Page 18 of The Shell Collector
The blue-and-white sign for Tug’s Diner came into view. He whipped into a spot along the curb in front and got out, then dropped the tailgate and pulled a hand truck to the ground. He stacked four boxes on it and rolled them into the diner through the front door. Thankfully, they didn’t have too big a crowd right now.
Tug must’ve seen him drive up. “Is that The Wife’s food you ordered for me?”
“And treats too. They weren’t on back order after all.”
“You didn’t have to deliver that stuff,” Tug said. “I would’ve picked it up.”
“No need. Gave me a reason to get a couple of those awesome hot dogs you make.”
“You don’t need a reason for that.”
Paul rubbed his belly. “Yeah, I have to be mindful, else I’ll look like I have a load of laundry on my washboard stomach.”
“I think you’re a few hot dogs away from that, son.” Tug waved him toward the back exit, which led to a gazebo where a huge cage hosted his African gray parrot. “Mind wheeling that back here? I’ve got storage under her cage.”
Paul pushed the handcart out the back door.
The Wife sang out a greeting: “Oh, Pauly. Hello, Pauly.” She stretched out her charcoal-gray wings to their full span of eighteen inches, then settled down and cocked her head with a click.
“I taught her that,” Paul said to Tug. “The last time I was here.”
“With a vocabulary of over four hundred words, she could say whatever she wants, but she learns what she wants to learn. Just like a woman.” Tug pulled out a huge wad of cash from his front pocket and started peeling back twenties. “I appreciate you ordering those supplies for me. Saved me a ton of money.”
“No problem. I’m glad you thought to ask.”
“Well, I owe you.”
“No, you don’t. Just keep on making those delicious meals so I don’t go hungry.”
“You got it.” Tug led them back inside, where he grabbed one of the to-go bags lined up by the register. “Here you go. On the house today.”
“Thanks, Tug. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
“I don’t think you’ve missed a fish night since you came to town.”
“Doing my best to set a record. Plus, your counter has the best view of the beach in this town.” It was true. Unlike most diner counters, which faced the grill or wall, the one at Tug’s Diner was in front of a wide span of windows that looked out over the deck to the water. Paul had mulled over plenty of problems here while trying to open Paws Town Square. There was a peace in this place that he’d never experienced anywhere else.
He loved this town and every single person in it. He wished he could stay and work from here long term, but duty called and he was best boots on the ground, where the projects were.
He jumped into his truck and did a U-turn to head back to work. Darn if he didn’t pass Maeve still walking up the road. “You go, girl.” He waved, unsure if she’d even notice him, but she threw her arm up in the air in an enthusiastic reply.
He hoped she would take him up on the offer of a tour.
Back at Paws Town Square, he swung into his parking spot, then jogged up the stairs.
“You’re back.” His assistant glanced at her computer. “And with fifteen minutes to spare. Youaregood.”
“What can I say? I love a challenge.” He pulled up the reports he needed for the conference call, then settled behind his desk to devour those hot dogs.
6
That night, Amanda stood inthe living room against the front doorjamb. Her hand grazed the screen, sending a resting moth off in flight. The leaves on the trees swished, although she couldn’t feel even the teensiest breeze. A lightning bug twinkled right in front of her, then more of them. They lit sporadically, like lazy Christmas lights in gold.
Even though the dunes rose as high as her house, she could hear the muffled sound of the waves when she stood silent. It soothed her, and for a moment it was as if she were completely alone in this world, in a good way. Safe and at peace. She let her eyes close, enjoying the moment.
These were precious days. At the end of the summer, she’d go to work again. A new schedule would replace all this relaxed fun. Responsibilities would nip away at the time she had to spend with Hailey and Jesse. At least by teaching at her daughter’s school, she might get to see her during the day, but it would be harder knowing Jesse was under someone else’s care. He wouldn’t have the same benefit of being with her full time like Hailey had at his age.
She hated to shortchange Jesse. A second time. First losing Jack, and now losing her time.
