“And look where it’s got me! I’m sixty-eight and trying to wrangle eighteen high schoolers and a packed summer schedule. They think if they memorize the spiel that’s good enough. I’ll tell you, today’s youth just don’t have the passion for this island’s history. If only I could’ve cloned you. Some days I think I should just sell the business and be done with it.”
“Like you’ll ever hang up those paddles.”
“It’s a lot of aggravation these days, that’s what it is.”
“Well, I know for a fact you can get those youngsters in line. You were always quite capable of inspiring me.”
“That’s because you’re smart and ambitious and had a care about this island. Well, enough about me. How’s life in Alexandria and that boyfriend of yours?”
Jenna winced. “Oh, you haven’t heard. We’re not seeing each other anymore.”
“Good.” Miss Molly gave a sharp nod. “Never liked him.”
Jenna laughed. “You only met him one time.”
“And I didn’t like him. Seemed arrogant and like he didn’t know what he had in you. You’re better off without him.”
“Well, thank you, Miss Molly. I appreciate that.”
“And how’s that Tyson doing? I was so upset to hear about Britt up and leaving him last year. He’s such a nice young man.”
“Don’t you worry—he’s doing just fine without her. It’ll be good to spend some time with him.”
“You two always were thick as thieves.”
“He’s a good friend. And how is Mr. Paul doing? Still fishing every second he can?”
“Same as always. We did a little traveling to see the grandbabies during the winter, and that was wonderful. They’re growing up too fast. How’s your mama? I saw her at bingo a few months ago and wondered why she never seems to age. Maybe you can find out her secret and pass it on to me.”
“You’re as gorgeous as ever. And for what it’s worth, I think Mom’s just got good genes.”
“Lucky you then.”
“Here’s hoping. Did you know she just returned from a Caribbean cruise with Pam and Ellen? I’m restocking her pantry as we speak.”
“Oh, I’ll bet that was a hoot.” She gave her glasses a push. “Well, I’d better scoot. Paul’s mint chip ice cream is melting. You tell your mama hi for me.”
“Sure thing, Miss Molly. Tell Mr. Paul I said hello.”
After they parted ways, Jenna finished up the list and paid using her mom’s credit card. It was dark as she returned to the house. It felt odd knowing a strange man would be staying overnight. To her knowledge a man hadn’t spent the night since her dad passed away.
He must be rolling over in his grave right now. He’d been gone fifteen years. When Jenna had turned twenty-four, the birthday hit her like a two-by-four. She’d officially lived as many years without him as she had with him. She’d been a daddy’s girl through andthrough, and losing him had been the kind of trauma no twelve-year-old should have to face.
Jenna shook away the sad thought as she approached the house. She had to figure out what was going on with this Gordon guy. He was attractive for his age and seemed congenial enough. But anyone could put on a good face for one measly week. What kind of man moved this quickly? And what was wrong with her mom that she trusted so easily? Hadn’t she learned to be more cautious?
Apparently not.
Jenna had no more stopped the car than Gordon was scurrying down the porch steps and insisting on carrying the groceries. She was happy to accommodate as this might give her a few minutes alone with her mother.
Jenna found Mom in the laundry room, transferring a load from the washer to the dryer. “Oh good, you’re back. Thanks for running to the grocery store, honey.”
“Happy to help.”
Gordon’s footsteps sounded as he entered the house, then grocery bags rattled as he set them down in the kitchen.
“I ran into Miss Molly at the store. She’s as sassy as ever.”
“She’s something else. She stays in such good shape. I bet you’ll be the same way.”
