Chapter 23
It didn’t matter that it was a weeknight—Island Creamery was always a hive of activity in June. Jenna and her mom were lucky
to snag a picnic table on the deck after waiting in the long line for homemade ice cream. The shop, with its appealing lighthouse
exterior, was now run by the third-generation owners and was a favorite with Teaguers and tourists alike.
The sun was just setting and a warm breeze ruffled the colorful table umbrellas as Jenna took another lick from her Marsh
Mud cone. She moaned as she savored the rich chocolate. “It’s been too long. How have I been on the island over a month and
not stopped in for my favorite flavor?”
“Now that you’ve had a taste, you’ll find it hard to stay away. We should make it a regular event, just us girls.” After a
beat Mom rolled her eyes. “Listen to me, talking like you’re staying forever when you’re about to get that fabulous job in
Alexandria.”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I haven’t even interviewed yet, and let’s not forget my previous employer is unlikely to
recommend me.”
“Oh, you can explain all that. You’re a shoo-in for that job, and I’m happy for you, truly. But I sure will miss you around
here.”
“I’ll miss you too, Mom.” This was a good opportunity to swing the conversation to Gordon. “But you have Gordon to keep you
company.”
Mom lowered a spoonful of Orange Juice Sorbet. “He’s great company. I’ve had so much fun since he got here. I didn’t even mind when the cruise ended once I knew he’d be coming back to the island with me.”
The richness of the chocolate suddenly became too much. Thankfully Jenna was almost finished. “What are your plans? Have the
two of you talked about the future?”
“We’re just playing it by ear for now. But . . .” Her eyes went all soft and warm. “I’m falling for him, Jenna. He’s such
a wonderful man, and he’s so good to me.”
“Wow, Mom.” Jenna forced a smile. “I can see he makes you very happy.”
“Oh, he does. In so many ways.” Mom sobered as she grabbed Jenna’s hand. “I know you’re skeptical, but he really is a good
person.”
“I understand. It’s just fast, that’s all. It’s been less than six weeks since you met. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
Mom gave Jenna’s hand a squeeze and scooped the last of her sorbet. “You’re sweet to be worried about your old mom. But I
have a lot of life experience and I have a good feeling about this.” She popped the bite into her mouth, her blue eyes lighting
and crinkling at the corners. “When you know, you know.”
Jenna’s stomach twisted as she took the last bite of her cone. “You’d mentioned taking a trip with Gordon to DC. Is that in
the works?”
“There’s nothing on the calendar yet, but we’ll definitely get around to that. I used all my PTO for the cruise. Besides,
I don’t want to take a trip while you’re here and miss out on time with you.”
That was a blessing in disguise. Jenna didn’t like the thought of Gordon taking her mom away on their own. Speaking of which,
this would be a good time to gather more information. “Maybe when you go you can meet his kids.”
“Well, certainly his daughter, Katie, since she lives in the city. But I doubt his son will be able to make the trip from Detroit. He has a job and a family.”
“Gordon has grandkids?”
“He does. Joe has three kids: two girls and a boy. Gordon goes out there at least once a year to visit.”
“How nice.”
“They’re one, three, and five and they’re so adorable! I can’t wait to meet them all.” Mom grabbed her empty bowl and their
napkins and stood. “I’ll be right back. I have to use the restroom.”
Jenna watched her go, her heart sinking like an anchor. She suspected her mom was very close to being in love with Gordon.
Jenna and Ty had to figure this out before Mom got in any deeper. They might have to make that trip to DC. Gordon had left
a piece of mail on the table last week, which confirmed that his name and the address they had for him were correct. So that
took those concerns off her list.
“Hey there.” A smiling Sofia stopped by Jenna’s table, looking carefree in a breezy white top that complemented her deep skin
tone.
“Well, hello.” Jenna jumped up and hugged her friend. “Where’s Jack?”
Sofia gestured at the end of the long line. “Over there, holding our place.”
Jenna and Jack exchanged waves and smiles, then Sofia joined Jenna at the table.
“Did you come alone?” Sofia asked.
“No, Mom just headed inside for the restroom.”
“Good.” Sofia waggled her brows. “It’ll give us a few minutes to chat.”
Jenna cut her a sideways look. “Did we have something to chat about?”
“Well, yes. I’ve been dying to know if you’ve kissed him yet.”
Jenna jolted backward. “Kissed who?”
“Don’t be coy with me. It’s been two weeks since you and Ty were flirting right out in the open, and yesterday Linsey Burkett
told me you two were looking pretty cozy on the dance floor Saturday night at Chatties.”
Jenna gave a mock scowl. “This island is way too small.”
“You’re dodging the question . . .”
“I have not kissed Ty.” But then Jenna remembered the kiss she’d given him on the cheek. She could still feel the roughness
of his jaw, and the mere thought of it made her lips tingle.
“Are you lying to me right now? Because you’re biting your lip again.”
Drat. Jenna let loose of her lip. She had to get that stupid tell under control. “It was just a kiss on the cheek. Happy now?”
Sofia’s face fell. “Not really. I was hoping for something a little more scandalous.”
Jenna chuckled. “Stop it. We’re just friends.”
“So you keep saying.” Sofia’s gaze traveled over Jenna’s shoulder. Her mom must be returning.
Sofia stood, giving Jenna a knowing look. “Keep me in the loop.”
“There is no loop.”
“Oh, there’s a loop.” Sofia beamed at Jenna’s mom as she neared. “Hi, Mama Dee.”
“Sofia, honey, so good to see you. How’s your mother? I haven’t seen her since the Christmas tree lighting.”
They caught up for a few minutes, then Sofia returned to the line while Jenna and her mom headed back to the car.
On the way home Jenna shook Sofia’s ribbing about Ty from her mind and forced herself to think about Mom and Gordon instead.
At the rate their relationship was progressing, they would have to level up their research and quick.
We need to put a rush on our research.
Ty pulled his hand back from stroking Penny, and she pawed the ground in protest. Mama Dee must’ve said something when they
went for ice cream tonight. Ty tapped on Jenna’s contact and put the phone to his ear.
She answered on the first ring. “Seriously, what have you got against texting?”
“What did your mom say?”
Jenna sighed. “She’s falling hard for the guy. Like, she’s on love’s doorstep here. We have to be more proactive. Gordon has
no plans to leave anytime soon. I wish I could just tell her my suspicions, but she’s so far gone, I don’t think it would
do any good.”
“Have you given any more thought to that DC trip?”
“I want to do it. Worst-case scenario, I don’t learn anything helpful. I have to at least try.”
“Let’s figure out a time that works for us both. Better if it’s before the end of June when the carnival kicks up.” The fire
company was in charge of that monthlong event leading up to Pony Penning Days.
“Sooner is better for me too. I’m sure Miss Molly will give me time off. My interview is next Monday. We could do both at
the same time since DC’s so close. That would probably make it a two-day trip though. Would your parents give you time off?”
“Yeah, those are slower days at the B and B, and I haven’t taken any vacation time this year.”
“What about the fire company?”
He’d been a little overzealous lately about going on every call. And things were still uncomfortable with Marissa. Some of
the guys had become pretty standoffish with him, making those interactions awkward. “Honestly, I could use a break from the
firehouse.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive. Let’s do it.”
It wasn’t until he was off the phone that he realized he’d just committed to two days alone with Jenna. And the thought of
it made his heart gallop.