Page 44 of Race to the Beach

After Maxi made her way into his parents’ house to use the guest bathroom, he raked his fingers through his hair.He had to get a grip on himself.It was for the best if she was seeing someone else because he had no intention of getting serious with her or anyone.

Fifteen minutes later, they rode in his cart on their way to the Purple Guppy.It was situated on Surfside Drive just across from Beachcomber Park, so it was a popular spot for tourists.And the owner made sure the pub stood out with its purple exterior paint.There sure weren’t many purple buildings on the island; in fact, this might be the only one.

The front of the pub was lined with big plate-glass windows.They allowed the passersby a glimpse of the purple, black, and white décor as well as the massive aquariums that were placed throughout the dining room.

By the time they arrived, lunch was in full swing.They would be lucky to get a seat.As he looked around for an available parking spot, he found those were also hard to come by.He looped the park twice until he spotted someone pulling out, and he timed it just right to snag the spot.

Once inside the restaurant, he was relieved to find they had a couple of booths available, and they were seated right away.Maxi seemed intrigued by the restaurant.

“Have you ever been here before?”he asked.

“Once.It was a long time ago.”She pointed to the wall where cartoon fish were painted.“I remember those.They are so cute.I can’t even imagine how you would go about painting a wall-sized mural.”

“I don’t either.I don’t have any artistic talent.But I have an eye for it, and you’re talented.”The conversation paused when the server brought their iced teas.“Do you draw anything besides cars?”

Maxi nodded.“I have notebooks full of sketches from flowers to animals.”

“So, you like nature settings?”

She nodded.“If I had more time here, I’d love to sit on the beach and do some sketches.”

“That’s a great idea.You should do that.”

She sighed.“When would I have time to do that?I’m either working on the car or volunteering at the Welcome Booth at the carnival.”

“Wait.What?You’re volunteering at the carnival?”

She nodded again.“I wanted some way to say thank you for the community’s support after the accident, and my aunt mentioned that they were looking for some help at the booth, so I volunteered.It’s only a couple of nights.”

“So, you didn’t go to the carnival with anyone?”

She shot him a strange look.“No.Why?”

He shook his head as he breathed an easy breath.“No reason.”

It was in that moment Owen realized how ridiculous he’d been, thinking Maxi was hanging out with someone else.He felt bad about being late that morning to work on the car and for his grumpy mood.He needed to find a way to make it up to her.

They ate their cheeseburgers and fries while making small talk.Suddenly, he was in the mood to talk.He felt as though a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

When the meal was over, he insisted on paying the check.He didn’t want this moment to end.And then he had an idea.“Would you like to get some ice cream?”

She hesitated long enough that he thought for sure she was going to turn him down, which he couldn’t blame her.But then she said, “I would like that.”

“Then we’re off to Dips.”He turned in that direction and started to walk.

“What is Dips?”Maxi’s eyes filled with confusion.

“The real name is Whippy Dippy, but most of the people on the island call it Dips.Have you been there?”

“Oh.Yes.I just didn’t recognize the nickname.”

The walk was short, as the ice cream shop was at the end of the block.The building was shaped like a giant ice cream cone.As usual in the summer, there was a long line of people.With a lot of teenagers on summer break working the window, the line moved swiftly.

While they waited, they talked about the car.There was still a lot to do.And there were still parts they needed.Some were already ordered and supposed to be delivered by Friday.It didn’t leave them any wiggle room, but they’d come too far to stop now.

When it was their turn to order, Maxi got a vanilla cone with sprinkles.He ordered a chocolate cone with no sprinkles.

After receiving their cones, he stepped off to the side so the next people in line could order.“Would you like to walk?”

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