthusiasm.

  “Great. Glad you like them. Always like to hear my customers say they like my drinks.” A self-satisfied look crossed Will’s face. “So, can I take your dinner order?”

  They ordered burgers and fries, and Will headed back to the bar.

  “I’ve heard their burgers are great here.” Courtney sat up straight in her chair, tense, looking a bit out of sorts.

  He wasn’t sure what he’d done to cause that. They’d been having a great time, he thought, walking around the town. “You haven’t been to The Lucky Duck before?”

  “No, I don’t get out much.” She looked like she was going to say more, bit her bottom lip, then remained quiet.

  “Well, glad you decided to come out with me tonight and show me around.” AJ took another sip of the delicious drink then leaned back in his chair, stretching out his legs. He was glad she’d said yes. He was having a good time, which surprised him. It was just a simple evening of walking along the bay and browsing Oak Street, but he’d enjoyed her company.

  She seemed like a really nice person and not worried about what others thought, which was a refreshing change. She seemed unconcerned with wearing the newest trend in clothes whether it looked ridiculous on someone or not. He’d seen her cell phone… and he’d probably gotten six versions of cell phones himself since hers had been manufactured.

  All this about Courtney oddly reassured him. What did they call this type of person? Down-to-earth, wasn’t it? Or unpretentious. Anyway, he planned to ask her out again, and that surprised him too. He rarely dated the same woman more than once. He preferred to just…

  What?

  Not get tied down. No responsibilities. Because that way he couldn’t disappoint them.

  “You okay?”

  “What?” He looked up at Courtney.

  “You looked lost in thought.”

  “I guess I was.” His leg bumped against hers. “Oops, sorry.” He angled his legs away from hers and grabbed his drink, taking a long refreshing swallow sure to wash away his bouncing thoughts.

  It was obvious he’d drifted off, lost in his own thoughts. Courtney couldn’t even keep him interested in her while they waited for their dinner. She was a dating flop, that’s all there was to it. She knew this had been a mistake. Maybe she could go to the ladies room and then come back and act like she’d gotten called away.

  Where is your backbone, woman?

  She took a deep breath and tried again with the whole dating conversation thing. “So, where are you from?”

  “I grew up near Washington, DC. Mostly. I went to a boarding school, so I was gone most of the time.”

  “I can’t even imagine that.”

  “Where’s your family from?”

  She noticed he quickly sidestepped talking about his family. His eyes almost looked like he was truly interested in her answer. But she knew better. She wasn’t really his type.

  And she didn’t know how to answer his question. Well, Tally and Eddie were here. Her only family now. She’d leave it at that. “My grandparents live here.” She didn’t need to get into the fact her other grandmother had raised her and loathed every minute of it. She’d never let Courtney forget her mother had died in childbirth having her. It was Courtney’s fault that her grandmother’s only daughter was dead.

  She also didn’t think a boarding school-raised man would understand what it had been like to be on her own since she turned eighteen.

  At least until she’d found Tally.

  Will brought their dinners, and she carefully steered the conversation to the weather and the Lighthouse festival coming up soon. Safe topics. She considered telling him about Bobby, but the whole story of Bobby and her ex and… well, it’s not like she was going out with AJ again. She wasn’t even in his league. Boarding school. She hadn’t even finished high school and had to take the equivalency test to even get a high school diploma.

  Jeepers. Who really goes to boardi
ng school?

  Chapter 4

  The next morning, Tereza helped Courtney set up for the breakfast crowd.

  “So, how was your date?” Tereza set out a tray of clean coffee mugs.

  “It was… fine.”

  “Fine? That’s all I get?”

  “It was okay. One thing I’m sure of, though. We’re from different worlds. He went to boarding school, for Pete’s sake. I think he was just looking to kill some time while he’s here on vacation. I probably won’t see him again.”

  “Don’t be so sure.” Tereza elbowed her and bobbed her head toward the entrance.

  Courtney turned and saw him. AJ still-without-a-last-name because she’d forgotten to ask him. He looked like he’d stepped out of a magazine. Rich casual. A nice t-shirt—not like the well-washed, beat-up ones she owned—shorts, leather sandals, and sunglasses that probably cost more than a week of her wages.

  Okay, she’d give him handsome. Very handsome.

  He waved to her, and she made her way over to him. “Good morning.”

  “Morning. I thought I’d try out breakfast here.”

  “I’ll show you to a table.” She dropped the menu, not sure why she was so jumpy, and bent to pick it up. He reached for it at the same time, and their hands touched. She jerked her hand back.

  AJ rescued the menu and followed her to the table.

  “Do you want coffee?” He was just like any other customer. Get him a drink. Get his order. Quit being a nervous ninny.

  “I do. Black. Thanks.”

  She hurried off to get the coffee, annoyed with herself for being nervous. He’d just come in for food. They’d had their date. It hadn’t been anything spectacular, right? He’d asked to walk her home, but she’d said no. The place was a disaster of boxes and things thrown everywhere.

  She filled his mug and returned to the table, positive she could act like a rational human being now.

  He smiled that dazzle-smile of his at her as she set his mug down, and she almost dumped the hot liquid all over him. Which was silly, because she was sure that was his charm-the-ladies smile.

  “Do you know what you want?”

  “Bacon, eggs—fried—and toast.”

  “I’ll put your order in.” She rushed away before he had a chance to say another word.

  “I still want to hear about your date. He obviously had a good time if he’s back here this morning.” Tereza passed by her on the way to wait on a new table of customers.

  “Or he’s hungry.” She tossed the words back over her shoulder as she headed into the kitchen.

  Eventually, she had no choice but to bring him his breakfast when it was up. She’d considered asking Tereza to bring it to him, but that seemed like a cowardly thing to do. She didn’t know why he was putting her so off-kilter.

  “Here you go.” She set his food on the table.

  “Do you have time to sit for a moment?”

  “I—I better not.”

  “Just a moment.”

  “Okay.” She slid into the seat across from him, trying valiantly to seem nonchalant.

  “So, I had a good time last night.” He leaned forward toward her. “I… well, I wondered if you’d go out with me again.”

  “Are you sure?” The words just slipped out.

  AJ laughed a delighted chuckle. “I’m sure.”

  “Okay.”

  “Okay, we can go out again?” He cocked his head.

  “Yes.” Why had she said yes? Did she want to go out again? Hadn’t she just gone out that one time so she could say she’d finally had a date again?

  “Great. What works for you? My schedule is pretty open.”

  “Momma.” Bobby came flying through the restaurant and launched himself into her arms.

  She wrapped him in a hug. “Hey, kiddo. Did you have a good time with Tally and Eddie?”

  “The best ever. But Pops brought me here ’cause I missed you.” Bobby turned to AJ. “Hi. I’m Bobby. Who are you?”

  She turned her attention to AJ and paused. She recognized that look in his eyes.

  Surprise. Displeasure. The look that adults who don’t like kids show when a child comes into their space.

  She tightened her arm around Bobby. “Bobby, this is Mr… I’m sorry. I don’t even know your last name.”

  “Hamilton.” A stunned look still clung to his face.

  “Mr. Hamilton,” she continued. “AJ, this is my son, Bobby.”

  “Nice to meet you, Mr. Hamilton.” Bobby was all correct manners as he’d been taught.

  “I… uh… yes.”

  So maybe AJ hadn’t been taught quite as well as Bobby.

  “I mean, good to meet you, too.” AJ recovered. Slightly.

  “Bobby, why don’t you go into the kitchen and see if they have any cinnamon rolls from The Sweet Shoppe. I’ll be right in.”

  “Okay, I bet Pops might want one, too.” He slipped out of her arms and skipped off in the direction of the kitchen.

  She turned to AJ and tilted her head to the side. Daring him with a look she hoped said now-ask-me-out.

  “I…” AJ raked his hand through his hair, his eyes still holding a deer-in-the-headlights look. “I didn’t know you had a kid.”

  “Obviously.” She stood. “Don’t worry about it. We’ll pretend you didn’t ask me out again. I can see it plainly on your face. You don’t want to go out with a woman who’s a package deal. And I am. Bobby and I. We only had each other for years. And he’s a great kid, by the way. I’ll have Tereza bring you more hot coffee. Goodbye, Mr. Hamilton.” She turned away, head held high and shoulders straight in what she hoped was a good impression of washing her hands of him. The last thing she needed in her life was a man who was afraid of kids. Why she’d thought she was ready to date again remained a mystery. She wasn’t ready. Not by a long shot.

  Tereza stopped her at the kitchen door. “Well, that was pretty obvious, wasn’t it?”

  “The look of pure terror on AJ’s face when Bobby came up to me?”

  “I wanted to laugh, it was so obvious. Kids scare some men.”

  “Or some men are just players. He’d just asked me out again. He obviously rued that decision after he met Bobby.”

  “I’m sorry, Courtney. I just thought you could have some fun with him. Go out a few times. Relax.”

  “I really don’t have time for that kind of nonsense anyway.” She pushed her way into the kitchen, unsure why she felt a bit saddened and mad at herself for feeling that way. It had been one night. Even if he had asked her out again. It wasn’t like some big breakup. She shook her head at her own craziness.

  Men. They thought women were the complicated ones. Ha. Not even.

  Tally, Julie, and Susan sat at The Sweet Shoppe, sipping on sweet tea and nibbling on apricot scones. Julie, as usual, kept glancing around the shop to make sure all her customers were taken care of.

  “I heard Courtney had a date last night.” Susan leaned forward.

  “She what?” Tally frowned. That couldn’t be right. “I don’t think so. I mean, she didn’t say anything. Eddie and I did have Bobby over to spend the night last night.”

  “Jamie heard it from Will. I swear my son hears more about what’s going on around here than I do.” Susan sighed. “Anyway, Will said Courtney was in The Lucky Duck with some tall, dark stranger.”

  “I… I can’t imagine why she wouldn’t have said something. I mean, I’m pretty sure she hasn’t had a date since she’s been here. But then, she’s either working or taking care of Bobby.” Tally stirred her tea even though it didn’t need stirring. Why would Courtney have kept it a secret? Who had she gone out with?

  “I wouldn’t worry about it. Maybe it was just some spur-of-the-moment thing.” Julie reached for a scone.

  “Maybe.” Tally wracked her mind, trying to think of anyone who Courtney could be going out with. She didn’t know if her feelings were hurt because Courtney hadn’t said anything or if she was worried Courtney was keeping secrets. Of
course, her granddaughter was entitled to her privacy, but she wished Courtney would share things like this with her. Well, the girl would talk to her when she felt the time was right. Or not.

  Tally turned to Susan. “So, how are things with Adam? Still enjoying that married life?”

  “I am. I swear, I’m so lucky.” Susan’s face beamed when she talked about her husband. “But we’re getting a bit worried about his mother. Her Alzheimer’s is progressing.”

  “I saw Mary out walking Stormy on the beach the other day.” Tally reached for one of Julie’s delicious cinnamon rolls. “She was alone.”

  “We don’t want to say she can’t go out walking her dog… but I wish she’d take someone with her each time.”

  “I’m sure it’s hard on her and hard on you two.” Julie glanced around the shop again, caught the waitress’s eye, and nodded toward a table near the window. The waitress hurried over to the table.

  “It is. It’s a horrible disease. We want her to have as independent a life as possible while she can. But it’s hard.”

  “Well, at least she has you two to take care of her,” Tally said. “It’s good she lives with you .”

  “I feel like we have a village watching over her here on Belle Island. Dorothy and Mary have become great friends, and when Dorothy isn’t working the front desk at the inn for us, she’s usually off knitting somewhere with Mary. And they have their knitting group, too. Lots of people watch over Mary.”

  Tally reached over and squeezed Susan’s hand. “We all have come to love Mary. We’ll help in any way we can. I thought I’d pop over and see if she wanted to take Stormy on a walk this afternoon.”

  “That would be wonderful. I’m sure she’d like that. I know Adam feels better if someone goes with her on her walks.”

  Tally turned to Julie who was scanning the shop again. “Quit watching the shop and relax for a bit.” Though, Tally knew she did the same thing at Magic Cafe. It was never truly out of her mind.

  “Sorry. Occupational hazard.”

  “Looks like you’ve been doing a good business this summer.”