Chapter 36
A few days later the mood around Mom’s house was still somber. Gordon had flown home the morning after their falling out and
hadn’t yet called, leaving Mom to wonder if the relationship was over. Jenna had apologized profusely about her part in the
debacle. But Mom insisted it wasn’t her fault.
Still, Jenna ached to see her mother so hurt. So lost.
Jenna drew comfort from Tyson, who also felt guilty about his part in the whole fiasco. He encouraged Jenna to give herself
some grace and distracted her with ice cream runs and delicious kisses.
On Thursday she was starting her car after work when a call came in. It was Nancy from Parks and Recreation. Jenna’s stomach
fluttered. She took a few seconds to settle her nerves before answering.
“Hi, Jenna, this is Nancy Gillespie from Parks and Rec. How are you?”
“I’m doing well, thank you. How are you, Nancy?”
“Doing well. The office has been quite busy this week, but I actually prefer it that way. Keeps things more interesting.”
“I like staying busy myself.”
“I had that feeling when we spoke last week. I enjoyed our conversation and I’m pleased to offer you the position. I feel you’d be a great fit around here, but I also realize you might have other opportunities you’re considering.”
A smile spread across Jenna’s face. She made an effort to temper her enthusiasm. “I appreciate the offer. I do feel the position
at Parks and Rec is ideal for me, but I would like a few days to consider all the factors.”
“Of course. I can send you the paperwork detailing the benefits and salary. I’m hoping that’ll be all the incentive you need.
While I realize this would be a pay cut for you, we do offer terrific benefits for our team.”
“That would be helpful. Thank you. I really enjoyed talking with you last week, and I’m sure I’d enjoy working for you as
well.”
“We did hit it off, didn’t we?” Her tone was conspiratorial.
“We sure did.”
They chatted a few minutes about the Braves’ recent series, the conversation flowing as easily as it had during the interview.
When Jenna hung up, she was grinning from ear to ear as she pulled the car from the lot. She couldn’t wait to tell Tyson.
“We have you right here in the Seashell Room.” Tyson unlocked the door and held it open for the middle-aged couple from Pennsylvania.
They were celebrating their thirty-fifth anniversary.
“Aptly named,” Mrs. Turner said, referring to the wall decor. “These paintings are gorgeous.”
“They were done by a popular local artist. You can see more of her work at the Osprey Nest Art Gallery in the village.”
Mr. Turner set down his duffel. “I know where we’re going in the morning.”
“You know me well.”
“The village has some quaint shops with great local finds, a nice bookstore, and a coffee shop. If you’re looking for lunch
or dinner and enjoy seafood, you can’t go wrong with Don’s.”
“I guess I know where we’ll be all day tomorrow.”
Mrs. Turner offered her husband a coy smile. “Don’t be silly, we have to make time for the ponies.”
“You definitely don’t want to miss that. Let me know if you need any help with a boat or kayak tour.”
“Given the heat, I think we’ll just drive over to the refuge and scout out the ponies from the comfort of our car.”
“That works too. If you need a wildlife refuge map, we have them downstairs, and anyone at the desk can tell you all the best
pony-viewing spots.”
“I can’t wait.” Mrs. Turner removed her baseball cap, letting her brown hair fall into place around her shoulders.
Time to wrap it up. “We serve a continental breakfast in the dining room from seven till eight, and the Wi-Fi password is
on your key card. If you need anything else, feel free to call down to the front desk or shoot us a text—that number is also
on the key card.”
“Thank you, Tyson,” Mr. Turner said.
“Enjoy your stay.” With a parting smile Ty closed the door and headed downstairs. The steps creaked here and there, something
his dad was always after him to fix. But Ty loved those familiar creaks. Reminded him of all the times he’d run up and down
these stairs as a boy. All the times he and his brothers played hide-and-seek in this big old house.
And the handful of times he’d dodged those squeaks as he sneaked out at night to meet friends.
They went fishing at Tom’s Cove or just hung out at Veterans Park.
One time when he was fourteen he’d sneaked out, crossed the street, and tossed pebbles at Jenna’s window.
She came to the opening a minute later, frowning down in the moonlight, her hair in a messy cloud around her face. “What are you doing here?” she hissed.
“Come outside.”
She crossed her arms against the cool night air. “Are you crazy? It’s after midnight and I’d fall to my death trying. And
if that didn’t kill me, my mom would.”
“Aw, come on, Greene. She won’t find out.”
“Famous last words. Anyway, it’s fifty degrees outside and I have an English test tomorrow.”
“So?”
“So I need my sleep.”
He rolled his eyes. Such a rule follower. “Or we could go hang out at the park for an hour, and you’ll still get an A-plus
tomorrow.”
She hesitated. Glanced back into the room. He’d thought he had her talked into it. But then she turned back. “No way. Not
worth getting grounded for two weeks. I have volleyball matches coming up, and if Mom tells my coach, she’ll bench me for
sure.”
“Aw, you’re no fun.”
She reached for the window sash. “Go coerce one of your brothers into your silly shenanigans.”
“Look at that vocabulary. You’ll ace that test no problem.”
“Good night!” The sash snapped into place.
Now Tyson smiled as he headed toward the front desk. He loved all those sweet memories with Jenna. Loved that they’d built
and maintained a solid friendship for years before progressing to something more.
When they’d first met she had braces and a constant sprinkle of acne.
He could only silently commiserate as he shared the same misfortune.
She was built like a filly: tall, lean, and all legs.
But she could run like the wind and throw a football like a boy.
He was impressed, though he wasn’t about to let her know it.
Eventually she had the braces removed, passed the acne stage, and grew into her legs. He could hardly miss that she’d turned
out to be rather pretty. And if he hadn’t noticed on his own, he had plenty of friends willing to point it out.
But Jenna had been the neighbor girl who ran round in jeans, a T-shirt, and a sloppy ponytail. She was the girl with whom
he tossed the football and argued sports.
Not the girl he asked out on a date.
As their friendship morphed easily into adulthood, they’d shifted into more mature roles. Once he’d started dating Britt,
he’d stepped back a little. Britt was jealous of his relationship with Jenna. But Jenna seemed to understand. Once Britt left
him, he’d turned to his old friend, and she’d become his buddy and confidant once again. Nothing more, nothing less.
He shook his head. He wasn’t sure how his feelings had changed. It was as if someone flipped a switch, allowing him to see
Jenna in a whole new light.
And what a vision she was.
The past week had been one of the happiest of his life, despite the drama at the firehouse. When he wasn’t with Jenna, he
was looking forward to seeing her again. The sight of her name on his phone screen sent his heart pinging around his chest.
Being with her made him absurdly happy. It was pretty ridiculous.
But he didn’t care as long as she was his.
Tonight they were heading to the carnival grounds to visit Dream and her foal. The vet wanted her to heal there for a week or so, then she’d go back to the refuge. Her sutures would be fully healed in time for the Pony Swim, which was less than five weeks away.
The front door burst open—and there was Jenna, beaming from ear to ear.
Just like that his day went from good to great. “Well, hello there.”
She launched herself into his arms.
He caught her, chuckling as warmth spread through him. Everything was right in the world when Jenna was in his arms. “What’s
all this?”
“I got the job!”
Apprehension slipped through a crack in his heart before he self-corrected. “Jenna, that’s amazing. Congratulations.” He placed
a quick kiss on her mouth.
Her brown eyes sparkled, and her pearly white smile was on full display. “I can’t believe it.”
“I knew you’d get it. They’d be crazy to hire anyone else.”
She slipped her hand down to his chest. “I’m pretty stoked. She’s sending the package to look over, but I already know the
basic offer, of course.”
“It’s official then.” The apprehension oozed into all the spaces around his heart. They’d only briefly discussed how this
long-distance thing might play out. What if it didn’t work at all?
“I didn’t commit yet. Told her I’d let her know in a few days.”
“You’d consider turning it down?” He hated himself for the bubble of hope that swelled inside. She deserved to have fulfilling
work. He wanted that for her.
Her smile dimmed. “Well, if I’m honest, I don’t relish the thought of being so far away from you.”
At least she was having the same concerns. That helped. But he didn’t want to dissuade her from a job she might truly enjoy. “I feel the same way. But you have to earn a living, and this job does seem perfect for you.”
“I just wish it were here.”
“Me too, honey.”
Her expression softened. “Aw . . . you called me honey.”
His face heated. Which was stupid, considering the hours they’d spent in each other’s arms.
She palmed his cheek. “I liked friend Tyson a lot, but I like boyfriend Tyson even more.”
“Yeah?”
“Oh yeah. I might even start calling him honey. Or sweetie. Or babycakes.”
He winced at the last suggestion.
“You’re right. No babycakes.” She brushed his lips with hers. “Besides, I like calling you Parker.”
He’d been calling her Greene so long, he wasn’t sure he could break the habit. Or if he even wanted to.
Jenna eased away and patted his chest. “I think I’ll spend the next couple days seeing what’s available on the island. Or
even on the mainland.”
“I can ask my family to put their feelers out.” They knew everyone in the business community.
“That’d be great. Thanks.”
He hated that her unmitigated joy was gone. He cupped her cheeks. “I’m proud of you. I know you’ll make the right decision.
And no matter what, we’ll make it work.”
She smiled into his eyes. “Yeah?”
“Absolutely. Now that I’ve had a taste of you, there’s no turning back.”
A grin split her face as she radiated joy once again. “Tyson Parker, you always know just what to say.” And then she rewarded
him with a lengthy kiss.