“We do.” She bobbed her head. “But I’m very thankful to Jay.”
“So, we went back to the island a bit ago and spoke to Lillian. You know she bought Magnolia House, right?” Ida asked.
“I heard that.”
“Anyway, she had this man—Gary—working on fixing the place up.”
“Lillian married Gary,” Betty interrupted.
“We heard that, too.” Ida nodded. “We try to keep up with all the news from the island. Anyway, Gary found this old journal hidden behind a board at Magnolia House. Isn’t that interesting? Lillian is trying to figure out who the family is of the woman who wrote it.”
“Oh, like some kind of mystery.”
“I’ve been wondering if she’s found out any more about the family of the girl who wrote it.”
“I don’t know, but I’ll be sure and ask when Jay brings Barney to visit. Maybe he’ll know. He’s bringing Barney to visit me after the storm.” Betty tried a bite of her meal. Surprisingly tasty, much better than she thought the meals would be in the dining room here at the retirement center.
“I do hope the storm weakens and Belle Island fairs well through it.” Ida’s forehead wrinkled with concern.
“I do, too. And I worry about Barney. He’s not a big fan of storms.”
“I’m sure Jay will take good care of him,” George said.
“Oh, I’m sure he will.” But she still worried about her Barney. She sighed and took a sip of her coffee with the cream. Very good. Even if her daughter would be disappointed in her choice. Her daughter was one of those people who picked a new diet fad every six months or so. Her daughter’s new one included no dairy. No coffee either, for that matter. That was never going to happen for her. She planned on enjoying her coffee until her last days.
She turned from her thoughts back to the conversation with George and Ida. She enjoyed the easy conversation with them. Maybe this move wouldn’t be so bad if she could get to know more people here. Though she’d still rather be back on her beloved Belle Island.
Chapter 7
Robin hurried through the inn the next morning. She’d just checked the last guests out. Well, all the guests except for Zoe and Mason. They were staying, but they were more family than guests. Mason insisted on staying to be near his father and Lillian in case they needed help. And Zoe? She was pretty sure Zoe wanted to stay because Mason was staying. She’d seen the looks they’d been giving each other.
And Lillian and Gary would be at The Nest, of course, to watch over things.
The storm predictions weren’t good, and the authorities had recommended all non-residents leave the island. Luckily the handful of remaining guests had agreed and gone home. She didn’t envy them the long drive up the highway in the heavy traffic with everyone trying to escape the storm.
She and Jay would stay, though. Help Lillian. If it got too bad, they’d all head to the community center. They’d done it before. It was just life on this small Florida island.
The storm was predicted to hit tomorrow as a category one hurricane. Still hitting north of here, but the winds would be vicious on the island and there could be localized flooding.
She got to the kitchen and Jay looked up from where he was cleaning the counters and smiled at her. He tilted his head toward the supply cabinet with a small nod and a wink. She grinned and followed him inside.
He took her into his arms and kissed her. “Ah, now that’s more like it. Been wanting to do that since I said good night to you last night.”
“You should try it again, just in case it’s a while until you can do it again,” she teased.
“Good plan, woman.” He kissed her again, pulling her close.
The door swung open to the storage room and she looked over in surprise. Sara stood in the doorway, an amused look on her face.
“So this is where you two hide out.” Sara shook her head, a wide smile on her face. “About time you two got together.”
“Sara, I was going to tell you and Charlotte. I was going to tell you today. Honest.” Robin disentangled herself from Jay’s arms and went over to her friend.
“How long has this been going on?”
“Just a few days. Since Sunday. It’s just been so crazy with everyone getting ready for the storm…”
Sara gave her a quick hug. “I’m happy for you. And it’s about time. I just came to tell you I’m headed to the community center to help Noah.” She turned to leave. “But you better tell Charlotte about you two before the news gets out.”
“I’ll go find her now,” Robin promised.
Jay walked over to her. “So, if you tell Charlotte, does that mean we don’t have to hide out in the storage room to kiss?”
She smiled up at him. “That’s exactly what it means. You can kiss me any time you want.”
“And I’ll want to kiss you lots. A whole lot. Frequently.” An infectious grin spread across his face. “So, go find her. I’m going to close up the kitchen and see what Lillian needs me to do. I’ll catch up with you later.”
They walked out of the storage closet and Dana pretended not to notice.
“Hey, Dana. Why don’t you head out? I’ll finish up here.” Jay headed over to the counter where he’d been working before their little storage closet escapade.
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.”
Dana took off her apron, a worried look on her face. “I… could help.”
“No, I’m good. Go home and stay safe.”
Dana nodded and left through the kitchen’s back door.
Robin walked over and gave Jay another quick kiss. “Okay, I’m outta here. I’ll go find Charlotte.”
Robin hurried off and found Charlotte at the bungalow. “There you are.”
Charlotte turned to
