“Graham can’t take Riley for the weekend as planned, so we’re coming back.We’re going to grab dinner first.”
“There’s a great Italian place near the ferry,” he said.
“Yes, there is,” she said.“In fact, our Margherita pizza is heading our way as we speak.”
“I’m a little jealous.”He smiled.“Their Margherita pizza is excellent.”
“Maybe next time you can come with us,” she said.
A silence hung between them.Next time.She would have him come too.Did this mean she, too, was starting to see their relationship as more than just shared cat custody?He searched for something to say, something to break the silence.Something to keep her on the line a little longer.
“There’s a great bookstore near there.With a good selection, given the size.If you go in, say hi to Chip for me.He’s the owner.”
“Are you reading my mind?”she said.“That’s where we’re headed next.”
“Will you be returning on the nine o’clock boat?”
“Yes.So we won’t be at yours until about ten thirty.I hope that’s not too late.”
“Well… um.Why don’t I bring Dash by when I head out to go crabbing tomorrow morning?You were going to watch the kittens then, remember?”
“That’s right.It’ll be a good distraction for Riley.She’ll enjoy having the pair to play with.”
“Or I can take her crabbing too.If you want time on your own.”
“You would do that?”
“Of course.I think the kids enjoy themselves together.”
“Just a minute.”He heard a muffled conversation followed by an excited “yes!”before Sarah came back onto the phone.“She would like to come.What does she need?”
“Have her pack an extra set of clothes.We won’t need them, but sometimes when I don’t bring them…”
“Best to be ready for emergencies.”She was smiling.He could tell by the way she sounded.Warm, happy.Did that mean talking to him made her happy?He hoped so.
“She should bring a towel and a bathing suit.In fact, if you’d like to come too, the kittens could be left alone for a couple of hours.What do you think?”
“Umm…”
“Sorry, didn’t mean to put you on the spot.Think about it.It could be fun.”
“And you know how to cook these crabs if we catch them?”she asked.
“Of course,” he said.“Not my first rodeo.”
“Let me think about it.There are things I should be doing around the house, but it’s been years since I went crabbing.My father used to take me.”
“We’ll be putting the traps in off the pier.Then grabbing an ice cream and heading home.Three hours, tops.”
“I think I can spare three hours,” said Sarah.“Let’s do it.”
“I’ll leave the kittens at mine, then.And if we leave around nine, we can be back in time for a late lunch.”
“Sounds great,” she said.“I should go now.Our pizza is getting cold.”
“Wouldn’t want you to miss out on warm pizza.Still a little jealous, by the way.”
“Thanks for keeping Dash.We’ll see you in the morning.About nine.With towels, bathing suits, and extra clothes.”
