by Kay Correll
“No, I’m fine. Thanks.”
Courtney hurried over to table four and took out her order pad. “May I…” She froze. The uniformed man sat at the table. Her table.
He looked up and smiled at her. “You must be new here.”
“Y—yes, I am.”
“I’m Sheriff Dave. Welcome to Belle Island.”
“Thanks. May I take your order?” No way she was offering up her name.
“I’ll have crab cakes and a large iced tea. Oh, and a side of hushpuppies.”
She scribbled the order, nodded, and whirled away. She fled to the kitchen and leaned against the wall. Now, what was she going to do? She had to act normal. She didn’t want to arouse suspicion.
Tereza entered the kitchen and took one look at her. “Okay, what’s going on? You look pale again. Are you okay?”
“I… can you take table four for me?”
“Sheriff Dave’s table?” Tereza narrowed her eyes. “Are you in some kind of trouble?”
“No… I…” Courtney didn’t want to explain. Not even to these people who had been so kind and generous to her. Some things were better kept secret.
Tereza paused then held out her hand. “I’ll take his table. Give me his order, I’ll put it in.”
She handed her the scribbled order.
Tereza turned, then paused and looked back at Courtney. “I’m here if you ever need to talk.”
Courtney sank onto the chair and tucked her hair behind her ear. The hair that was much shorter now than before, and no longer the stand-out-in-a-crowd golden blonde she’d been born with. She’d dyed it an unremarkable shade of brown and chopped it a good six inches to shoulder length. Just long enough to pull back. She knew she looked different now.
But did she look different enough?
Chapter 8
Tally came out of the storage building where she’d been making sure they had enough champagne glasses for Julie’s wedding. Mary, Susan’s mother-in-law, came walking up the beach with Stormy, the pup she’d rescued during a storm earlier this year. Mary waved and crossed over to Tally. Stormy wagged his tail as if Tally was the most exciting thing he’d ever seen. She reached down and petted the pup.
“Beautiful day for a walk.”
“I’ve been walking Stormy every day. He has so much energy. My son, Adam, makes me keep him on a leash though. He’s afraid Stormy will run off like when I found him in the storm. He also makes me carry my phone with me. There’s some kind of tracker app on it.” Mary turned in a circle to get the leash untangled from around her legs. “I know he worries about me, but I’m fine.”
Tally wondered what it was like to know you had Alzheimer’s and that you were starting to forget things but wanting so badly to maintain a normal life for as long as possible. “Sounds like the app on your phone is a way to keep him from worrying so much.”
Mary sighed. “I don’t want him to worry, but I’m not willing to be… well, I like my walks and don’t plan on giving them up anytime soon.”
“Miss Tally. Miss Tally.” Bobby came running up the beach. He dropped to the sand beside Stormy, and the dog began licking his face. Bobby giggled. “What’s his name?”
“Stormy.” Mary grinned at the boy and the dog.
“I don’t have a dog. Always wanted one but Momma says no.”
Courtney trotted up to them. “I swear I can’t keep up with this kid. Wish I had his energy.”
“Mary, you remember Courtney and Bobby from when we stopped by the inn to talk to Dorothy. They are staying here, and Courtney is working at Magic Cafe.”
“I remember.” Mary turned around again to unwrap the leash Stormy had wound around her.
“Momma, isn’t this the best dog ever?” Bobby fell back on the sand and Stormy climbed on his chest.
“Best one, ever.” Courtney grinned at her son.
“Hey, Miss Mary, can I walk Stormy?”
Mary looked at Courtney. “I was just going to walk a short way down the beach. Bobby is welcome to come with us.”
Tally saw that same look flash across Courtney’s face. The one she couldn’t quite figure out.
“I…” Courtney looked at Tally.
“I was thinking of getting in a short beach walk myself. How about we take Bobby with us and we’ll bring him back here when we’re finished? Mind if I join you, Mary?”
“That would be nice.” Mary smiled.
Courtney slowly nodded in agreement. “Bobby, you behave and listen to Miss Tally.”
“Yes.” He did a quick fist pump. “I’ll listen, I promise, Momma.”
Mary reached out and handed Bobby the leash. “Slip your hand through the loop to make sure you don’t drop it.”
“Come on, Stormy. Let’s go race the waves.” Bobby took off toward the shoreline.
“Bobby, slow down,” Courtney called after him. “Wait for Miss Mary and Miss Tally.”
He slowed down the tiniest bit.
“We’ll keep an eye on him. We’ll be back soon, don’t worry,” Tally assured Courtney to allay her fears. But then, what kind of mother didn’t worry about their son?
* * *
Courtney watched as Tally and Mary walked away. Bobby and Stormy raced back and forth near the women. Her heart tripped watching him meander away from her, getting tiny in the distance the farther they walked. It was so hard to let him out of her sight. It was hard enough to leave him with Belinda, but she really had no choice.
Courtney turned to go into the storage building, their home for now. It did seem almost like home after only a few days. She wasn’t sure how that had happened so quickly.
Bobby was so happy here on Belle Island. So carefree. She hadn’t seen him like that in a long time. The haunted look was almost gone from his face, though he still was having nightmares. They hadn’t ended.
She was still having nightmares. She’d wake up from them and jump up and check that Bobby was okay, looking down at his innocent face. She'd do anything to protect him, anything.
Even kidnap him.
Chapter 9
Eddie waited until the lunch crowd died down at Magic Cafe and went to find Tally. He was hoping they could talk again. He was even toying with the idea of taking her to dinner.
She looked up when she saw him, and for a brief moment, she was that young girl again. The one who had that special smile, just for him. The years simply slipped away.
A sad looked crept over Tally’s face, and all those years came crashing back with a vengeance. So much had changed. He was still reeling from everything he’d found out this past week.
Jackson. Just thinking his name made his heart ache.
He lifted a hand with a quick wave and climbed the stairs to the outside seating area. “Hey.”
“Did you come for lunch?” Tally pushed away a wayward lock of hair.
He had to keep from staring at her hands. They’d aged, too. A bit weathered and wrinkled, but still incredibly strong and capable. Tally was an enigma. Exactly the same and yet so different.
She repeated her question. “Lunch?”
Oh, he hadn’t answered her. “No, I came to see…” All of a sudden he was uncertain. As nervous as he’d been the first time he’d asked her out all those years ago. “Um… would you like to go out to dinner tonight?”
Tally’s eyes widened. “I… well, I work every night here at Magic Cafe.”
“You don’t ever take time off?”
“Very, very rarely.”
“Could this be one of those rare times?” He winked at her.
“I… I don’t know. I’d have to check and see who’s on the schedule. Make sure everything is covered.”
Eddie dropped into a chair, stretched out his legs, and crossed his arms. “I’ll wait. Go check.”
She stood for a moment, then nodded and headed away.
He told himself he wouldn’t be disappointed if she said no. He knew she was busy running Magic Cafe. So, of course, there’d be no disappointment. None.
He stared at the direction she’d headed, wondering how long it would take her to come back and put him out of his misery. A simple yes or no, preferably yes.
She returned after about ten minutes. Ten long minutes.
“Well?” He looked up at her.
“Tereza is working and so is Courtney. Along with a couple other good employees. I could probably get away.” Tally’s voice didn’t sound very confident or excited to be going out with him.
He refused to let her lack of enthusiasm deter him. He jumped up. “Perfect. What time should I pick you up?”
“Well, I was thinking…”
He tilted his head. Was she going to back out?
“I never eat dinner at home. I’m always here at Magic Cafe. I wouldn’t mind cooking a simple meal for you if that sounds okay?”
He’d eat anywhere and eat anything. He was just glad she’d said yes. “I don’t want you to go to any trouble… but if that’s what you want, that sounds great.”
“You could come about six?”
“And you live…?”
“I’m still in the same house, the one I grew up in. I never could bring myself to move.”
“Got it. I’ll be there at six.” Eddie turned to leave, hope planted firmly in his chest that they’d have a great evening. He quickened his steps and disappeared down the beach before she could change her mind.
* * *
Tally looked around the kitchen at the same fading paint and the same worn table. She’d changed nothing over the years. It had been forever since she’d actually cooked a dinner at home. She usually just grabbed something at Magic Cafe. After Jackson and her father were… gone… she couldn’t tolerate sitting alone at the empty table. So she didn’t. When she did eat at home, she often ate standing at the sink, looking out the window.
But tonight she was cooking again. She’d made a roasted chicken with rosemary sauce, a simple salad, and fresh green beans. Nothing fancy.
She looked at the clock. Five-forty. She had time to change. She looked down at her worn slacks and sandals. The pants were probably ten years old, or maybe older than that. She rarely shopped for new clothes. What should she wear tonight and why did she even care?
She hurried to her bedroom and slid open the closet door. Worn jeans, a few casual skirts, and a handful of dresses reserved for weddings or special events. She grabbed a simple skirt and blouse and changed into them. A quick brushing of her hair, and she called it good. Well, as good as it was going to get. She looked in the mirror and then tugged open the bathroom drawer. After rooting around, she found some eye makeup and quickly applied some. When was the last time she’d worn makeup? And why was she using makeup tonight? It wasn’t a date. Eddie was just coming over to dinner. Right? She resolutely closed the drawer and turned out the light.
Two minutes until six.
She hurried to the kitchen and checked the chicken. The doorbells rang, and she took one last look around the hastily picked up kitchen. She crossed over the worn plank floor and tugged open the door.
Eddie stood in the doorway, his tall frame filling the opening. He’d dressed in slacks and a button-down shirt, with the sleeves rolled up. He held a bouquet of flowers out for her. “Here you go. You used to love flowers.”
No one had given her flowers in… how many years? Jackson used to bring her flowers for no reason. He always said they were just because he was so lucky to have her as a mom, though usually they were because he’d gotten into some kind of minor trouble and wanted to butter her up to get her to forgive him. Which she always did, of course. Her heart clenched in her chest. She reached out and took the flowers with shaky hands. “Thank you. Come in.”
Eddie followed her into the house. “Still looks about the same.”
“I know. I keep thinking I’ll get it all painted and replace some furniture, but never seem to make the time.”
He followed her into the kitchen. “Smells wonderful.”
“It’s rosemary chicken.” The flowers added a cheerful splash to the room when she arranged them in a vase that she placed on the table. She looked around the kitchen with a critical eye. It did need new paint. Maybe a subtle yellow to brighten it up. The curtains were years old and certainly should be replaced. She was so rarely home that she hadn’t put much thought or energy into keeping up with more than just major repairs. She made up her mind to do something about it.
Probably…
She turned to Eddie. “Would you like a beer or some wine?”
“A beer would be good.”
She grabbed a beer for Eddie and poured herself a glass of wine. “Let’s go sit in the front room.”
They settled on the worn couch and Eddie took a swig of his beer. Silence stagnated the surrounding air.
* * *
Eddie sat awkwardly on the sofa, glancing around the room, trying to think of something to say. Tally sat perched on the edge of the sofa beside him. For the life of him, he couldn’t get the thought out of his mind that she looked ready to run.
“So I—”
“Would you—”
They both spoke at the same time. Eddie laughed. “No, go ahead.”
“I wondered if you’d like to see a photo album. Some pictures of Jackson.”
“I would.” He set his beer on a coaster on the coffee table. “I’d like that a lot.”
Tally got up and walked over to the bookcase. She reached up and ran her hand over the covers of a row of albums as if caressing a beloved keepsake. She pulled one off the shelf and came over to sit beside him again.
He watched as she slowly opened the album, allowing access to a whole new world for him. His breath caught in his chest.
“This was Jackson as a baby. About nine months old.”
Eddie reached out to touch the photo, to connect to his son. His heart shattered, and he fought for his breath. “Jackson.” His voice was a whisper.
Tally looked at him, her face reflecting his own pain. “Do you want to keep going?”
He nodded, unable to speak.
“This was when he lost his first tooth. I love this big grin of his.” She turned the page. “Here is one from when my father took him deep sea fishing. The fish is bigger than Jackson.”
Tally kept turning the pages, commenting on each photo. Eddie sank into his son’s world, cherishing each tiny glimpse of his life while regretting missing each day, each moment.
Tally closed the album. “Is that enough for now? I…”
Eddie looked at Tally and knew she’d had enough for tonight. Her hand rested lovingly on the cover of the album and tears filled the corners of her eyes.
“Thank you for sharing those with me.”
“I have more. Lots more. But maybe we could do those another time?” Her voice shook. “It’s been a long time since I’ve gone through these.”
“Yes, another time.” Eddie leaned forward. “Could I take this back to the inn with me? I’ll bring it back. I’d just like to… look at the photos again.” And again, and again. Memorize each smile, the one dimple, the toothless grin.
Tally’s hands tightened around the album.
“I’ll bring it back, I promise.”
“We should probably get some of these photos scanned for you.” Tally still held the album. “If you’d like that.”
“I would.”
“Susan has a scanner at the inn. I’m sure she’d let you use it. It can scan to a thumb drive.”
“I’ll pick up a thumb drive and see if Susan will let me use the scanner.” He wanted to scan each and every single photo in the album. As if that could bring him any closer to all he’d missed in his son’s world.
* * *
Tally leaned against the worn door after Eddie left. They’d had a pleasant, if awkward at times, dinner. She had a hard time letting Eddie leave with the album. Which was ridiculous, because she never took it out and looked at the photos—she hadn’t in years. But it was strangely comforting to have them sitting on her boo
kcase.
She shook her head at her thoughts. She was a silly old woman. Eddie would bring the album back. He’d have his scanned photos. It would be okay.
She glanced over at the open slot on the bookcase where the album had been. She crossed over and picked up a framed photograph of her father and Jackson, one of the few photographs she kept out. Jackson was about six and was looking up at her father with such adoration in his eyes. It was one of her favorite photos of him. She traced the outline of his face with her index finger.
She set the photo back on the shelf and walked over to switch out the light. She stood in the darkness, lost in memories.
She’d planned on taking Eddie up to Jackson’s room. The room still looked the same. She hadn’t been able to do anything with it. It still had fading posters on the walls and a shelf of trophies. His favorite bat leaned against the wall in the corner. But she just hadn’t been able to go up there with Eddie. Not yet. But she would. She knew that Eddie would love to see the room.
Next time. She needed a few days to prepare herself. She’d kept the door firmly shut for years, rarely going in. A few times, though, in spite of her best intentions, she’d gone up to his room in the middle of the night when she couldn’t sleep and lay down on his bed, staring at the ceiling, railing at the fates.
Not that it did any good.
Jackson was still gone. Her father was gone. She was the only one left in a long line of the Belle family.
Chapter 10
The next day after the breakfast crowd had thinned, Tally sat at a table with Courtney making up napkin rolls for the tables. They grabbed a knife, fork, and spoon and rolled each set in a napkin. She could tell Courtney welcomed the break to get off her feet for a bit. The girl needed to get new shoes, that’s for sure, but she doubted Courtney would spend that money on herself.
“So where are you from, Courtney?”