Page 23 of Love Over Easy

He nods and gives Hannah a kiss on the cheek as he says goodbye, but our eyes meet before he goes out the door. Yeah, I do see regret on his face, probably the same look is on mine. Regret that we were interrupted. But maybe that’s best.

I feel Hannah’s hand on my arm. “Don’t hurt him, Shyanne. David is a good guy and while he’d never admit it, he’s sensitive and easily wounded.”

“I would never hurt him on purpose. I’m probably not going to be here long term and he knows that.”

Hannah helps me finish washing down the walls and then around two, Kimberly shows up and we tackle cleaning the outside picnic tables. They were weathered and worn, but with a good scrubbing and sealing, they will be fine. If I get to stay, I’ll look at replacing them.

If I get to stay. I shouldn’t be thinking like that. It’s my life and I’m an adult. I should be able to make my own decisions. If I want to stay on Faire Island and make my home here, I should be able to do that.

Who am I kidding? Running away like I did has only put a detour on my regular life. That was an immature move that should prove I shouldn’t be taken seriously.

At five, I lock the door on a much cleaner diner and Kimberly drives me home.

“I’ve invited a few friends over to help out tomorrow.”

“You didn’t have to do that, Kimberly. I know you all have jobs of your own.”

“It’s no problem at all. You’ll like them. Brandy owns the Cut N Curl. It’s the only place on the island where you can get your hair done. She also does mani/pedis. Suzie makes the most beautiful sea glass jewelry, and Melissa used to be a teacher but now just does temp work wherever she can find it.”

“That must be hard for her.”

“It is. They are all married, but might as well be single. Brandy’s husband is a fisherman and is gone for long stretches of time. Suzie’s and Melissa’s husbands work on the mainland. They only get home a few days a week.”

How can their marriages survive a schedule like that? “Why didn’t they move with their husbands?”

“Because this is home. They were born here and it’s the only place they want to live. I don’t know what Bode would do if I had to move away. He’s so grounded here it would be hard for him to leave. But I would never ask him to. I love it here myself.”

“When are you getting married?”

At the mention of her wedding, Kimberly’s shoulders tighten and her lips thin. I guess the wedding isn’t a top five topic.

“I don’t know. We can’t seem to get both families on board with a date.”

“I’m sure you will soon. I mean Bode would be crazy not to lock you down on this island. There’s too many hopeful single men waiting to take his place.”

Her shoulders relax and we’re on to other subjects. I can’t believe the number of men who have asked me out. I’m not interested in that. I’m not here to find a man. I’m here to do something I’ve always dreamed of doing. Without knowing how long I’ll be able to stay, I want to enjoy every single moment.

Later, after a quick shower, I hurry to have a chicken casserole in the oven before David gets home from work. I’m working on a simple salad to go with it when a lady I’ve never seen walks into the kitchen like she owns the place. She’s older. I’d say early fifties with sandy blonde hair pulled back into a low ponytail. Her outfit is very beachy, a turquoise and white striped shirt with white capris and the ever-popular flip-flops on her feet. She looks young and vivacious.

Her gaze softens as she comes in for what I think is a handshake, but turns into a hug. Strangely I find myself returning the hug, although I’m not a hugger. Ever.

“Hello. You must be Shyanne. I’m David’s mother, Helen.”

His mother? My hands go immediately to my hair. I haven’t even dried my hair from my earlier shower. I look a mess. I smile through my teeth. “It’s nice to meet you. Please, won’t you come in? David should be home soon.”

“Something smells good,” she says as she walks around with the familiarity of once living here.

I do what I can, straightening my clothes and tucking flyways behind my ear. “It’s a chicken casserole for dinner,” I reply, and at the hopeful look on her face, I have no option but to say, “Won’t you join us? There’s plenty.” I was proud that my voice didn’t quiver to give away my nervousness. Well, at least not much.

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