by Abigail Keam
Eva leaned over and kissed Mike’s cheek. “Wish me luck.”
Mike looked deeply into Eva’s eyes. “All the best for you, Eva Hanover, because you deserve it. I wish I was that guy for you.”
“We can be friends. You’ll be there for me?”
“Always.”
“Daddy!!!!”
Mike grinned at Eva as he gathered the cat tubs and headed toward the house. He stood on the stoop, watching Eva pull out of the driveway and head out on Highway 1. He hoped he just hadn’t made the second biggest mistake of his life.
36
For the next several weeks, Eva and Mike worked long hours on the motel. Juan came when he could, but his absence was hardly noticeable as Dennis took up the slack.
Mike had to admit that Dennis was a good worker, although he loathed the sight of him. As for Eva, they were civil and polite to each other. Too polite.
The bungalows were finally painted and the decks stained. Each bungalow was painted a different pastel color with flamingo pink trim and doors numbered with carved pink flamingos.
Eva, Mike, and Dennis stood looking at the entire complex.
“What do you think?” asked Eva.
“I think it looks great. Old Florida at its best. Women should love the quaintness of it and the men will love the dock, fishing station, and kayaking,” assured Mike.
“Not my cup of tea, but it looks quite nice,” answered Dennis. He would have chosen a more subdued color scheme but no one had bothered to ask his opinion.
Both Eva and Mike turned to stare at Dennis, who was oblivious to their irritation with his response.
“What do you think, Jenny?” asked Eva.
“It’s wonderful. Looks like fairies live here. All the color! And the tree house is great too.”
“That’s your dad’s idea. I had to pay a little extra in insurance for that bad boy, but I hope kids can play pirate on it,” added Eva. “I know I would. And shuffleboard and hopscotch are painted on the concrete slabs where those two bungalows were torn down. Your dad also attached a jumping rope to a tree for kids.”
“What is hopscotch?” asked Jenny.
Eva was horrified that Jenny had never played hopscotch before but tried not to show it. “I will show you how to play hopscotch later, okay?”
Jenny nodded enthusiastically.
A large truck pulled into the compound and honked its horn. The furniture had finally arrived.
Eva had saved a bundle on the outdoor furniture as Mike had made the outdoor tables and chairs from the salvage woodpile. Eva had to admit that Mike had a talent for making unusual furniture that was both sturdy and fun to sit in.
With the savings, she was able to purchase more upscale bedding and furniture for the motel. Now it was here and time to move into the bungalows.
All of the bedding was luxurious and the best Eva could buy. The linens were made from Egyptian cotton. First all the sheets, blankets, and bedspreads were taken to the laundry room. Then each piece had to be washed and tagged with the motel’s logo before it was put on a bed.
Eva assigned each person a specific room of the bungalows to finish.
Juan had the bedrooms to assemble.
Eva took the bathrooms.
Mike was to handle the living area and kitchenettes.
And Dennis was to make sure all the outdoor grills were ready to go and place outdoor furniture on the decks.
It took Juan and his sons all day to assemble the bedrooms. He had to take out all the unusable bed frames and replace them with double or king size frames and mattresses.
His wife and daughters were in charge of washing the linens but concurred with Eva that the heavy linens needed extra time to dry that day. The last thing Eva wanted was to put damp sheets on the new beds. They would come back tomorrow and finish the job.
Mike, Jenny and Mary arranged the living and dining furniture inside all the units. Exhausted, Mary took Jenny home around three while Mike stayed to work into the night.
Dennis finished early and helped Eva set up the bathrooms with towels, rugs, toiletries, and toilet paper.
Eva doubled-check and then rechecked to make sure the bathrooms were sparkling clean.
And for the last task of the afternoon, Mike, Eva, and Dennis stocked all the units with new microwaves, dishware, utensils, paper goods, and coffee.
Finally Dennis called it a day and went back to Bungalow Two complaining of a headache.
Eva begged off also and went to her unit for a little siesta in the late afternoon.
Taking advantage of the lull, Mike flopped into a hammock and promptly fell asleep to the sound of the blue water lapping against the beach.
37
When Mike awoke, he was startled to find Eva’s iguana sitting on his chest and flickering his long tongue at him. “Get off me,” chastised Mike, pushing the large lizard to the ground.
The lizard gave Mike a baleful stare before zigzagging into the bushes.
Mike looked around. It was night. Wondering how long he had been asleep, he heard noise coming from the laundry building. Pushing back his hair and straightening his shirt, he strode into the cramped building to find Eva folding sheets.
“How long was I conked out?” asked Mike.
“For about four hours.”
“Four hours!”
“I just woke up myself,” said Eva. “I think we were all very tired.”
“Where’s Dennis?”
“He’s still asleep. He probably got too hot. He’s not used to the heat. I’m going to let him sleep.”
Mike rubbed his stomach. “I’m famished. Let’s get something to eat.”
“I want to finish these linens for tomorrow.”
Mike gently took the sheets from Eva’s hands and pulled her out of the laundry room. “Laundry can wait until tomorrow. Let’s not get obsessive. We’ll have a nice dinner, some wine, and general conversation. Then I’ll bring you back for some much needed rest. We can begin this crazy process first thing tomorrow.”
Eva grinned. “That sounds like a plan. I’ll get my purse.”
“No need. My treat. And you don’t need to change. One thing about Key Largo . . . it’s very casual.”
Eva was grateful that Mike was taking charge. She was tired. Very tired of making every decision on her own. That could be exhausting.
It didn’t take long before they were at Aussie Jack’s place and sat outside. Mike selected lobster stuffed with crabmeat, baked potato, and grilled asparagus for the both of them. Eva ordered an iced tea while Mike got a beer.
They talked of general things like childhood and college. Much of the dinner they didn’t speak at all but were comfortable with the silence between them. They seemed intuitive of each other’s needs. Before Eva could ask for the salt, Mike automatically moved it toward her. When Mike wanted the check, Eva caught the waitress’ eye and signaled to her.
They didn’t notice that Aussie Jack was watching them.
And Aussie Jack had come to a conclusion. The two had fallen in love but didn’t recognize it. Yet.
38
Eva could barely stay in her seat by the pool, watching Mike escort the building inspector into each unit for the final inspection. She knew better than to interfere and if a question came up, Mike could handle the inspector.
But still Eva’s stomach hurt.
If the inspector didn’t approve the renovation, then Eva couldn’t open on schedule and she already had booked guests.
They came out of Bungalow Three and went over Four. As they passed by, Mike winked but she did not take it as a good sign that the inspector looked grumpy and swung his arms with impatience.
Not able to withstand the suspense, Eva went back into the office and made herself a cup of coffee while constantly glancing out the window.
An excruciating forty-five minutes later, Mike and the inspector swung open the door of the office and called for Eva.
Eva tried to compose herself as she walked from
the living area.
“Ms. Hanover,” said the inspector.
“Yes?”
“Seems like everything is according to code and all your permits are in order, so I’m going to give the final okay,” announced the inspector as he signed off on the Last Chance Motel. He pulled a sheet off his clipboard and handed it to Eva.
Her hands shook as she accepted it. “So I can open?”
“Any time you like,” smiled the inspector. “I’m not supposed to do this but in a couple of months my daughter is coming down with her family. My wife and I don’t have room, so I’m going to suggest she call and reserve the big bungalow. It’s perfect for her needs.”
Eva gushed, “That is so sweet. I would like to have them.”
They shook hands and the inspector took his leave.
“Wait a minute, Mike,” asked Eva as Mike turned to follow the inspector out. “Come in here for a moment, please.” Eva went into the living area and unlocked a desk. She took out an envelope. “Sit down, will ya?”
Mike sat at the kitchen table and waited for Eva to join him.
Eva handed him the envelope.
“What’s this?”
“A thank you. We came in under budget and under schedule. That deserves a bonus where I come from.”
“Not necessary. I was just doing my job.”
Eva smiled. “I think it is very necessary to reward good work. Please accept it. Blow it on Jenny.”
Grinning, Mike tore open the envelope and gave a low whistle after looking at the check. “This is a lot of money.”
“You saved me a lot of money.”
“Thank you, Eva. This will go into Jenny’s college fund.”
Both Eva and Mike stood and awkwardly faced each other.
Mike didn’t know whether to shake hands with Eva or give her a hug.
Finally Eva reached over and kissed Mike on the cheek. “Thanks for everything. I mean that.”
“Sure. No problem.”
“You will be here for the Grand Opening?”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Mom and Jenny will be here as well.”
“That’s good. I am very fond of them.” Not knowing what to say but wishing the moment wouldn’t end, Eva finally coughed and said, “I should be getting back to work.”
“Yeah, I’ve got a new job interview to get to. Thanks again for the bonus.”
“Sure thing.”
Mike shoved the check in his pocket and left the office wondering if he should speak up. Maybe he should tell Eva how he felt, but then, Mike wasn’t really sure how he felt. Eva wanted commitment. Mike wasn’t sure he was there yet. Maybe he should just leave it alone. Mike didn’t know what to do. Maybe he could resolve his feelings for Eva over a cold beer at Aussie Jack’s.
Yeah. Aussie Jack would tell him what to do.
39
It had finally arrived. The Grand Opening Day.
At ten in the morning, a small group gathered before the flamingo neon sign with the new name of the motel–the Pink Flamingo Motel. Below it stood Mike, Mary, and Jenny flanked by Aussie Jack, Dennis, Johnny Duke, and his wife, Juan and his family, Mr. Burton, and Muriel Pruitt, who looked more sour than usual.
Mike looked at his watch and when the large hand struck ten, everyone began the countdown. When they yelled zero, Eva flipped on the sign’s switch in the office.
Eva knew from the roar of the little crowd that the flamingo had taken flight. She ran out and joined them. The sign was everything she had hoped it would be. One could not help but notice the flying flamingo with the bright Vacancy blinking.
“Very retro,” commented Dennis. He hated to admit it, but the sign was excellent advertising.
Johnny Duke took the handkerchief that his wife handed to him and wiped the tears from his eyes.
Eva went over to him and patted him on the back.
“It’s so good to see her soar once more,” choked Johnny. “I knew I would find her a home one day.”
“Don’t Johnny. You’ll make me cry too,” commiserated Eva. “It was fate that you kept the sign for me.”
“Can we go in?” chirped Jenny.
“Let’s,” agreed Eva, ushering everyone onto the property. She took the little group on a tour, making sure that Mr. Burton was in the lead. After they went through all of the bungalows, Eva led them to a breakfast buffet by the lagoon.
Mr. Burton plopped down in a chair and twisted this way and that looking at his family’s motel.
Eva brought a plate over to him. “What do you think, Mr. Burton?”
“I’m speechless.”
Eva bit her lip. “Is that good or bad?”
“It looks very different but I think my parents would be very proud. Very proud indeed.”
Eva sighed with relief. “You don’t know how good that makes me feel.”
“Do you have any customers yet?”
“My first family arrives at four today and by the end of the week, all the bungalows will be filled. So it’s full steam ahead.”
“That’s great. Eva, do you mind if I take some pictures? I want to show my sister what you’ve done. She won’t believe it.”
“Of course, and never be a stranger, Mr. Burton. You are always welcome.”
Mike strode over. “We’re taking off. Mom is taking Jenny shopping again. It seems she grows out of her clothes every three weeks.”
“A girl has gotta keep up her appearance.”
“I’ll be back this evening to make sure everything is working properly.”
“You don’t have to do that, old boy. I’ll be here,” said Dennis, coming up behind them.
“About that,” shot off Mike facing Dennis, “when are you going back to New York?”
“When I finally convince Eva to sell this motel and take her place among the successful again.”
Stunned, Mike turned to Eva. “You’re not thinking of selling, are you? After all this work!”
“Dennis and I have talked about it. I really don’t know anything about running a motel. It was a fantasy really.”
Mike threw down his cup and strode away.
“He certainly took that well,” commented Dennis.
“You shouldn’t have mentioned that we had talked about me moving back to New York. I haven’t really made up my mind yet,” snapped Eva, watching Mike stomp away.
“You’ll just be wasting yourself down here. You need to realize that you have island fever and you need to go back to the land of the living where you belong.”
“Like I said, Dennis, I haven’t made up my mind. Since I’ve been here, I’ve restored a vintage motel, and saved a manatee and a kitten. I’ve also made friends with a lonely little girl. I don’t call that a waste of time. You can be such an ass sometimes.” Eva hurried after Mike.
“Mike! Mike! Slow down. I want to talk to you.”
Mike stopped and turned around.
Eva could tell that he was upset. “Mike, I haven’t made any decision yet. Dennis shouldn’t have mentioned that we were discussing it.”
“Are you going back to that guy?”
“I don’t know. I invested so many years in our marriage. I’d like to see some return.”
Mike grabbed Eva and shook her. “He left the woman who gave birth to his child. He will always leave when the going gets tough.”
“He says she left him.”
“Are you sure about that? Either way it stinks.”
“I’m sorry, Mike, but I have to do what’s best for me.”
“You won’t find your future in New York,” growled Mike. He started to say more but saw Mary and Jenny approaching them out of the corner of his eye.
Eva turned to greet them.
Mary and Jenny gave a group hug to Eva. “We love it, don’t we, Jenny?”
Jenny nodded enthusiastically. “I’m going to work here when I get older. You’ll hire me, won’t you, Eva?”
Eva laughed but the thought that she might not see Jenny grow up threw her a c
urveball. “You betcha.”
“I know Mike is coming back this evening, so please tell him about registering your first guests. I want to know how it goes.” Mary gave Eva a hug. “I know that will be a rewarding experience for you.”
“Oh, I’ll tell him all right,” grinned Eva.
“Come on,” huffed Mike, grabbing Jenny’s hand and walking off.
Mary gave Eva a strange look before joining her family.
Eva didn’t have time to think about her tiff with Mike. Others were coming up to congratulate her and bidding her goodbye. The last to leave was Mr. Burton.
“Call me if you need anything,” offered Mr. Burton.
“I do have one last request,” replied Eva. “If you have any old pictures of the Last Chance Motel that you can spare, I’d like to put them up.”
“I’ll make copies. My parents would be so proud. I wish nothing but the best for you, Eva. I hope the Pink Flamingo Motel is a thriving success for you.”
Mr. Burton took Eva’s hand in his rough paw and shook it. “One of the best things I ever did was sell the Last Chance Motel to you.” He took one last look around and left following the others.
The only person left was Dennis, who was glad to see the other guests leave. But he was leaving himself. He knew enough that Eva would want a few hours alone to cherish the Pink Flamingo before the first guests arrived. Besides, he had business in Miami.
40
Eva decided to clear her head of all the excitement by taking a quick dip in the lagoon. Like most locals in Key Largo, she didn’t bother with a suit, but entered the water in her shorts and top.
The iguana followed her to the beach and jumped in a chair, basking himself in the Floridian sun. The pelicans that seemed permanently perched on the laundry building fluttered their wings and began to preen.
Several boats motored past. Eva waved to them although she didn’t think they could see her. A kayak paddled by. Eva swam over and chatted for a few minutes with the kayaker, standing in the shoulder deep water.
On the swim back, something butted her causing Eva to gasp. She was always afraid of sharks although she had never seen one during her many months in Key Largo, but this might be the day. Eva stood up in the seawater ready to fight. But to her surprise, it was a manatee.