“Sure.” He gave a nonchalant wave of his hand. “I’ve found dozens of them over the years. I could show you sometime. It’s the least I could do since you didn’t get what you came for.”
Ellie cast a wary eye at Jack, seemingly unsure of him. “I’ll think about it.”
When they reached the dock, everyone got out and staggered to their cars. Ellie stayed back and returned the waders to Jack.
“Much better.” She wiggled her toes, then dried her feet with a towel and slid into her flats. “Do you have another group coming in?” She took off her sunglasses, revealing a pair of mesmerizing green eyes.
“We’re done for the day,” he said, fighting the urge to stare. “George is closing early so I can get in a little fishing before dark.”
“That sounds fun. I’ve always wanted to learn how to fish.”
Sensing an opportunity, Jack said, “Why don’t you come with me? I could teach you.”
Her eyes met his gaze. “I would, but that’s my ride.” She nodded toward a green Chevrolet idling in the lot.
Jack glanced over her shoulder at the car. “Well, another time then.” He tried to hide his disappointment. “But in case you’re ever out this way again, I fish most evenings, so…”
She smiled at him with her eyes and shook his hand. “I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks again for making room for me and for the waders. Even though I didn’t get my arrowhead, I did enjoy being on the water.”
“You’re welcome,” he said, then watched as she turned and headed for the car.
* * *
That evening while Jack hauled in a mess of bass and bream, he thought a great deal about Ellie Spencer, the girl with the fancy shoes and dazzling eyes. Reflecting on the afternoon, he realized shewasthe prettiest girl he’d ever seen. Which begged the question: What was a girl like that doing in Sims Chapel? And more importantly, would he ever see her again?
When night fell, Jack went home, ate, prayed, and dug out his journal.
Dear Lewis,
Don’t ask me how, but I get the feeling today is the first day of the rest of my life. What am I talking about? An angel, that’s what. And her name is Ellie Spencer. She’s gorgeous, and I don’t mean just a little. Think Jacklyn Carpenter, only prettier. And to top it off, she’s nice, not like those girls from Knoxville, constantly thumbing their noses at guys like us. This one’s different, I can tell. She’s out of my league of course. You should have seen those fancy clothes all covered in muck. Do you think I’ll see her again? If I do, you’ll be the first to know.
Jack
CHAPTERTHREE
Rain Check
Much to Jack’s chagrin, the next morning came and went with no sign of Ellie. Realizing the odds of seeing her again were remote, Jack figured she had likely stopped in Sims Chapel with her family on their way to the mountains or the beach. Given his luck, or lack thereof, she was probably halfway to the coast by now, never to return. Despite his disappointment, Jack went about his day like usual, running three tours to the island and back.
When the last passenger had cleared the dock, Jack unloaded the boat, carried everything—nets, oars, tackle—into the shed, and put it all away. After grabbing his fishing gear and a bucket of minnows, he locked the door and set off for the boat.
“Hey there.”
Jack turned around at the sound of her voice. “Ellie.”
She glided toward him, her feet barely touching the wooden planks.
“I was starting to think I’d never see you again.”
A hint of a smile brushed her lips. “Why’s that?”
“I figured you’d be visiting the mountains or on your way to the beach.”
“I wish. Actually, I’m here for a few months visiting my aunt, so you’ll likely be seeing a lot of me this summer.”
His heart did a summersault. Taking inventory of her, Jack noticed her hair was up in a ponytail, and she had on a plaid shirt and had traded her expensive shoes for a pair of white Keds sneakers.
“She lives just there.” Ellie turned and pointed to a white house on the far shore.
