Page 21 of Third Time's the Charm

“Well, thank you. Hell of a Calusa Key wedding, eh?”

Eh? Who actually in real life sayseh?Probably a guy who wears polo shirts to the beach. “Pretty incredible. Looks like you’re stocking up on reading materials.”

He held up the books. One was on genetic archaeology, another on the history of Florida real estate, and the last on 19th century architecture. Thoughtful bastard was reading up (or gifting) for Berlin.

For the record, I didn’t need to read up on that stuff because over the years I listened to Berlin talk about all of it. I had years of experience on this guy.

“Oh yes. One is a surprise for Berlin. The other two are for me to keep up with her.” He blinked and shook his head looking a little bewildered.

Poor guy should probably be buying a book on spontaneous holidays instead.

“Genetic archaeology for Berlin?” I guessed.

“Oh yes.”

“Good choice.”

His eyes narrowed a little. “Well, we have a lunch date. Enjoy your Christmas, Jack.”

“Same to you,” I called back as he moved to the door.

Jerkface jerk.

“Oh, Jack! It’s been a while. Are you here for the Zoe Hyde order?” Eileen Sellman asked. She owned the bookshop.

“Yep. If it’s ready.”

“Oh, it’s ready. Can you please ask her to have them signed and returned by Monday?”

“Not a problem.” My brother was marrying a famous author. She signed books at local shops wherever she went.

Lunch with Berlin.So they were still together. For now. Would she tell him about our kiss? I doubted it, but I really hoped she would.

Chapter 5

No wake zone

Berlin

Iknew I shouldn’t have ordered lunch out. But I was hungry and there was nothing in the house for lunch anyway. Cynthia craved seafood so we called in an order at the Seafood Shack.

“Hey Berlin! Your order is almost ready,” Monica called from the counter.

There were about five other people waiting for takeout. “I’ll wait outside!” I stepped out to the little patio where there were concrete tables and benches with big umbrellas for shade.

It was here that I saw Jack and his mother on the sidewalk just a shop away. Bernice and I were still friendly, but we didn’t continue our regular lunches. It’s not like I ran away if I saw her, but it hurt to spend quality time with her and hear stories about the family. So I avoided her when possible.

“Oh, Jackson.”

She used his full name. Huh. Was he in trouble or was she feeling wistful?

She patted his elbow. “I have a life outside of being a mother.”

“But poker? I had no idea!” Jack said.

Oh yeah. Bernice was deep into the poker club here on the island. It was definitely a new development and I wasn’t surprised Jack had no clue about it.

“It’s fun. I loved card games when I was younger. I never had time as an adult with so many kids to keep up with. Plus I really enjoy the group I play with.”

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