Page 14 of Wishful Thinking

“That sucker looks nasty, here, put this on it. It should helptake the swelling down.” She cooed over him like a mother hen and he glanced up at Angel. The man didn’t seem to care and cracked open another beer. He glanced at Sal’s and saw it half-full. He grabbed the broom and smiled, his eyes tired.

“Gonna finish cleaning up before opening. How long youhere for?” Sal sucked down the rest of his beer and stood.

“At least a month, maybe longer, it depends on if I get everything I’m after here or not. I’ve got an open ticket, at least for the first month. After that, the price tag ison me.” He set the empty on the bar and nodded to Lacey.

“Gratitudes are in order for the ice. I’ve got to be heading out to get mywork done before the day getsmuchhotter.” Angel waved and Lacey retreated to the kitchen. Sal wandered back down the road towards the cottage. Stella was outside the dwelling beside his trimming weeds when he stepped up to the compound.

“Hey Stella, yourmuffins areout of this world. Thank you.” Stella grinned at him and shifted themoist tendrils off of her forehead.

“Damn humid out here today, hate working on this side, not enough breeze to help ward off the swamp. Might go for a float when I’m finished and later I’ve got to get morewriting done. My deadline is flashing like a friggin’ beacon on my calendar and still so much to do. What are you doing today? I don’t guess you’re out to help me conquer this jungle by any chance, are you?” Sal chuckled and held up his palm.

“I’m happy I can press the buttons on the camera, let alone workheavy trimmers, sorry.” He reflected for a minute and smiled.

“Any chance I could use your car? I’d like to head over to the beach this evening and capture the sunset. Full moon is taking place, so I hope to get a fewgood shots. Supposed to be a crystalclear night. If you don’t want to, that’s okay. I can just order a taxi.”

Stella held up her hand, then wandered down towards her house. He stood there waiting, peering around forshelter from the sun.

“Damn, I feel like a hard-boiled egg. I’m dying here. Doesn’t this shit ever cool down?” Theancientdoorofthe white house creaked open, and a woman stepped out, peering around at her surroundings. Surprised to find a young gorgeous man standing on her welcome mat, she jumped.

“What the… Who are you? What do you want? I don’t think they allow solicitors here.” Sal smiled and shook his head.

“I’m just waiting on Stella. I’m staying next door. My name is Sal, and I’m a photographer.” The woman stepped closer holdingout her hand. She looked as if she still didn’t trust Sal, and it surprised him when she smiled.

“I’m Berta. This is my first time here. Just arrived this morning. I figured this place would be crawling with younger folks. Itsurprised me to find it so quiet. Areyou going to Stella’s tonight for cocktail hour?” She stared, her eyes moving from his head to his toes before settling on his groin. He figured she’d be looking for more than having cocktails. Her hair was frosted in a variety of browns and golds, and her face had seen its fair share of nipping and tucking. The tangerine orange top she wore left nothing to the imagination, and he guessed that the girls had gotten a job to lift them to a loftier status. She wore chunky gold jewelry, and he didn’t know whether her tan was spray on or natural.

“Nah, I will be away for cocktail hour. I’m here to get work done on a calendar. No rest for the weary. But it was a pleasure to meet you Berta, you staying here long?” She waved her hand at her face and he saw the half-moon blotches of perspiration beneath her breasts.

“Well, for now I’m scheduled for a week, but we’ll see what the wind blows my way. Perhaps it will be longer, or it could be less, but I will let you know. I’m sure we will get together at some point. You seem to be an interesting character, and I adore a man with character. Besides, we’re neighbors, and girls got to be friendly with the neighbors. Stella said I had a hottie right next door, boy, she wasn’t lying.” Sal turned ten shades of pink and laughed as Stella walked up, car keys in hand.

“Well, if my ears ain’t ringing, I ain’t doing my job. Well, now, I see you two have met. Here you go Sal, just leave the keys on my porch tonight when you bring the car back. No one will touch them, and don’t forget to have some fun… But don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” she added with a chuckle. Sal took the keys and rolled his eyes at the set of bright cherry-red lips that dangled from the ring.

“Don’t be making no assumptions now, kid. You know all about my book business. That bauble was a gift from the princess last year. Makes me smile. Enjoy.” She turned with a wave and Sal headed towards his bungalow.

“Oh Sal, I have a question for you.” Berta’s voice compelled him to stop. Turning, she batted her spidery eyelashes at him.

“My husband passed away a year ago and I’m down here on a holiday. I’m not one for being known as outgoing;Most of our friends were his and I don’t know anyone here. Any chance I could tag along on your little outing? I promise I won’t be a bother. Figured it’sa good way I can catch thesights without having to meet people. I find most folks travel in pairs and I hate being a third wheel.” She looked sad, but Sal wanted time to be alone and process his thoughts on Belle.

“Maybe anothertime, Berta. I’m doing a whirlwind trip this evening and I work better when I’m in my peacefulheadspace. I hope you understand.” He watched as the dark mood crossed her face and she smiled.

“Be sure to maketime in your busy schedule. Thatwould be fantastic. So long, Sal. It was a pleasure meeting you.” She slipped back in to her bungalow and shut the door. Sal rolled his eyes and headed in to his cabin.

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