Page 12 of Sunrise

I get to the door just in time to watch them both come walking out. They are in almost matching outfits of cutoffs, tank tops, and sandals, but Lin's natural beauty outshines Brynn's by miles.

They both turn to look at me as I walk up to them, and they stop talking, leading me to believe they were talking about me. Hopefully, it was all good things, but if Lin's earlier irritation is a sign, then probably not.

"I can't believe you are taking him into town. If he gets spotted, that manager guard dog is going to kill you," Brynn says.

"No way. I take full responsibility here. Wren knows he won't be able to keep me holed up in the inn." I try to defend Lin.

"I'm not a babysitter. He's a grown man, and if he gets himself in trouble, that's on him. Now give me your list," Lin says.

She takes the paper from Brynn, and they hug before Lin turns and heads out to the parking lot.

I'm so used to driving or having a driver that it feels weird getting in the passenger seat of her small four-door car.

"Do they really shut down the bridge during storms here?" I ask because the bridge is the only way on and off the island.

"Yeah, for safety measures. It washed out in a bad storm a few years ago, and a few people died. So it's a better safe than sorry thing. We are not quite in hurricane season yet, but the storms can still get pretty intense. The inns are prepared. After the bad storm hit, we redid the inns, the windows are all hurricane-proof, and we have more food storage. Both inns have a generator, and if things get bad, there is a shared storm shelter," Lin says as she parks beside a row of brick buildings.

"Wow, does it ever get that bad?" I ask.

"Only since the storm a few years ago. Better to be safe than sorry again." Her eyes are dark, and I don't like the tone in her voice. "Let's get this stuff and get back to the inn. The few employees I do have on staff are storm-proofing the outside, but I want to get back and help."

Now I feel guilty she is so short-staffed in a time when she needs the help. I decide when we get back, I will pitch in and do my share. For a moment, I think maybe I should have gotten a cabin in the middle of nowhere, so I didn't have to worry about the staff and putting so many people out. Then I remember the last meal I tried to cook for myself and realize I'd probably starve or be forced to live off peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Those thoughts are forgotten when we turn down Main Street.

"Wow. I didn't think places like this really existed," I tell her as we round the corner.

To our left is the harbor and the docks filled with boats. Most are fishing boats, some are personal boats, and a few scattered houseboats.

To our right are rows of coastal-themed shops and restaurants. Every restaurant has outside dining, and the street isn't all that busy today. It looks like one of those picture-perfect postcards for a small beach town.

"This place gets swamped in season. So when the locals need something, we will call the shop owners and come in before they open or after they close to avoid the crowds. Many of the stores on this historic row, like the pharmacy, have been here for over a century and are still run by the same families that started them," Lin says as we walk into the pharmacy, and she grabs a basket.

I pull my hat down a little farther and just watch as she pinpoints which aisles to go down for medicine and first-aid supplies before going to check out.

"Miss Lin! How are the projects on the inn going?" the old man behind the counter asks.

"Good. We are just prepping for this storm. How are you doing, Joe?" she asks.

"I'm good. You know Daniel only has one more year of school before he comes home. He's excited to take over the place. He will be here this summer to help with the crowds, so make sure to stop by and see him," Joe says.

"Joe, really is everyone so desperate to set me up they are moving on to the younger generation now?" She shakes her head.

"We just want to see you happy. Both you and Brynn deserve it after everything the two of you have been through. Just promise you will stop by and say hi, and I won't push anything more," Joe says.

But it makes me wonder what they have been through that was so hard and that makes the town feel responsible for making sure they are happy. Was it her parents' passing? I want to ask, but I don't want to push either.

"Who's that?" Joe lifts his chin toward me as he bags Lin's things.

"Oh, he's staying at the inn and wanted to see the town. I figured I could use someone to carry my bags." Lin smiles.

"Well, you should tell him it's rude to wear a hat indoors." Joe huffs.

"I tried to tell him, but you know these younger kids they just don't listen," Lin says with a huge smile as she walks away. "Later, Joe, stay safe!"

I take her bags from her and smile.

"You are a troublemaker." I laugh.

"Keeps it interesting to push them sometimes." She shrugs.

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