The Island

by Clarissa Johal

  “It’s not a date.” Emma glared at her dad. “We’re just meeting for dinner. And please stop saying Nathanial ‘rescued’ me, Dad. I’m not a princess.”

  “Well, scrape or no scrape, you look beautiful,” she said. “Don’t tease her, Avery. I tried to call you after Avery’s surgery, but couldn’t get through.”

  “My…stupid phone wasn’t getting reception.”

  She gave Emma’s lip a gentle dab. “Between you and your dad, I feel like Florence Nightingale. I’m just glad you’re okay.”

  “I’m fine,” she murmured.

  Margaret stood back and viewed her handiwork with satisfaction. “You still look worse for wear…but at least I can say I tried.”

  Emma picked up the movie Margaret had set beside the television. “When Harry Met Sally?”

  Margaret’s cheeks turned pink. “There were so many movies to choose from. I just grabbed the first one I saw.”

  “I’ll call you later, Dad. Can I talk to you for a sec, Margaret?” She caught her dad’s suspicious look. “Girl stuff,” she added airily.

  “You stay right there.” Margaret waved a manicured finger at him. “You know what the doctor said.” She followed Emma to the front door.

  “Can you stay with him tonight?” Emma asked once they were out of earshot. “I left my phone on the island and won’t be able to pick up a new one until tomorrow. He’s got no way of getting in touch with me. I know it’s a lot to ask, but…”

  “Anything I can do to help,” Margaret replied. “If he doesn’t mind me staying, that is.”

  “Are you kidding? Dad adores you.”

  Margaret’s cheeks turned even pinker. “Don’t you worry about a thing.” She reached out to straighten Emma’s scarf. “Goodness! Did you fall on your neck?”

  “Sort of.” Emma pulled at the material self-consciously. “There were some sharp…tree branches.”

  “No wonder you’re wearing a scarf. It looks like someone poked you with a nail. Are you sure you don’t need a Band-Aid?”

  “No. Does the scarf look weird?”

  “Don’t be silly. Men don’t notice what you’re wearing.” She dismissed her with a wave. “You have fun on your date. You look beautiful.”

  “It’s not a date—” She found herself returning Margaret’s girlish grin. “Let’s hope he even shows up.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  THE SMALL CHINESE RESTAURANT sat on the outskirts of downtown. The neighborhood had quieted for the evening, the stillness broken only by the occasional car driving by. To Emma’s surprise, Nathanial had shown up right on time.

  “This is nice,” Nathanial remarked as they were seated. “Outside seating too.”

  “You mentioned you didn’t like big cities.”

  “Too much traffic and too many people. Plus, I’m not used to being inside.” He shrugged. “Guess I’m kind of a freak.”

  “You’re not a freak,” she said quickly. “The city can be overwhelming if you’re not used to it. When were you here last?”

  “It’s been years. I don’t visit my friend as often as I should.”

  Emma silently wondered if his friend was a male or female.

  ”How’s your dad?”

  “He’s doing fine. He wanted to thank you for saving my life.” Her cheeks felt warm under his gaze. “He’s pulling Sownipok off the market.”

  “How did you manage to talk him into that?”

  “I told him I wanted to keep it in the family as a vacation place,” she said. “That’s only going to work for a while, though. He wants to plan a trip out there when his back is healed.”

  “Probably not the best idea,” Nathanial said grimly.

  “We’re going to have to figure out something—” She stopped, feeling presumptuous.

  “We will.”

  Emma couldn’t ignore her sense of relief he hadn’t changed his mind about helping her. “The island doesn’t have a good track record,” she continued. “Paisley found some papers when she was helping me clean.” She ticked off her fingers. “The first owner of the island lost his family in a fire, the second hung himself because his wife left him, the third apparently went crazy and jumped off his rescue boat, and the fourth lost his fiancée in a car accident and committed suicide. The man who sold it to Fae disappeared, but the owner before him died of a heart attack. And apparently, his wife was so heartbroken, she starved herself to death.” She paused, a light going on in her head. “Grief and fear.”

  “Grief and fear?”

  “Thim kept trying to terrorize me and Itu said he was ‘reveling’ in the grief I gave him. I tried to keep myself in check once I figured that out, but… I’ll bet they’ve been feeding off those two emotions for hundreds of years, maybe longer.” She ran her fingers through her hair. “Why though?”

  “The locals say the island is cursed.”

  “Do you know any details about that? I asked Gideon, but he didn’t seem to.”

  “No, but I’m sure we could look it up.” He sat back and allowed the server to fill their glasses with water before continuing. “Tell me again what happened. I think you were still in shock at Gideon’s.”

  Emma told him, the rest of her memory coming in fits and starts. When she was done, she felt as if she’d let go of some of her anxiety. “I’m glad you showed up. They would have killed me.”

  “Gideon told me your friends were joining you,” Nathanial said. “They didn’t stay?”

  “No.” Her gaze shifted.

  A small frown creased his forehead. “How long were they out there?”

  “A couple days. They had to leave.”

  He studied her face silently.

  “Paisley had to get ready for a huge art show she’s hosting on Sunday,” she said quickly. “Speaking of, I need to let her know I’m back.”

  “Do you want to use my phone?”

  “Her comic book shop is walking distance from here. I’ll stop by after dinner.”

  “Comic book shop?” Nathanial said with an amused grin. “I used to love comic books when I was a kid.”

  “Do you want to see it?” Emma asked. “They have gaming and a coffee shop. It’s a cool place to hang out.”

  “That sounds great.”

  Emma felt a thrill go through her. “When were you planning to go back?”

  “I’m crashing at my friend’s house right now.” He wiped the condensation from his water glass. “I’ll probably catch the morning ferry on Monday.”

  “Does he…she…live far from here?”

  “About a twenty-minute drive,” he replied. “He’s got a wife and kids so I don’t want to overstay my welcome.”

  She felt a curious sense of relief to know his friend was a “he.” She felt an even stranger sense of loss that they’d be saying goodbye on Monday.

  “Do you want to go to the library tomorrow and do some research on Sownipok?” Nathanial asked. “Maybe we can find something that will help.”

  A flutter of anticipation hit her stomach. Whoa, girl, she thought. He’s just trying to figure this mess out. “I need to pick up a new phone tomorrow…but okay.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  IT WAS FRIDAY NIGHT and the Atomic Unicorn was busy. New wood flooring gleamed in the track lighting. Various pop-culture and comic book related art decorated the walls. Display shelves, over-stacked with comics, used books and retro video games populated the space. Welcoming, overstuffed couches sat against the walls. The smell of espresso hung in the air. A loud and spirited game of Magic, the Gathering was going on at one of the gaming tables in the corner.

  “Hey, Em.” A girl wearing heavy eyeliner and a form-fitting black dress greeted her. “What happened to you?”

  Emma touched her lip self-consciously. “I had an accident.”

  “Damn. That’s why I refuse to get my license. Cars are deadly.” Her gaze was pulled to Nathanial. “Well, hello there.”

  “Ash, this is Nathanial.”

  “This pl
ace is great,” Nathanial said, taking it in.

  “Thank you!” Her cheeks dimpled. “Wish it were mine. Maybe Paisley will need a partner someday. You like comic books?”

  “I used to read manga when I was a kid.”

  “Ooh, manga fan. Got a favorite?”

  “Hmm,” he mused. “I have to say Fist of the North Star was well-read.”

  “I approve!” Ash said. “You can keep him, Em. You have good taste.”

  Emma felt her cheeks warm. “Is Paisley around?”

  “No, but I think she’s supposed—”

  “Well, well,” came a belligerent voice. “If it isn’t Emma.”

  The gamers in the corner quieted, their attention pulled to the front door of the shop.

  Derek steadied himself against the doorframe. His tie was loosened and his dress shirt was untucked. Swaying a little, he walked toward them.

  “Here we go again.” Ash sighed. “Paisley said to stay away, Derek.”

  “This is a public place.”

  “No, it’s Paisley’s place. And you’ve been banned, pretty boy.”

  “She’ll call me when she needs my help or money.”

  “Don’t hold your breath,” Ash replied. “Making a scene Thursday night? So not cool.”

  “If I want input from a Goth loser, I’ll ask for it. Nice to see you again, Emma.” Derek leered. “And who’s this?”

  Ash attempted to aim him toward the door. “Get out, Derek. You’re drunk. Don’t make me kick your ass.”

  “Is this the fisherman you were telling us about?” Derek pushed Ash aside and turned his attention to Nathanial. “Doesn’t look so hot to me.”

  “Shut up,” Emma muttered.

  “Paisley gave me hell the other night, by the way.” He dropped his voice. “Enjoy the tequila I left behind?”

  “You’re such an asshole, Derek.” She glared at him. “I know you put something in it. You’re lucky I don’t have you arrested.”

  “Prove it.” He gave her a lazy grin. “Not my fault you overdid the booze.” He turned his attention to Nathanial again. “I wouldn’t waste your time on her, fisherman. Emma doesn’t put out for anybody.”

  Nathanial’s expression hardened. “I think you need to leave.”

  “Really? Or what?” Derek challenged.

  “I’m giving you one warning.” A muscle twitched in Nathanial’s jaw.

  “Somebody’s got a temper.” He raked Emma’s bruised face with his gaze. “Is that how you like it, Em?” He took a step toward her and ran a finger down her arm. “You should have told me that, I would have been happy to—”

  Before Emma had a chance to react to Derek’s advance, Nathanial punched him. Derek fell to the floor, out cold.

  “Dude!” one of the gamers yelled, breaking the silence. “That was awesome!”

  “That was awesome,“ Ash remarked, her eyes wide. She nudged Derek with her toe. He remained unresponsive. “Damn! Free coffee to whomever wants to drag his sorry ass out of here.”

  There was a mad scramble.

  “You all right?” Nathanial asked quietly.

  Emma closed her mouth. “I’m fine. Did you hurt your hand?”

  He watched as Ash and the gamers hauled Derek out the door. “Seems like he had it coming.”

  “I don’t know what Paisley saw in that guy,” Ash said as she came back into the shop. “You rock, Nathanial. Saved me from breaking my hand on his pretty face. Coffee’s on me.”

  “Do you want to stay, Emma?” Nathanial asked. “I can walk you home if you’d rather.”

  “If you want to stay.”

  “You guys are too cute,” Ash said. “Here. Please stay. I swear it’s not a drama-o-rama here every night. Well, unless someone starts comparing Dumbledore to Gandalf.”

  Nathanial took the coffee mug Ash handed him. He seated himself at the counter.

  “Do you live around here?” Ash asked. “Better watch it, we may hire you on as security.”

  “I’m just visiting.”

  “Are you staying with Emma?”

  “He’s staying with a friend of his,” Emma said quickly.

  “Maybe I’ll pick something up for his kids.” Nathanial eyed the racks of comic books. “He’s got three boys—ten, eight and six.”

  “The kid comics are over there,” Ash said. “Feel free to peruse.”

  “Do you mind if I take a quick look?” Nathanial asked Emma.

  “Not at all!” she said.

  “Damn, he’s hot,” Ash remarked once Nathanial had left them. “Not that I’m trying to move in or anything.”

  “We’re not dating.”

  “Really?” She gave Emma an incredulous look. “He’s obviously into you.”

  “He is not.”

  Ash snorted. “Did you see the way he looked at Derek? I thought lasers were gonna come out of his eyes. That would have been cool.”

  “Well, he lives on his boat, and I live here.” Her gaze lingered on Nathanial as he reached for a comic book on the top shelf. She looked away quickly. “It’s not going to happen.”

  “That would be a long-distance relationship, but—” She stopped, seeing Emma’s raised eyebrows. “I’m not trying to hook you up, but damn. His eyes are gorgeous and his body…well, excuse me for drooling, but he could give Wolverine a run for his money.”

  Emma bit her lip and winced. “He is really cute.”

  A disheveled-looking man joined them at the counter. “Kai is here.”

  “Seriously?”

  “He’s unloading in the back.” He hitched up his jeans with a bored sigh. “What should I tell him?”

  “Tell him to store his stuff in the back room, Sebastian,” Ash said. “He can’t hang it yet, the art show isn’t until Sunday. Duh.”

  “Okay.”

  Ash shook her head. “Paisley is gonna freak if this show doesn’t come together.”

  “Is she stressed?” Emma asked.

  “Oh, you have no idea. Between pretty boy making a scene the other night and the artists bitching about our crap walls, she’s ready to pull her purple pigtails out.”

  Emma glanced at the pock-marked plaster walls. “Does she need help?”

  “She’s picking up some more spackle right now. I don’t know how many times she’s gonna be able to fix the walls, though. Every time we have an art show, somebody knocks a hole in them, trying to hang their shit.” Ash adjusted her ear gauge. “I offered to make a run to the hardware store, but she wanted me here. We’re so understaffed it’s not even funny.”

  “I thought she hired a new person?”

  “He quit after Derek pulled his shit. Said he wasn’t into ‘negativity.’”

  “That sucks.”

  “I’m just glad you’re going to be here for the show. You can keep Paisley from spazzing.” She gave Emma an earnest look. “You are going to be here, right?”

  “Of course I will. Can I borrow your phone?” Emma asked. “She doesn’t know I’m back yet.”

  “Sure.”

  Emma dialed Paisley’s number. After several rings, it went to message. “Paisley, it’s me. I’m at Atomic right now. Ash thought you might need some help with the art show. I can spackle and touch up the paint on the walls. I left my phone on the island, but I’ll call you tomorrow after I pick up a new one.” Her attention was pulled to Nathanial as he bent to pick a comic from the floor.

  Ash caught her staring. “There’s a lock on the bathroom door if you want to jump him.”

  Emma bit back an embarrassed laugh.

  Nathanial joined them. “I think these will work.” He placed a stack of comics on the counter.

  “Good choices,” Ash remarked as she went through them. “You like kids?”

  “I love them,” he replied without pause.

  “He likes kids,” Ash repeated, giving Emma a look. “Huh. Emma likes kids too. I’ll ring these up. Oh, tomorrow’s flower day, Emma. Help yourself.” She nodded toward the vase of white daisies sitting
by the espresso machine.

  “Flower day?” Nathanial questioned.

  “Paisley always buys flowers,” she said. “When they start to wilt, she gives them to me.”

  “You like wilted flowers?”

  “I hate seeing her throw them away before they’re completely spent,” she said, answering his amused smile. “She buys a new bouquet every week.”

  He seemed to consider that for a moment. “Do you want to meet for breakfast?”

  His question took her by surprise and she found herself tongue-tied.

  “If we’re going to the library tomorrow,” he said quickly, “I thought maybe we could, you know…grab some breakfast?” His look was hopeful.

  “Sure.” She tried to ignore the flutter within her stomach. “Café Danielle is three blocks from where I live. They have really good breakfast crêpes. Outside seating too.”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  Behind Nathanial, Ash gave her a double thumbs-up.

  * * *

  Nathanial walked her home with the promise to pick her up at nine thirty a.m. the following morning. Their goodbyes had been awkward. Not in a bad way, she reflected, but in a “neither wanting to end the evening” way. At least she thought that was how they both felt.

  “It could be just you, Emma,” she said to her empty apartment. “Ash could totally be imagining things. Nathanial may not even show up tomorrow morning. Something else may come up.”

  Emma opened the living room curtains and surprised a homeless man lounging in the ally. She closed them again and contemplated opening the bedroom curtains instead. That particular window faced a concrete wall, which afforded some privacy. Not the prettiest of views, but it boasted a sliver of sky. Sometimes, she could see the moon peeking for a brief second or the vestiges of a sunrise.

  “This isn’t Sownipok,” she said with a sigh. She’d always considered herself a city girl. Maybe Nathanial doesn’t have such a bad life, after all. He can lounge on his boat in boxers if he wants to and nobody cares. She bit her lip at the sexy picture that popped into her mind.

  She changed into a flannel nightgown, and slipped into bed. Gone was the musty, woodsy smell of Fae’s cabin she’d become used to. The smell of carpet and paint and something she could only call “city” took its place. An anxious feeling stole over her and she steeled herself against it. The feeling had lingered in her peripheral since she’d left the island. Emma shut her eyes, determined to get some sleep.