Page 40 of Race to the Beach

Aunt Bonnie paused as though giving her request some serious consideration.“There is the carnival at the park.They were looking for some help running the information booth.”

A little confused, Maxi asked, “Information about the carnival?How big is this carnival?”

Aunt Bonnie let out a laugh.“The information isn’t about the carnival.It’s information about the island and the various businesses and sights to see.”

“Isn’t there already a tourist center on the island?”

Aunt Bonnie nodded.“There is, but they are hoping to reach more people.”

“I don’t know if I’m the right person for the job.I mean, I’m not a local.And I don’t know that much about Bluestar.”

“But you know enough.”

Maxi paused to think about it.“If you really think so.”

“I do.I’ll let Birdie know.”

“But I need time to work on the car.”

Aunt Bonnie nodded in understanding.“You can’t work mornings or afternoons.What about evenings?”

Maxi nodded.“I can do that.”

“They will be happy to have you.”

Maxi walked away, happy that she could show the people of Bluestar Island how much she appreciated their generosity.The smile slipped from her face.She needed to know more about the island.

And then a thought came to her.She rushed to her room and closed the door.On the dresser, she found the book about the history of Bluestar Island that Owen had given her.She carried it to the bed and turned the light on its brightest setting.And then she rested the pillow against the headboard and settled in to read.It was slow and painstaking, but she didn’t quit.

Chapter Fifteen

Ithadbeenalong day.

A productive day.

Late Tuesday afternoon, Owen put away the tools while Maxi turned off the trouble light.The more time he spent with Maxi, the more he enjoyed her company.He wondered if he should be worried that they were getting too close.He brushed off the concern.He assured himself that Maxi was just becoming a good friend.Nothing more.

The heat of the day still lingered.He swiped the back of his hand over his damp forehead.He needed a cold shower and some fresh clothes.And then he was thinking he would take Maxi to dinner.

“What would you like to eat tonight?”he asked.

Maxi shimmied out of her gray overalls.“I can’t.”

“Can’t what?Eat?”

“I don’t have time.”

He wasn’t giving up so easily.“You have to take time to eat.”

Knock-knock.

He turned toward the door of the garage.“Hey, Mom.”And then realizing he hadn’t introduced Maxi to his family, he said, “Mom, I’d like you to meet Maxi.Maxi, this is my mother.”

His mother stepped into the garage.She bestowed a smile upon Maxi.“It’s nice to meet you.Please call me Patty.”

Maxi returned the smile.“It’s nice to meet you too.Thank you so much for letting me use your garage.You don’t know how much it means to me.”

“I’m glad we could help.I’m so sorry about your car.But thankfully, you’re all right.”His mother paused.“You are all right, aren’t you?”

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