Moe’s was a little ramshackle, if she was being honest. There were no t-shirts for sale or sunscreen, like the Publix down the road, where you could buy pretty much anything you’d need, from lunch meat to a wakeboard.
Moe’s was all meat, produce, cheese, and wine, thank goodness.
Ali loaded a cart with what she’d seen on Didi’s cheese board the night before. Then she searched for a few things the Hafner and Noble kids would like. Nothing fussy or pretentious but still special. They’d need cookies and grapes, and she thought crackers for the kids would be good.
“Can I help you find something in particular?” A man wearing a Moe’s t-shirt, not very tall, but very muscular, she noticed, offered her a smile and his assistance.
“Oh, hello. Ah, actually, yes, crackers, some for grown-ups and some for little ones. The little ones need to be like Ritz but ritzier.” She figured the kids would be happy with them.
“Aisle 6, let me show ya what we’ve got.”
She followed and he listed a few options. “Here, these are like, elevated Ritz crackers. The kids will love them.” He handed her a box, and she put it in the cart.
“Thank you.” At this point, her cart looked full. The only thing she didn’t have was a few cookies or sweet treats. She had fruit, but kids didn’t always go for that.
Maybe I can hit Erica up for some sweets?
“Here, let’s get you checked out. So, word travels fast. You’re the new owner of the Sea Turtle.”
“I am. Well, technically I’ve been the owner for a long time, but I only just found that I owned it. That’s more accurate.”
“Ah, that’s quite a discovery! Well, rest assured the Riveras have done a lovely job in your stead. Even if you didn’t know it was in your stead.”
“Yes, they’re wonderful. Just trying to lift the burden a little today for the Grand Finale.”
“Ah, so you’re going to need a few pastries. I’m going to call Erica and be sure she brings some along.”
My thoughts exactly.“Oh, thank you, that’s wonderful. So, how long have you been here at Moe’s?”
“I’m Kent Churchill. Moe was my grandpa, so I’ve been helping out here for my entire life, with about a fifteen-year detour in Seattle.”
“Do you know who owned the Sea Turtle before, say, the 1980s?”
“Can’t say that I do, but don’t Jorge and Didi?”
“Ah, they just work with a management company, which I also can’t track down.”
“Well, you can always go to the county. I happen to know that any property records, deed transfers, and what not are sketchy before 2006 around here. Trust me on that. Tried to add a loading dock back there. Confusion over who owned about twenty feet took me more time to sort than I care to admit.”
“So, how did you sort it, if I may ask?”
Kent scanned her items and gently placed them on the short conveyor belt. “County records are at the admin building. It’s on Palmetto Road. They should be able to look it up. Mine was on microfiche. But I did find them and prove that I did actually own my parking lot. Thank you, Grandpa Moe! He owned the next-door neighbor’s parking lot, too. Which is in my back pocket fora drive-through window I’m working on.” He put a finger to his temple and tapped it.
Ali laughed and said, “Thanks for the info, I appreciate it.”
“Of course, the mom-and-pop owners around here have to stick together. Essential to survival with all the big condo Godzillas.”
“Oh, I’m really here to just settle this up. I live in Toledo.” Ali still didn’t see herself as the owner.
“Ah, well, at least you’re all set for the Grand Finale, and don’t worry. I’ll get Erica to rush some goodies over too. Don’t want you left without sugar for the guests. It’s their vacation!”
“Totally! Thank you again.”
Ali made a mental note to pay a visit to the county offices and then hustled back to the Sea Turtle. She realized she didn’t have a kitchenette anymore, thanks to giving up the Key Lime. She scanned the hooks on the wall behind the desk in the management office cottage.
Key Lime and Blueberry were taken, and Mango was a mess. That left the Lemon Love Shack, the Pink Lady, and the Strawberry something or other. From her earlier inspection, she knew the state of each of them. All the cottages had the same amenities, just some were in better shape than others. The Lemon Love Shack was the other cottage closest to the beach.
Well, let’s give the Lemon Love Shack a whirl.
