Page 75 of Waves of Hope

Later, finishing her Chicken Pineapple Salad, Charlotte let out a sigh of pleasure. “This has been a wonderful day. Thank you for thinking of it, Dylan.”

He reached across the table and clasped her hand. “I’ve been thinking of doing something like this with you for a long time. Maybe tomorrow or Friday we can plan something.”

“That would be lovely, but we’d have to make it another time. I’ll be with Shane in Miami. I promised Granny Liz that I’d drive him there and back.”

He studied her. “Is there something going on between the two of you? Shane can’t keep his eyes off you.”

“What? No, we’re just both accommodating Granny Liz and her need to have Shane close by while he’s healing.” Charlotte didn’t know how else to react. Shane wasn’t about to get serious about her or anyone else. Not when he was dealing with his personal issues.

“How does it feel to have saved his life?” Dylan asked. “I heard all about it. Eric was pretty upset about the whole thing.”

“It was scary. I thought for a moment he was gone.” A shiver crossed her shoulders. She closed her eyes. “Thank God, Gran had all of us in the family take lifesaving courses. I hope I never have to use that training again.”

“I can imagine,” Dylan said. He looked up as their waitress returned.

“Anything else?” the waitress asked.

Dylan gave Charlotte a questioning look.

She shook her head. “No, thanks. I’m full.”

“Okay, then, just the check,” Dylan told the waitress.

On the drive back to the cove, Charlotte and Dylan talked easily about some of the art they’d seen.

“Each was different. How could one man produce so many paintings?” Charlotte said.

“Such talent,” said Dylan with a note of envy.

She reached over and patted his shoulder. “You have talent, too. Think of the success you’ve had.”

“I’ve been lucky,” he agreed. “But when I see talent like his, it sure puts it all in perspective.”

They were quiet, and Charlotte took that time to gaze out at the passing landscape. She loved palm trees. Their swaying fronds seem to whisper stories of their own. She’d liked things about New York but was beginning to believe this was a better place for her.

Dylan pulled up behind Gran’s house. “Thanks for a nice day, Charlie,” he said, leaning over and giving her a quick kiss.

She responded and pulled away. “It was a lot of fun. Thanks.”

“I’ll call to set up something else with you,” Dylan said.

“Okay. That would be nice,” she said, realizing she meant it. Dylan was a special man.

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The next morning Charlotte once again met Shane next door to drive him to Miami. She was pleased to have the time alone with him. Others had seen his interest in her, yet he acted as if he didn’t care. She understood to a certain degree, but it was driving her crazy. She couldn’t deny her attraction to him, but she wasn’t going to do anything about it. She knew enough about him to know if he made up his mind to step away, he would.

Granny Liz smiled as Charlotte joined her, Shane, Austin, and Grandpa Sam in the kitchen. “There’s our chauffeur. Charlie, come have something to eat before you take off.”

“No, thanks. I had a big breakfast at home.”

Shane got to his feet. “I’m through. We can be on our way.”

“I could’ve taken you,” said Austin.

Granny Liz waved away his offer. “The arrangements have already been made. Besides, aren’t you going to see what Livy is up to today?”

“I guess. She said something about my helping Amby move some furniture around.”

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