Page 33 of Seas the Dating Coach

With him beyond the reaches of the wan lamplight, it’s harder to scrutinize his features. “I’m glad I was able to help you tonight, but in the name of our friendship, I don’t think it’s a good idea to practice kissing again.”

“Our friendship?”

“That’s what we are, right?”

As much as my imagination would like to apply the completely inappropriate label ofloversto our fledgling relationship, I say, “I don’t know when we switched from mentee/mentor to friends, but I’ll take it.”

I make sure to lace my lightly toned sentence with a toothy smile.

Finn’s tense shoulders finally relax. “Goodnight, then.”

“Night, Finn.”

I tell myself that watching Finn walk home from the living room window until I can’t see his sturdy shadow in the distance is something acaring friendwould do. So is double-checking that said friend made it home safe via text.

Vivian

Any ruffians give you trouble on the way home? Apparently, the island is teeming with them.

Finn

Har. Har.

Vivian

I’m serious. Apparently, safety is a real issue. Should we move?

Dots blink for an inordinately long time before Finn’s message comes through. I can’t blame lack of service for the delay in his answer. Wilks Beach might be out of the way physically, but its cellular service game is strong.

Finn

If I get the directorship, I’ll be leaving at the end of the summer.

I knew that. He’d be coordinating the entire library system from the Central Library in Virginia Beach. The whole point of our arrangement is for him to get that position. The gnawing pinch in my stomach is probably hunger related. I open and stare blankly at the fridge contents before grabbing the container of grapes. Delicious sweetness crushes between my molars as I type out an answer.

Vivian

You’re absolutely going to get that job. By the time we’re done, everyone on this island will love you.

And if I’m not careful, I will too.

fifteen

Finn

Here’s what I expected on a cloudy Wednesday morning: a peaceful walk to the library, work as usual, and that’s about it. What I hadn’t anticipated was how being out with Vivian last night would sprinkle a layer of golden sunshine over my day.

Every single library staff member reciprocated my daily “good morning.” Patricia even invited me to join her and Greg for karaoke on Thursday. My voicemail was nearly full of messages offering suggestions for ways to raise money for the media room.

Had I thought of a shirtless car wash at the fire station?

No, but Carol Cook had. Complete with detailed descriptions on which firemen should do the washing and which should run the cash box. Receiving a non-vitriol voicemail from her was so refreshing that I evensmiledat the stack of Regency romances left on my desk by the ninja librarian.

I’ve just finished clearing the messages when Brynn sails through my open door. If I didn’t recognize her from our brief interaction at the Seabreeze Beans last week, her coffee ground-stained apron over her t-shirt and running shorts gives her away. Unlike the other locals I’ve interacted with today, Brynn’s pinched gaze could cut glass.

“Did you go on a date with my sister last night?” Her raised voice draws the attention of Judith and Bonnie, two lovely patrons who offered to make me a book-themed quilt when they arrived a few moments ago with their bags of fabric.

My affable smile doesn’t waver as I stand. “No. Vivian kindly allowed me to accompany her to music trivia, but it wasn’t a date.” I move from behind my desk. “I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced. I’m Finn Reynolds.”

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