Page 37 of Always Another Sunset

Kyle, who sat at the table beside his grandmother, proudly held up his arm. “I only got three scratches,” he said, clearly pleased with himself.

“I feel honored that you went to so much trouble,” JC said, giving Kyle a wink. “And it looks like there is ice cream too.”

“Yay!” the two brothers said in unison.

As Bella’s sister started to serve up the plates, Bella watched Gramma fix JC with a look. “Have you had blackberry cobbler before?”

JC shook her head. “I can’t say that I have.”

Gramma waved a hand. “It’s a weed here in Oregon,” she said with a laugh. “They’re almost impossible to kill. But they certainly do make for a good dessert.”

Accepting her bowl full of dessert, JC grinned. “It looks delicious,” she said, and Bella watched her take a bite. “Wow. I would agree. Great flavor.” She glanced at Bella. “Another thing about Oregon that I really like.” Bella swallowed hard. JC could not have teed up an easier segue into a conversation about Oregon versus Hawaii. The last thing she wanted to discuss tonight.

Gramma didn’t miss the opportunity. “So, what do you think of Portland overall?” she asked. Bella glanced at JC, who seemed to be studying her dish of dessert.

“I like it very much,” she said after a moment, and she looked up from her food to meet Bella’s eyes. “It’s one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever spent time in. Not only is there a lot to do, but the people here are extremely friendly, and I feel very welcome.”

Nodding, Gramma toyed with her dessert. “It is one of a kind. How much longer are you staying?” she asked, and Bella set down her fork. There was too much anxiety in her stomach to eat. It seemed the conversation she was hoping to avoid was coming up.

“Just another week,” JC answered. “And then I have to return to my kayaking adventure business.” Before Gramma could comment, JC held her look and kept going. “I get to do something I love every day, and people pay me to do it.”

“But you know the most interesting part lately?” Bella chimed in. “Our dog Roxie kayaks with her.”

“What?” Kyle asked with a mouthful of dessert.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full, Kyle,” Hanna said.

JC grinned. “It’s true,” she said. “I can show you a video after we finish eating.”

“That would be cool,” Kyle said while Kevin nodded.

“It is cool,” JC said. “She rides in the front like any other passenger.” She chuckled, adding. “Except she is lousy at paddling.”

Everybody laughed. “I wonder if Mitzie could do it,” Kyle asked between bites.

“I’m sure she could,” Gramma answered. “She’s a very smart dog.”

Kevin snorted a laugh. “I think she would be a shark snack.”

Gramma fixed him with a look. “I think not, young man. Now, eat your dessert.”

37

The evening went by smoother than JC imagined it could. As Bella let them into her house after the short drive back from the barbeque, JC smiled thinking of how everyone had laughed over Roxie in the kayaking video. Seeing her, JC missed being around the dog more than she thought she would. Never having a pet before, she hadn’t considered the separation affecting her.She’s simply another thing I miss about home, she thought, following Bella into the cute little kitchen.And another reason deciding what to do about Bella and me is so hard.Oregon was beautiful, and Bella’s family were friendly and fun people, but in her heart JC missed her life in Hawaii.

“I know it’s after nine, but would you like a glass of wine on the back porch?” Bella asked, with a smile and a twinkle in her eye. “Before a few other things, maybe?”

Feeling a glow at the prospect of what the few other things might entail, JC smiled in return. “I like the sound of all of that,” she said, pulling Bella closer and wrapping her arms around her waist. “Are you sure you want the wine first?”

Bella laughed, putting her arms around JC’s neck. “Isn’t it worth waiting for?” she asked. “And it is such a beautiful night.”

Kissing her in response, JC let their lips linger, enjoying the taste of Bella’s mouth against hers. “It is indeed,” she murmured after a beat. “But only one glass.”

With a last peck on the lips, Bella turned away to grab glasses from the cupboard while JC fished the white wine from the fridge. In a moment, with filled glasses in hand, they were stepping onto the back porch. Before JC sat, she heard her cell phone ringing from where she left it on the kitchen counter. Doing quick math in her head, she knew it was a little after six p.m. back home.And a strange time for someone from work to call me, she thought with a frown, knowing they closed up shop closer to five. Plus, Blake was good about only calling her about work stuff during the early part of the day and actually had only called her twice with updates since she left the island. Not many other people had her number, and if they did, the communication was nearly always via text messages. She had an uneasy thought.Unless it’s Chris or Tamara calling about Roxie. “Sorry, but I think I should answer that,” JC said as she set her wine glass on the patio table. “I’m not sure who would call this late.”

Bella nodded as JC turned toward the kitchen. Before she could reach the phone, the ringing stopped.Dang it, she thought, scooping it up to check the screen.Hopefully it was nothing but spam.Yet, when she read the name ‘Blake’ a quick pulse of anxiety tightened her chest.Something must be wrong.Rather than wait for a voicemail, she dialed back. “Hi, JC,” Blake answered, and immediately she knew she was right—something was wrong. The man didn’t sound like himself.Almost like he’s in pain.

“Blake,” she said. “Are you okay?”

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