Page 75 of Changing Tides

While she eats her oatmeal and cinnamon toast, I get dressed and throw on some light makeup. Then, I get her ready and walk her over to Ida Mae’s house.

She meets us at the door, wearing a terry-cloth robe and house shoes, a full coffee cup in her hand.

“Good morning,” she greets.

“Hi, Ida Mae,” I say as we enter her cozy living room.

Leia goes straight to the fluffy Persian cat that’s perched on the couch and begins to run her hand along its back.

I hand Ida Mae the bag that is slung over my arm.

“I packed a few snacks and a change of clothes in case you need them. I’ll be home around five thirty this evening, and I’ll come get her right away.”

“No rush. We’re going to have a great time,” she says as she smiles kindly at me.

“I truly appreciate you keeping her,” I say.

“You’ve already said that. Now, scoot. Go enjoy the turtles,” she says, shooing me out the door.

Leia doesn’t even look up from her new furry friend as I blow her a goodbye kiss.

I lower the top of the Corvette and cue up my work playlist. As soon as “Hall of Fame” by The Script starts blaring through the speakers, I slide my sunglasses on and back out of the driveway, ready to conquer whatever this day brings.

First stop is the beach, where I’ll help tape off and secure a new nest that was discovered this morning.

Sebastian

The season is in full swing. Schools are out for summer, and the island is bursting at the seams with vacationers. Which keeps our schedule jam-packed. Sebby has even put us to work seven days a week for the past few weeks to meet the demand.

I’ve been so exhausted that I fall right into bed the moment I step on the sailboat.

It’s a blessing and a curse to be so busy.

Today is the first day off I’ve had in twenty days. And instead of heading to my cabana to get some work done, I’m on my way to Nana’s house.

She needs a plumber, and since Gramps is working today, I’m the next best option.

I park on the street and go around back to let myself inside.

At the top of the steps, I find a cranky Leia slamming crayons into a tin box.

“Hey there, kiddo,” I greet, and all I get in return is a grunt.

I stoop down to look her in the eye. “Why the long face?” I ask.

She frowns, and her hands fly to her chubby cheeks and skim down to her neck. “My face isn’t long. It’s round.”

I chuckle. “I mean, why the grumpy face?”

“Nana said I have to take a nap,” she grumbles.

“Really? A nap sounds pretty good to me,” I say.

“That’s ’cause you’re old.”

“What? I’m not old,” I claim.

“Yes, you are. You’re big and old,” she growls and stomps her foot.

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