7. Getting The Low-Down
7
Getting The Low-Down
C HAPTER SEVEN
Daniel
Stretching, I rubbed my eyes against the soft light filtering in through the curtains and pushed myself off the bed. After the long night and early morning visit to see Joseph, I’d returned to the inn and slept later than usual. But now I felt even more tired than when I'd first gone to bed.
Rushing through a quick shower, I dressed, then only paused long enough to look out the window. From my room at the inn, I had a clear view all the way down to the docks. Yet, I hadn't spent much time looking out the window since I'd arrived. Now I viewed the island from my vantage point above the town.
Maybe it was the lack of sleep, but I felt like an outsider watching other people live their lives. I had no real connections to anyone here or in New York City anymore. I was a man without purpose or community. A ghost on this island.
A ghost? Where had that come from? OK, I thought, enough with the dark thoughts and rambling. That's what I get for being Mr. Nice Guy. Bring on the caffeine, I need to get my head on straight.
And, if I was lucky, there would still be time to get breakfast at the pub. Those biscuits and gravy would hit the spot. And I could use at least two espressos this time.
Linda greeted me with a smile as I entered the lobby. “How are you doing this morning, Dr. Westbrook? Did you get a chance to enjoy the fair yesterday?” She asked with genuine concern in her voice.
“Yes, I did. I went with Rosalind and Joseph.” I was slow this morning, and my disappointment must’ve shown. I’d been looking forward to seeing Rosalind instead of Linda. “Is Rosalind not working today?” Something in me just had to ask the question, though I knew I might not get a response.
But, she responded, “It’s her day off, but I heard she’s also helping Joseph after a tough night. She’s always been there for him, and him for her. Her caring nature comes from her grandparents raising her, but it’s also in her blood. From a very young age, I knew she was born to care for others, and she’s wonderful with our guests. I’m fortunate to have her help.”
I smiled, picturing Rosalind’s vibrant energy and dedication to her family. It was admirable. Linda’s words painted a vivid picture of Rosalind’s character growing up. It helped hearing that the kind spirit I'd experienced on our adventures around the island was an inherent part of the woman I was getting to know.
“I guess I’ll have to survive a day without her then,” I joked, trying to lighten the mood with a touch of humor. But then I realized I hadn’t spent one single day on this island without spending at least a little time with Rosalind.
“Oh, don’t worry, Daniel. You can keep me company instead,” Linda replied warmly. Her generous heart shone through her kind offer.
I couldn’t help but wonder about the bond between Rosalind and Linda. And Rosalind and her grandfather. These island relationships seemed strong, built on love and mutual respect. It made me reflect on my own lack of connections and the importance of family.
“How about some coffee? And biscuits and gravy? It’s a local favorite.” Linda continued, reminding me I'd left her offer unanswered.
“I’ve tried them once before, and I agree with the locals. Definitely a favorite of mine now.” I replied. Linda’s invitation was unexpected but welcoming, a reminder of the warmth these islanders exuded. "I'd love to join you this morning." I added.
As we stepped into the pub, the cozy atmosphere and dim lighting felt relaxing, pulling me further into the island’s charms. Day or night, this little pub was a pleasant place to visit with friends.
Linda found a table near the window, with a view of the ocean painting a serene vista.
“Did you know I own this inn?” Linda asked, a glint of pride in her eyes. “It’s been my haven for years, a place where everyone can be family. My husband and I bought the place about twenty years ago. It had been empty for a while, and the renovations took over a year to complete. But we had twelve good years running this inn together, before I lost him.”
"I'm sorry for your loss." I said when she paused. Not sure what else to say.
"Thank you. He was a wonderful man, and I miss him every day. But I've been able to keep the inn running ever since, and I like to think he'd be proud."
"I'm sure he would be. Any man would be happy knowing his wife is carrying on his legacy. Do you have any children?" I asked, hoping this was not too intrusive a question.
"No, we never had children. I hadn't thought about the inn as a legacy. I think you've just given me something to ponder. See, I knew talking with you was a good idea!" Her previously sad expression had disappeared, now that we'd moved to another topic.
“Really?” I raised an eyebrow, sipping the hot coffee. “Twenty years running an inn is a long time. You must've had quite the adventure running this place, especially as a woman alone.”
She chuckled, a sound like tinkling bells. “Oh, it has its moments, that’s for sure. But seeing the guests happy makes it all worthwhile.”
I took a deep breath, the tang of the sea air mingling with the aroma of brewing coffee. It felt different here, lighter somehow, as if the weight on my shoulders had eased. My mood had definitely grown lighter.
“Tell me about your career, Daniel,” Linda prompted, her gaze encouraging. “I’d love to hear your story.”
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But something in Linda’s demeanor told me I could trust her. That beneath her gentle exterior was a woman who understood more than she let on.
“Being a surgeon was all I ever wanted,” I began, the words spilling out before I could stop them. “But recent events... they shook me to my core. I needed a break, a chance to breathe away from the scrutiny.”
Linda nodded, her expression one of empathy. “Sometimes we need to fall back to move forward. You’re safe here, Daniel. Among friends. So what are you going to do when you go back? Will the 'events' be over? You don't have to answer if you don't want to, but sometimes it helps to talk things out. At least that's what my husband used to say.”
"The 'events' are mostly over now. It's more like, where do I go from here? Do I pick up the pieces and continue on like nothing ever happened? Or is this a sign that I need to make a change? Sometimes I think we get stuck in a rut, just focused on doing the job. But if you don't look around, soon you've gone from a rut to a ditch, and maybe you can't get out now." I stopped talking, realizing I'd probably said more than I should have to a stranger.
But she just smiled. "I love that analogy. Or is that a metaphor? Either way, I like it. A rut to a ditch. I'll have to remember that. Anyway, back to you. So what do you do now?"
"I guess I take a look around. Either I stay in the ditch, or forge a new path. But that's for the new year. Right now, I'm just looking for a quiet Christmas."
"Well, you've come to the right place for that. Christmas doesn't get much quieter than a small island in the Atlantic. And we're glad you're here."
Her kind words wrapped around me, offering comfort in a way I hadn’t expected. Maybe this island held the peace I’d been searching for. I truly hoped so.
“Could you tell me more about Rosalind?” I asked, trying to get off the subject of me, and to sound casual despite the flutter in my chest every time I said her name. I was curious about the woman who had captured my attention. Something about her drew me in, and I felt compelled to understand more. To understand her.
“I suppose I could. Her life’s an open book here, and I can see she’s taken a special interest in you. Roz’s father left when she was young, and her mother passed away not long after. Joseph and Maria took her in and raised her as their own,” Linda shared. Painting a picture of an unhappy beginning.
“Such a tough start in life,” I murmured, my heart aching for Rosalind. I'd loved my father completely, and never doubted his love for me. I couldn't imagine a father walking away. Especially not from someone like Roz.
“Despite it all, she’s a ray of sunshine in this town. Always looking out for others, like I said.” Linda added, pride evident in her voice.
“Speaking of which, I had quite the adventure with Rosalind and Joseph recently,” I began, recounting our time at the fair and the unexpected visit to Joseph’s house. I didn't go into the specifics of the medical emergency, of course. That was up to Joseph to disclose or not.
“So that’s why you woke up late this morning. And that’s the bad night Rosalind mentioned. I’m sure it was a comfort for Roz to have you to rely on in that situation. In fact, it sounds to me like you’re becoming part of the island fabric, Daniel.” Linda observed, a hint of amusement in her eyes.
“It seems that way. And I believe I’m starting to understand this island and its charms more every day,” I admitted, as I sipped my coffee, feeling a sense of belonging returning as the caffeine took effect.
“Can we interest you in an island doctor’s position? I’m sure Roz told you we’ve been without one for over a year. We’ve advertised, but it takes a special kind of person to settle for the small town life, especially when the big city pays so much better.” She sipped her coffee as I seriously considered her suggestion.
“I can’t say the thought hasn’t crossed my mind. Especially after all the trouble I’ve been through lately. But there are more than just my wishes to consider. I have commitments I’ve made, and family expectations to fulfill. It’s not an easy thing giving up a medical practice. But I'll let you know if I change my mind.”
“There’s no rush. Just think about it.” She said warmly, her eyes reflecting the genuine care she held for everyone on the island.
“Tell me more about this island, Linda. It has such a unique charm. The longer I’m here, the less I miss the city.” I prompted, with genuine curiosity.
Her eyes sparkled with mirth. “Oh, this island and my inn have seen it all. From royalty to runaway brides, and sometimes both at the same time,” she said with a chuckle. “We’ve had our fair share of stories.”
I chuckled with her, “Quite the mix, huh?”
“Indeed. But the heart of this place lies in its people and their generous hearts,” she remarked, gesturing towards the locals bustling around outside the window. “Our community is what makes this place so special.”
“I think I see what you mean. The way those fishermen came from the docks when Rosalind had that trouble with Rich. And how Peter, a teenager at that, volunteered to bring Joseph to her? You can’t get most teenagers to take out the trash these days. But he seemed happy to help. You have a special connection here on Lonesome Bay Island.” I took a drink of my coffee, mostly to keep myself from rambling on.
“You’re right, there. And there’s no place I’d rather be. But we’ll save a place for you, just in case you change your mind. Something tells me you’d be extremely happy here.”
“Maybe.” I replied. Maybe if I became part of this community, I wouldn't feel that sense of disconnect like I'd woken up with this morning.
But as I walked down to the beach, the weight of everything I’d left behind in the city began to press in on me. How could I even consider staying here when the life I’d spent so much time building was so far away? I might lack in the human connections, but I had other connections that I'd have to deal with soon.
Yet, the thought of leaving Rosalind behind felt equally impossible. As if doing so would tear a piece of me away. At a time when I needed to be decisive, I found my certainty wavering. Even my thoughts felt like ping pong balls, bouncing here, then there.
What kind of man was I to walk away from my commitments and responsibilities? That didn’t sound like a man a woman like Rosalind would respect. And definitely not the kind she would fall in love with.
I’d been wasting time here when I should’ve been getting my act together. Well, that ends today!
Returning to my room, I got a notepad and pen and started writing out my options. Soon I had to make the biggest decision of my life.
The next move I made could change the course of my history, and maybe so much more.