It also kept me occupied instead of wondering how Gina and Billy’s date went. Gina was such a sweetheart that I couldn’t imagine it going anything but amazing, and if it was meant to be, I really hoped they both had a blast.
I obviously was not in any headspace to go on dates with anyone. All it took was a simple invite, and I whirled myself into a confusing state of paranoia and backpedaling. Imagine what I’d be like if I actually showed up on the date.
Lucky’s eyes flew to mine as if he knew what I was thinking, and I flashed him an evil eye. It was unnerving believing that Lucky always seemed to know what was floating through my head.
Gina said she’d call to fill me in on how the date went, but I kind of felt guilty because if this actually did work out between them I’d feel like a louse trying to fish for details about Billy while she’s pining over him.
I let out a groan and walked to the kitchen where this morning’s breakfast dishes were still stacked in the sink. Grabbing a kitchen rag, I began wiping down the marble counters while I wondered if I’d ever get my head on straight to date again.
It wasn’t like I hated men. In fact, I liked them very much. I loved their way of thinking, their bodies, their charm. So why did I have such a problem picking men up close if I could admire them from afar so well?
Lucky came into the kitchen and plopped down with a grunt on his dog bed by the sliding door.
“What do you think, Lucky? Am I just better off single for eternity?” I rinsed off my cereal bowl and some crumbs from a small plate before sticking them in the dishwasher and turning around to wait for Lucky’s response.
He’d already fallen asleep.
The story of my life.
I’d planned on taking Lucky to the park today, but it was pouring down rain, and I was pretty certain Lucky wouldn’t be thrilled with the idea.
My cell phone rang in the other room, and I quickly darted through the kitchen to get it in time. Lucky barely raised a brow as I answered my phone expecting Gina but getting my sister.
“I think I’m coming a couple days early. That okay with you?” Her voice sounded tired and all thoughts of Billy and Gina fell away.
“Of course. Are you okay? You don’t sound as perky as usual.”
“I think I’ve hit the wall.” She yawned into the phone. “I was able to extend my stay and get my plane tickets adjusted so it’s all set as long as you’re okay with it.”
I chuckled to myself knowing that it was a done deal no matter what.
“Absolutely. I’d love the distraction.”
“The distraction from what?” Her voice suddenly perked up.
“Nothing.”
Oh, why did I do that?
“You can’t say that and then not follow through with details. You usually amuse yourself just fine. Why do you suddenly need someone as a distraction?”
I glanced at the antique clock on the wall and noticed it was a little before one in the afternoon. I wonder if Gina slept over at Billy’s. Not that it was my business and more power to them if they got it on. It’s not like I had any intention of going down that path.
“You better spill the beans. Is it that guy again?”
“No,” I shoved a few loose strands away from my face. “It’s not like that. I went out with some people yesterday for lunch, and it got my head all screwy thinking about my past relationships and on and on.” I attempted to laugh, but it fell flat.
“So you need a distraction from yourself?” my sister asked.
“Yes. Exactly.” I was surprised she fell for it.
“Now that’s a job I can handle.” My sister laughed, and I immediately relaxed. I was off the hook.
“Email me your flight details and stuff. I’m super excited to have you come out here. Besides Hound Island, I want to take you to Fireweed Island. It’s a little bigger.”
“I trust you to show me a good time.”
“I’ll do my best.” The phone beeped, and I saw that Gina was calling. My heart rate needlessly sped up and I wanted to kick myself.
Here she was about to tell me how fabulous her date went, and all I wanted was to hear a little more about Billy. Not the greatest way to start the friendship.
“I’ve got a call coming in. Make sure you send the details. Love ya.”
“Love you too. Remember, it will be the day after tomorrow.” My sister hung up just as I switched over to Gina.
“Hey, was it a match made in heaven?” I chuckled, wondering if Maddie was about to be a bridesmaid.
“Oh. My. Gosh. No.” Gina giggled into the phone. “Bless Maddie’s heart, but no… it wasn’t even close to a match.”
I suddenly wanted to fly through the phone and give Gina a big hug, but my mind managed to settle on the lady in red.
“It was Billy, and I love him as a person, and he’s certainly good looking in that bad boy way, but…” she let out a sigh. “I honestly don’t think I’m ready.”
“Don’t you want to give it another shot? Everyone says he’s a wonderful guy and—”
“Yeah, but you know when there’s just no chemistry? No spark?”
“Mhmm.” I couldn’t get the smile off my face.
“Well, that’s definitely what happened here and it wasn’t just me. I can tell you that.” She paused for a few seconds. “In fact, I kind of wonder if he’s already met someone and Maddie just didn’t know and he was being polite to humor her.”
Yup. The lady in red definitely struck.
I pushed away the tingle of annoyance. How could guys be so cavalier where one minute they ask one woman out and the next they’re trading saliva with someone completely different?
“Really?” I choked out.
“Maybe. I don’t know. I guess he recently bought some mammoth RV and plans on going across the country. It’s one of those ones that looks like a tour bus.” She chuckled. “I told him he was acting way too old for his age. He was supposed to wait until at least retirement for that.”
I laughed not really picturing Billy as the RV kind of guy, but that just went to show how little I really knew him. It didn’t help that touring across the county was one of my dream vacations, and one I’d never told anyone about because, well, I’m only thirty-something, not eighty.
“Anyway, it wasn’t a complete disaster, and I’d certainly go out on a blind date with Billy anytime compared to anyone else, but there definitely won’t be a date number two.”
“Never say never,” I chimed in.
“No, I’m positive, and he slipped up and said something about a her joining him on his trip and that her isn’t me so I’m definitely out. I’ve been the third wheel in my relationships one too many times.”
“Oh, Gina.” I tried not to laugh, but she let out a cackle so I felt better when a giggle slipped.
“At least it wasn’t like I fell for the mystery guy, yet he didn’t fall for me. That’s my worst nightmare. Meeting someone and thinking there’s chemistry and then never hearing from him again. In this instance, I can say there was absolutely no spark.”
“Been there. Done that.” I let out a contemplative sigh. “And you’re right. It’s awful.”
I thought back to one of my last dates. It was through an online dating app and it actually seemed like a good match. We drank wine, had good conversation, and he even kissed me after dinner and then…
Nothing.
I didn’t hear from him ever again. I thought we’d hit it off so well that I even checked the obituaries for a few weeks to make sure he hadn’t croaked, and it certainly didn’t help the ego when I saw him as active as ever on the dating website.
She giggled some more. “Well, more power to the woman who Billy’s taking cross-country, but I wouldn’t want to be stuffed in an RV for that long. So, that was my first failed blind date attempt.”
“Well, it sounds like it could have been a lot worse.”
“Indeed. So do you have any plans later?”
My head was spinning a bit with
this new information. Gina wasn’t into Billy, but it sounded like Billy was into someone else and already planned on taking whoever she was on his cross-country vacation.
I glanced at Lucky who’d decided to wake from his nap and join me in the living room.
“Not really beyond reading and staring at Lucky.”
“Why don’t I come over to Hound Island and take you out to dinner. We can celebrate that I dipped my toe back in the pond and it wasn’t that bad. Now, it’s your turn.”
I barked a laugh into the phone and Lucky stared at me like I’d crossed the line. “I’m just not in the mood for dating.”
“For a couple three years?” Gina laughed.
“Yup, and it could be a couple three more before the mood strikes.” I smiled and sat back on the couch. “But dinner sounds great. Are you sure you don’t mind the trek?”
“Not the least bit. I love the ferries.”
“Then it’s a date.”
“The kind I like.” She laughed again and we set the time before hanging up.
It was hard to believe that in barely even a week on Hound Island my social life had picked up tenfold, and I was actually looking forward to going out to dinner. My mind drifted to Billy and his hot dogs. I was kind of hungry and there were several hours before my dinner date with Gina.
I glanced at Lucky.
Maybe Lucky would like a hot dog too. That would be a good excursion for both of us.
I wasn’t exactly sure what was coming over me, but I suddenly needed one of his specialties, and just maybe, I’d bump into him and hear all about his exciting trip and the mystery woman who was going with him.
After hearing about that part of his future, I was doubly glad I didn’t accept his offer to go out. I didn’t want to be what Gina mentioned, a third wheel, and feel like an idiot as he drives off with some woman beside him in his luxury Entegra Coach or whatever he bought.
But it still couldn’t hurt to bump into him and at least hear about his plans. They sounded interesting, after all.
Before Lucky knew what hit him, his collar was on and his leash was fastened as we headed to the car. I needed a hot dog, and I was positive Lucky did too and I never wanted to disappoint a client.
By the time I pulled into the lot, I was actually excited to run into Billy, and for once, I wasn’t going to wait for him to make the offer again. If he was leaving town, one date somewhere couldn’t hurt, and if it turned out he was already attached, then I could just forget about the whole thing and enjoy the rest of my time on Hound Island in peace without another thought about Billy.
I asked Lucky what he wanted, and he seemed game for anything so I cracked the windows and vowed to be in and out in less than ten minutes so he didn’t freeze to death since the temps were in the fifties.
Once I got inside, I saw Billy all over the place. Even though the place sold gourmet hot dogs, the restaurant looked like a mix between a tattoo parlor and an old fifties diner. I could see why he’d be able to sell so many people on the idea. His franchises were definitely going to do well.
I stared at the menu and finally picked what Lucky and I would be having while simultaneously scanning for Billy with no luck.
Since it was a to-go order, the cashier took down what I wanted, and I decided to throw in an extra dog for Lucky’s treat tomorrow and then I slipped in a question about whether Billy was in or not.
And he wasn’t.
My heart sank slightly, but I paid for the order and waited along the counter, admiring all the artwork on the wall.
It wasn’t until I heard the workers in the kitchen that my interest got piqued.
“Did you see how gorgeous Billy’s new lady is?”
“Hard to miss, my friend. She’s a keeper for sure.” A woman laughed and nodded. “It’s about time he finds what he’s been looking for. Everything seems to be finally coming together.”
“About time. He’s been through enough in his life,” another woman said.
I felt a prick of disappointment turn into downright frustration. In a matter of a week, it seemed I really had missed my chance.
Chapter Six
One of my grandmother’s favorite sayings kept popping into my head at an annoying rate. No use crying over spilled milk.
I’d heard the phrase countless times and yet there didn’t seem to be a truer statement at the moment. I’d snoozed away my chance with Billy because I’d let my entire dating past define my lack of a dating future.
He asked me out.
I declined.
End of story.
Lady in red won.
So there really was no use in crying over spilled milk. I had a happy life to lead, a career I loved, and a family who was with me through thick and thin, which reminded me that I should give my parents a call.
I’d had dinner with Gina last night, which was fun, but it certainly sounded like while Billy wasn't interested in Gina, he certainly was interested in someone.
I turned down a small road leading to a hidden gem of a cove, at least according to a local blog, and I couldn’t wait to get outside in the fresh air where I could forget about a guy who I barely knew and focus on anything else. Lucky propped his head on the console and gave me his big puppy-dog eyes followed by a belch.
And then in an instant everything changed.
His eyes glazed over and a squeaky heave from deep in his belly led to the worst catastrophe my car had ever seen.
My entire console, shifter, and lap were covered in Lucky’s soup du jour. Lucky’s jaw began chattering as I quickly put the car in park and hopped out. I was a mess, the car was a mess, and Lucky looked like he’d only just begun.
I ran to my trunk and grabbed a couple trash bags and placed them around Lucky in the front seat. He hadn’t thrown up again, but he had slobber dangling from his jowls. He definitely wasn’t feeling well. I grabbed some tissues and tried to blot myself off and when I realized that wasn’t happening, I attempted to wipe up my seat, which only led to his stomach contents getting squished deep into the fabric.
I’d definitely be getting my car detailed.
Lucky let out a groan, and I knew by the look in his eyes I needed to get him to the vet. I slid one of the large garbage bags over to my seat and sat back down before attempting to turn around and head to the clinic. I’d only given him two bites of hot dog, but maybe it was just too much combined with yesterday.
As I pulled back onto the main road, I glanced at Lucky who looked miserable. His teeth had stopped chattering, but he didn’t look like he felt any better. I turned on the heater and adjusted the vents toward him as we flew down the road to the emergency vet.
Within minutes, the bright blue and red neon sign blinked in front of us. I parked in the emergency stall and ran around the front of the car and tried to get Lucky to get out of the car. After more than a minute of failed coaxing, I scooped him up in my arms and made my way into the clinic. The smell was pungent, and by the time I got inside, my eyes were watering.
A pleasant looking receptionist sat behind a counter decorated with painted pumpkins and photos of cats and dogs. I was sure whatever fragrance I brought with us wasn’t pleasant, but she didn’t let on.
“May I help you?” she asked, glancing at Lucky and then at me.
“I’m pet sitting Lucky, and he just got sick all over my car. His eyes look glassy and he doesn’t really want to move. I don’t know if you’ve seen him before, but I think—”
“Oh, we’ve seen Lucky plenty of times in his short time on the island.”
My brow arched. “Really?”
“Yes. I think he’s eaten the insides of a soft ball from the county park, a pork chop bone he’d stolen from the kitchen table, and a bar of chocolate that his parents had hidden on the top shelf in the pantry. Not to mention, he’s also sprained his front ankle, and well, the list goes on.”
“I fed him some hot dog bites yesterday and today, but I wouldn’t think that would do it.”
> “You just never know, but we’ll get him checked out as soon as we can.” She slid a clipboard with some paperwork over the counter, and I managed to grab it with a free hand while hugging Lucky tightly. “Just bring it back up when you’re finished.”
I nodded.
“You look like you could use a hand.” The male voice sent a shiver through me as I turned around slowly to see Billy standing less than a foot away.
Pure terror shot through me as I thought about what I looked like, but worse what I smelled like. Even my own eyes were watering from the Eau de Lucky.
“I’m fine. Go back to where you came from,” I instructed, attempting to point with the clipboard.
He laughed.
“I’m serious. Go away. Go over there.” I nodded across the room.
“Are you sure?”
“Beyond. Just get over there.” I scowled, but he smiled and gave a quick nod.
I watched him saunter to the other side of the lobby where a beautiful black Pomeranian sat proudly in an empty chair.
“You’re one hard nut to crack,” he said, scratching his chin. “I’m just a guy trying to offer a lending hand. I’ve given you free meals, tried to be your tour guide…” His smile about did me in as did the rest of him.
I glanced at the receptionist, who seemed to be getting a kick out of our exchange, and turned my attention back to Billy.
“Which I appreciate, but now’s not the time. I’m covered in vomit and so is Lucky. I’m sure I reek even from where you’re sitting, and I’d just rather hold onto at least a shred of dignity while I wait to be seen.”
“And how do you figure you’re doing that?” He picked up the tiny little dog and sat her on his lap. I knew it was a her because of the hot pink and diamond encrusted collar she was sporting.
“Because I didn’t cover you in the same mess as me.” I sat down and tried to wedge Lucky in between my lap and the armrest before returning my gaze to the form I needed to fill out.
Lucky in Love on Hound Island (Island County Series Book 8) Page 5