Page 33 of A Future in the Bay

“Hey, sis,” he said, giving her a hug. “I’d say the chances were pretty high,” he added in a wry whisper.

Olivia smiled serenely as they separated, appearing unfazed that he had called her out on her shenanigans. “I’m here to bring some fresh basil from my house plant to Heidi and Gwen. That little guy is overflowing with leaves, I need help eating them all.”

“Aww, thank you!” Heidi said, taking the bag that Olivia handed her. “I’ll go put this in the fridge right now.”

She ducked into the back room, and Olivia turned to Gwen with a smile.

“This one’s for you,” she said, handing her a sandwich bag stuffed with basil leaves. “They taste absolutely delicious on a caprese sandwich—I like to use fresh tomatoes from my aunt Marsha’s garden. She’s got plenty, I’m sure she’d be happy to give you some when they’re grown. They’re so much better than the ones from the store.”

“I haven’t met your aunt yet, I wouldn’t want to impose,” Gwen said, a little stiffly. “But thank you for the basil. This is very nice.”

“Well, we should remedy that!” Olivia said with a guileless smile. Isaiah had to repress an urge to chuckle. “Aunt Marsha is the absolute best. She’s planning on coming by and helping with some of the renovations for Little Clams. Oh!” Olivia placed her hand on her heart, clearly pretending to get an idea at that moment, and Isaiah lifted his eyebrows curiously, wonderingwhat she was going to say. He knew his sister had some kind of scheme up her sleeve.

“I have a great idea,” Olivia gushed. “What if you also help out with some of the renovations at the elementary school? After all, Isaiah needs some help now that he doesn’t have full use of both hands.”

Gwen’s mouth had popped open in surprise, and Isaiah protested quickly. “Olivia,” he said. “She’s a doctor, and a very busy woman. She doesn’t have time to help us renovate the school.”

“Well, I’m actually not that busy,” Gwen said, flushing a little, “but I don’t know the first thing about renovating. I’d be absolutely useless to you.”

“Oh, don’t say that,” Isaiah said, smiling at her. “I’m sure you’d be great at it with a little instruction. I’ve seen how good you are with your hands.”

“See? It’s settled.” Olivia nodded firmly. “Gwen thinks she has the time and Isaiah thinks she has the ability.”

Isaiah felt sure that Gwen was going to say no to the proposition—she seemed as though she was very slowly warming up to him, but that hardly meant that she would be eager to be his renovation pupil. But the doctor seemed to be charmed by Olivia in spite of herself.

“I can donate a few hours out of my week to a good cause,” Gwen said hesitantly. “I’d like to be of what use I can be here in Blueberry Bay. I’m used to working much more than I have been, and I’ve been feeling a little restless.”

“That works out so well!” Olivia said grandly, clapping her hands together. “Thank you so much, Dr. Gwen. You’re helping out a lot of kids.”

“I’d be happy to,” Gwen said, smiling a little less stiffly than usual.

“Come by the elementary school in the evening in a couple of days,” Olivia told her. “We’ll have projects for you to work on then.”

“Sure.” Gwen nodded, and Isaiah could practically see the wheels in her mind clicking and whirring—he felt sure she was a woman who never forgot any kind of engagement.

“Thank you again,” Olivia said warmly, and left the clinic.

“Gwen, I’m sorry,” Isaiah said, turning to the doctor with an apologetic grimace as soon as his sister was gone. “Olivia shouldn’t have asked you to donate your time like that. I know she means well, and she’s getting a bit worried about getting everything done in time for Kids’ Fest, but—” His voice trailed off.

And she’s trying to matchmake the two of us,he thought, and then he felt as though he might be blushing slightly.

“It’s quite all right,” Gwen said, smiling. “I can understand her being worried under the circumstances.” She lifted one eyebrow, fixing him with a knowing look. “Although you told her not to worry, no doubt.”

“You’re correct! How did you know?” He grinned at her.

“You’re so laid-back,” she said, and they shared a chuckle. “And optimistic. I expect you tell everyone not to worry.”

“Again, what are these psychic powers that you possess?”

She laughed. “And I mean it. I’m happy to help. After all, didn’t you suggest that I get to know the town so that I’ll learn how to fit in better here? I can’t guarantee that that will work for me, but I’ll give it a go.”

He grinned at her, feeling thrilled. “Sounds great.” He couldn’t take his eyes off her face for a few moments—he felt so excited that she wanted to become part of Blueberry Bay.

“Why are you grinning like that?” she asked, flushing slightly and looking to the side.

“I like that you’re willing to give Blueberry Bay a try, instead of just sticking to your first impression of the town and never budging on it.”

“Well, I’m here,” she said, shrugging. “I should get to know the place I’m living in.”

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