Page 6 of The Cottage on Plum Island
“I’ll give you a hint,” Finn teased. “We were going to call the smoothie JG, but the creator doesn’t like being in the limelight and came up with Raspy Blueberry Ice.”
Harley frowned as the initials bounced around his brain before his eyes widened in realization. “Jennifer created this smoothie?”
Finn’s grin widened, and his eyes filled with amusement as he nodded in confirmation.
“Oh great!” Harley muttered. “I can’t even enjoy a delicious smoothie without her spoiling it for me.”
“Wow, my friend!” Finn put the glass on the counter and casually leaned against it. “You have it bad, and I don’t think you even realize it.”
“What are you talking about?” Harley’s brows creased in a tight frown.
“I think you’re falling for Jennifer!” Finn looked at him knowingly.
“Don’t be absurd!” Harley harrumphed. “I can’t stand to be in the same room as the woman. She’s like a burr that’s managed to burrow under my skin and irritates me every opportunity it gets. And we’ve only just had the displeasure of meeting seven days ago.” He shook his head emphatically. “No, I’m sorry, but you’ve read the situation wrong. Jennifer and I are like mortal enemies.” He looked at Finn. “We’re nemeses.”
“Okay!” Finn shrugged. “You’re nemeses!” He held up his hands. “My mistake.”
But Harley could see Finn was only humoring him and rewarded the man with a glare. Harley finished his smoothie and stood.
“Thank you for the smoothie and t-shirt,” Harley said. “But I’d better get going. I have a busy day, especially with Uncle Sam in the hospital.”
“How is Sam?” Finn asked.
“In pain and unhappy. He has to wear a back brace and hates all the tests and X-rays he’s gone through,” Harley answered.
“I can imagine,” Finn sympathized. “Sam doesn’t like feeling helpless.”
“No, he doesn’t,” Harley agreed before saying goodbye and leaving.
He walked home, forcing thoughts of Jennifer Gains from his mind. Harley needed a few more hours of peace without her annoying presence before having to face her again.
Three hours later, Harley pulled into Beach Plum Cottage’s driveway. He’d just exited his pickup when Betty hobbled out of the cottage awkwardly, trying to maneuver her crutches.
“Betty, be careful!” Harley rushed to help her, but she brushed him away.
“Thank you, young man, but I need to learn how to use these things on my own!” Betty huffed.
“Okay, sorry.” Harley stepped back, keeping within arm’s reach in case she toppled over. “But at least let me walk with you wherever you go. My uncle would demand it.”
“Sure.” Betty nodded.
“Where are you going?” Harley frowned, noting Betty was heading toward his pickup truck.
“We’regoing to visit Sam,“ Betty informed him. “Now come along. Visiting hours start soon.”
Harley glanced toward the closed front door and looked around the parking area. Jennifer’s car wasn’t there.
“Does Jennifer know you’re going?” Harley asked, helping Betty into the passenger seat and putting her crutches in the back before walking to the driver’s side.
“What am I? Ten?” Betty looked at him indignantly. “I don’t have to log my every move with my niece, young man!”
“Of course.” Harley apologized and started the vehicle. “I apologize.”
“I’m just pulling your leg.” Betty’s eyes sparkled with mirth. “Don’t worry about Jenny. My whereabouts have been noted.”
Harley’s frown deepened as he turned around the driveway and headed back toward Cobble Cove Road. Half an hour later, they were sitting in the waiting room of Newbury Port General, waiting to see Harley’s uncle.
“Are you sure you should be here, Betty?” Harley looked at her worriedly.
