“Oh no, I don’t think she’sthatbird lady,” Tessa said quickly, catching Lori’s reaction. She actually snorted, which made Lori relax slightly. “She’s the bird writer I told you about. The one who came to ask permission from Mom and Mitch to use the private beach for her research.”
“Oh, right,” Lori nodded, remembering the conversation. “The nature writer.”
“That’s right, you haven’t met her yet,” Tessa said, as if just realizing this.
“No,” Lori shook her head. She wasn’t really in the mood to meet anyone new and explain who she was and go through allthe polite small talk that came with introductions. But politeness dictated that she do so without being rude, and besides, the bird lady was already hurrying toward them, her oversized hat bobbing with each step.
“Tessa!” the woman called out as she got closer. “How lovely to bump into you again!”
She was younger than Lori had expected, probably in her early to mid-thirties, with blonde hair tucked under that enormous hat, which was even bigger up close. She wore practical cargo pants and a long-sleeved shirt despite the morning’s warmth, and carried a small notebook in one hand.
“Hi, Clara,” Tessa said with a politeness that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “You’re out early today.”
“The best time for tide pool observations,” Clara said enthusiastically. Then her attention shifted to Lori, and her smile widened. “And you must be Chief Ware! I’m so pleased to finally meet you in person.”
Lori opened her mouth to correct the misunderstanding, but Clara was already extending her hand for a handshake. As Clara stepped closer, Misty’s behavior changed dramatically. The dog, who had been calmly sniffing at seaweed a few feet away, suddenly growled low in her throat and moved to position herself between Lori and Clara.
“Misty, it’s okay,” Lori said softly, placing a hand on the dog’s head as her other hand connected with Clara’s for an enthusiastic handshake that was a little too tight. Lori’s hand ached a bit when Clara finally let go.
Misty didn’t relax even after Clara had dropped Lori’s hand. The dog stayed tense and alert, her body a clear barrier.
Clara noticed and took a small step back, her smile faltering slightly. “Dogs sometimes have that reaction to me. I think it’s because I smell like the outdoors and probably bird poop.” She gave a nervous laugh. “All the time I spend observing wildlife, I forget I must smell like it to animals.”
Lori gave Clara a tight smile, noting how Tessa hadn’t corrected Clara’s assumption about Lori being Carrie. Before Lori could do it herself, Clara was already launching into an enthusiastic story.
“I had the most wonderful encounter this morning,” Clara gushed, her words tumbling over each other. “I was sketching on the beach when the wind caught my hat and all my papers. It was a disaster! But your handsome, gallant neighbor’s son, Ryan, came to my rescue. He and his niece helped me gather everything up. Such a gentleman. He reminded me of a brave knight rushing to save a damsel in distress!” She sighed with a goofy look in her eyes, clearly telling Lori that Clara was smitten or had a little hero worship crush on Ryan.
Lori wasn’t the only one who had noticed the way Clara’s eyes lit up when she talked about Ryan. They had a particular kind of brightness that suggested more than casual appreciation.
“Ryan’s always been helpful,” Tessa said, her voice carefully neutral, and Lori noticed the stiffening of her shoulders.
“Is he single?” Clara asked, and there was no mistaking the hopeful note in her voice now. She looked between Tessa and Lori as if expecting one of them to have the answer.
“I...uh...” Tessa hesitated, and Lori caught the look she flashed at Clara. It was somewhere between uncomfortable and protective. “I think he’s engaged.”
Lori had to hide a smile at what she thought must be a white lie.
“Oh,” Clara’s face fell dramatically. “Is she here with him? His fiancée?”
“You know, I’m not sure,” Tessa told her, maintaining the fiction smoothly. “You’d have to talk to him about that.”
“Of course he’s taken.” Clara sighed, her shoulders slumping. “Men like him always are. The good ones never stay single for long.”
“Yes, well.” Tessa was looking visibly uncomfortable now, shifting her weight from foot to foot. “We’d better get going. We have a long walk planned.”
“Oh. Right. I’m sorry,” Clara said apologetically. “I didn’t mean to interrupt your morning.”
“It’s okay,” Lori told her. “At least now I can put a face to your name. Tessa did tell me you’d come to Seabird Cottage to ask about using the beach.”
“Yes, and thank you for letting me,” Clara told her before stepping back. “Well, don’t let me keep you. Enjoy your walk.” Her cheerfulness returned as quickly as it had faded upon learning Ryan was engaged. “It was nice seeing you again, Tessa.” Then she turned toward Lori, and there was something in her expression that made Lori’s skin prickle. The smile seemed different now, a little wooden, a little forced. And her eyes had a quality to them that Lori couldn’t quite identify. “I’m glad we finally met, Chief Ware.” There was an odd emphasis on the word “finally” that Lori didn’t understand.
They said their goodbyes and continued down the beach. Lori glanced back once and saw that Clara had returned to the rocks, crouching among the tide pools again with her notebook.
“Why didn’t you correct her when she thought I was Carrie?” Lori asked once they were well out of earshot. “Now she thinks I’m your mother.”
Tessa shrugged and blew out a breath. “I really didn’t want to get into it with Clara.” She shook her head, pulling a face. “There is just something about that woman. She’s so icky sweet and a little overbearing. If I’d corrected her, we would have been stuck there for another twenty minutes while she asked a million questions about who you are and why you’re here and what your connection to the family is.” She visibly shuddered. “The woman is just so… so… you know, one of those kids that always got picked last for everything at school.”
“Tessa!” Lori exclaimed, though she couldn’t help but laugh a little at Tessa’s candid assessment. “I think she’s probably just a little lonely. She’s here alone for her research, living in a rental cottage. It must be isolating.”
