“No, it’s fine. I mean, it was hard, but I’m adjusting to it. We have two kids, but they’re grown now. They seem to be fine with it all.” Better than she was. But then, they had their lives, their homes, their jobs.
“So you decided to move back here?”
“I did. I needed a fresh start. And Magnolia Key just seemed like the place to try. I’m not sure how long I’ll stay, but for now, I’m happy here.”
“So, this isn’t a permanent move?”
She looked out over the water and frowned. “I don’t really know. Haven’t thought that far ahead about things. I just needed a place to land. A job. Found both of those things here.”
“I’m glad you’re here.” The corners of his mouth twitched up in a warm, genuine smile.
She wasn’t quite sure how to take his remark. Was he just being friendly? Or just thought it was nice that she’d found her footing here? But had she? She was still living with Beverly, not making it on her own. And Beverly refused to let her pay any rent. She did buy lots of their groceries and helped clean and cook. Still, she longed for a place she could call her own.
“We’re about at the mainland. Let’s go down and get in the van.” Dale led the way back downstairs, and they pulled off at the landing. He drove them to a large hardware store.
“This is new since the last time I was home.”
“Opened a couple years ago. And there’s one of those big warehouse clubs right down the way.”
“There were always more choices and places to go when we’d come over here from the island, but not this many. Lots of changes.”
Once inside, he helped her pick out the supplies she needed to paint the bookcase. A drop cloth, paint, brushes, sandpaper, and a wax finish to apply as the last step.
He got the things he needed, and they checked out, piling their purchases into the van. “Say, I’m starved. Want to grab something to eat before we head back?” Dale closed the back door of the van.
She nodded. “I’m hungry too.”
“There’s a new restaurant right near the pier. We could try it. I haven’t been yet.”
“Sounds good.”
He drove them to the pier, and they went into Beachcomber, the new restaurant. They both enjoyed the fish tacos and hushpuppies. The food was delicious and they indulged in easy conversation. He grabbed the check and insisted on buying their lunch.
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I want to. Enjoyed the company.”
They headed back to his van and drove to the landing, sitting in line, waiting for the ferry to arrive.
“I appreciate the ride over here. I can’t wait to get started on the bookcase.”
“I can’t wait to see how it turns out.”
They sat and chatted as they waited in line. A comfortable conversation that veered this way and that. He was easy to talk to, funny, and a good listener too.
Soon they were back on the ferry and once again went up top. The warm sunshine bathed her face as she turned to the sun. The salty wind surrounded them, keeping it from being too warm in the sun. All too soon, they were back at Magnolia Key.
“Let’s drop your supplies off at Coastal Coffee.”
“Okay, thanks. That will make it easier.”
They pulled up just as Beverly was closing up. “There you are. Did you find what you needed?”
“I did.” She held up a can of paint and nodded toward Dale, laden with bags of her other supplies. “We’ll just take them to the back.”
They headed to the storeroom and placed all her supplies by the bookcase. Sun streamed in the window. She turned to Dale. “You know what? I’m going to get started right now. I’m going to do some sanding.”
“You are anxious, aren’t you?” His lips rose in a grin. “Well, I’ll leave you to it, then.”
