Barriers Copyright 2001 By Kathleen Culligan Techler
BARRIERS
Kathleen Culligan Techler
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ISBN 1-58495-260-1 Electronically published in arrangement with the author ALL RIGHTS RESERVED No portion of this book may be reprinted in whole or in part, by printing, faxing, E-mail, copying electronically or by any other means without permission of the publisher. For more information contact DiskUs Publishing http://www.diskuspublishing.com E-mail
[email protected] DiskUs Publishing PO Box 43 Albany, IN 47320 * This is a work of fiction. All names in this publication are fictitious and any resemblance to any person living or dead is coincidental. *
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Chapter One As if losing both parents wasn’t bad enough, now Marya was expected to monitor her sister’s love life. Marya sighed,
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finished writing the progress notes for her last patient and glanced at the clock. Four-thirty. If she hurried she could catch the five o’clock ferry to Sea Grape Key. That would give her two hours at her parents’ condo before Penelope came breezing in with her latest fiancé. “Excuse me!” A man stopped in the door of the physical therapy department. He was ruggedly handsome, a lock of dark hair falling over his forehead. “Are you Walter Brogan’s therapist?” Smiling, Marya stood up, automatically registering the way his deltoids and biceps filled out the short sleeves of his sport shirt. “Yes, may I help you?” “I hope so.” His brown eyes challenged her. “I’m Walter’s nephew, and I want him back in the hospital. You people sent him home much too soon after his stroke.” Marya straightened to her full five-five and looked up at him. “Your uncle is recovering nicely,” she said. “It was a mild stroke. Hospital stays are shorter than they used to be, and we don’t like that either. But you’re welcome to talk to his doctor.” He ignored that. “And what’s he supposed to do alone out on Sea Grape Key if I’m not there to help him?” he snapped, as though this whole situation was Marya’s fault. “I had no idea he lived there.” Marya bit her lip. “But as I say, he’s doing very well. He could always take the ferry back to the mainland if he feels ill.” “No, he can’t take the ferry. That’s only for condo owners. Uncle Walt has his own house and boat. He’s stuck unless I’m there.” “Well, I’m really sorry. He’s a very nice man. I wish I could help somehow.” Marya quickly checked her watch.
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Darn. She’d miss the ferry and would have to wait until six. “You might…” “Never mind,” he interrupted. “I see I’m wasting your precious time, Miss…” He leaned closer to read her nametag. “Pierson.” He made it sound like a disease. “Good bye.” He strode away. Not bothering to answer, Marya made a face at his retreating back. What an unpleasant person! But a great build. After saying good night to the aide who was folding towels, Marya went to the ladies’ room. She ran a comb through her short, wavy blond hair, then, from habit, examined her teeth before applying new lipstick. A tiny piece of lettuce from her noon salad was stuck in her front teeth! Why hadn’t anyone told her? Oh well. She laughed at her reflection. Blue eyes that squinted when she smiled, a short straight nose. At least she had a nice even tan. And who cared what Walter Brogan’s nephew thought, anyway? On the way to the marina where she would catch the ferry, Marya stopped to pick up a few groceries. Penelope might have dinner on her flight from New York. Or maybe her fiancé would take her to dinner when he picked her up in Sarasota? Typically, Penelope had been vague about details. She hadn’t even explained where she’d met her fiancé or what he was doing in Florida, when Penelope spent most of her time modeling in New York. The new fiancé was a big question mark in Marya’s mind. Although Dad had never met Penelope’s fiancé, he had mistrusted him. “He’s just after her money,” Dad had said. “Find out about that guy. Don’t let him hurt her.” “I won’t, Dad.” Marya had promised, holding back her tears.
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“And remember that other thing…” Dad’s voice had faded away. Marya parked her car in the marina’s parking lot and carried her groceries to the ferryboat, a large pontoon boat with wooden seats for about twenty people. “Looks like you’re the only passenger, Miz Pierson.” The bearded, polytailed captain cast off, slowly left the dock, and headed for Sea Grape Key. “Not many people here this week.” Marya took a seat and relaxed. In the six months she had lived in her parents’ condo, she’d never tired of this ten minute ride to the island. When she first came down from Chicago to be close to her dying mother, this boat ride was a peaceful breather between her hectic new job and the heart breaking task of making her mother’s last days comfortable. Her father had tirelessly cared for his wife during the days while Marya was at work. Only two days after her death he suffered a fatal heart attack. Now Marya spent her spare time sorting through her parents’ things, deciding what to keep and what to give away. Penelope’s job in New York kept her from helping very much. And it’s a good thing, Marya thought. Marya was searching for something, and she didn’t know what. Shortly before he died, Dad mumbled, “Get rid of it. I never should have kept it. It would devastate Penelope.” What in the world had Dad been talking about? “It” could mean almost anything, and it must be somewhere in the condo. Would Marya recognize it even if she found it? She’d have a hard time relaxing until she had disposed of it. The ferry chugged steadily through two-foot waves toward Sea Grape Key, a flat, sandy barrier island about a mile
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off shore. To keep from running aground, the captain kept to the channel by following the navigational markers. As they got closer to the island Marya could see some of the sea grape plants that gave the island its name, and the even more numerous mangroves that crowded the shoreline. After they tied up at the end of the long dock, she said goodbye to the captain and carried her bag to the shore. There hundreds of tiny fiddler crabs hunted for food among the mangrove roots at the water’s edge. Marya crunched along the shell path that led all the way across the narrow island to the Gulf of Mexico. The path was bordered with sea grapes, palm trees, and hibiscus bushes with bright red blossoms. Three of the rustic wooden condominium buildings were located near the “bay” side of the island. The other four faced the Gulf. All of the buildings were built on sturdy wooden pilings as a protection from storms. She carried her groceries up two flights of wooden stairs to the top floor and let herself into her parents’ apartment. Hers and Penelope’s now. As usual when she first entered, she stood in the kitchen and feasted her eyes on the beautiful view through the living room and porch to the vast Gulf of Mexico. Today the sun sparkled on the waves that lapped gently at the sandy beach. Although she had lived most of her twenty-four years in Chicago, Marya planned to stay right here. It was worth the inconvenience. And no doubt Penelope would continue living in New York, where she’d moved right after high school. Still wearing her white uniform pants and loose top, Marya looked critically around the living room. Maybe she would have an hour or so before Penelope arrived—time she should spend searching for Dad’s secret, whatever it was.
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Surely the object she was searching for wasn’t furniture, a lamp, a vase. She’d looked through the desk drawers. Penelope used the guest room and lived out of a suitcase when she stayed here, and obviously hadn’t found the secret yet. Marya quickly entered the room and hunted through the drawers of her mother’s dresser, fingering piles of get well cards, gift soap, unused perfume, nightgowns. What could she be looking for? Her parents had stored boxes in the closet, and Marya hadn’t had time to examine them yet. She hoped Penelope wouldn’t be opening any boxes during this visit. Despairingly Marya glanced at the huge bookcase with its hundreds of paperback novels, but she couldn’t deal with that now. Marya gave up the search for the day and ate some leftover boiled shrimp, a roll, and a lettuce and tomato salad. After eating she carried her cup of tea through the living room with its off-white carpet, tropical patterned couches, and bamboo tables. Sliding glass doors led to the porch, where she sat at the glass topped table and gazed, mesmerized, at the Gulf and sky, losing track of time. Mounds of white cumulous clouds were tinted pink and orange by the setting sun, and darkness settled swiftly. Penelope had obviously missed the last ferry. She could have called, Marya thought with exasperated fondness, but it probably hadn’t occurred to her. Then Marya heard footsteps on the wooden stairs, and the rumble of a man’s deep voice, punctuated by Penelope’s infectious laugh. She hurried to the door. “Marya!” Penelope hugged her sister fiercely. She wore a pink linen suit, and a faint exotic fragrance floated around her.
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Marya returned her hug. Her beautiful older sister was the only family she had now. After living half a continent apart for ten years, they were still getting reacquainted. Finally Marya stepped back. “Well, come in!” Penelope linked her arm through that of the tall man who had stood behind her and led him into the apartment. “Marya, this is Drew.” Marya extended her hand, looked up, and met the penetrating gaze of her patient’s demanding nephew. How could he be engaged to Penelope? His hand felt warm and strong, but in confusion she quickly withdrew her own. In a yellow sport shirt and casual tan pants, he looked even more handsome than he had that afternoon. “Marya,” he said with a cool nod. Marya raised her chin. “Hello Drew.” She could be just as aloof as he was. But for some reason she became acutely aware of her plain white uniform. Penelope was chattering. “I was simply famished, so Drew took me to dinner. He’s such a sweetie. Sit here, Drew.” She sat on the couch and patted the cushion next to her. “I want my two favorite people to get acquainted.” With a puzzled frown, Drew turned to his fiancée. “I met your sister today at the hospital. But your name…” “Oh, that!” Penelope laughed. “Didn’t I tell you I’d changed my last name? I thought ‘Paris’ sounded more glamorous than Pierson. How wonderful that you and Marya have met!” Marya chose a chair near the couch and regarded Drew. Was he really after her sister’s money? She must be civil to him at least until she knew him better. To Penelope she said, “How did you two get together? That’s the question.”
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“Oh, it was so romantic!” Penelope bubbled. Her long blond hair shimmered. Her perfect oval face was dominated by enormous green eyes and sensitive full lips. “Drew was in New York for some business thing…” “A conference on insulation.” Drew smiled at Penelope. “Whatever. Anyway, we were both at this nice restaurant for dinner. I’d had a modeling job. It was pouring rain, and I always lose umbrellas, so I was standing in the doorway wondering what to do. And Drew came along and rescued me.” “A damsel in distress.” Drew had little laugh wrinkles around his dark brown eyes. “She was so beautiful and seemed upset. So I called her a cab and…” “He held his raincoat over my head while I ran to the cab.” “And I thought I’d never see her again, but we happened to have breakfast the next morning in the same coffee shop. And one thing led to another…” “And here we are!” Penelope beamed at Marya. “It was a whirlwind courtship.” “Once I saw her I was a goner. Never knew what hit me.” Drew smiled. But his smile faded as he turned to Marya. Obviously he still blamed her for sending his uncle home from the hospital so soon. Marya put on a bright smile. “This calls for a celebration. How about a glass of wine?” When she’d poured white wine into her mother’s Waterford crystal, she served Penelope and Drew, then raised her glass. “I hope you’ll both be very happy.” But if he hurt her sister in any way he would have to reckon with her. Though two years younger than Penelope, Marya had always considered herself stronger.
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While they sipped their wine, Marya stole a glance at Penelope’s left hand and was surprised to see her ring finger bare. Drew must have noticed at the same time. “Penelope, where’s your ring?” “Oh, it’s in my pocketbook. It was kind of sliding around my finger.” She smiled and rummaged through her purse. “Here it is.” She slipped it on and held up her hand for Marya to see. Marya gasped. “It’s beautiful, Pen!” The large diamond sparkled from a lacy, old fashioned platinum setting. Set around the outside were smaller diamonds and stones that looked like amethysts. “Yes…” Penelope cocked her head and studied it. Drew’s eyes shone. “It was my grandmother’s.” “It’s lovely!” Marya wondered about Penelope’s reaction. Wasn’t she thrilled with the ring? She changed the subject. “I was sure you two had missed the last ferry.” “We didn’t need the ferry. We took my boat,” Drew said. “I keep it at Cape Miste Marina when I’m not on the island.” “Then you’re out here often?” Now Marya remembered that his uncle Walter lived on the island. “Yes.” Drew’s expression had softened while discussing his engagement to Penelope. Now he spoke coldly. “I’m staying with my uncle. He needs all the help he can get.” “That’s nice of you,” Marya said, ignoring his tone of voice. “Where do you usually live?” Drew flushed slightly. “I moved down here recently from Maine. So I’ve been living with Uncle Walter.” “I see. Your uncle is a very nice person. I’m glad he has someone with him.” Then she couldn’t resist a little dig.
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“Somehow I’d gotten the impression that he was all alone out here.” Drew’s jaw muscles twitched. “Yes. It is lucky someone can help him. We can’t always count on medical care these days.” “What is it with you two?” Penelope pouted. “Why are you acting like this?” “I’m sorry, Pen,” Marya apologized. “We just had a little disagreement when we met today. It was nothing important.” Then to Drew she said, “What I wanted to tell you at the hospital was that often a patient who’s been discharged can get treatment from a home care therapist. Why don’t you check with your uncle’s doctor? I’m quite sure he could arrange it.” “Hey, that would be great! I’ll call him Monday.” Drew’s warm smile lit up his whole face, and Marya’s stomach seemed invaded by butterflies. Trying to recover from the strange sensation, Marya cleared her throat. She must remember her father’s suspicions and not be influenced by Drew’s charm. “What work do you do, Drew?” “I used to work for my dad, who’s a contractor in Maine,” Drew said. “But I recently started my own contracting business in Florida. I always spent my vacations with Uncle Walter when I was a kid.” “Have you started building yet?” Marya was getting interested in spite of herself. “I’ve bought some land on the island. What I hope to do is build some very nice homes—on spec. That is, speculation.”
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“I know what it means,” she said dryly. “So you haven’t actually started?” Maybe that’s why he needed money. It seemed Dad might be right. “He built the chapel, Marya,” Penelope said proudly. “The little white chapel on the island? I love it! It would be a wonderful place for a wedding!” Marya smiled sincerely. Drew looked pleased. “Thanks. My idea was to build the chapel first, as a sort of central meeting place for a small community, since there are no stores or offices on the island. The chapel is non-denominational. Any clergyman is welcome to use it.” He yawned and stretched. “Well, I’d better see how Uncle Walter is doing. Time to say good night, honey. See you, Marya.” Penelope went to the door and out onto the landing with Drew. When she eventually came in her face was pink. “Isn’t he handsome?” Radiant, Penelope sat on the couch again, her feet tucked under her. “Yes, he is handsome,” Marya admitted. “Have you set a date?” “A date?” Penelope looked puzzled. “Oh, for a wedding.” She laughed. “No, I want to enjoy being engaged for awhile. “That’s wise.” Marya felt relieved. “After all, you’ve just met him. It takes time to really get to know a person, and marriage is a serious step.” Penelope clicked her tongue impatiently. “Spare me the lecture, Marya!” “Oops! Sorry. You know I just want what’s best for you. So!” Marya said brightly. “The contracting business sounds interesting. I wonder if it’s hard getting started. It must take a lot of expertise. And capital, I suppose.” She raised her eyebrows questioningly.
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“I don’t know.” Penelope shrugged. “That’s Drew’s business. But how are things with you, Marya? Are you dating anyone?” “No one special, if that’s what you mean.” And that was an understatement. “How about that guy I met last time I was here?” “He moved to Miami.” “You don’t sound heart broken.” Penelope smiled. Marya grinned. “No.” He’d bored her to tears. “I hope you’ll meet someone as nice as Drew some day.” Penelope dramatically tossed her blond hair over her shoulder with a perfectly manicured hand. “Well, time for my beauty sleep. Tomorrow Drew and I are spending most of the day on the beach. ’Night, Marya,” she said. “’Night, Pen.” After her sister had gone to bed, Marya walked onto the porch overlooking the Gulf. The moon was shining on the water, and the waves swished rhythmically. She wondered if Walter and Drew lived nearby. Just how badly did Drew need cash? And now that Penelope was here, why did she feel especially lonely tonight?
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Chapter Two
Saturday morning Marya awoke early. A gentle sea breeze was blowing from the private porch off her parents’ bedroom. No matter how long she lived here, this room would always seem like her parents’, she thought. She got up, stretched, and walked onto the porch. In the early dawn light the beach was barely visible. To her right was the large Gulf-front lot her father had bought in order to protect the beautiful view to the north. The large Australian pines and palm trees on the lot formed a dark woods facing the beach. Quickly Marya pulled on her running outfit, a bright orange sports bra and nylon shorts in a wild blue and orange pattern. After she’d laced up her running shoes she tiptoed down the steps to enjoy the best time of the day. At the bottom of the stairs she stretched her back, heel cords, hamstrings, and quads then headed for the beach on the wooden walkway over the dunes. It was low tide, and the sand was hard, perfect for running. Marya turned left and jogged toward the south end of the island. Along the shore were vacation homes built on pilings. Some of the home owners only came to the island two or three times a year, and few people lived out here full time, so, as often was the case, Marya had the beach to herself. No, there was someone in the distance. In the early morning light
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she noted that it was a young man fishing. She recognized him when she got closer. Drew, Penelope’s fiancé. I will stay calm and friendly, but not too friendly. Marya stopped beside him. “Hi, Drew. Catch anything?” “Hey, Marya.” Drew grinned. “Nothing biting. But it’s fun just being out here. Did you notice the dolphins this morning?” At his smile Marya felt a melting sensation in her chest. She looked out at the Gulf. “No, I didn’t see them. Guess I was too busy watching the ground.” “There!” Drew’s tan, muscular arm indicated the direction. “See? There are two of them.” Marya tried to ignore his powerful arm. “Oh. Now I see them. Aren’t they fantastic?” “There must be fish out there. The dolphins keep diving in the same place.” Drew’s attention was on the water. He was wearing an old blue T-shirt and cut-off jeans that showed off strong tan legs. Waves lapped at his bare feet. He made another cast and slowly reeled in the line. Marya was strangely breathless. It must be because of jogging. She concentrated on the dolphins. “Maybe they’ll scare the fish over this way.” “Hasn’t happened yet. But I can hope.” He smiled, his strong jaw showing faint dark stubble of beard. Marya watched the dolphins and took slow, relaxing breaths. This might be a good chance to learn more about Drew. “I’ve been thinking about your little chapel. It’s so charming!” Marya said. “And you’re building houses, too?” “Well, one house, so far.” Drew made another cast. “I’m just starting out on my own. But I’m expecting to get more financing soon. Then I can really take off.”
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Hmm. He was so interested in fishing he didn’t know he might be revealing his motives for getting married. Marya said innocently, “It’s just as well you’re not getting married right away, then, since your business is so new.” Drew turned in surprise. “I don’t see much sense in waiting. I’m hoping Penelope will set the date soon.” “Oh, I guess I misunderstood.” But Marya thought she did understand. Penelope’s money must be important to his business. Thank goodness Penelope was in no hurry to get married. She watched Drew cast again, then said casually, “So is it hard to get financing these days?” She held her breath, hoping the question wouldn’t irritate him. “Money is kind of tight right now.” Drew watched his line. “But I think I have a pretty good deal coming up.” I just bet you do, Marya thought. After a few more minutes she continued her run, returned to the apartment, showered, and put on old shorts and a faded gray top. That afternoon Marya stayed inside while Penelope and Drew lay on the beach in lounge chairs, protected by a red, white, and blue umbrella. She could see them from the porch, so she felt safe looking for her father’s secret, as she’d begun to think of it. She hadn’t completely cleaned out her parents’ dresser, so she opened a top drawer, removed Dad’s socks and handkerchiefs, and put them in a plastic bag to be given away. Then she looked through a box of odds and ends, cuff links, army medals, his class ring. None of these could be the secret. Finally she just gave up and took a nap. Voices woke her, and she plodded into the kitchen, barefoot and in wrinkled shorts and T-shirt.
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Penelope, gorgeous in her purple bikini, was pouring glasses of cold water from the refrigerator bottle. “Want some Marya?” “Please.” Marya belatedly ran her hands through her hair. She should have brushed it. But it didn’t really matter. “Hello, Drew.” “Hey, Marya.” Looking impossibly handsome in blue and green nylon swimming trunks, Drew was seated at the round glass kitchen table. That lock of hair on his forehead lent him a little boy look, though Marya knew he was thirty. And his powerful shoulders and his chest, with a touch of dark hair, were definitely grown up! Marya sat at the table with Penelope and Drew and drank her water. They looked like a couple out of a glamorous magazine ad, she thought, the kind of ad in which Penelope often appeared. Trust her to find someone this good looking! “Will you be here for dinner?” Marya asked Penelope, looking forward to a visit with her sister. “No, Drew’s taking me to Charlie’s Clams.” Penelope laughed. “It sounds like such fun! You dock your boat right there and eat on a porch over the water. Hey, why don’t you come too? How about it, Drew?” Drew stared at his water glass. “Sure.” Talk about a half-hearted invitation! Marya could tell she would be intruding. “Sorry,” she said. “There’s something special on TV.” She supposed there was something special on TV, but she doubted if she’d watch it. “Maybe next time,” Drew said politely. Count me out, Marya thought. Penelope rose and filled their glasses again, her graceful arm crossing in front of Drew.
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He took the water bottle from Penelope and tenderly touched her arm. “I never noticed that scar before. What happened? It must have been serious.” “Oh, that.” She rubbed the inside of her forearm. She usually tried to keep it covered, Marya knew. “It was from a cut when I was three, they told me. I can’t remember it.” “And I can’t either.” But Marya remembered her mother’s extremely sad expression when Penelope was a teenager and complained about the scar. Penelope had always enjoyed being beautiful and receiving compliments, and she hated to be less than perfect. Drew took another sip and stood up. “I’d better get cleaned up. Just wear something casual, honey.” He put his arm around Penelope and gave her a peck on the cheek. “See you about six. ‘Bye, Marya.” When he’d gone, Penelope disappeared into the shower for a long time. After a session with her hair dryer and makeup, she emerged looking spectacular. Feeling unattractive and messy, Marya changed into clean white shorts and a pink top. Although she seldom used much makeup, she touched her eyelashes with mascara and her cheeks with a hint of blush. Not too bad, she thought, examining her reflection. She gave her blond wavy hair an extra brushing. After all, when Penelope’s fiancé came back, she didn’t want him to think of her as the ugly sister-in-law. She needn’t have bothered. When Drew came to pick up Penelope, he hardly glanced in Marya’s direction. And who could blame him? Penelope was a living, breathing glamour shot, in white shorts, shirt, and sandals, with chunky gold earrings and necklace. “Sure you won’t come, Marya?” Penelope asked. “No, really. But thanks.” I’d love to, if I were welcome.
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Marya spent the evening doing more searching, but made sure she was in her bedroom before Penelope came home. She heard them laughing and talking in the kitchen, but pretended she was asleep. Sunday morning Marya and Penelope took the ferry across the bay and went to church at St. Michael’s, since the little island chapel was closed and locked. Usually, if there were to be a service in the chapel, it would be posted on a bulletin board outside. After church, as Marya drove back to the marina, Penelope remarked, “Oh, by the way, I’ve invited Drew and his uncle to dinner tonight. That’s okay, isn’t it?” “Tonight? Well, sure it’s all right. Have you planned what you’re having?” “Um, not really.” Penelope gave Marya a hopeful smile. “You’re a much better cook. What do you think we should have?” Marya suddenly signaled for a left turn, drove into a super market parking lot, and pulled into an empty space. “I’m glad we didn’t get on the ferry before this subject happened to come up.” “Are you mad?” Penelope seemed puzzled. Marya had to smile. In some ways her sister hadn’t changed since they were children. “No, I’m not mad. Let’s make a list.” She took a small notebook and pen from her purse. They decided on hamburgers. Drew could broil them on the grill downstairs. “And let’s have that pasta salad you make,” Penelope said, “the one with lots of veggies. And maybe some fruit. Have we got any cookies?” “No, we don’t have any cookies.”
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Penelope didn’t catch the emphasis. “All right. Put them on the list. And we can make decaf.” The sisters shopped, carried their bags to the car, drove to the ferry, and rode across the bay to the island. They had just finished eating their tuna sandwiches when the telephone rang. Penelope jumped up to answer. “Hello? Oh, hi, honey. Okay. I’ll meet you on the beach in ten minutes.” She hung up the phone. “Ten minutes?” Marya raised her eyebrows. “Yes, why?” “Just thinking about the salad.” “What about it? Oh, you mean making it? We can whip it up when I come back.” Penelope hurried to her bedroom to put on her bikini. Marya couldn’t stand to let the preparations go until the last minute, so after Penelope had gone to the beach, she cooked the pasta and chopped up the onions, carrots, celery, peppers, and tomatoes. With the salad in the refrigerator to cool, she set the table for dinner. That done, Marya put on her swimsuit and walked down to the beach. Drew and Penelope were dozing in the sun and didn’t notice her. Penelope was lovely in her sea green bikini. Marya looked down at her own plain navy one piece suit. Maybe she would buy a bikini next time. She had a short swim by herself. On the way back to the apartment she picked a few red hibiscus blossoms for a centerpiece. *** At Walter’s house that evening Drew tucked in his shirt and walked into the living room buckling his belt. “Ready, Uncle Walt?”
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“Soon as I get these blasted shoes tied.” Walter’s sandy hair was touched with gray now, and he seemed to have shrunk. His leathery face was flushed with exertion. “Can I help?” Drew could hardly bear to watch his capable uncle struggle to tie a bow. “No! No! I’ll get it.” With agonizing slowness, Walter forced his weak left hand to cooperate, then grunted in triumph. “Good for you!” Drew exhaled and realized he’d been holding his breath, willing his uncle to succeed. “Then let’s head out.” With his four point cane, Uncle Walter slowly and clumsily proceeded down the stairs of his stilt house to the space beneath, where he kept his golf cart. Drew followed behind. It was so darn frustrating. Sure, his uncle had improved, but he needed more treatment. Drew would speak with the doctor tomorrow. Sea Grape Key had no actual roads, just sandy tracks that wound through the palms, pines, and sea oats. Drew drove the golf cart through the property he’d purchased to build on, past the little white chapel, and around a stand of Australian pines to Penelope’s condo. Two flights of stairs to climb! He’d been crazy to accept this invitation, but it was hard to refuse Penelope when she looked up at him with those big green eyes. “Hi, honey!” Penelope called from the third floor landing. She gracefully ran down the stairs and gave him and his uncle each a big hug, almost knocking Uncle Walt over. “Come on up!” Uncle Walt seemed flustered by the attention and daunted by the long stairway, but suddenly Penelope’s sister Marya was beside them.
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“Mr. Brogan! How nice to see you! Remember what we practiced. Up with the good leg, down with the bad leg. So you’ll go up with your right foot. That’s right. Perfect. Just take your time. No hurry.” Seeing his uncle relax and follow directions, Drew breathed a sigh of relief. Marya was very good with Uncle Walt, whose whole face lit up when he saw her. Drew was sorry he’d been so critical of her that first day. She really looked pretty today in a flowery print skirt and a blue blouse that matched her eyes. Upstairs Drew admired the table with its red and blue place mats and red hibiscus centerpiece. “It sure looks nice.” Penelope beamed. “Thanks. We aim to please.” In simple yellow shorts and blouse she looked as much at home here in the kitchen as in her glamorous fashion world. Drew could hardly believe his good fortune. *** Though Marya hadn’t looked forward to this meal, she really enjoyed it. Drew and his uncle obviously had a close, loving relationship. Mr. Brogan spoke slowly, but he entertained them with stories of island life. And Penelope seemed happier than she’d been since their parents died. After dinner they sat on the porch to watch the sunset. “So, Marya, you plan to live out here full time?” Mr. Brogan asked. “I hope to. I guess the expression is, ‘I’ve got sand in my shoes’. I quit my job in Chicago and gave up my apartment there, so this is home for now, anyway.” Walter Brogan turned to Drew and Penelope. “How about you two kids?”
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Penelope grabbed Drew’s hand. “We haven’t really decided where we’ll live, have we, honey?” “Not yet. But there’s no reason we couldn’t decide. After we’re married Penelope can commute from here to New York as she does now.” A fleeting expression that Marya couldn’t identify crossed Penelope’s face. Was it possible they disagreed on where to live? To avoid that discussion, Marya asked, “Do either of you men like to read?” Drew pointed to his uncle. “You’re looking at the world’s fastest reader.” Walter grinned. “Lotsa time to read out here when the fish ain’t biting. How about you, Marya?” “Yes, I do enjoy reading, and our mom and dad used to read all the time. You should see the huge bookcase full of books they accumulated. We don’t know what to do with all of them.” “You got any John D. MacDonald? Or Dick Francis?” “Both. Lots of them.” Marya stood up. “Come on. Maybe we have some you haven’t read.” A short time later the two men were ready to leave, Drew holding several books for Walter. “Thanks, gals,” Walter drawled. “I had a good time. That pasta salad was real tasty, wasn’t it Drew?” “Sure was. We ought to get the recipe.” Penelope said, “It was simple. I just followed Marya’s recipe. I’ll copy it down for you some time.” “Good. Don’t forget.” Drew started down the stairs, then remembered his uncle and hesitated.
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Marya went to Walter’s side and reminded him how to go down the stairs. “Bad leg down. That’s right.” She accompanied him down to the golf cart. When Drew and Walter had driven away, Marya looked quizzically at her sister. “Excuse me? You followed my recipe?” Penelope giggled. “You didn’t mind, did you? Drew thinks I’m a good cook. I’m going to learn. I really am!”
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Chapter Three
Monday morning Penelope left for New York. Marya was in the physical therapy department studying her schedule when Dr. Thompson bustled into the room. “You live on Sea Grape Key, don’t you?” he asked. “Yes?” What was this about? “That patient, Walter Brogan, that we discharged last Thursday lives there too, I’ve discovered. This morning we contacted our usual home health care agency for follow-up care, but they have no way to get out there. I’m wondering if you would treat him—say—three times a week? We could adjust your hours here so you could leave earlier.” “I could do that.” She hoped Drew would be pleased. “Good. You can make the arrangements with him about the time.” Marya took the four o’clock ferry home and walked to Walter’s house, following the directions he’d given her. He was obviously delighted to see her and insisted she have a soda and a tour of the house, definitely a bachelor’s pad. “Drew’s not here,” Walter said. “He’ll be sorry he missed you.” Marya wondered if Drew would have preferred another therapist. “Well, let’s get busy. You lie on your bed, and I’ll
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stretch your arm and leg. Then I’ll show you some exercises you can do alone.” After the exercises Marya checked Walter’s walking, reminding him to stand tall and keep his back straight. His rounded shoulders seemed to be not so much muscle weakness as a feeling of dejection. Marya and Walter were resting on the porch when footsteps sounded on the stairs. Drew pushed through the screen door and, seeing Marya, stopped short. He looked hot, sweaty, and tired. “Look who’s here!” Walter grinned at Drew’s surprise. “Doc Thompson sent my favorite therapist.” “Is that right? Great!” Drew smiled. “Hey, Marya. I meant to call the hospital today, but I got tied up. I didn’t know you did home care.” Marya explained about the home health agency not having transportation to the island. “So ‘I’ll be treating Walter three times a week.” “Good.” Drew dropped into a chair and groaned. “What a day! We got the pilings in for the first house, but the two-bytwelves weren’t delivered. They’re sitting over at the marina, and the barge is there, but their boat’s out of commission.” He pushed his hair back with a strong brown hand. In faded jeans that hugged his legs and an old blue T-shirt that showed off his muscular chest, he was so—well—masculine. Marya’s heart gave a little thump. He’s your sister’s fiancé! Marya reminded herself sternly. And don’t you forget it! “I got three TV dinners in the freezer,” Walter said. “How about you stay and eat with us, Marya?” She glanced at Drew, who had sagged limply in his chair, seemingly exhausted. She might be of some help,
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Marya thought. For Walter, of course. “What do you say, Drew? Should I put them in the oven?” “Good idea.” He rose slowly. “I’m going to take a shower.” Later, when Drew emerged from his room in clean khaki shorts and a white polo shirt, he appeared revived. He was clean-shaven, and his dark wavy hair was still damp. Marya had heated the dinners and set the table with stainless steel flatware and three plastic place mats that had seen better days. “I’m just making a salad. Then we’ll eat.” She finished breaking up lettuce and sliced a tomato. Sitting at the kitchen table they watched the sunset through the open sliding glass doors that led to the porch. The simple meal tasted wonderful to Marya, and she enjoyed hearing more about Drew’s contracting business. She had to admit he seemed competent and hard working. Marya took a deep breath before remarking, “It must be expensive getting started in business—paying for the materials and the sub-contractors.” “You’ve got that right!” Drew smiled ruefully. “But I’ll be okay when I get new financing.” There was the new financing again. Thank goodness Penelope hadn’t yet set a date for the wedding. After they ate, Marya helped Drew clean up the kitchen before announcing that she was leaving. “Drew, you take her home,” Walter ordered. “Oh, no! I’m walking!” Marya insisted. “I’ll be perfectly safe, and I need the exercise.” “Safe! The mosquitoes would eat you alive! Drew will take you. That’s settled.” Drew grinned at Marya. “Come on. You have no choice.”
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Marya grinned back. “I guess you’re right.” *** While Marya was saying good night to his uncle, Drew took his car keys from his pocket and went downstairs to wait. A few mosquitoes were buzzing around, so he used the insect repellent he kept in the golf cart. Before long Marya came running lightly down the steps. Her white hospital uniform couldn’t disguise her great figure. Her face was lightly tanned. Her blue eyes with their dark lashes always had an earnest expression. How would it feel to run his fingers through the short blond hair that curled around her cheeks? Drew’s involuntary thoughts startled him. Whoa! You’re engaged to her sister, buster! When she was seated in the golf cart he handed her the bottle of mosquito repellent. “They get pretty bad in the interior of the island at night.” “I know. Thanks.” She rubbed some on her face, neck, and arms, then sat quietly. Was she still touchy about the way he’d spoken to her that first day? But he’d been so worried about Uncle Walter. It was a relief that she would be here to help. Drew backed the golf cart out onto the sandy driveway and turned down the dark path that served as a road. The weak headlights cut feebly through the darkness, and Australian pine branches brushed the sides of the slow moving golf cart. “It’s so beautiful!” Marya whispered. “I fell in love with the island the first time I came to visit.” “I love it, too. I’ve been coming here almost all my life. I hope I can make a go of the contracting business here. It’s
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tough having to barge all materials over.” Drew sighed at the thought of the lumber waiting over at the marina. “Where’s the house you’re starting?” Marya wondered. “I’ll show you. It’s on the bay side.” Drew steered the golf cart to the building site and directed the headlights at the pilings they’d put in today. “Can you see them?” “I’m impressed!” Marya said. “You really work hard at it.” “Thanks.” Feeling ridiculously pleased at her approval, Drew backed up and continued on to her condo. A brown rabbit froze in the headlights’ beam, then hopped into the underbrush. They rounded the curve to the condo, and Marya pointed. “That Gulf-front lot belongs to Penelope and me, you know.” “It does! I was going to check and see who owns it.” What luck! It was the lot he really needed to make his little community complete. “Dad bought it to protect their view,” Marya said. “This way, no one can ever build there.” “Mmm...” Drew would talk it over with Penelope next time she came down. The golf cart crunched onto the shell parking area of the condo, and Drew parked. “Thanks for the ride.” Marya jumped out. Drew stepped out, too. “I’ll walk you up.” She laughed. “Don’t be silly.” “Well, all right. I’ll wait here until you’re inside.” He looked down at her, beautiful in the glow of the rustic streetlight at the foot of the stairs, and his breath caught in his throat.
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For a moment she stood still. “Good night!” She quickly ran up the stairs, waved, entered, and turned on the light. Drew drove slowly home. He’d almost made a complete fool of himself by taking her in his arms and kissing her. What would she have thought of him? Her own sister’s fiancé. She must have reminded him of Penelope. That was it, of course. Watch it, buddy, he muttered to himself. *** Marya’s pulse was racing. What was wrong with her? She’d waited, actually hoping Drew would kiss her. She’d even imagined a tingly current traveling between them. He was so handsome and hard working and capable. And he’s engaged to Penelope, you idiot! And he may be needing her money. The next day Marya had a heavy load of patients at the hospital. In the evening she looked through more of her father’s possessions, but found nothing that would concern Penelope. Wednesday Marya went again to treat Walter. Afterwards, sitting on the porch, they discussed the books Walter had borrowed from her. “You can take them home,” he said. “I read them both.” “Already? I’ll bring you more next time. I can keep you supplied for months.” She grinned. Walter looked at his left arm and leg in disgust. “Months! I can’t wait months to use my boat and go to town again.” “Mr. Brogan—Walter—you have to be patient. These things take time. Drew can shop for you, and I’ll be glad to
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bring books.” She sighed. “Lots of books. I wish I knew what to do with all of them. Box them up and take them to a used bookstore, I suppose.” Walter looked thoughtful. “Know what I’ve often thought of doing? Making my old storeroom downstairs into a lending library.” “A library? Who for?” “Not many folks live out here full time. Some just come weekends. But what’s to do out here? Fish, swim, walk. That’s it. If the weather’s bad the only thing to do is read.” “I guess you’re right. My parents certainly read a lot! I wish you did have a library. I could contribute a lot of books.” For the first time since she’d met him, Walter straightened up voluntarily in his chair. His woebegone expression disappeared, replaced by a big smile. “I’ll do it! Maybe I ain’t the man I used to be, but I could sure put books on a shelf.” “Of course you could,” Marya encouraged. If he were interested in a project, it might very well aid in his rehabilitation. “Will you show me the storeroom?” “Aw, it’s downstairs.” “So?” Marya jumped up. “You can do stairs. Come on.” “Slave driver!” But Walter’s eyes twinkled. He got out of his chair as she had instructed him and grasped his cane. “Let’s go.” The storeroom door wasn’t locked. “Never any breaking and entering out here,” Walter said, pushing the door open. The room was about nine by nine, Marya estimated, with shelves on three walls. On the shelves were boxes, miscellaneous fishing gear, and tools, all dusty. An old chair stood in a corner. The floor was covered with sand
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Walter shook his head. “I forgot how dirty it was. I better wait till I’m better.” Marya watched his shoulders slump, the enthusiasm drain out of his face. “It is dusty,” she said, “but I bet it wouldn’t take long to clean. I’d be glad to help you.” “I couldn’t ask you to do that!” “I insist! How else can I get rid of all my parents’ books?” Walter chuckled. “You drive a hard bargain.” Hand on hips, Marya assessed the situation. “With a vacuum cleaner this wouldn’t take long at all.” “My vacuum’s busted.” “Then I’ll bring my mom’s. But what about those tools? Could they be put somewhere else?” “There’s a little closet, like, over there.” Walter pointed. “Great.” Marya felt happier than she had for weeks. This project would be as good for her as it would be for Walter. She could hardly wait to start. Drew suddenly appeared in the doorway. “I thought I heard voices.” He was wearing a yellow hard hat and had a rolled up blueprint in his hand. “What are you two doing in the storeroom?” “Won’t be a storeroom long!” Walter beamed. “Gonna be the Sea Grape Key Public Library.” “What?” Drew pushed his hard hat back on his head. His hair was wet with perspiration. “We’re gonna clean it up and make a library.” Drew pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped his forehead. “You’re kidding, right?” “No, we’re serious.” Marya smiled. “I’ll do a lot of the cleaning. And I’ve got scads of books to contribute.” “You’re out of your mind!” Drew blurted.
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Marya stiffened. “Excuse me!” She struggled to control her voice. “Your uncle wants a library. What’s wrong with that, may I ask?” “It’s the dumbest thing I ever heard of! Out of the question!” Walter gave a little cough, turned pale, and swayed alarmingly. Marya rushed to support him and snapped, “Get that chair!” Drew grabbed for the old dusty chair and pulled it to Walter. “Here you go, Walter,” Marya soothed. “Just rest here a minute.” She eased him down on the chair. “Better?” Walter breathed deeply, and the color came back to his face. He nodded. “I felt kind of funny…” “You’ll be better in a minute.” She hoped. “How about a cool drink of water?” Without urging, Drew ran upstairs to get it, and his uncle took a long drink. “Ah. Good.” After resting for a while on the chair, Walter slowly climbed the steps, with Marya beside him and Drew behind him. Once in the house, he settled into his recliner and seemed all right. Marya and Drew stared silently at each other. Now Drew was pale. “I think we could use a drink of water, too,” Marya whispered. She stayed at Walter’s house for another half hour, and as he had no further trouble, she rose to leave. Drew followed her to the door. “I’ll see you Friday, Walter,” Marya called cheerfully. Then in a low tone she said, “Let me know how he is in the meantime.”
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“Will he be okay?” Drew whispered. “I hope so.” Walter had been fine until Drew barged in and started an argument. But Marya blamed herself, too. “’Bye,” she said shortly. The sun was setting, and the mosquitoes buzzed around her. Swatting at them, Marya ran all the way home. Worry about Walter nagged at her, but surely Drew would call her if his uncle got sick. After a quick supper she spent some time searching through her father’s things. She’s found a pile of old letters in his bottom dresser drawer. Possibly they contained her father’s secret. She started to read them, hardly able to concentrate on the boring details of weather and gossip that her Aunt Sophie had written. Why on earth had her father kept them? Maybe she should just burn the whole bunch? But then she wouldn’t know whether or not she’d destroyed the secret. Drew hadn’t called. Marya gathered up the letters she’d read and threw them into the wastebasket. Then she dialed Walter’s number. Drew answered on the first ring. ‘Drew, it’s Marya. How’s Walter?” His voice was cautious. “Well, he seems okay. He went to bed early, and he’s sound asleep. “Good. What if—I mean—if he should need a doctor, is there one on the island?” “No.” “If I can help at all, let me know.” “Mmm,” he said shortly. Was that a yes or a no? Marya uncomfortably said goodnight and hung up.
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The next day at the hospital was hectic because one of the other therapists was out sick, and Marya had to treat extra patients. It was almost five-thirty before she could take a breath. Since she would miss the ferry anyway, she settled down at the desk to fill out progress reports. Sherri Olson, the head of the department paused beside Marya. “I’m going home. Lock up when you leave, will you Marya?” “Sure, Sherri.” Marya glanced up from her writing. “And don’t stay too late.” “I won’t.” “Where are you parked?” “Behind the building. The side lot was filled when I got here this morning.” Sherri frowned. “Be careful. In fact, why don’t you ask Harry from maintenance to walk you to your car?” Marya chuckled. “All right, mother hen. But this isn’t the big bad city, you know. We’re out in the sticks.” “Don’t get smart.” Smiling, Sherri patted Marya’s shoulder. “’Bye, Sherri.” Marya continued writing in the charts. *** Behind the dumpster in the hospital’s back parking lot, an unemployed drifter finished the last of his wine and tossed the empty bottle into the woods. He yawned and scratched, then reached into his pocket for money. Squinting, he counted the coins. A measly 93 cents. He peeked around the dumpster. Only one car was left in the lot. Maybe he’d get lucky. Whistling softly, he strolled
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unsteadily the short distance to the car, his eyes searching the blank windows of the hospital. It took but a few seconds to check the car doors. All locked. Angrily he kicked a tire and cursed when it hurt his toe. He slunk back behind the dumpster. Now what? He wondered who owned the car. Not a doctor, he bet. Them big shots would be parked up front. With any luck it would be a woman with a purse he could snatch. Maybe a cute little nurse. He giggled and sat down to wait. *** Marya finished her paper work and sat a minute relaxing. Finally she forced herself to stand up and retrieve her shoulder bag from the bottom file drawer. She felt tired, but the thought of going back to the island cheered her. Maybe getting there was inconvenient, but the bright apartment, the view, and the sound of the waves made it worthwhile. She gave the department a quick once over before locking the door and striding down the long corridor, where aides were collecting the used dinner trays from patients’ rooms. The physical therapy department was on the second floor, and, as usual, Marya walked down the stairs for exercise. On the first floor Marya went down the back hall toward the exit. The maintenance department door was open when she passed by, but the room was empty. Harry must be busy somewhere in the hospital. Of course she wouldn’t ask him to escort her to her car anyway! She’d feel like a fool. But it had been sweet of Sherri to suggest it.
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Marya stepped outside. Australian pines in the woods behind the hospital cast long shadows over the parking lot, where hers was the only car. The shade was a welcome relief from the heat, though the air was still humid. She yawned as she walked to her car. At the driver’s door she rummaged in her shoulder bag without removing the strap from her shoulder. Suddenly something yanked her purse strap, jerking her shoulder back and causing her to stumble.
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Chapter Four
Quickly gaining her balance, Marya instinctively grabbed the purse strap as it slid off her shoulder. Then she whirled to face a yellow toothed grin, stringy gray-brown hair, and a haze of alcohol and stale sweat. “Just let go, honey.” The stranger leered and lurched closer, his hand on her arm. In disgust, Marya jumped back, pulling her purse strap. But he still held on. So she kicked him in the shin as hard as she could. When he swore and relaxed his grip a bit, she jerked the strap out of his hand. “Hey!” The man grabbed for Marya, but she dodged sideways. He reached for her again, but she swung her heavy bag at his head. The man cursed and tripped, and Marya sprinted for the hospital door and tore it open. By the time the police arrived to search the parking lot, the man had disappeared. Marya answered their questions in a calm voice, though she could feel the pulse in her temples pounding. As the sun had just set, the officers escorted her to her car, shining their flashlights into the darkness. “Will you be all right, Miss Pierson?” One officer asked. “Of course!” Marya put on a big smile, thanked the police, locked her car doors, and seized the steering wheel. Soon she found herself at the marina, with no memory of
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driving there. She jumped out of the car and ran for the dock. For safety. For the island. As though someone were chasing her. A few private boats were in their slips, but the ferry had left. She could see its lights growing fainter in the distance. She’d have to wait. For an hour! A feeling of panic swept over her, followed quickly by anger. That creep! That smelly creep! She had to get home and take a shower. Calm down, she told herself sternly, walking to the small gazebo-waiting room. Through the lattice walls she could tell it was empty, but still she was cautious. Once she was seated inside, her knees began to shake. Stop it! Marya took deep breaths and consciously relaxed her feet, her calves, her knees… That was better. She could take care of herself. She wouldn’t give in to nerves. Headlights swept the area, and a car drove into the marina’s parking lot. Why hadn’t she waited in her car? Marya shrank back against the lattice. The car door slammed. A man stepped out and strode toward the dock. Marya held her breath, hoping he wouldn’t notice her. You’re being ridiculous, she thought. But her heart was racing. The man came past the gazebo and glanced inside. Then he stopped and took a second look. “Marya?” “Drew?” Marya jumped to her feet, ran to him, and threw her arms around him. “Oh, I’m so glad to see you!” She sobbed. Drew’s arms closed around her, and he murmured, “It’s all right. It’s all right.” Marya relaxed against his chest, feeling his warmth, his strength, the safety of his arms. Her tears stopped. It felt so good to be here. So right.
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Drew held her closer. He rubbed her back. Moments passed. But this wasn’t right. Marya pushed away. “I’m sorry.” She wiped her eyes. Drew slowly released her. His voice gruff, he asked, “What in the world happened? What’s wrong?” “Will you please take me home? I missed the ferry,” She said in a small voice. “You’re crying because you missed the ferry?” Marya laughed and took a deep breath. “No, I was sort of…mugged.” She told Drew what had happened. “And I just want to get out to the island.” “Well, come on.” Drew slipped his arm around her again and led her down the dock to his boat. “You’re sure you’re all right?” “I’m fine now. Sorry I overreacted.” His protective arm felt so good. Brotherly. That was it. Drew gave Marya a hand into his boat, cast off, and smoothly pulled out of the slip. She stood with Drew behind the console, and he headed for the channel, locating the markers with his spotlight. On the short trip to the island Marya was quiet, enjoying the warm breeze and moonlight shining on the water. And more than she cared to admit, she enjoyed being with Drew. Too soon Drew pulled the boat up to the condo’s docking area. “Will you come in for something to eat?” Marya offered. Surely it was the least she could do for him, she told herself. “Let me check with Uncle Walter.” After tying up the boat, they walked the short distance across the island to her condo, and Drew called his uncle. “Uncle Walter has eaten. He said he’d be okay,” Drew reported.
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“Good.” Marya made a salad and whipped up an omelet, and soon they were seated together at the kitchen table. “How are you feeling? Drew asked in a kind voice. “Fine! I’m embarrassed for being such a baby.” “A baby can’t fight off a mugger! But really, you should be more careful where you park. And get someone to walk you to the car if you have to park in that lot again.” “Drew, you sound like my boss! I can take care of myself!” Marya smiled. “My dad used to tell me how even when I was a little girl I wanted to do everything for myself.” “I still say you shouldn’t take chances.” Drew said soberly. “Well, I admit that one thing I love about the island is the safety feature. In a way, it reminds me of the little town where my grandparents lived. They never even locked their doors. And I sometimes forget to lock mine here.” “Uncle Walter does, too. And it actually is pretty safe here. Of course, anyone could come over by boat and rob us.” “Yes, but why bother? That’s too much work.” Marya smiled. “Not having a bridge is a great advantage.” “Mmm.” Drew carefully studied his omelet. Marya suddenly had the uncomfortable feeling that Penelope was with them, watching, waiting--as though she knew Marya was attracted to her fiancé! “So,” Marya said after a long silence, “When’s Penelope coming down? I haven’t heard from her this week.” “She’s not coming until next weekend.” Drew pushed a piece of lettuce around his plate. “That’s too bad. I miss her.” “Me, too.”
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Marya set down her fork. She’d lost her appetite. “It must be hard for both of you to be apart so much.” “Yeah. Next weekend maybe we can set a wedding date.” “Really? I got the impression from Penelope that you both wanted to wait awhile.” And Marya hoped, for Penelope’s sake, of course, that they would wait. What if Dad was right about Drew’s motives? Drew finished his food in silence. Was he offended? Soon he rose to leave, and thanked her for the supper. “You’re very welcome. Thank you for the boat ride.” They said a rather stiff, formal goodbye, and Drew left. *** Drew walked down the steps of the condo, across the island, and out on the dock to get into his boat. He started the motor, untied the lines, and putted slowly up the bay to Uncle Walter’s dock. When Marya had thrown herself at him tonight his reaction had surprised him. The poor girl was just scared, that’s all. To her, he was just a friend who happened by at the right time. He was someone she could trust. Her sister’s fiancé, for gosh sakes. And he’d almost blown it, holding her and rubbing her back. There was nothing wrong with that. It was natural to comfort someone. The problem was, he hadn’t wanted to let her go. He’d wanted to kiss her and hold her and keep on holding her. It must be because he missed Penelope. Smiling, he remembered the day they’d met. It had been raining cats and dogs, and she’d been standing in the hotel doorway looking so forlorn. He’d never been able to ignore a lady in distress.
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It was probably because of his mother. He remembered her pale face, her sweet helpless ways. Even as a little boy, he’d realized she wasn’t well. Growing up, he’d been as helpful as he knew how. But still she’d died at age forty-five. Ten years ago, now. *** Marya put the dishes in the dishwasher before taking a shower. She shampooed her hair and stood for a long time letting the warm water soothe her muscles and nerves. The uniform the purse-snatcher had touched was in the laundry basket. She’d wash it tonight for sure. Ugh! Drew had been very sweet tonight when she’d jumped into his arms like that. She knew he was just comforting Penelope’s sister. But Marya hadn’t felt sisterly at all. She’d yearned to cling to him, to feel his kiss. She blushed, thinking about it. She’d have to watch herself. And it would be hard to avoid Drew, since she had to treat his uncle three times a week. Friday at work, Marya made light of the purse-snatching episode of the night before, but she did park in front of the hospital. One of her patients canceled, so she was able to leave the hospital earlier than usual to go to the island to treat Walter. From the condo’s dock to Walter’s home was probably a distance of four or five blocks, Marya estimated, as she trudged through the loose sand on the makeshift road. Of course there weren’t any real blocks. And, to Marya, that was one of the appealing features of the island. When she passed the little chapel she read the bulletin board, which said that Sunday there would be a service at 9:30.
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Walter was happy to see her, and his treatment went well. He was making very slow but steady progress in strength. And what was just as important was his up-beat attitude. “Well! Now let’s get down to business!” he said when the treatment was over. “I’ve been trying to clean up the store room.” “Why didn’t you wait for me? I told you I’d help.” “Aw, I hate to bother you.” “Listen, Walter, how am I ever going to get rid of all my parents’ books if we don’t clean the storeroom? But I forgot to bring my vacuum cleaner!” Walter grinned. “Wanta go get it? You can use my golf cart. Drew didn’t take it today. Said he needed the walk.” “Great idea. Will you drive me?” His grin faded. “With this stupid arm?” “Sure. Why not? I know it’s weak, but your right arm is strong. Come on.” They made the trip without incident, Walter’s left hand feebly gripping the wheel while his right hand did the work. On the way back Walter pointed out two gopher turtle holes beside the road. “Those turtles are supposed to be protected these days. Their tunnels are real long. Did you know other little critters go live in the tunnels with them?” “Other little critters?” “Yeah. Like rabbits, mice, snakes. Course, if a snake moves in, the other residents might move out.” Walter chuckled. “If they’re quick enough.” “Eeoow! Are there many snakes here?” “I never seen a rattler out here. But there are rat snakes and indigoes. Keeps the rats under control.” Walter turned
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into his driveway and came to a stop. “Big indigo lives under my shed. Must be five feet long.” “Really? I’ve never seen it.” “Gotta keep your eyes open.” He turned the golf cart key off. “Well, we made it, gal.” “Of course!” Marya squeezed his arm. “I knew we would. Now let’s get busy. You can sit and give directions while I vacuum.” Walter sighed. “Don’t worry,” Marya said. “You can do plenty when I bring the books.” She lifted the tank vacuum cleaner out of the back of the golf cart and started to work while Walter limped slowly to the old wooden chair. Before much cleaning could be done, dusty boxes, old fish nets, and various rakes, hoes, and tools had to be moved. Under Walter’s direction, Marya put them into a nearby closet. She was reaching for another box when she heard footsteps on the driveway. Drew? She’d planned to be gone before he came home. “Here comes Drew. Hey, Drew!” Walter called. “Hey, Uncle Walt. What are you doing down here?” Drew looked into the storeroom. “Oh, hello, Marya.” Marya smiled. “Hi, Drew. We’re cleaning up the library.” She glanced down at her smudged uniform, suddenly feeling hot, sweaty, and very unattractive. Drew’s cut-off jeans, Florida State T-shirt, and a baseball cap showed off his great muscles and deep tan. His brown eyes flashed with anger. “You aren’t still planning that stupid library!” “Yes, we are,” Marya said quietly. She indicated Walter with a slight jerk of her head. “I didn’t think we’d get into this
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discussion again.” She willed Drew to remember the last time he’d opposed the idea of the library. Walter’s reaction had been a frightening dizzy spell. Sudden realization dawned in Drew’s face. He turned to Walter. “So, Uncle Walt, you really want to do this?” “Sure do.” Walter beamed. “Just wait till we get through with it.” Drew raised his eyebrows and shook his head. “I hope you two know what you’re doing. Where are you putting all your stuff?” He walked over to the shelf Marya was cleaning. “We’re putting the things in that closet over there,” Marya said, brushing off a spider web and reaching for the next box she intended to move. “No! Stop!” From behind, Drew’s arms encircled Marya’s waist. Startled, she squirmed, trying to see his face. “What are you…?” But he pushed her gently to one side. “See this?” Drew pointed to the box Marya wanted to lift. “A brown recluse spider. You get bit by one of these guys, and you have real trouble.” He reached for a can of insect spray and killed the spider. “You mean they’re poisonous?” “Sure are. They can even cause death. The sting destroys tissue, and keeps spreading. To stop it, the dead tissue has to be cut away. “Yuck! Thanks. I’ll be on the lookout for them after this.” Marya calmly reached for the vacuum cleaner. Drew snorted. “Little miss one-track-mind! Can’t you give up this crazy idea?” Walter nodded. “Maybe we should give it up, Marya. What if you’d got stung?”
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Marya noted Walter’s sad expression. “No, sir! We’ll just be more careful.” Ignoring Drew’s scowl, she glanced at her watch. “Well, I’d better call it a day. Tomorrow’s Saturday. I could vacuum then.” Walter’s face brightened. “If you really want to.” “Definitely! Well, I’ll see you.” She turned toward the driveway. “Drew can take you home,” Walter called. “Oh, no thanks. I love to walk.” She walked away slowly, expecting Drew to call her back, but he didn’t. “Bye,” she said over her shoulder. “See you,” Drew muttered. With conflicting emotions, Marya headed for home. Part of her wanted Drew’s company. The other, wiser, part knew it was better this way. The less time they spent together, the better. He was so infuriating. But so darn attractive. That evening, instead of enjoying the peaceful solitude of her apartment, Marya listened to the surf and felt waves of loneliness. To keep herself busy, she dug some boxes out of the guest room closet and started sorting. What a jumble! She’d never before realized how disorganized her father had been. There were old snapshots, mostly of people she didn’t know. One, though, was a picture of herself, Penelope, and their baby sister, who had died very young. She set that aside. There were letters, clippings, newspaper editorials, old calendars, even a worn billfold containing a one dollar bill. She wanted to throw out the whole mess. But she couldn’t take the chance of throwing away something important. Her father’s secret must be here somewhere. She tossed all the snapshots into a shoebox, to look through later. The letters were mostly from Aunt Sophie, and very boring. After reading some, she put them into a garbage
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bag. Tomorrow she’d tackle another box. This was all she could do tonight. Marya took a shower, then walked onto the screened balcony off her bedroom. The slight breeze blew her nightgown against her thighs. Warm darkness hid the vast Gulf of Mexico, but the sound of the waves was not lonely now, but soothing. How she loved living here! Leaving the sliding glass doors open, she went to bed and was soon asleep. Saturday morning Marya ran to the south end of the island and back, a total of two miles, before eating breakfast. She knew that Drew worked every day, so she waited until nine o’clock before walking to Walter’s house. Drew should be gone by then, and Walter should be up and ready. On the way downstairs she carried the garbage bag full of letters and clippings and deposited it in the trashcan. Walter was dressed and eager to start on the library project, so Marya got right to work. Under Walter’s direction, she moved the remaining boxes and tools to the closet. Next she vacuumed the dust, first from the shelves, then from the floor. “How’s that, Walter?” “Great!” “Do you think the shelves need painting? I’d be glad to do it.” “Heck, no. But I got an old rug upstairs we could use.” Walter told Marya where to find the rug, and she went up to get it. While she was dragging it down the steps, she heard the phone ring. “There’s your phone, Walter,” she called. “Just leave it. The answering machine will get it.” “Okay.” Marya pulled the faded old blue area rug into the storage room turned library. After putting the rug in place, she retrieved an old folding deck chair from the closet and
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joined Walter, who was still seated. “Well, we did it!” She smiled. “Now all this library needs is some books.” “And I can help with that,” Walter said eagerly. Then his smile faded. “But I can’t carry them downstairs.” “Well, let me think.” Marya could easily do it herself, but Walter needed the challenge. “I know! You must have some canvas grocery bags.” All the island dwellers used such bags to carry purchases from their boats to their homes. “Yes.” “Well, there you are. You can put some books in a bag and sling it over your shoulder.” “Good idea. Let’s try it.” Walter stood and slowly climbed the stairs, with Marya close behind. When they had found a bag, put a few books inside, and slipped it over Walter’s shoulder, he proudly led the way downstairs again. They were in the library unloading the books when Marya heard the crunch of tires on the shell driveway. In a moment Drew looked in the door. “Oh. You’re here.” “Yes, I’m here. Hello to you, too,” Marya retorted. Drew rolled his eyes in irritation. Ignoring Marya he said, “Uncle Walt, I’ll be upstairs for about an hour. I have to make some calls.” When he’d gone up, Marya said, “Walter, I’ll go and get some of my dad’s books now. It won’t take too long. Then we can start stocking the shelves.” She grinned. “Take my golf cart,” he urged. “But Drew might need it.” “No, he said he’d be home for an hour. Go ahead.” Well, all right. I’ve never driven one before, though. “You just turn the key to ‘on’ and step on the foot pedal. Oh, and the brakes don’t work too good. So just slow down
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and coast to a stop.” At Marya’s questioning look Walter chuckled. “The salt air’s bad on brakes here. Hardly anybody’s got brakes.” Marya raised her eyebrows. “If you say so. I’ll be back right away.” She turned on the key, put the golf cart in reverse, and slowly backed out of the driveway. When she lifted her foot from the pedal, the cart rolled to a stop. She shifted to forward and drove to her condo, enjoying the luxury of riding instead of trudging through the sand. She would definitely look into buying a golf cart for herself. She didn’t really need one, but it would be a handy way to get around the island. At the apartment she loaded a box with books and hurried down to the golf cart. Drew might need it soon, and it wouldn’t do to keep him waiting. She checked her watch. So far this trip had only taken half an hour. She had lots of time. Since it was Saturday, more people were on the island. She could hear children’s voices at several of the houses she passed. Somewhere in the distance someone was hammering. As she approached a bend in the road, she heard a noisy motor through the trees. Suddenly, around the corner, headed directly for her, barreled a three-wheeler with a young boy at the wheel. She swung her steering wheel to the right and slammed on the brakes. The golf cart veered sharply to the right, off the makeshift road, and into the woods, the canopy crashing through branches, until the cart jerked to a stop against a tree. Marya was unhurt. The young boy with the threewheeler was gone. And Walter’s golf cart had a tilted canopy. Marya got out to look over the situation. Luckily she hadn’t hit any big trees. She could just back out onto the road again. She felt really bad about the canopy,
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but she would pay to have it fixed. At least she had avoided hitting the three-wheeler. She was thankful for that. She got back into the golf cart, put it in reverse, and eased her foot onto the foot pedal. The cart stood still. She’d have to go faster, obviously, to get out of the sand. She floored the pedal. The tires spun dizzily, throwing sand forward, but the golf cart didn’t move. Uneasily, Marya got out again. The tires had dug down at least six inches in the sand. Maybe putting something under the tires would help. Marya picked up some of the broken Australian Pine branches and pushed them under the tires as far as she could. Then she spread more branches behind the golf cart for traction. That should do it. Back in the cart, she tried again to get unstuck. The spinning tires tossed the branches uselessly aside and dug even deeper in the sand. If she only had a shovel! Marya reluctantly left the golf cart to find the nearest house. She walked back toward her condo, because she had heard children’s voices along the way. Someone must be home nearby. The sun was high in the sky and very hot, and the trees along the road didn’t give much shade at this time of day. Marya wished she’d thought to wear a sun hat. She passed two houses that were unoccupied, both with storm shutters closed. At last she came to a house with a threewheeler outside. Probably the three-wheeler, she thought wryly. She climbed the steps and knocked at the door, which was answered by a thin elderly woman. “Yes?” The woman said. “I wonder if you have a shovel I could borrow,” Marya said, “I got stuck in the sand, and I’m sure I can get out if I dig under the tires.”
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“Oh, dear, I wish my son were here! He just went to the beach with the children. There’s a shovel under the house, dear. Just help yourself.” Marya found the shovel leaning against a piling, and trudged back to the golf cart. Little drops of perspiration trickled down her face, and her T-shirt clung to her. But she’d soon get the golf cart loose. She was sure of that. Coming around the bend where she’d run into the woods, Marya saw a man walking toward her on the road. She squinted in the bright sun. Naturally she’d forgotten her sunglasses as well as her hat. But even without sunglasses, she recognized him. Drew. And he looked extremely unhappy.
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Chapter Five
Now what’s she doing, Drew wondered. Marya was strolling toward him carrying a shovel! Where had she parked the golf cart? She’d known he needed it. Talk about inconsiderate! Then he noticed the car tracks going into the woods. And there was Uncle Walt’s golf cart. Against a tree. Oh, fine! “Sorry I’m late!” Marya called. Coming closer, she said, “I got kind of stuck, but I’ll get it right out.” “You’ll get it right out.” Drew kept his voice neutral. “I see. And how did it get in there, if I may ask?” “You don’t have to get sarcastic. I said I was sorry. Some little boy was racing along in a three-wheeler, and I had to turn off the road to avoid him. If the brakes were working I might have stopped sooner.” Marya stuck the shovel into the sand and lifted her chin in defiance. Her face was pink, her short blond hair in damp curls on her forehead. Her white Tshirt and cut-off jeans clung to her like a second skin. “Are you all right?” Drew’s anger drained away. “People do let very young kids drive those ATV’s around! I can’t understand it. I meant to get the brakes fixed...” “That’s all right. Walter warned me about the brakes. But at least no one got hurt. I borrowed this shovel to dig myself out.”
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Drew smiled. “You should have come to get me. I’ll have you out in a minute.” “Excuse me! I’m perfectly able to do it myself,” Marya said. “I just need to get some traction.” She carried the shovel into the woods and started digging loose sand away from the tires. “Oh, sorry!” Drew watched her in amusement. At least she deserved an A for effort. After shoveling a space behind the wheels, Marya stepped into the golf cart and promptly dug the tires deeper into the sand. Without looking at Drew, she got out again and dug some more. On the next try the golf cart did move back a few inches. Once more she climbed out. Drew couldn’t stand it any longer. “Look. Let’s work together.” He grabbed the shovel and dug around the tires again. “Now, you get in, and when I tell you, rock it. Know what I mean? I’ll push.” “Okay.” Drew positioned himself at the front of the cart and said, “Now!” Marya raced the engine while he pushed. After many attempts, the golf cart suddenly zoomed backward, out of the woods and across the road. It happened so suddenly that Drew fell forward in the sand, feeling a sharp pain in his back. Gingerly, he picked himself up and walked toward the cart, resisting the tendency to limp. Still sitting in the golf cart, Marya giggled. “I’m sorry,” she said, “but you looked so funny. I hope we’re not stuck again!” Drew gritted his teeth. “Get out and watch,” he commanded.
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Eyes wide, Marya obeyed. Drew eased painfully into the driver’s seat, and gently rocked the cart until he got it onto the road. “Now you can get in,” he said sternly. “But I have to return the shovel.” “All right. Do it! I’ll wait,” he barked. He didn’t turn his head, but watched Marya in the rear view mirror. She was hurrying away with the shovel, almost as if she were afraid. If she was afraid of him, she didn’t know him very well, he thought with a sigh. She was so exasperating! His back was still aching from the fall, but he didn’t have time to baby it. He checked his watch. The carpenters would be waiting at the marina for him. More time wasted. He’d been postponing buying a truck, but after today he’d see if he could find an old one he could afford. *** Marya returned the shovel and trotted back to the golf cart, where Drew sat stiffly, like a father waiting for a child who was late. “Sorry,” Marya said, climbing in beside him. “The lady wanted to talk a minute.” “No problem,” Drew muttered. He started up and drove silently all the way to his uncle’s house. And that was all right with Marya. She certainly hadn’t intended to get stuck, for heaven’s sake! Why was Drew so huffy about it? He parked in Walter’s driveway and waited while Marya lifted the heavy box of books out of the luggage rack in the back of the cart. “Tell Uncle Walter I’ll be picking up the carpenters at the marina,” Drew said. “Unless they got tired of waiting,” he added pointedly. Before Marya could answer, he backed out of the driveway.
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Walter limped slowly down the stairs, happy to see Marya and the books. “I was worried about you, gal. Not that much could happen to you on the island.” “Oh, Walter, I’m so sorry! I got stuck in the sand, and bumped into a tree and bent the top of the cart! But I’ll pay for it!” She explained how it happened. “Long as nobody got hurt! That’s the important thing. I got a neighbor who fixes golf carts. Don’t worry about it.” Marya carried the box of books to the library room and set it on a chair. “Have you thought how you want to arrange them?” she asked. Eagerly, Walter read the titles of the top books. “Looks like a lot of mysteries.” “Yes, that’s what my dad liked. Mom read mostly romances. I think I put some of them in the bottom of the box.” “Let’s have separate shelves for the different kinds of books, then.” “Okay, and we’ll put them in alphabetical order, according to author.” Marya and Walter worked happily for some time, until she noticed he looked tired. “Well, Walter, I have to be going now. Let’s let the rest go until tomorrow. And remember, I have lots more books.” Walter seemed relieved to quit. “All right. It looks good, don’t it?” “It looks great. I’ll see you tomorrow with another load.” “Good. I’m gonna take this book upstairs. Don’t think I’ve read it.” Marya said goodbye and started walking home. From a cloudless sky the sun shown down relentlessly. She looked forward to a shower. Or maybe she’d swim first. It had been a
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tiring day. At the condo she slowly climbed the stairs, then stopped short. The door was open about an inch. Surely she’d locked it? Could she have forgotten? Cautiously she pushed it open. “Who’s there?” she called. But no one answered. “Anybody here?” she yelled, suddenly afraid. Since that purse-snatching episode, she’d felt vulnerable. But not on the island. The island was safe, she reminded herself. “Marya?” It was Penelope’s voice. A moment later Penelope came through the living room and kitchen toward her. “Hi, sis!” “Pen, you scared me!” Marya walked in. “I thought you weren’t coming home for another week.” Penelope smiled. “A job was canceled, so I have some free time. Glad to see me?” She wore a yellow cotton sweater with pale green linen pants. Her blond hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and little tendrils cured around her face. “Of course I’m glad to see you! I won’t hug you because I’m too sweaty. When did you get here?” “Quite awhile ago. I left a message on Drew’s machine. I guess he wasn’t home, so I took the shuttle from the airport and the ferry to the island.” Marya sank into a kitchen chair. “Want some iced tea? I think I’ll have some.” “Sounds good! I’ve been looking through some of Mom and Dad’s things. All those boxes are taking up practically my whole closet.” Marya’s heart skipped a beat. “Oh, you don’t have to bother with that! I’ll take care of it.” What if Penelope found the secret, whatever it was? Marya jumped up, put ice cubes in two plastic glasses and poured the tea.
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Penelope took a sip. “Mmm. Good! I’m glad I can be here awhile. But I do need more room for clothes. I might as well help you sort.” “Oh, I don’t mind doing it! Since I’m here all the time I can do a little every day. While you’re home you should enjoy yourself. You and Drew can have some time together, make some plans.” And stay away from the boxes, she thought. “We have lots of time for that.” Penelope smiled. “Actually, I’ve enjoyed looking through some stuff this afternoon. I read a couple of Aunt Sophie’s letters. Aren’t they a scream?” Marya laughed. “Boring is more like it. I wonder why Dad kept them. Do you suppose she ever thought of anything but the weather? Don’t worry about them. Just spend some time with your fiancé.” The phone rang, and Penelope picked up the receiver. “Hello? Hi, honey. Well, I called, but you were out. No, the shuttle was fine. All right. We’ll be here.” She hung up. “Drew will be over in a little while.” That was a relief. At least for awhile Penelope would stop looking through boxes. “I think I’ll take a shower, then,” Marya said. When she emerged from the bathroom, Penelope was gone. Marya looked out and saw Penelope and Drew sitting on the beach. She ate a sandwich, then dragged four or five of her parents’ boxes from Penelope’s closet into her own bedroom and painstakingly searched through them. Later, when Drew and Penelope were laughing and talking in the kitchen, Marya made a brief appearance, pled fatigue, and went back to her room. Let them plan their future in peace. Certainly they didn’t have much time together in this long distance romance. She hoped the wedding wouldn’t be
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too soon; though. What if Dad had been right—that Drew just wanted Penelope’s money? And how could Marya find out? For some reason she couldn’t explain Marya felt uncomfortable being with Penelope and Drew. Briefly she remembered being in Drew’s arms at the marina after the purse snatching episode, but she quickly suppressed the memory. Sunday afternoon while Penelope was off with Drew somewhere, Marya loaded a tote bag with books and walked over to Walter’s house, as she’d promised. She left the books downstairs and went up to see Walter, who was delighted to see her. “Hey, gal! Thought you might forget.” “Forget you? Never!” Marya grinned. “How’s the library coming? I brought more books.” “Good! Let’s put them on the shelves. I read one of your dad’s books yesterday. Dang thing kept me awake most of the night.” “There’s more where that came from, so let’s get busy.” They were shelving the books when Walter’s golf cart pulled into the driveway. Penelope stepped gracefully out, wearing short shorts, an abbreviated top, and a wide sun hat. “Hi, guys!” she called. Drew followed slowly and stiffly. “Hello, Marya.” His voice seemed strained. Walter frowned. “Your back still hurting?” “It’s all right.” “What happened?” Marya asked. “Nothing.” Drew muttered. “Said he hurt it pushing the golf cart yesterday,” Walter said. “Oh, sorry. I forgot I shouldn’t mention it, Drew.”
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Marya was instantly embarrassed and concerned. “You mean when you pushed me out of the sand?” She remembered how he’d fallen and how she’d laughed because he looked so funny. “I’m really sorry, Drew! Where does it hurt?” He put his hand on his upper lumbar region for a moment, then snapped, “Never mind. It’s getting better.” “But it was my fault!” Marya wailed. “I wish I could help.” “You’ve helped enough.” Drew shot Marya a withering glance before turning to Penelope. “Let’s go upstairs, honey.” “Okay.” Penelope agreed. “Are you going to get your suit on so we can take a swim?” She strolled up the stairs behind Drew, leaving Marya and Walter downstairs. Marya heard Drew sigh as he climbed the stairs. “No, let’s just take it easy, can we? My back…” “But I wanted to get some sun!” Penelope’s plaintive voice drifted down to Marya and Walter. Marya felt close to tears. It was her fault Drew hurt his back. And now Penelope was acting like a spoiled brat about it. Marya had apologized. What more could she do? Suddenly angry with them both, she bit her lip. Then, with what she hoped was a friendly smile, she said, “Well, Walter, I’m tired. How about you? I’m going to head for home.” “Want a ride?” Walter’s expression was serious. He was probably worried about Drew’s back, Marya thought. “No, I’ll enjoy the walk.” She lied. “See you soon!” Penelope stayed at the island for the rest of the week. Taking advantage of times she was out of the apartment, Marya dragged most of the boxes out of Penelope’s closet into her own room. And, to Marya’s relief, Penelope said no more about helping to sort their parents’ belongings. Evenings,
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while Penelope and Drew spent hours on the beach, Marya hunted for the secret, though without much hope. Was it possible her father had been hallucinating at the time of his death? Maybe there was no secret after all. One evening while Marya and Penelope were eating, Marya remarked, “I’ve noticed you haven’t been wearing your ring all week. Are you afraid you’ll lose it? It’s so lovely, I should think you’d hate to take it off.” Penelope grimaced. “I know. It is pretty. But it’s so old fashioned. You know?” “But that’s the charm of it!” Penelope stared at her long perfect nails. “For some people, maybe. But it just didn’t show off the diamond well enough. So Drew and I decided to get the diamond reset in a more modern setting.” “No! You mean Drew agreed to that?” It seemed almost sacrilegious! “Just wait until you see it, Marya! You’ll love it. The jeweler said it would be ready in two weeks.” “I can’t believe you two!” Marya shook her head. “Ruining a gorgeous family heirloom! You’re both crazy!” “It’s our choice!” “Right. And a pretty dumb one if you ask me.” The words were out before Marya could stop them. Penelope sulkily finished eating and put her dishes in the dishwasher without saying any more. When she had left the room, Marya poured herself a cup of tea. Having her sister here for a whole week was getting on her nerves. It had been years since they lived in the same house, and she’d forgotten Penelope’s little quirks. Actually she had never known Penelope as an adult, she realized. When Penelope graduated from high school and went to live in New York, Marya was
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starting her junior year in high school. If she thought of her sister at all, it was as a glamorous guest who came home on holidays. Well, maybe she irritated Penelope, too. After all, the ring was none of her business. She shouldn’t have been so outspoken about it, and she wouldn’t mention it again. Friday when Marya went to treat Walter, she was sorry to see that Drew was home. Knowing that he rightly blamed her for his sore back, she’d managed to avoid him most of the week. “How are you, Drew?” she asked casually. “So so.” “That’s not true,” Walter insisted. “His back is killing him. “I really feel bad about it, Drew! If I hadn’t got stuck in the golf cart it never would have happened.” “Well, it happened, so let’s let it go.” Drew’s half smile seemed forgiving, and Marya felt relieved. Walter thoughtfully ran his fingers through his graying sandy hair. “Marya, remember when I was in the hospital? I often saw you rubbing people’s backs. Does that make them feel better?” “Back massage often does help,” Marya admitted, not liking where this conversation was headed. “Well then!” Walter smiled broadly. “You can fix Drew’s back!” Marya shook her head. “Oh, I don’t think…” “Why not?” Walter was puzzled. “You said it was your fault he hurt it.” “Yes, but…” Marya glanced at Drew and was surprised to see a hopeful expression. “Do you think…I mean if it would help…” he said hesitantly.
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How could she gracefully refuse? “Well, let’s try it.” Marya pointed to the couch. “Take off your shirt and lie down. Put this pillow under your waist. And loosen the snap on your jeans.” Drew clutched his waistband in alarm. “Oh, please!” Marya’s voice was matter-of-fact. “No one’s going to hurt you.” She turned to Walter. “Do you have some kind of lotion we could use?” While Walter went to get it, Drew positioned himself on the couch, and Marya convinced him to let his jeans slide down somewhat below his waist. When she had some lotion on her hands, Marya started with slow strokes all the way up Drew’s spine to his hairline, down his shoulders, the sides of his back, his waist, and circular strokes around his hips. Keeping a slow rhythm, never raising her hands from his back, she repeated the strokes until she felt Drew relax. She had massaged more backs than she could possibly count. But none had affected her this way. Her hands felt tingly, as though his skin were electric. Trying to ignore the sensation, she gradually increased the pressure and systematically traced each muscle group. Her fingers firmly but gently kneaded the well developed trapezius muscle of his upper back. How tan his skin was! And what large deltoids. She concentrated on the latissimus dorsi, then, digging in her fingertips, the sacroiliac region below his belt where the skin was pale. Finally she devoted her attention to the erector-spinae muscles, up both sides of his vertebrae, first going deep, then doing little walking motions up his spine. Drew groaned. “That’s so good!” Marya’s own back was breaking from leaning over the couch, but she didn’t want to stop. She was mesmerized by
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Drew’s muscular back, his taut, brown skin, and its magnetic effect that held her captive. The massage should be over, but her hands still caressed Drew’s back. “Excuse me!!” Penelope’s brittle voice startled Marya, and she straightened up guiltily. Drew sleepily raised his head. “Hi, honey.” Marya’s mouth went suddenly dry. Her lotion-covered hands hung by her sides. “Drew’s back was sore, and…” Why did she feel guilty? It was merely a simple back massage. “And you decided to fix it?” Penelope asked sweetly. “After I begged her,” Walter said. “I thought she was going to turn me down.” Marya could have kissed Walter as he turned to his nephew. “How is it, Drew? Did it help? Glad I forced Marya to work on it?” Drew slowly sat up and snapped his jeans closed. He stretched gingerly from side to side, then grinned. “It feels lots better! Thanks, Marya!” “Don’t mention it.” By now Marya had recovered her professional cool. “We aim to please.” After all, this massage was no different from all the others. But privately she knew it was different. And she must never show how Drew affected her. Penelope sat down close to Drew on the couch and kissed his cheek. “So it’s all better? How about a walk on the beach? I was getting bored.” Her lips formed a pretty pout. Drew stood up, still testing his back muscles. “All right. How about you, Marya? Want to walk with us?” “Oh, no. I’ll be going home now.” The sooner the better. “We can walk that way,” Drew said. “Come on!” There seemed to be no way out. “Okay.”
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Puffy white clouds gave some protection from the sun, and a cool breeze from the west seemed more like October than August. It was low tide, and an abundance of bright colored shells lay on the beach. Like a little girl, Penelope exclaimed over each one she found. Wearing short shorts and a halter-top, her hair blowing in shimmering strands about her bare shoulders, she was exquisite. “Look at this one!” she called, stooping to pick up a large conch. “Oh, there’s something in it!” Drew smiled. “It’s still living. We should throw it back.” “Will you do it, Drew?” Penelope looked up at him through thick lashes. “You can throw farther.” “Sure.” Drew took the conch and pitched it far out into the waves. “Goodbye, little animal,” Penelope called. “Have a good life out there somewhere!” She gazed over the Gulf. “I wonder where he’ll go? Maybe he’ll drift across to Mexico. The wind and waves will decide, won’t they.” She was silent then, a dreamy expression on her lovely face, as she stared into the distance. Drew was enthralled, Marya could tell. Who could blame him? At times like this, unpredictable Penelope seemed like a nymph or goddess, only loaned to this world. Watching her, neither Drew nor Marya spoke. Penelope suddenly laughed and twirled around in a graceful dance. “Wind and waves,” she repeated. “It’s a magical day. Nothing can harm us. Come, Prince Drew and Princess Marya. On to the castle.” Drawn in by her playful mood, Drew and Marya, reluctantly at first, entered into her game. Laughing, they gradually assumed their royal roles. Drew found a stick for a sword, and Marya formed a strand of seaweed into crown for
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herself, and they followed Penelope down the deserted beach. Penelope pointed out imaginary dragons, which Drew promptly slew with his sword. And Marya walked regally, bowing to imaginary subjects. When they reached the condo, Drew dropped his stick and Marya pulled the silly seaweed crown from her hair. “You’ve broken the spell!” Penelope said sternly. “To the dungeon with you!” Both Marya and Penelope said goodbye to Drew on the beach. Penelope went in to dress for dinner, as she and Drew would be going to town. Marya was ready to relax at home. What had seemed an embarrassing situation, Drew’s massage, had been unimportant. How silly Marya had been to worry about it. That evening while Penelope and Drew were in town, Marya sat on the porch and enjoyed the ever changing Gulf. Maybe Penelope was right. It was a magical day. Certainly Marya’s worries had faded away. In all probability her father’s secret had been the imaginings of a very ill man. There was no secret. And Marya’s reaction to Drew was merely a normal attraction to a virile male. She yawned and stretched in contentment. Soon she would fix herself some supper. When the phone rang, Marya strolled into the kitchen to answer it. “Marya?” “Yes, Walter.” She recognized his somewhat raspy voice. “Just thought I’d tell you I gave Drew an envelope for you and Penelope, in case he forgets to give it to you.” “Oh. Okay.” “It was a clipping I found in one of your father’s books. I know you’ll want it. It was about the drowning.”
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“Drowning?” “Terrible, wasn’t it! The baby dying like that. Penelope wasn’t to blame—didn’t know what she was doing. Why, she was just a baby herself.”
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Chapter Six
Marya almost dropped the phone as she tried to absorb what Walter had said. A baby drowning? What baby? She knew her baby sister had died in infancy, but drowning? “Marya, you there?” “Yes, Walter,” Marya croaked. Sinking onto the kitchen chair, she tried to pull herself together. “Tell me exactly what the clipping said.” “Gosh, I’m sorry I brought back bad memories. It was an article that came out the day after the baby drowned. It told how Penelope, when she was only three, put the baby in the bathtub. She put the baby bottle in, too, and cut her arm doing it. Then she turned on the water. The baby was dead when they found her a few minutes later. “I see.” Marya sat stupidly, digesting this horrible information. “And you gave the clipping to Drew?” Her heart pounded. “Where did Drew and Penelope go, Walter?” “To town to dinner. Are you all right, gal? Did I do something wrong?” Walter’s voice had risen to a rusty squeak. “No, no, Walter,” Marya reassured him, making her voice calm. “Not at all. I just wanted to give Penelope a message about something. If you know the restaurant they went to, I can call her.” Obviously this was her father’s secret! She must keep it from Penelope!
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“They’re probably at Harry’s Sea Food.” Walter sounded relieved. “Great, Walter. Thanks a lot!” She put a smile in her voice. It wouldn’t do to overexcite him. When Marya had hung up, she fumbled for the telephone book in the cupboard and shakily paged through until she found Harry’s. When she’d dialed, the phone rang ten times before a man finally answered. After another long wait while someone paged Drew, the man came back. “Sorry, he’s not here.” “Okay. Thanks!” Marya tried to remember other restaurants in the area. The Fishery? She called that number with the same results. This could take forever, and she might never find them! There was only one thing to do. Look for them herself. Her watch said eight twenty-five. Five minutes to catch the ferry! She grabbed her shoulder bag and ran out the door. The ferry seemed so slow she felt like screaming. When they finally docked, she ran to her car and spun her wheels racing out of the parking lot. But where to start? She drove slowly, now, looking for restaurant signs. What kind of vehicle did Drew drive, anyway? Wasn’t it a dark van? She’d probably seen it briefly that night in the marina’s parking lot. Yes, she was quite sure it was a dark van. Bob’s Barbecue had a several customers, but no vans. She passed by. Up ahead a neon sign proclaimed Shrimp Shanty, and two dark vans were parked in the lot. Not bothering to lock her car door, she ran inside. But one glance at the few tables proved that Drew and Penelope weren’t there. Out in her car again, she headed onto the busy highway. She covered two miles, checking every restaurant with a dark van in the parking lot. By now she wasn’t sure his vehicle was
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a dark van. Fighting panic, Marya tried to think clearly. Where would Penelope be likely to go? It must have a gracious atmosphere and serve delicious food. Penelope would enjoy observing well dressed patrons, and she would enjoy being observed. Where? Of course! If Penelope had a choice it would be the exclusive Island Palms Club. Ignoring angry honking, Marya abruptly made a U-turn and drove south again. She turned off the main road onto a quiet side street and drove through an impressive gate. Down a palm-lined drive, and around a pond with a lighted fountain, Marya entered the parking lot. A dark van was among the cars. She leaped from her car and ran to the entrance. Just inside the heavy door she was met by a maitre d’ in formal dress. “Yes?” He looked over her casual blouse and shorts with obvious displeasure. Marya straightened up and stared him straight in the eye. “I’m to meet my sister and her fiancé here. I’ll just take a look through the dining room.” “I’m very sorry, Miss…” He blocked her way. “I have urgent news about a family member. Please let me by.” As he sputtered something, Marya pushed past him and quickly scanned the formal dining room. Drew and Penelope weren’t here! But she noticed a doorway leading to another room and darted into it, sensing a waiter following her. Soft music played in the background, and well-dressed guests spoke quietly over their food and wine. Drew and Penelope were seated at a table overlooking a patio featuring a fountain and many flowering plants. “There you are!” Marya slipped into an extra chair at their table. “Marya!” Penelope stared. “Why… what…”
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Drew was immediately concerned. “Is it Walter? Is he all right?” “He’s fine. I just… got lonesome!” Marya beamed at them both. “A glass of Chablis, please,” she said to the nervous waiter hovering nearby. “Yes, Miss.” With an anxious glance at Drew, the waiter departed. “You got lonesome?” Penelope’s pretty eyebrows rose. “Lonesome!” Then she burst out laughing, showing perfect white teeth. “Did you get so lonesome you couldn’t take time to change clothes?” “That’s right. You don’t mind, do you?” Marya smiled broadly. A real smile, because obviously Penelope hadn’t read the article yet. What a relief! But now to get the clipping away from Drew. Drew was watching her across the table, a quizzical expression on his face. “Wouldn’t want you to be lonesome,” he drawled. “No indeed.” The waiter set Marya’s glass wine before her, and she raised it in a toast. “To families!” Penelope raised her glass, too. “May they never be lonesome!” She giggled. Drew joined in. “And may they not get any nuttier than they are!” He was wearing a brown linen sport coat over an open necked white sport shirt that emphasized his tan. His unruly lock of hair lay on his forehead, and Marya had a strong urge to push it gently in place. “We just ordered dinner,” Drew said. “Would you like to see a menu?” “Oh no! I ate before I came.” Marya couldn’t remember whether she’d eaten or not. What she intended to do now was speak to Drew privately, get the clipping, and leave as soon as
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possible. But she was seated across the table from Drew. Penelope was to her left. Marya sipped her wine and pondered her options. Only if Penelope left the table could Marya tell Drew why she was here, but Penelope showed no signs of leaving. She was nibbling bread and noting with interest the other diners and their clothes. Her wine glass was half full, and she occasionally drank from her water goblet. If she could make Penelope leave for a few minutes, that’s all it would take. “Isn’t this beautiful!” Marya reached for the yellow rose in the center of the table, managing to spill Penelope’s water into her lap. “Oh, I’m sorry!” Penelope squealed and pushed her chair back. As Marya had hoped, her sister’s blue linen skirt was soaked. With an expression of disgust, Drew stood up as if to help somehow. “Why don’t you use the towels in the rest room?” Marya suggested. “How could I be so clumsy?” Penelope snatched up her white string shoulder bag and left the room, and Marya leaned urgently across the table. “Drew, I have to have that envelope Walter gave you!” A waiter appeared, sopped up the water from the table, and stooped to wipe the carpet, and Drew waited until he was done. “You mean you spilled that water on purpose? What kind of trick is that?” he asked angrily. “Hurry! Give it to me!” “I don’t know what you’re up to, but Walter asked me to give it to Penelope.” “He didn’t tell you what it was?” “No.” “It’s a clipping! She shouldn’t read it. Please! I can’t explain now. Just give it to me!”
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Drew frowned uncertainly. “But I already gave it to her. It must be in her purse.” “Oh no!” Marya wailed. “Here she comes! We have to get it. Believe me!” *** Drew watched Penelope gracefully thread between tables to reach her seat. Too bad their nice evening had to be interrupted this way. What could possibly be in that envelope to make Marya pull that stunt? With a little half smile of annoyance Penelope slipped into her seat. “Here I am again.” “I’m sorry, Sis,” Marya said. “I don’t know how I could be so clumsy.” “It’s all right,” Penelope said impatiently. “Let’s just enjoy dinner.” When the waiter brought the food for Penelope and Drew, Drew insisted that Marya order dessert and coffee. Obviously she wasn’t leaving. While they ate, Drew observed the two sisters. Penelope’s perfect blond beauty had attracted him to her in the first place, of course. In spite of her successful modeling career, she had a little girl helplessness that brought out his protective instincts. She needed him. Besides, with her quirkiness, their life together would never be boring! He hadn’t known her long, but he brushed that thought aside. Marya was pretty, too, in a girl-next-door way. A little too independent, maybe. Not his type. But she’d been great with Walter. And her massage had really helped his back. Her fingers had worked a kind of magic… But of course, that was her job! It was nothing personal.
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Meanwhile, Marya was sending him frantic eye signals across the table. He nodded almost imperceptibly to show that he understood, though he wasn’t quite sure how to get an envelope out of Penelope’s purse. How could anything be that important? Marya had finished her Key Lime pie and was fidgeting with her fork. “Will you show me where the ladies’ room is?” she asked Penelope. “It’s just through that doorway and to the left.” “Would you come with me? I think I’m still persona non grata in these shorts.” Penelope laughed. “Okay. I’ll vouch for you.” She picked up her purse. “Oh, just leave that there,” Marya said. “Drew won’t take it.” She raised her eyebrows at Drew. “I want to check my lipstick, anyway.” Penelope, with her purse, led the way to the rest room. And it dawned on Drew that Marya had intended for him to remove the envelope from Penelope’s purse while they were gone! Tricky, but it hadn’t worked. Walter had told him to give it to Penelope, after all. Why all this spy business? On their way to the parking lot after the meal, Marya said, “Drew, I’ll have to bum a ride to the island with you. The last ferry left a long time ago.” “No problem. Where are you parked?” “Over there.” She pointed out her car. Then she said, “Oh, look, Pen. Aren’t those oleanders beautiful!” When Penelope turned to look, Marya grabbed Drew’s arm. “We’ve got to get it! Help me!” she whispered. Drew nodded. He wouldn’t rifle through Penelope’s purse, though. After all, Walter had given him the envelope for Penelope.
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Drew and Penelope followed Marya’s car to the marina, and Drew helped Penelope into his boat first. She stepped daintily across the transom with her high-heeled sandals. Next he offered Marya his hand, and she squeezed it so hard he almost yelped. “Gotcha,” he muttered. On the trip Drew stood at the console, Penelope beside him, and Marya next to her. Marya coughed and cleared her throat several times, and Drew got her message. He decided to go along with her. She must have some good reason for getting that envelope. “Here, honey,” he said to Penelope, “hold this flashlight, and try to pick out the channel markers for me.” While Penelope directed the flashlight beam, Drew was aware that Marya was rummaging in the vicinity of the two purses. He had stowed them just behind the console. Eventually Marya sighed deeply, took a tissue from her purse, and blew her nose. She must have retrieved the blasted envelope, with his cooperation. She sure owed him an explanation! After tying up at the condo dock Drew walked the two girls to their apartment. “Thanks a lot, Drew,” Marya said, shaking his hand. Obviously she wasn’t thanking him for just the dessert and the ride home. “Do you still go fishing early?” She squeezed his hand again. “Usually.” Was she giving him a signal? “I’ll probably see you when I go running, then. Good night.” She went in and closed the door. Penelope slipped into his arms, but as he kissed her good night his mind wandered to her puzzling sister. ***
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Just before sunrise the next morning Marya was on the beach in her jogging shorts and top. Thanks to Drew, she had the clipping. And Penelope would never see it. But she had to talk to Drew, to explain yesterday’s secrecy. If he’d picked up on her hint, he’d be out here. She jogged up the beach toward Walter’s house, and saw Drew ankle deep in water, casting and reeling in his line. “Drew!” she called, running toward him. “Am I glad to see you!” He turned to her with a wry smile. “You ready to tell me what that was all about last night?” “Yes! Thanks so much! You were a life saver.” She pulled the clipping out of her shorts pocket. “Has Walter said anything about this to you?” “He was asleep when I got home, and he’s still asleep.” “Then you’d better read this first. I think it’s light enough now.” She handed him the piece of paper and stood quietly as he read it, and reread it. His face blanched under the tan. “I never knew any of this!” “That’s just it. Neither did I! And Penelope should never find out!” Marya quickly explained her father’s frantic last request, and her futile search. “So yesterday Walter found this clipping in a book I’d brought to his library. Not knowing it was a secret, he put it in an envelope for you to give to Penelope.” “Now I understand why you were so worried. I wondered what on earth you were up to.” Marya looked up at him with tears in her eyes. “I’m still trying to absorb the facts. I knew we had a baby sister who died, but our parents never mentioned how. And Penelope
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has that scar on her arm. Mom said she’d broken a glass. Obviously they were protecting us, or rather, protecting Penelope, by withholding the information.” Drew nodded. “It would kill her if she knew. But you say Walter read the clipping?” “Yes. You have to make him promise never to mention it.” “I will. But what about friends of your family? Didn’t they talk about it?” Marya thought a minute. “We moved to Illinois when I was a year old, probably shortly after the drowning. And our parents must not have told their new friends about it. We don’t have any close relatives, either, except an aunt we’ve never seen. So it was all a big secret until now. You and Walter and I have to make sure no one hears about it!” “Absolutely! Uncle Walt can keep his mouth shut. Thanks, Marya!” Drew put his hands on her shoulders and gave her a brotherly kiss on the forehead. But her heart thumped in a most unsisterly way. To cover her confusion, Marya stepped back and checked her watch. “I’d better hurry so I won’t miss the eightthirty ferry. I’m so relieved that we know the secret now and can keep it from Penelope! Bye, Drew.” She turned and jogged home, forcing herself to concentrate on the workday ahead instead of on Drew. That afternoon Drew wasn’t home when Marya went to treat his Uncle Walter. She was pleased to discover that Walter was already aware that Penelope knew nothing about the drowning. They sat on his porch discussing it after Walter’s treatment.
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“I’m sure glad you got the clipping from Drew before he gave it to Penelope,” Walter said. “I’d of felt terrible. How did you get it from him, anyways?” Marya laughed. “It was pretty tricky. Let’s just put it that way. For awhile I was a little worried, but now the secret is safe.” “You bet!” he said with feeling. Marya explained that she had been searching for a secret since her father died. “So I’m very grateful to you for finding it! Now I can relax and enjoy living on the island. And by the way, is the library open for business?” “It’s open, but nobody knows about it yet. I don’t get around the way I used to.” “Would you like me to tell some people about it?” “That’s a great idea!” Walter gave her the names of a few neighbors. “And tell ‘em to come up and see ol’ Walt while they’re here.” He seemed eager for company, and Marya was sure they would do him good. “I’ll speak to them on my way home, Walter.” Marya left soon and did inform Walter’s neighbors about the library. As Walter had expected, they were surprised and pleased to hear about it. And they were happy that Walter wanted visitors. Several people said they hadn’t wanted to disturb him in case he was sleeping, but Marya assured them he’d be glad to see them. After speaking to his neighbors, Marya plodded home slowly in the heat. Again she’d forgotten a sun hat. When she reached the lot her father had left her and her sister, she walked into the woods to take a closer look. She knew Australian pines were considered alien plants, since they were not native to Florida, but she was glad they were there. It felt at least ten degrees cooler in their shade. Among the pines were
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some small sea grape plants, too. Walter had told her that sea grapes and sea oats helped to protect the beach from erosion. Wouldn’t it be nice if they were closer to the beach? She decided to transplant some of them. She had never had the chance to do any gardening, but now she looked forward eagerly to working on her lot. Well, hers and Penelope’s. But Penelope had never shown an interest in it. Leaving the shade, she walked next door to the condo, climbed the stairs, and went inside. Deciding to take a swim, she slipped out of her uniform and into her blue swimsuit and applied sunscreen. Once on the beach, Marya ran into the water and dove into a wave. After swimming for half an hour she spread her beach towel on the sand and relaxed totally. “Hi, Sis!” Penelope’s voice penetrated Marya’s consciousness, and she raised her head. Both Penelope and Drew were smiling at her. “Hi, you two.” She struggled to a sitting position. “Guess I was almost asleep.” “Don’t ever make that mistake,” Drew warned her. “Fried skin doesn’t feel good.” “Yuck! I’ll remember that.” Penelope and Drew sat near her for a few minutes before getting up and going for a swim. Marya watched them play in the waves, laughing and splashing like children. For awhile Penelope seemed to have forgotten her complexion and fingernails and even her hairdo as she romped with her fiancé. When a little boy and girl came onto the beach and started building a sandcastle, Drew asked if they’d like help, and they eagerly agreed. A fantastic castle took shape under Drew’s guidance. It had towers, shell decorations, little seaweed flags, and a moat with water in it. The children were
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delighted, and Marya was impressed not only with the castle, but with Drew’s kindness toward the children. Penelope must be thinking what a wonderful father he would make some day, when he and Penelope had children! With some wistfulness, Marya acknowledged to herself that some day she, too, would like children. But of course that would be far in the future. She had a career she enjoyed. She and her sister owned a condo and lot on the island. The crushing grief of her parents’ deaths was easing, and the secret of the baby’s death was safe. Right now she was looking forward with great pleasure to getting her hands dirty working on the beach lot. After the children had left with their mother, Penelope and Drew came back to sit beside Marya. “That castle is beautiful!” Marya smiled at Drew. “Thanks.” His smile spoke not only thanks, but the knowledge that he and she shared a secret Penelope must never know. “Well, he’s a talented builder!” Penelope said. “The best on the island! Oh, and I forgot to mention, Marya, I told Drew that after we’re married he can use that vacant lot we own for beach access for his little community of homes.
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Chapter Seven
“You gave Drew permission to use our lot without asking me?” Marya cried. “Well, you can just forget that! I happen to have plans for the lot.” “Plans!” Penelope scoffed. “What plans? The land is just sitting there. And Drew needs it for beach access for the homes he’s building, don’t you, honey?” She poured some coconut oil sunscreen into her hand and rubbed it on her legs, then set the bottle down on her beach towel. Drew nodded. “I wouldn’t hurt the property at all, Marya. In fact, I’d improve it. Just clean out some of the underbrush, get rid of some Australian pines and plant some palms. I’d build a wooden walkway over the dunes to protect them…” “Hah!” Marya interrupted. “Protect the dunes from the hoards of people you’d have walking through the property! Thanks a bunch! The answer is no. You can’t use the lot!” Marya felt her face flush with anger. “Calm down,” Drew soothed. “We can talk about this some other time. I had no idea you felt this way.” “Don’t patronize me, Drew Adams! We will not talk about this later. You may not use the lot, and that’s final.” Marya turned away to stare at the gentle waves.
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Penelope’s green eyes flashed. “Remember the lot is half mine, Marya.” “But nothing can be done on it unless I agree.” “What harm would it do?” Penelope pouted. “What plans could you have? It’s just full of junky weeds and trees. I bet there’s spiders in there, and snakes!” She shuddered. Drew raised his eyebrows. “Penelope, it’s a valuable piece of beach front property and does contain a few good native trees. As for spiders and snakes, well, this is Florida, after all.” Marya’s eyes narrowed. “Right. It’s valuable property, and you planned to just take it over, didn’t you, Drew?” “Oh, please!” Drew scowled. “If you won’t listen to reason, let’s just drop the subject.” “Consider it dropped. Permanently.” Marya stood up and shook the sand off her towel. “See you around.” Still seething, she slipped her feet into her thongs and stalked back to the condo. Obviously Penelope had no appreciation for their joint property, but Drew did. And he’d intended to take advantage of them. It was fortunate Marya had found out now about his plans. The crook! Dad’s intuition about Drew was absolutely right. Drew was out after whatever he could get from Penelope—money and land. He’d even had Marya fooled for awhile. Marya had taken a shower and was making herself a salad when Penelope came in. “Have you cooled off?” Penelope asked. “If you mean have I changed my mind, no.” “But I still don’t see the problem, Marya.” Penelope perched on a kitchen chair. “It’s just a vacant lot. What’s the harm in letting people walk through?” “In the first place, I have plans for the lot…”
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“Like what?” “Penelope, it’s our own private beach front! I know our condo overlooks the beach, but Dad bought the lot next door to protect his view to the north. He just loved watching the osprey nest in that dead Australian pine, especially when there were baby birds. And the raccoons that come out at night hunting for crabs. And I enjoy it, too. I’m going to transplant some sea grape seedlings and some sea oats toward the Gulf side of the lot to help build up the dunes. Besides, Pen, it’s an expensive piece of land. And Drew wants it for nothing.” Instead of defending Drew, Penelope looked thoughtful. “I wonder how much it’s worth?” “It doesn’t matter, because it’s not for sale.” “No, but if it were for sale, I mean.” “You don’t mean you’d agree to sell it!” “Well,” Penelope shrugged, “if it’s really valuable…” Marya stared at her. If the natural beauty meant nothing to Penelope, then owning the property together was not a good idea. Making a quick decision, Marya said, “I’ll find out what it’s worth and buy your half.” “But what about Drew and his beach access?” “He can find another lot. To buy.” Marya took pleasure in the thought of thwarting his plans. “Yes, I suppose he could.” Penelope cocked her head thoughtfully. “How much do you suppose our lot is worth?” “I’ll check with a realtor. I think people charge by the front foot.” “Okay.” Penelope smiled. “Good idea.” “One thing, though, Pen, if I don’t have enough money to buy your half of the lot outright, I’ll have to make payments to you every month.” “Fine.”
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“Good. I’ll let you know what the realtor says.” Then Marya hesitated a moment, trying to find the right words. “How is Drew financially? I mean, it must be very expensive to get started in the contracting business, especially out here on the island.” She wanted to ask if Drew had asked Penelope for money—yet. Penelope snapped, “Aren’t you getting a bit too nosy? Drew’s finances are his business, not yours.” “Oh, of course not! Sorry! I didn’t mean to pry!” Marya hoped Penelope would be wary, especially if Drew started asking for loans. But she couldn’t say that to her sister. And there was no way that Marya could find out about Drew’s financial situation on her own, was there? The following day Penelope was called back to New York for a job. That afternoon Marya phoned a realtor and found out the going rate for property on the island. With the money she had inherited from her parents, she could make a big down payment on the lot. The rest she would pay by the month. That evening she called Penelope in New York, and they agreed on the terms. Marya sat on her porch in the dark that night, enjoying the view of her very own woods. When the moon came from behind a cloud, she saw a raccoon family walking single file to the beach. They must live in the hole she’d seen under the roots of a big fallen tree. “And no one will disturb your home!” she whispered. “I’ll see to that.” When Marya went to treat Walter the next day she was pleased with his upbeat attitude. “I’ve had company,” he announced. “People come to the library for books and stop in to see me. It’s great. I didn’t want them to come before because I didn’t want them to see me like this.”
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“But you’re getting stronger.” “I know. In fact, I’m thinking of taking my boat out.” Marya had very mixed feelings about that. “You think you could manage it?” “If my therapist came with me!” Walter grinned. “But I don’t know how to run a boat.” “I could teach you. How about it? If I’m gonna to live out here I better be self sufficient.” There was truth in that statement, but Marya hesitated. “Since Drew is living with you, he can always do your errands for you. And I’d be glad to help you, too.” “I know, gal, but in a pinch I better be able to help myself.” Marya took a deep breath. Maybe he was right. “Here’s what we’ll do: Day after tomorrow we’ll go down to the dock and figure out a way you can get in and out of the boat. If we can manage that, we’ll see where we go from there.” Walter grinned. “You like to fish? We could take some poles.” “Just don’t push your luck, okay?” Marya laughed. “All I’m agreeing to is getting in and out of the boat.” On the day they’d agreed on, Walter was waiting impatiently when Marya arrived. “Ready?” Walter was wearing an old straw hat, T-shirt, and jeans. He looked happier than Marya had ever seen him. “Drew’s at a building site, and my golf cart is here.” “I’m ready. But remember, this is just a trial. We’ll see if you can get in and out of the boat.” Walter drove to the dock in the golf cart, his strong right arm and leg doing most of the work. Walking on the uneven dock with his four point cane was difficult, but he managed very well. When they reached the boat, though, he appeared
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uncertain. “Dang, how’m I gonna get in?” The tide was low, and the boat bobbed gently up and down in the waves. It was nineteen feet long, Walter had told her. It had a center console and a flat forward deck with a bow rail that was highest in the front. “That’s what we have to figure out.” Marya studied the situation. “You’d have trouble getting either leg over the bow rail. I think if we turn the boat sideways, next to the dock, it will be easier.” She untied the boat, pulled it alongside the dock, and retied it. “Now, hold onto this piling with your right hand, and try to step down onto the deck with your left leg.” With Marya’s help, and after a few scary moments, Walter was standing triumphantly in his boat. “We did it!” he crowed. “We sure did.” Already Marya was worried about getting him out. “How about a short ride?” Walter looked as happy as a little boy on Christmas morning. “Come on, now, Walter, that wasn’t part of the plan!” “Maybe not your plan, but it was sure part of mine!” He grinned. “You rascal!” She had to laugh. He was showing more independence than he had since she’d met him. And that was good. “But I don’t know how to run the boat,” she said. “You don’t have to, gal. I can do it easy. And I’ll teach you. Might come in handy some day.” Marya was torn with indecision. She hated to discourage Walter’s newfound self-confidence. On the other hand, it would be stupid to endanger his life, and hers, too. She watched the sunshine on the gentle waves in the
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protected water of the bay, between the island and the mainland. “Are you sure you could do it?” “Positive.” “Well, all right. But make it a very short ride. And slow.” With a grin, Walter pulled the key out of his pocket. “Just happened to have this.” He started the motor, instructed Marya to untie the boat, and pulled smoothly away from the dock. Keeping his promise, he drove at idle speed, passing other docks and calling a greeting to several people. “Okay, Walter. We’d better get back.” Although she enjoyed riding in a boat, Marya did feel nervous about this particular trip. Nervous and responsible. And worried about getting Walter back on the dock. Without argument, Walter slowly maneuvered back to the dock and positioned the boat with its side to the dock. When Marya had fastened the lines, she helped Walter up onto the dock, and it wasn’t easy. It required him to balance briefly on his weak leg while lifting the good leg to the dock. Then, shifting all his weight to his good leg, and hanging on to the piling with his good arm, he had to hoist himself out. Marya instructed him on every move, and in case he should fall, she held onto his belt. Once safely on the dock, both Marya and Walter were elated. “Let’s do it again tomorrow, and fish!” Walter begged. Marya thought it over. Certainly he’d done all right. And practice makes perfect. “Okay,” she agreed. “Same time. And now we’d better get back to the house.” Before your nephew comes home, she thought. Walter had pulled into his driveway when Drew came to the top of the stairs. “Where the devil have you two been?”
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“Just out for a ride,” Walter called innocently. Then he whispered, “In the boat.” Marya giggled. “He’ll have to know sometime, you know.” “Yeah, but not today, okay?” “My lips are sealed. But just for today.” Marya climbed out of the golf cart. “Hi, Drew,” she called. “I have to get home, so I’ll be going now.” She looked up at him. Standing at the top of the stairs in his cut-off jeans and T-shirt, his hair touched gently by the breeze, his tan skin emphasizing his strong arms and muscular legs, Drew almost took her breath away. Maybe he’d offer to drive her home? But no! What was she thinking of? He is Penelope’s fiancé, she reminded herself. And trying to take my land away. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Walter,” she said softly. Then more loudly, “Bye, Drew!’ She didn’t wait for a reply. In the next few days, while Drew was at work, Marya and Walter practiced getting in and out of the boat, and Walter gave Marya some lessons in seamanship. She did learn how to start the boat. Pulling away from the dock wasn’t too hard, but her docking skills left much to be desired. Judging the wind direction, the force of the waves, and the boat speed was difficult for her. She found herself missing the slip or hitting a tie pole or even crashing into the dock because she hadn’t put the boat into reverse soon enough. “Will I ever learn, Walter?” Marya asked. Anchored not far from the dock, they were fishing from the boat. “You do better every time.” Walter grinned. “We just have to keep practicing.” Marya laughed. “At least you are doing well. You could probably get in and out without help now.” She glanced at the
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sky. “We’d better get home before the rain starts.” The usual afternoon shower was late today. “Guess you’re right,” Walter agreed. “You pull up the anchor, and… Uh oh!” “What?” Marya looked up in alarm. “Look who’s on the dock?” “On, no!” Marya groaned. Drew was standing on the dock, his hands on his hips and fire in his eye. She pleaded, “Walter, you dock it this time. I’d mess up for sure!” “No problem. I’ll show that young nephew of mine.” While Marya pulled up the anchor, Walter started the motor and slowly headed for the dock. But instead of his usual smooth docking procedure, he misjudged his speed, overshot the dock, and had to try again. Drew caught the line Marya tossed him and started to tie up, but she said, “No, we have to go sideways.” Grim faced, Drew started to get into the boat to help his uncle out, but Marya said, “He can do it himself. Just watch.” Unfortunately Walter’s foot slipped on the damp deck, and Marya had to reach out to steady him. And by that time his hands with shaking with nervousness. It took both Drew and Marya to get him out of the boat. “Thanks,” Walter panted. “Come on, Marya. We’ll take you home.” Drew didn’t say a word until Walter was seated between himself and Marya in the golf cart. Then he turned on Marya. “What on earth made you do such a thing?” She leaned forward to look him in the eye. “Walter is a grown man, Drew. It’s his boat, and he wants to be able to use it. We’ve been very careful.”
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Drew’s eyes narrowed. “You mean you’ve done this before? I can’t believe it. I’ll decide when and if he can use his boat!” Walter had slumped passively next to Marya, but he straightened up now, his weathered face pink. “Drew, you got to understand. Marya gave me back my life. I know I can live out here now. Out here where I belong. I can fish. I can drive the boat. And next thing is driving my car. Is it still at the marina?” Drew seemed ready to explode. “Uncle Walt, maybe she means well,” he shot Marya a withering glance, “but Marya is not in charge. I am. And I say you are not to use the boat.” Walter frowned. “No, I’m in charge. That’s final. We going to sit here all day?” A few raindrops spattered on the sand around the golf cart, and Drew turned the key. “I suppose you’d better come to Uncle Walt’s until the rain stops,” he told Marya grudgingly. “It’s closer than the condo.” “Oh, thanks for the kind invitation!” Marya said, tired of Drew’s bossiness. “No, I’ll just walk home.” She stepped out of the golf cart just as a brilliant lightning strike almost blinded her, and an enormous thunder clap rent the air. “Get in!” Drew yelled, and she obeyed. Rain slanted in on them, and they were soaked to the skin when they drove under Walter’s house. With some protection from the house, they climbed the stairs and entered the screened porch, which was awash with water. ***
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When they were finally inside and his Uncle Walter had gone to put on dry clothes, Drew turned his attention to Marya. She looked like a rag doll that had been left out in the rain. “I don’t know what I could give you to wear,” he said. “I’ve got a bathrobe.” “No, I’m all right,” she said. But in the air-conditioned house he could see her teeth chattering. “I insist.” Drew went to his room, changed clothes, and returned with his dark blue terry cloth robe. He tossed it to her and directed her to the guest bathroom. After a short time she appeared in his robe, looking small and vulnerable. Her blond hair was dark with moisture and curled around her face like a little cap. In her hands was a pile of wet clothes. “Uh, you can put those in the dryer,” he suggested. “Right over there in the hallway.” “Oh. Okay.” Marya put them in, and soon they were spinning and clicking. She came back to the living room and perched on a chair, clutching the robe together high on her neck. Drew’s attitude softened. Maybe he’d been too rough on her for taking Uncle Walt out in the boat. He was still against it, of course, but maybe he could smooth things over while making her understand. “Feeling better?” He smiled. “Much.” But she still looked uncomfortable. Rain was still beating on the windows, and the Gulf was obscured by sheets of water blowing in from the west. Every few minutes lightning flashed and thunder followed. Drew made some cocoa and gave Uncle Walt and Marya each a cup. Then he settled back on the couch and stretched his arm out on the back. “Looks like you’ll be here awhile,
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Marya.” He smiled his friendliest smile and was rewarded with a small smile in return. Encouraged, Drew decided the time was right to calmly make his views (the correct views) known. “I’m sorry I yelled at you two the way I did. It was just because I was so surprised.” Uncle Walt said, “That’s okay, Drew. I know you worry about me. But now you can see I’m in good hands when I’m with my therapist.” Drew stifled an impatient sigh. “Believe me I’m really grateful to Marya.” He smiled in her direction. “She’s helped you recover remarkably well, but you’re not out of the woods yet.” Walt chuckled. “I plan to get out of the woods before I’m over the hill.” Marya and Drew both laughed, and she said, “I don’t think you’ll ever be over the hill, Walter. You’re too independent.” That was just the opening Drew needed. “Marya’s right, Uncle Walt. Right now you’re too independent…” “Wait a minute!” Marya’s cheeks were pink. “That wasn’t what I meant at all! You twisted my words. I was talking about Walter’s great spirit and his will to get better.” “I know,” Drew soothed. Why did she have to look so attractive? “And he’s doing great. But we have to be cautious. So I don’t want you two going in the boat anymore. It’s too dangerous. Maybe later, when you’re stronger, Uncle Walt.” Uncle Walt grunted. “We’ll see.” Marya straightened in her chair. “Yes, Drew, we’ll see. Your uncle is a grown man who can make decisions for himself. Though you don’t seem to appreciate the fact, we
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have been very cautious. We’ve practiced getting in and out of the boat numerous times. I think he can probably do it alone. It’s important that he be able to do it. After all, he does live on an island!” She apparently forgot what she was wearing. The robe slid open, revealing some enticing curves, but she quickly closed it again and tightened the belt, while staring defiantly at Drew. He’d lost his train of thought. She was quite pretty. Very desirable, in fact. If he weren’t already engaged… But what had they been talking about? Oh, yes. Uncle Walt and the island. “I realize he lives on an island,” he said. “And the island doesn’t have a bridge,” Marya spoke to him as if he were a child. “No, it doesn’t. Yet!” Drew grinned. It wouldn’t hurt to reveal his plan now. “I’ve spoken to the state department of highways about building a bridge, and they advised me to talk to our senators.” “A bridge!” Marya’s eyes were round with dismay. “There used to be one years ago, wasn’t there, Uncle Walt?” “Yeah, but it washed out in a hurricane.” Marya still looked worried. “But half the beauty of the island is the fact that it’s so private. You’ve said yourselves that you don’t even have to lock your doors here! That’s what makes it such a great place to live. People tell me the beach here is the way Florida ‘used to be.’ And now you want to spoil it?” “Time marches on,” Drew said gently. “It would probably be a toll bridge. So people would think twice about coming out. And there are no stores here. Nothing for tourists.”
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“No,” Marya said heatedly. “Nothing but our beautiful beach.” She seemed ready to say more, but the buzzer on the dryer sounded, and she leaped up and strode to get her clothes. She closed herself in the bathroom and soon emerged in her shorts and cotton blouse. “I hung your robe on the hook,” she said shortly. “Thanks for the cocoa. I think it quit raining, so I’m leaving. See you tomorrow, Walter.” “Wait. Drew can give you a ride home.” “No, thanks. I’d really like to walk. I need the exercise, and it’s so safe here on the island. For now!” Drew watched her open the sliding glass door, slosh through the water on the indoor outdoor carpeting of the porch, and let the screen door slam behind her.
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Chapter Eight
Marya decided to take the beach way home. The air was fresh and cooler after the rain, but she was fuming inside. She barely glanced at the setting sun, tinting the western sky every shade of pink and purple. Drew intended to appropriate her beachfront lot. Well, wouldn’t he be surprised when he learned she’d bought Penelope’s interest in the property? She smiled grimly. But now he planned to have a bridge built to the island. Soon more houses and condos would line the shore. Stores and shops would spring up like mushrooms. This secluded beach would be covered with sunburned tourists. And the safe haven she enjoyed so much would be gone forever. How could he do this? He’d practically grown up here and loved the island. Didn’t he realize the harm a bridge would do?
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A white egret flew by, and Marya watched it land gracefully. What would happen to all the wild life on the island? She strolled along more slowly, savoring the incredible beauty of the sky and water, colors blending and changing. Blues, golds, orange, pink, lavender. No two sunsets were ever the same. And the island wouldn’t be the same once a bridge was built. Wasn’t there something she could do? Surely other people must feel the way she did. Marya thought of Walter’s neighbors and she smiled. She’d met them when she was telling them about Walter’s library. There were some characters among them. All selfsufficient people, a few of them had lived here for years. And even those who could only come on weekends came for the solitude, the plentiful fish, the unspoiled beauty. If they all banded together, could they prevent the bridge from being built? She wondered if they had even heard about the bridge proposal. She would tell them! And what’s more, she would type up a petition, asking the state to deny the bridge request. With a lighter heart and step, she approached the walkway over the dunes to her condo. At the hospital the next day Marya typed the petition she’d planned the night before. That afternoon when she went to visit Walter for his treatment, she was tempted to ask him to sign, but he’d surely tell Drew. Let Drew find out later. Drew came home just as Walter finished his exercises. “Oh, hey, Marya. Didn’t realize you’d be here today.” His smile was cautious. “I hope you’re not still mad.” “I’m feeling a lot better today, thanks.” And wouldn’t he be surprised if he knew about the petition! She suppressed a grin
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“That’s good,” he said sincerely. “Penelope called me early this morning and said she’d be coming in this evening. She has some more time off. And I’d hate for you and I to be fighting when she’s here.” He brushed that lock of hair off his forehead with his strong tan hand. His cutoff jeans and T-shirt revealed his arms and legs, dark and glistening with moisture now. Just above his right knee Marya noticed a red abrasion, and she fought the ridiculous temptation to kiss it and make it well. “How did you hurt your leg?” He looked down. “I scraped it on the dock. We were unloading some appliances.” “Did you put an antiseptic on it?” She couldn’t help asking. “No, but I’ll take a shower right now.” Drew’s warm smile made Marya feel slightly breathless. Marya and Walter were sitting on the porch when Drew came out in clean shorts, his bare chest boasting well developed pectoral muscles. No need for him to exercise at a spa! Marya forced her eyes away from him and checked her watch. “What time did you say Penelope is coming?” “I’m picking her up at the airport at seven.” Remembering Penelope’s engagement ring, Marya said, “Maybe she’ll have the ring this time.” He frowned. “Why wouldn’t she?” “I mean the new one.” Though why Drew and Penelope had decided to have the diamond reset was absolutely beyond Marya’s comprehension. “What new ring?” Drew seemed baffled. He couldn’t have forgotten! Something didn’t add up. Marya quickly said, “She mentioned something about a ring. I
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must have misunderstood.” But she had understood Penelope perfectly. Drew smiled, his teeth white against his tan. “Probably some costume jewelry. You know how she loves pretty things.” “That’s probably it.” But she knew it wasn’t. Changing the subject, Marya said, “I’ll be going, then. Maybe I’ll see you when you bring Penelope home.” She said goodbye to Drew and Walter and started home, but there was plenty of daylight left, and time enough to try for some signatures on the petition. The people she spoke to were as indignant as she at the thought of a bridge connecting them to the mainland. An old bachelor, a young commercial fisherman, and a recently retired couple were all more than happy to sign the petition. Much encouraged, Marya continued her walk home, stopping for awhile at her very own beach front lot. She located several sea grape seedlings she would transplant this weekend. And she watched a gopher tortoise come out of his hole to eat some weeds. She’d call him Muncher, she decided. Marya was asleep by the time Penelope came home that night. In the morning she tiptoed out of the condo and jogged on the beach. Today being Saturday, she would have time to collect more signatures. After a shower and breakfast she called on several people in the condos. Most of them turned out to be renters, although she did get two owners’ signatures. She would have to get the names and addresses of the other condo owners. What made their property so attractive to renters was its privacy and lack of traffic and noise. They would almost certainly agree to sign.
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When Marya came home with the signatures, Penelope was in the kitchen sipping coffee. Penelope smiled. “How’s my favorite little sister?” “Fine.” Marya dropped a kiss in the vicinity of Penelope’s forehead. “Good to have you back. How long can you stay?” Marya felt a rush of tenderness for her unpredictable sister, now her closest relative. “I can stay four or five days.” “Drew must be glad about that.” Marya poured herself a cup of coffee and joined her sister at the table. “Can you believe he wants a bridge to the island?” “I guess he mentioned it.” Penelope examined her fingernails. “Why? Don’t you like the idea?” “I hate the idea, Penelope! Can’t you just imagine how the island would change?” Penelope shrugged. “I never thought about it, but it would be a lot more convenient.” “Yes, convenient for crowds of people! The great thing about the island is its inaccessibility. That’s why Mom and Dad liked it so well. Don’t you remember?” “Oh, well.” Penelope picked up her cup and put it in the dishwasher. “We can’t stop progress.” Marya clamped her lips together in frustration. To argue about it would be futile. Penelope just didn’t care. Marya wouldn’t even bring up the subject of the petition, because Penelope would naturally tell Drew. It would be better to have a large number of signatures before he even heard that a petition existed. Marya changed the subject. “I’m going to spend some time on the lot today.” She grinned. “My lot. I’m going to transplant some sea grapes. I bought some peat moss
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yesterday. They told me at the nursery that peat moss around the roots would hold moisture.” “Whatever.” Penelope showed no interest. “Drew will be here soon. I’m going to get into my swimsuit.” Marya put her petition paper in her bedroom and changed to her oldest cut-offs, a faded blouse, and old sneakers. Then with her peat moss and a shovel and pail she’d borrowed from the maintenance man, she spent a happy time transplanting sea grapes. She didn’t even mind carrying the water from the condo hose to the lot. “Looks good!” Startled, Marya looked up to see Drew smiling at her. He was wearing swimming trunks. Little drops of water glistened on his shoulders. “Oh, hi.” She straightened her back. “I’m starting my own beach protection project. See my sea grapes? I’m sure these will prevent erosion, aren’t you?” Only half joking, she proudly admired the tiny plants she’d just moved.” Little laugh wrinkles showed around Drew’s eyes. “I’m sure they’ll help, if the storm doesn’t come too soon.” Marya chuckled. “Yes, they do have a bit of growing to do, don’t they?” “But you do have the right idea,” Drew said. “I’ve have seen big sea grapes plants protect beach homes from storms. But not from ‘the big one!’” “Let’s hope ‘the big one’ never strikes here!” Marya smiled at Drew. At times like this he seemed so nice. “You really don’t have to do this work yourself, Marya. When I clean out the underbrush I’ll save the sea grapes, and I’ll be planting larger ones near the beach.”
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“Excuse me!” Marya took pleasure in bursting his bubble. “You won’t be clearing out any underbrush on my lot.” “Yours and Penelope’s,” Drew said patiently. “Remember, she gave me permission. I promise I won’t hurt it. I’ll improve it.” “That was before she sold her half of the lot to me.” His mouth dropped open. “She what?” “You heard me. The lot is all mine now.” Drew looked so stunned she was almost sorry for him. “Go and ask her, if you don’t believe me.” Why was it they were always on opposite sides of practically any subject? The one thing they did agree on was Penelope’s welfare. “Where is Penelope? I thought you two were going swimming.” Still looking disappointed, Drew said, “We did go swimming. She’s asleep under the umbrella, and I saw you working and decided to see what you’re doing.” A sudden scream from the beach struck terror into Marya’s heart. Without a word she started running, and Drew was yards ahead of her. When they reached the shore, they saw a very young child tottering near the edge of the water. A young woman stood in waist deep water, screaming. And far out on the waves was something bright orange in color. “Help!” yelled the frantic woman. “It’s Jason! My little boy!” With a racing dive, Drew plunged into the waves and, using a strong crawl, swam toward the orange object. It appeared to be one of those long, foam plastic pool toys, Marya thought. It was visible when on the crest of a wave, but disappeared from view when in a trough. Sometimes she thought she could see a little head.
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Dragging her eyes from the little boy, Marya again noticed the toddler. The little girl was at the very edge of the water, and as Marya watched, she walked right into the waves, toward her screaming mother. Marya sprinted to the water and pulled out the little girl, who was coughing and retching. Marya set her down, and with great relief heard the child let out a scream that rivaled her mother’s. “You’re all right, honey. You’re all right.” Marya held the toddler and rocked back and forth, crooning softly. Gradually the baby’s screams changed to little sobs and shaky breaths. The mother had turned in time to see Marya save the child. “Thank you!” she yelled, stumbling toward shore. She snatched up the child, then turned to peer out at the Gulf. “Oh, Jason!” she wailed. “Oh, Lord, help them!” Marya stood up and watched with the mother. Drew had reached the orange pool toy and little Jason, and they were slowly making progress toward shore. As they got closer, Marya could see Drew swimming with one arm around the little boy and the toy. She found herself breathing hard, as though she herself were swimming. Just then Penelope came running up the beach. “What happened? Where’s Drew? I fell asleep, and…” Marya pointed. “Drew’s rescuing a little boy.” Wide eyed, Penelope clapped her hands over her mouth and stared out to sea. The mother kept hugging her baby girl and breathing little prayers until Drew got near the shore. Then she pushed the little girl at Marya and ran into the waves. “Jason!” She scooped up her little son and stood in the swirling water, clutching him to her while she sobbed in relief.
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Drew slipped his arm around the mother and guided her to shore, where she sank down onto the sand hugging the boy. The baby girl, seeing her mother and Jason, wriggled out of Marya’s grasp and toddled to her mother. Finally, seated on the beach with both children in her arms, the mother looked gratefully up at Drew. “Thank you! Oh thank you!” “No problem.” Panting, Drew smiled down at her. Aware only of Drew, Marya admired his gentleness, kindness, and swimming ability, to say nothing of his outstanding masculine attractions. Feet planted firmly in the sand, he stood with hands on his hips. Water dripped from his thick brown hair and trickled down his body. A sudden moan drew Marya’s attention to Penelope, still standing with both hands over her mouth. Penelope’s eyes were enormous and unblinking. With a cry she threw herself at Drew, almost knocking him down. He recovered his balance while she flung her arms around his neck. “You might have drowned!” Penelope sobbed. Drew patted her back. “I’m fine! Just had to help that little guy.” “But you might have drowned!” she repeated. “What if you drowned?” With her cheek against his shoulder, she cried quietly, her tears running down his arm. “Penelope, I wasn’t in danger!” Drew tried to back away, but she clung more tightly. The mother stood up and took her children by their hands. With an embarrassed smile she said, “Thanks again! You saved Jason’s life.” Drew smiled at the mother over Penelope’s head. He gently took hold of Penelope’s arms and tried to release himself, but Penelope held on tight.
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“Well, I’ll be going, then,” the mother said. “I can never thank you enough!” She picked up her baby girl, held tight to little Jason’s hand, and walked away. Marya stood up and brushed off the sand. It seemed that Penelope would never let go of Drew. Marya cleared her throat. “You were great, Drew. You really did save his life.” Penelope whirled to face Marya. “And what about Drew’s life? What if he drowned?” Her cheeks were pink, her eyes puffy. Marya stared at her sister. “That would be terrible. But he’s obviously a good swimmer, Pen.” Wasn’t Penelope’s reaction to this whole situation rather odd? But the reason came to her in a flash of insight. Penelope had drowned their baby sister in a tragic accident. Was she remembering it? Drew draped his arm over Penelope’s shoulders. But his eyes sought Marya’s. Words weren’t necessary. Marya could tell he was thinking about the drowned baby, too. To defuse the situation, Marya exclaimed, “I’m starved! How about you two? We have some sliced turkey for sandwiches.” Slowly the panic faded from Penelope’s eyes. She nodded her head. “I don’t know why that worried me so! Must have been because I’d been sound asleep. Yes, a sandwich sounds good. You’ll come, won’t you, Drew?” “Sounds great!” He gave Marya a grateful smile. “But I’m all wet.” “That’s all right. We’ll eat outside at the picnic table.” Marya briefly touched Drew’s arm to acknowledge their shared concern about Penelope. But she was startled by the rush of emotion she felt at the contact. Her fingers tingled and sent shivers of excitement through her. Did he feel it too? What
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was wrong with her? Too embarrassed and flustered to meet his eyes, she said, “I’ll run ahead and start making lunch.” By the time she’d washed up, brushed her hair, and put together some sandwiches, Marya had recovered her composure. While Drew and Penelope, still in their swimsuits, rinsed themselves under the outdoor shower, Marya carried the picnic basket down to the round concrete table. Shaded by the red and white striped umbrella, they all helped themselves to sandwiches and grapes. Marya poured iced tea, and finally dared glance at Drew. He was listening to something Penelope had said. But when he turned to Marya, he gave her a quick smile and thumbs up. He was telling her Penelope was all right. She hadn’t remembered the drowning. The secret was safe. Marya returned the smile. Drew obviously hadn’t noticed any strange behavior on Marya’s part, thank goodness. Penelope popped a grape into her mouth. “Mm. Good lunch, Marya. And now that the excitement is over, it’s peaceful.” “That’s what I love about it, too,” Marya said. “The peacefulness. And I’m sure you do, too, Drew.” She innocently wiped her mouth with a paper napkin. His bridge would put an end to the peace. Let him think about that. Drew nodded. “Peacefulness. I guess that’s why we’re all here. But I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t even had time to plan our house—yours and mine, Penelope.” Marya felt a twinge of…what? Not jealousy! She wanted only the best for her sister. “Of course I’ll have to sell one or two spec houses first,” Drew said. But we do have a great bay side lot with a couple live oaks on it.”
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“I want cathedral ceilings,” Penelope declared. “And a big porch all the way around. It’s going to be so much fun picking out new furniture!” “Well,” Drew looked worried. “We’ll have to take it slow at first, you know. Can’t afford everything at once.” “I understand,” Penelope said. “We can spend some of my earnings on furniture.” “I suppose so. But that means you’ll be away a lot.” Marya felt uncomfortable listening to this two-way conversation. “Have you set a date?” she asked. “No. I’m waiting for your sister to make that decision.” Drew patted Penelope’s hand. Then he looked down at it. “Where’s your ring, Penelope?” “In my jewelry box. I’m afraid I’ll lose it if I wear it on the beach.” Penelope’s eyes were wide and guileless. Suddenly she pointed, “What kind of bird is that?” During the ensuing discussion about herons, Marya watched Drew and Penelope. Had Penelope deliberately changed the subject from the ring to birds? She had never shown any interest in birds before. At any rate, Drew was no longer thinking about the ring. Surely he couldn’t have forgotten they had decided to have the diamond reset. Well, it was their business, not hers. After lunch Drew excused himself. “Work to do. I have to pick up the electricians at the marina.” “Do you have to?” Penelope gave a deep sigh. “I thought we could go into town.” “Sorry!” Drew crumpled his napkin and put it on the paper plate. “The sooner I finish this house the sooner I can sell it. In fact, I think I have a pretty good prospect.” “Wonderful!” Penelope’s eyes shone. “All right. In that case you’re excused.”
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When Drew had gone, Marya and Penelope threw the paper plates in the trash container and went upstairs. Penelope took a shower, and Marya decided to read for awhile before going out to work on the lot again. She was in her father’s recliner when Penelope came into the room in clean shorts and a T-shirt, her hair wrapped in a towel. Penelope walked out onto the balcony, stared out at the Gulf for a few minutes, and came back into the living room. She sighed deeply. “Something wrong?” Marya looked up from her book. “No, not really.” But Penelope’s shoulders sagged. She flopped into a chair. “Are you sure?” Marya hoped Penelope wasn’t remembering today’s near-drowning. “I’m sure.” Penelope unwrapped the towel from her head and ran her fingers through her damp hair. “I guess I’m just bored without Drew.” “That’s understandable. I suppose that’s what happens when you’re in love.” “That must be it.” Penelope sighed again. “Were you ever in love, Marya?” Marya felt an old familiar heartache and quickly suppressed it. “I thought I was,” she said shortly. “But I got over it.” She forced a smile. “Then you remember how love makes you feel.” Penelope padded back into her bedroom. Against her will, Marya recalled how much in love she’d been. It was while she was still in college. He was a professor. Dr. Williams. Tall, blond, handsome, ten years older than she. He’d made her feel so special! So beautiful! She’d been flattered at his attention, at the secret dates, the dinners in small out-of-the-way cafes. “I can’t let the other
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students know about us,” he’d said. “Once you’re graduated it will be different.” And it was different. Very different. Dr. Williams attended graduation and sat with the rest of the faculty, impossibly handsome in his cap and gown. And afterwards, when Marya had run excitedly to talk to him, he’d introduced her to his wife! Small, blond, dimpled, and holding a pinkcheeked baby girl! Marya couldn’t remember what she’d said or how she’d left the area. She remembered the tears, the heartbroken sobs, the days without eating a decent meal. And she remembered her vow never to be fooled again.
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Chapter Nine
At idle speed Drew pulled his boat into the loading zone at the marina, where the two electricians were waiting. When they’d climbed aboard, he turned back toward the island, half listening to their banter. He sure hated to work on this Saturday, when Penelope was down from New York. But it was necessary. Unless he made a success of this contracting business, he had no right to marry her. He wanted her to have the nice things she was used to. Once they were married, he hoped she would model less often, maybe give it up completely. After all, who in their right mind would prefer New York City to Sea Grape Key? Puffy white clouds threw their shadows on the gentle blue-green waves, and he saw a few thunderheads forming. With any luck the daily rain would hold off until late afternoon, so he could get the men back to the marina without getting soaked. If he could get the state to build a bridge, life would be a lot easier. Imagine the convenience! His sub contractors could just drive out to the island! He wouldn’t have to shuttle them back and forth. Of course he realized that the island would lose some of its privacy. On the other hand, property values would go way up. And if there were a bridge he wouldn’t worry so much about Uncle Walt living out here. Drew inched his boat to a stop at the dock on the island and climbed out with the two men. “My truck’s right over
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there.” He pointed to his “new” old wreck standing in the weeds. He’d just bought it a few days ago and had it barged out to the island. “You call that a truck?” one of the men asked. “Take it or leave it. Would you rather hike?” “I’ll take it! I’ll take it!” The man grinned and carried his equipment to the truck. The engine started on the fifth try. When Drew could afford it he’d get a better truck, but until then, this one would have to do. These days he had trouble just paying his subs. He dropped the electricians off at the building site. From there he drove to the little white wooden chapel to see that the windows were closed before it rained. Uncle Walt’s golf cart was outside! How come? The chapel door was unlocked, and when he pulled the door open he heard a muffled cry. “Oh, you scared me!” Marya stood just inside, some kind of folder clutched to her chest. “Sorry!” Drew laughed. “I saw Uncle Walt’s golf cart outside. Where is he?” “He’s, uh, he’s at home. He said I could use the golf cart today. I’m uh, kind of sightseeing.” Mary’s cheeks were very pink. “Good.” Drew left the door open to let in more air. Why was Marya so flustered? She sure looked cute this afternoon in blue shorts and shirt. Her eyes were a brighter blue than usual. In the moist air her hair curled around her face. “What do you think of the chapel?” he asked. “Oh, Drew, it’s beautiful! I just love it.” He felt ridiculously pleased at her approval. Usually she seemed more aloof. “Glad you like it. I wanted it simple, in keeping with the island, but still solemn and church-like.”
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“Well, you certainly succeeded.” Marya’s eyes shone as she examined the interior. “I like the shape of the windows. Is that called a Gothic arch?” “Right! And the way they tilt out lets a nice breeze through.” As if on cue, a gentle west wind rattled the palm branches outside. “Good idea, especially in the summer. I don’t suppose you’ll air condition the chapel?” Marya pushed a damp curl off her forehead. Drew laughed. “We aren’t putting in electricity or water. We’ll have to make do with candles, or on special occasions we’ll run an extension cord from the nearest house. We got these pews from a church that was being demolished, and I built the altar. As you can see, it’s very plain.” “Yes, and perfect for a chapel like this. Do you mind if I sit down?” “Be my guest.” Drew indicated a pew and sat beside her. “We’re trying to find a used bell for the little bell tower. I’ve heard of a place that might have one. And the rope will hang down over there.” He pointed to a spot near the door. “Won’t that be nice! I’m really impressed, Drew.” She continued her inspection, still hugging that cardboard folder. “I love the knotty pine paneling. I suppose you’ll have some potted plants?” “That’s what I have in mind. Of course they might be hard to take care of, with the chapel closed up most of the time.” Drew smiled ruefully. It was so nice to get input from Marya, who seemed truly interested. Marya tilted her head. “Two natural wreaths might look nice on the wall behind the altar. I’m planning to make some wreaths of wild grape vines, with other dried weeds or berries, maybe some pinecones. If I make two for the chapel, could
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you use them? They’d never need water.” She smiled, showing even white teeth. A faint flowery fragrance surrounded her. Marya expected an answer, but he was having trouble concentrating. Her skin was fresh and lovely. Her lips were pink and full. How would it feel to kiss them? He leaned toward her. “Or maybe you don’t like the idea?” Marya shrugged. “That’s okay. I won’t be offended.” “Idea?” Drew gulped. “Oh, idea! You mean the wreaths. I think they’d be perfect.” Whew! He’d almost made a big mistake. “Good. I’ll get busy on them.” Marya stood up. “I’m, uh…” Her face suddenly flushed. “I have something else to do right now. And I’m sure you’re working today.” “Yes, I do have to get back.” Drew checked his watch. Where had the time gone? Just then the floor squeaked, and in the doorway stood Penelope, eyebrows raised in a question. How long had she stood there? “Well! You two look cozy here!” She sauntered in. “You’d said you had to work, Drew, and I was so bored I thought I’d take a walk. Taking a little break?” She assumed her model’s smile. Drew jumped to his feet. His mouth felt dry, as if he were guilty of something. “I just came to check the windows, and Marya happened to be here…” Marya, bless her, said casually, “Hi, Sis. I’m so impressed with the chapel! Aren’t you? I couldn’t resist coming in. I’m sorry I interrupted your work, Drew.” “Oh, that’s okay,” he said briskly.
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“Sure, that’s okay,” Penelope mimicked. “Never mind about me. I’ll just wait all day. I have nothing better to do.” Her enormous green eyes were misty. Marya looked dismayed. “Pen! Drew just spent a minute showing me the chapel!” “That’s right, honey,” Drew soothed. “I promise I’ll finish work as soon as possible. How would you like to go out to dinner tonight? We can go across to the Hungry Fisherman.” He should have kept better track of time. Penelope ran her fingers through her hair. “Hmm. How about going to Palm Plaza?” “Fine!” But a lot more expensive. Drew mentally totaled his bills coming due. Well, he’d manage somehow. “Let’s close these windows in case it rains.” When he and the girls had cranked the windows shut, he said, “Well, see you as soon as I can.” He drove off in his truck, which, thankfully, had started on the first try. He understood how Penelope could get bored. When she lived here permanently it would be different. She’d meet more people. Except that there weren’t many people… Well, when he started furnishing a model house, Penelope could be a big help. She had very good taste. He could imagine her really getting enthusiastic about that. And in the meantime, maybe Marya would show her how to make some wreaths. He’d suggest it. He’d been touched, even flattered, at Marya’s interest in the chapel. Maybe that’s why she had seemed more attractive today. But she was more than just attractive, he realized. She was genuine. Down to earth. Nice. ***
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Standing outside the chapel with Penelope, Marya fingered her petition folder and wondered at her sister’s silence. “Is something wrong?” she asked. Penelope sighed. “I guess not. What are you going to do now?” Marya wanted to collect some more signatures, but couldn’t say so. “I guess I’ll take Walter’s golf cart back to him after awhile.” “Good,” Penelope said. “I’ll ride along, and we can walk home together. There’s nothing else to do here.” Oh, great. Just what she needed. Now she’d have to postpone the petition for another time. “Okay,” Marya said. “Hop in.” With Penelope beside her and the folder on the floor of the golf cart, Marya drove down the sandy road, around bends, and through stands of pines and Brazilian pepper trees. From some open spaces, golden with sea oats, they could see the Gulf. “Aren’t you proud of Drew’s chapel?” Marya asked. It was so charming. Perfect for the island. Drew had done a wonderful job on it. “Mm hm.” Penelope apparently didn’t feel like talking. Well, that was all right. Marya mused on her conversation with Drew in the chapel. The longer she knew him the more she admired his hard work and his vision of a little island community. For awhile she’d forgotten about the darn bridge. She’d praised his building while holding her petition folder! Now her stomach felt queasy. She hated being underhanded like this. But what choice did she have? The bridge must be stopped to protect the island’s privacy. Marya turned into Walter’s sandy yard, and pulled the golf cart under the house. “Let’s go up and say hi to Walter.”
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Penelope sighed and gracefully stepped out of the cart. “Let’s not stay too long.” Upstairs, Walter seemed delighted to see them. “Hey, gals! What a feast for sore eyes!” He insisted on serving them some iced tea, and Marya was pleased to see how well he handled the task. Before too long she could recommend that he be discharged as a patient, though she would always consider him a close friend. Penelope squirmed in her chair. “I guess we’d better get going, Marya. I’m expecting that phone call, you know. Don’t want to miss it.” “Oh, I didn’t realize! Okay. Well, Walter, it was nice visiting with you. Thanks a lot for the tea. See you Monday for your exercises.” Marya impulsively kissed him on the weathered cheek and pretended not to see the sentimental tears welling in his eyes. The sisters walked downstairs and headed toward the beach. “I didn’t know you were expecting a phone call,” Marya said. “I could have driven you home before I returned the golf cart.” Penelope looked penitent. “That was a little white lie. Walter is a nice old guy.” She sighed. “But I’m uncomfortable around sick people.” “He’s not sick!” “Well, you know what I mean. The way his left hand doesn’t work very well. And how he has to use a cane. It kind of upsets me.” Marya gave a short laugh. “Believe me, it upsets him, too! But he’s worked very hard, and he’s much better than he was.” She stooped to pick up a pretty shell. “Oh, I know! It isn’t only him. It’s his house.” “What about it?”
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“It’s so…kind of dumpy.” “Pen!” “You know—all that old furniture. And nothing matches. And it smells like cigarette smoke.” Penelope kicked off her sandals and began to wade. Marya nodded. “It does smell like smoke. Walter used to smoke. Drew said he’s going to paint the inside, but he hasn’t had time. After all, Pen, it is a beach house.” Penelope sniffed. “If I lived there, I’d get rid of all that old stuff and throw out those awful drapes. I’d paint and wallpaper and buy some pretty bamboo furniture. It would be fresh and airy, the way a beach house is supposed to be.” “I see.” Marya couldn’t hide her annoyance. She slipped her shoes off and stepped into the shallow water, too. “Well, when you have your own place you can do what you like. If you can afford it.” “I’m not worried about that! I have a good job. And Drew has plenty of money.” “If you say so.” But from some things Walter had said, Marya had received the impression that Drew was working on a tight budget. “Where do you and Drew plan to live when you get married? I don’t suppose he will build a house for you right away.”” “We haven’t discussed it. I’m sure not going to live with Walter! But we can always stay in our condo--yours and mine--for awhile. There’s plenty of room.” This news hit Marya like a glass of ice water in the face. The newlyweds moving in with her! Not if she could help it! Swinging her sneakers, she scuffed through the warm, damp sand, her mind racing. She would have to buy her sister’s half of the condo as soon as possible. It would mean giving her sister a big down payment, and paying her monthly. She had
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already agreed to pay Penelope on the lot every month. Or should she try to get a loan to pay her sister in full? “Where you going?” Penelope called. Marya looked up to see that she had walked past the condo. Her sister had already started up the walkway, and Marya followed her. They were rinsing the sand off their feet at the outside shower when Marya suddenly missed the petition folder. Where had she left it? Then she remembered. It was in the golf cart! Where Drew might see it at any moment. Marya forced her wet feet into her sneakers. “I’ll be right back! Forgot something!” Without explaining, she sprinted up the beach. *** Hot, sweaty, and tired, Drew drove his truck toward home. What a hassle! He’d returned the electricians to the marina without getting wet, but storm clouds were gathering. He would take a quick shower now before going to pick up Penelope. Didn’t look like a good evening to cross the intracoastal again. He wished he could stay on the island, but he’d promised Penelope he’d take her to dinner. He pulled into Uncle Walt’s driveway and wearily stepped out of the truck. A sudden wind whipped the sea oats and palms in the yard and almost blew off his baseball cap. Pulling the cap down tighter on his head, he strode toward the stairs, but a flutter of papers sailed past his nose. A cardboard folder hit his knee, and he grabbed at it. Had it blown out of the golf cart? It seemed so. The scattered papers had been caught in the weeds, so Drew scrabbled
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around to gather them up. Still bucking the wind, he climbed the stairs, opened the door, and kicked off his sandy shoes. Inside the house, he laid the folder and crumpled papers on the table. After calling a greeting to Uncle Walt, who must be in his bedroom, he hung up his cap. Then he returned to the table. The folder he’d rescued was a plain manila one. The first few papers he straightened were blank. Then he came to a sheet with typing at the top. “We the undersigned…” Curiously, he kept reading, and his mouth dropped open in disbelief. It was a petition directed toward the State of Florida, asking that approval be denied to anyone requesting a bridge to Sea Grape Key. There were a number of signatures, and the very first one was Marya Pierson. An icy fist of anger clutched his heart. A few drops of rain hit the windows, followed by the usual late afternoon torrents. Footsteps sounded on the stairs. The screen door flew open. A drenched figure ran to the sliding glass door and knocked urgently. Drew rushed to open the door. “Come in!” Then he recognized Marya. She stepped just inside the door, dripping wet, and laughing. He couldn’t bring himself to speak. Searching his face, she let her laughter subside. “Hi, Drew.” Little rivulets of water ran out of the spirals of her curls, down her cheeks and neck, and into the front of her blouse. Her clothes were pasted to her body. “I’m sorry to bother you. I came to…” Then her glance fell on the table, where the petition folder lay. “Oh…” Uncle Walter came limping into the room. “Marya! Drew recovered some of his cool. “She got caught in the rain, Uncle Walt. I’m going to get her some towels.” He hurried out of the room, glad for the chance to compose himself. Of all the rotten tricks! Pretending to be so friendly,
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while undermining his efforts to get a bridge! He grabbed several large beach towels from the linen closet, clasped them to his chest, and took deep relaxing breaths. Marya was seated on a plastic beach chair. Drew tossed the towels to her. “Here. These should help.” Marya wrapped herself in the towels, one around her head, and the others around her shoulders and hips. Walter frowned. “Are you cold?” He turned to Drew. “Shouldn’t we dry her clothes?” “Oh no!” Marya insisted. “I’m fine. When the rain stops I’ll just walk home.” Drew’s jaw muscles hurt from clenching. “Okay, then. In the meantime, I’m going to take a shower.” He left the room so he wouldn’t blow up at Marya, especially in front of Uncle Walt. In his mind he heard his mother saying, “Be nice to Billy, Drew, honey. He’s our guest. Always be nice to your guests.” Drew let the hot water drum on his body until he lost track of time. Eventually he stepped out of the shower in a slightly better state of mind. He dressed for dinner with Penelope in a clean sport shirt and khakis and slowly walked into the living room. “Where’s Marya?” Uncle Walt was reading a book. “When the rain stopped she left. She seemed awful quiet. Is something wrong?” Drew looked out the window at the setting sun. The wooden deck was already drying, little wisps of moisture rising from it. “No, nothing’s wrong. I guess she didn’t like being wet.” He noticed that the petition folder was missing from the table. Naturally. “Uncle Walt, can you manage to fix something for supper? Or should I do it for you? I promised I’d take Penelope to dinner.”
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“You go right ahead. I’m fine. I’ll warm up that stew from yesterday.” “Okay. I’ll try not to be late.” Drew plodded downstairs to the truck. No, he’d better take the golf cart. Penelope’s dress might get dirty in the truck. When he arrived at the condo Marya wasn’t in sight. The coward. It was just as well. He’d discuss her petition another time, when he felt more in control of his temper. Drew and Penelope took his boat to the marina and drove his van to the restaurant she’d chosen. Nothing pleased her. The clam chowder was cold. The fish was overcooked, she said. The special bread was stale. When they’d finished their meal he took her back across the intracoastal and deposited her at her condo, with just a brief kiss at the door. Driving back to Uncle Walt’s in the dark, Drew wondered if he’d made a big mistake in getting engaged so quickly. It had seemed so romantic. Meeting Penelope in the rain, and gallantly finding her a cab. Then accidentally meeting her again the next day. She was so beautiful and desirable. It all seemed so right. He’d hardly been able to believe his good fortune. That she would fall in love with a struggling builder. He’d enjoyed the role of hero. His sickly mother had always depended on him, even when he was quite young. He loved taking care of a lady in distress. But didn’t the distress ever end? Wasn’t there a point at which distress turned into simple whining? And as for her sister Marya, well, he’d deal with her later. ***
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Marya had been in the shower when Drew came to pick up Penelope. She’d hoped to speak to him, to apologize, to try to explain her reasons for taking up a petition. Surely she could make him see her viewpoint, even if his viewpoint was different. She was so sorry now that she’d collected the signatures in secret! But that’s what she’d done. And now she’d make amends as well as she could. Maybe it was tension that made her so tired that night. She’d had a busy day, first with the petition, then getting caught in the rain. And Drew’s unexpressed anger was still a dark cloud that oppressed her. After a bowl of canned soup, she went to bed and fell asleep immediately. The next morning, Sunday, Penelope was up and dressed when Marya straggled into the kitchen. Penelope’s suitcase was on the couch, and she was tucking a few articles in. “What’s this?” Marya pointed to the suitcase. “You aren’t leaving, are you?” “Have to go back to New York.” Penelope applied lipstick at the mirror. “On Sunday? Did your agent call?” “Not really. But that’s what I’m telling Drew. I’m bored, to tell you the truth. Can you drive me to Fort Myers?” Marya suppressed a groan. “Well, I intended to just lie on the beach after church. Okay. I’ll take you. What time is your plane?” “Noon.” “Okay. Let’s take the 9:30 ferry.” ***
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Drew wasn’t too sorry to hear that Penelope had been called back to New York. It meant that he wouldn’t have to talk to either of the sisters for awhile. Eventually he’d discuss Marya’s deceitful behavior with her, but that could wait. And he needed time to think about his relationship with Penelope. *** For the next week Marya had a heavy workload at the hospital. She also supervised Walter’s exercises in his home, but Drew was never in evidence. He must be very busy, and she was reluctant to call him. Besides, the more she thought about the petition, the more determined she was to continue it. On Friday Penelope arrived unannounced, having taken a taxi from the airport. And what must that have cost, Marya wondered. The minute Penelope got into the apartment, she called Drew, and soon he was at their door. Penelope gave him a big hug. When she finally removed her arms from his neck, she said, “Wait right here! I have something to show you!” She removed a small box from her suitcase and proudly opened it. On the black velvet inside sparkled a lovely diamond ring—it’s facets catching the sunlight and throwing sparkles around the room. “See? Isn’t that better?” Marya stared at the ring. It was beautiful! Drew’s voice was puzzled. “Better?” “Yes, better than the old ring. I had the diamond reset.”
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Chapter Ten
Drew gaped at the ring on Penelope’s finger. Without even discussing it, she’d had his grandmother’s diamond reset! He felt as though someone had punched him in the stomach. To him Nana’s ring had meant a lifetime of commitment, love, stability. His grandmother had worn it for sixty years. When he was a little boy she had let him try it on his chubby finger, and even then he had sensed its importance to her. Didn’t Penelope understand the connection, the continuity? Hadn’t she liked the ring? The jeweler Drew had hired to appraise it had said it was one of the loveliest antique platinum rings he had ever seen. And one of the finest diamonds. He was vaguely aware that Marya had said something. And Penelope’s voice cut through the fog in his brain. “Well? Drew? Isn’t it gorgeous?” Her beautiful face shone with happiness. “Yes,” he croaked. If he tried to say more he might cry. Or swear. He’d been wrong to give her an old ring. She wanted a nice new modern one, and she must have been disappointed. Marya said cautiously, “You seem surprised, Drew. Penelope, I thought you said you two had discussed resetting the diamond.” “Oh, did I? Well, I meant to. But with traveling back and forth so much, I guess I must have forgotten.” Penelope’s large green eyes filled with tears. “I’m sorry if you don’t like it,
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Drew. We can have the diamond put back in the old ring if you want to. But doesn’t this look spectacular?” She slipped the ring on her finger and admired it. It was spectacular. Drew could see that. He’d just been too dense to understand what she really wanted in a ring. “It’s fine,” he said dully. *** Marya could almost feel Drew’s distress. To keep from lashing out at Penelope she took deep breaths. This was their business, not hers. She walked stiffly out of the kitchen to the living room. But the doorbell rang, and she turned in surprise. Through the kitchen window she could see a hefty elderly woman in a pink print blouse and pink pants. Penelope pulled open the door, and the woman stepped right inside. “Well!” the woman exclaimed. “Trust my dear brother Richard to buy a place in back of the beyond!” The woman plunked herself down at the kitchen table, her large white purse in her lap, and scrutinized her surroundings. Her hair was an improbable blond, her makeup a bit overdone. Marya smiled. “I’m afraid you’ve come to the wrong place, but could I get you something cold to drink? Water? Tea?” “Tea would be fine. But not that sickening sweet stuff.” Whoever she was, she wasn’t shy! Marya hid a smile as she got the pitcher from the refrigerator and poured a glassful. Penelope and Drew were still standing in the middle of the kitchen, in a state of suspended animation. Slowly they came to life, sank into two other chairs at the table, and observed the visitor.
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“Thank you.” She gulped some tea. “All right. Identify yourselves. No, let me guess. You’re Penelope.” She pointed. “You were always the prettiest. And you must be Marya. You’ve improved. Last picture I saw, your front teeth were missing.” Could it be... “Aunt Sophie?” Marya asked. “Who else would I be? I’m your father’s older sister. Couldn’t make it to the funeral, so I thought I’d come to visit. If I’d known how difficult it would be I’d have stayed home. But as long as I’m here, will you show me to a room?” After a split second’s hesitation Marya said, “Of course. Right in here.” She led Aunt Sophie to her own room. It was the biggest, after all, with the best view. Aunt Sophie looked the room over and apparently approved. When she came out she fixed her shrewd dark eyes on Drew. “And who are you?” Penelope slipped her arm through Drew’s. “This is my fiancé, Drew Adams, Aunt Sophie.” “Can’t he speak for himself? What do you do for a living, young man?” A smile played around Drew’s lips. “I’m a builder, Miss er…” “Just call me Sophie. What do you build?” “Houses, M’am.” Drew’s eyes twinkled. “Out here? Can you make a living at it?” “I sincerely hope so, …er… Sophie.” “I do too. I like your looks. Well, you can go to the dock and pick up my suitcase.” ***
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When Drew had left for the suitcase, Marya poured more tea for Aunt Sophie, who let the sisters know in no uncertain terms what she thought of the island and the trouble she’d had getting here. “Richard always was impractical,” Aunt Sophie declared. “Imagine cutting yourself off from civilization like this! I suppose you girls will be selling this place?” “We haven’t really decided,” Penelope said, with a speculative tilt of the head. “We’re definitely not selling!” Marya tried to catch her sister’s eye. This was not the time to discuss private business, even though this woman was their aunt. “Don’t tell me Richard raised a couple of dreamers like himself!” Marya bit back an inhospitable retort as Drew walked in with the suitcase. “Set it in the bedroom, Drew,” Aunt Sophie directed, and when he returned, she said, “Drew. That’s an unusual name.” “It was my grandmother’s maiden name.” “Oh, that explains it—a family name. Understandable. Maybe one of you girls will name a son Pierson. I always hoped Richard would have a son to carry on our name.” “Yes, I always wished I had an older brother,” Penelope said. Aunt Sophie sighed. “Things might have been different then. By the way, Penelope, did you ever learn to swim?” Penelope laughed. “Of course! But I did a lot of clinging to Mom and Dad in the process. It’s still not my favorite exercise. Why do you ask?” “Pretty obvious, isn’t it?” Aunt Sophie said dryly. “After poor little Rita drowned…”
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“Aunt Sophie!” Marya interrupted, “would you like more tea?” Her aunt must not be allowed to continue! Marya glanced desperately at Drew. Aunt Sophie waved the pitcher away. “As I was saying, after little…” Drew said loudly, “I’ll have some more tea, Marya.” He lifted his glass. “Will you two be still?” Penelope cried. “I want to hear what Aunt Sophie was saying. Rita was our baby sister’s name, wasn’t it? Did you say she drowned?” “Aunt Sophie, please! Don’t!” Marya begged. But Aunt Sophie ignored her. “You didn’t mean to do it. Nobody could blame a three-year-old. But it was such a tragedy.” “Blame me!” Penelope turned deathly pale. “What are you telling me?” “Why, that it wasn’t really your fault. After all these years you surely know that!” Aunt Sophie snapped. Marya felt her cheeks flush with anger. “Thanks a lot, Aunt Sophie! Penelope has never heard what happened. It was a secret.” Penelope turned dazed eyes at her sister. “Secret? What is this about? Tell me!” Marya groaned. “Oh, honey! You were never supposed to know.” “Tell me, I said!” Penelope yelled. “Well, as I understand it,” Marya started gently, there was an accident, and… Anyway, somehow our little sister died. You knew that.” “Oh, for goodness sake!” Aunt Sophie snorted. “I’ll tell you what happened. Your mother left your baby sister on a
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blanket on the floor while she went to fix lunch for you and Marya. Marya was in the high chair in the kitchen.” “That’s enough!” Marya warned. “Shut up, Marya!” Penelope croaked. A worried frown creased Aunt Sophie’s forehead, but she hesitated for only a moment. “When your mother went to look for you, you’d put the baby into the bathtub and filled it with water. Little Rita was dead.” Penelope swayed in her chair, and Drew sprang up to catch her before she fell. “Put your head down, honey.” While Drew rubbed Penelope’s hands, Marya patted her face. “Wake up, Penelope!” Penelope opened her eyes. “I’m going to be sick!” When Marya had helped her to the bathroom and then to the living room couch, Penelope lay back weakly. She glared at Marya. “You knew!” “I just found out recently.” Marya’s head began to pound, in sympathy for her sister. Drew knelt beside the couch and held her hand. “We knew it would upset you, honey.” “We knew!” Penelope mimicked. “So you two were discussing me behind my back. Poor Penelope!” “Sis, it wasn’t like that!” But it was like that, Marya realized. On the other hand, she’d felt it necessary to confide in Drew. Penelope struggled to her feet. “I’m going to bed!” Drew put his arm around her to steady her, and she sobbed against his chest. “How could you keep this from me?” “It was for your own good.” Drew looked miserable. Penelope pulled away from him. “Oh, just leave me alone!” She tottered into her bedroom and slammed the door.
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“Well! This has been quite a performance!” Aunt Sophie said in disgust. “I don’t believe in having secrets. I tell things like they are!” “You certainly do!” Marya said, tightlipped. “And I don’t believe in staying where I’m not welcome.” Aunt Sophie stood up. “Aunt Sophie, of course you’re welcome.” Marya tried to look sincere. Slowly Aunt Sophie sat down again. “All right. When Penelope gets over this snit she’s in, I’ll take all of you out to dinner. Is there a nice place near here?” “But Aunt Sophie, there are no restaurants on the island,” Marya explained. “I might have known.” The older woman rolled her eyes. Drew had been sitting quietly, a worried expression on his face. “I’d intended to take Penelope to dinner on mainland, but now…” The door to Penelope’s bedroom remained closed, and all seemed quiet inside. “If you’re hungry, Aunt Sophie, I can make some sandwiches,” Marya said. “We have tuna, and there’s some lunch meat left.” “Obviously you aren’t ready for company.” Aunt Sophie looked at her watch. “When does the next ferry leave for civilization? I believe I saw a nice motel near the marina. They probably serve a decent meal.” “But what about Penelope?” Marya protested. “She’s probably napping. And I doubt if she’s hungry. I don’t want to wake her up to go to dinner!” “No need to wake her up. Drew can just run me over to the ferry. You do have a vehicle, don’t you?” Aunt Sophie
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stood again. “Get my suitcase. No point in my staying here now. I’ve had my visit. Call me if you ever get to Seattle, Marya.” *** Drew drove Aunt Sophie across the island to the ferry, politely ignoring her comments on the golf cart (dusty), the island (primitive), and the ferry (uncomfortable). He breathed a sigh of relief when she’d gone. Then his situation with Penelope hit him like a load of lumber. He had planned to take her to dinner tonight and discuss their future, or possible lack of future. During the past week, while she was in New York, he’d become almost convinced that they weren’t right for each other. She needed a more exciting life than this island would provide. They didn’t see eye to eye on much of anything. That was obvious to him now, especially since she’d had his grandmother’s diamond reset. But how could he break up with her when she’d just learned the truth about her baby sister’s death? It would be cruel. She needed him. Back at the sisters’ condo, Drew slowly climbed the stairs, hating to go in. Marya met him at the door. She looked tired, but gave him a wry smile. “Well, did she take the ferry to civilization?” Drew nodded. “Not exactly a diplomat, is she?” “No, and I’m worried about Penelope. She has trouble handling problems sometimes. She ‘falls apart’ as my dad would say. This has really hit her hard. I’m afraid she might do something--drastic.” “What do you mean?” Drew’s heart seemed to give an extra thump.
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“I don’t want to worry you!” Marya touched his arm. “Come in and sit down.” Drew followed her into the living room and took a chair near the couch. “Now tell me what you meant!” “Well, she once took a lot of sleeping pills…” “Why?” “She, uh… there was this…” “Stop beating around the bush! Tell me!” “All right!” Marya raised her chin and looked him in the eye. “She had a boyfriend who dumped her for another girl. She tried to take an overdose, but she didn’t have enough pills. Dad rushed her to the hospital, and they pumped her stomach. There! Now you know.” “Oh, boy!” Drew put his face in his hands for a moment. Then he looked up. “Well, how she is now?” “I peeked in at her while you were gone, and she was sound asleep. And I looked through her medicine chest. I don’t think she has any sleeping pills.” “So she’s okay, then? I know it was a shock, but she’ll just have to get over it,” Drew said. “You and I can help her through this.” Marya nodded. “We’ll have to. I’m glad you’re here, Drew. Will you stay until she wakes up?” “Of course.” Naturally he’d stay. Penelope needed him, and apparently Marya could use some moral support, too. “I’ll call Uncle Walt and let him know I might be late.” After he’d called Uncle Walt, he and Marya sat and waited, not saying much to each other. Drew thought briefly about the petition, but he couldn’t bring up the subject now, not while Marya was so worried. Though she was sitting straight, head held high, to him she seemed small and vulnerable.
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Through the doors to the porch Drew watched the sun slowly set. Each sunset was different, and today shades of purple predominated, with ominous dark clouds drifting in front of the sun. Drew’s uneasy feeling intensified. He worried not only about Penelope’s well being, but about their whole relationship. When darkness had fallen, Penelope’s door opened, and she walked slowly into the living room, as if in a dream. Her nose was pink, her eyes smeared with dark mascara. She sat in the nearest chair and smiled. “That crazy woman, Aunt Sophie! Is she gone?” Marya nodded. “Drew took her back to the marina.” “Good riddance! Imagine her telling us such lies! For awhile she had me believing her!” Penelope gave a shuddering sigh. Drew caught Marya’s eye and read the same consternation he felt. He was no psychologist, but apparently Penelope was unable to face the truth. What should he say? Marya said cautiously, “Are you feeling better, Pen?” Another deep sigh. “Oh, much better!” She touched her eyes with a tissue. “I must be a mess. She really had me going for awhile. But I’m fine now.” She turned to Drew. “It’s probably too late to go to dinner now, isn’t it?” “I’m afraid so,” Drew answered. “But we can do it tomorrow.” This conversation was too bizarre to believe. “Maybe we could have brunch tomorrow, but I’m flying back to New York at two.” “Oh, sis, do you think you should?” Marya’s face mirrored the concern that Drew felt. “Can’t you take a few days off?” “Not possible. I have an early shoot Monday morning.”
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After a quick reassuring glance at Marya, Drew said gently, “You really should rest here for awhile. Even one more day would help.” At least he hoped so. “That’s right, Pen. Just an extra day,” Marya urged. “You two are so funny!” Penelope chuckled. “I’m flattered that you want me to stay, but I do have to go back. And now I’m going to have a sandwich and go to bed.” *** When Drew had gone home and Penelope was in bed, Marya spent a sleepless night worrying. Penelope simply couldn’t admit that she was responsible for their baby sister’s death. Well, not really responsible. Penelope had been a baby herself. But ignoring the truth, pretending that nothing had happened wasn’t normal. If she could persuade Penelope to stay down here an extra day, she could get someone at the hospital to help her. Sunday afternoon, however, in spite of Marya and Drew’s pleading, Penelope insisted on going to the airport, so Drew reluctantly took her there. In the late afternoon, Marya was in her apartment, worried and anxious, when she heard a knock on the door. “Drew!” She was delighted to see him. “Thanks for coming. I’m so uneasy about Penelope that I can’t do a thing but stare out at the Gulf. Come in!” When they were seated on the couch facing the water, Marya said, “Well, tell me how she seemed on the way to the airport. I assume she caught her plane.” “Yes. She caught the plane. And on the way to the airport she acted as if nothing had happened. She talked about the job she’ll be working on. It’s for some fancy
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magazine, and she will need some new clothes. Someone knows her size, and will have the right outfits ready. It was really weird, Marya—as though Aunt Sophie never came. Penelope didn’t mention her.” Drew’s warm brown eyes were troubled. “I didn’t know what to say, so I didn’t mention Aunt Sophie either.” “I’m worried about her, Drew. If she should suddenly remember when she’s alone, I don’t know what she might do. I wish I could have talked her into staying here, but she absolutely refused. I couldn’t force her to stay! The thing was, she acted so normal!” Marya felt comforted just expressing her concerns to Drew. “I know how you feel.” Drew’s smile was encouraging. “But don’t let this get you down. We have to think about the problem, decide what to do, and just do it.” Marya smiled. “You make it sound so easy.” “No, it might not be easy, but there has to be a solution. Tell you what. Why don’t we take a walk on the beach? I bet you haven’t noticed what a nice day this is. We can think about options while we walk.” “That’s a good idea. You’re right. I kept watching the waves today without seeing them.” They went outside, closed the door, and descended the steps. For the first time today Marya took a deep, relieved breath. Drew was right. They must decide what could be done to help Penelope. It was good to have someone strong and dependable to discuss this with. While they crossed the dunes on the wooden walkway, their shoulders brushed lightly, and Marya felt a tingle that ran all the way down to her fingertips. She gave a little gasp and coughed to cover it up. In her anger at Drew about the bridge, she’d tried to avoid him, and she’d almost forgotten the effect
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he had on her. She must never let it show! She glanced sideways at him now. Why did he have to be so well built, tan, and good looking? They reached the beach, and Drew pointed. “See that heron? It looks like Harry, the one Uncle Walt used to feed all the time. One of his feet is kind of crippled. I guess he has to hunt food for himself now.” “You mean Walter fed him fish?” “Every day. Harry was waiting on the porch railing when Uncle Walt got up, so Uncle Walt would go down and catch a few fish for Harry before breakfast.” Drew smiled fondly. “I hope he can fish again some time.” “Well, he and I did fish in his boat, you know. You didn’t like that, as I recall.” In fact he’d been quite angry. “No, I guess not. Sorry if I was too hard on you. I was worried about Uncle Walt, and too protective. I tend to be that way about people I love.” “Mm.” It must be nice to be loved so much by someone. Did Penelope realize her good fortune? Marya watched bright shells wash onto the sand and tumble back out again as the waves receded. Drew stooped, picked up something, and held it for Marya to see. “Shark’s tooth.” “I know,” she said. “I’m collecting them. My shell book says they are millions of years old!” “That’s right. They’re fossilized, which is the reason they are black or brown. Add this to your collection.” She smiled her thanks and dropped the small, hard black triangle into the pocket of her shorts. Ahead of them was a shelter built of posts, with a roof of palm fronds. “Come on,” Drew said. “This belongs to my friend Charlie. Let’s sit a minute.”
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When they were seated on a wooden bench in the shade, Marya sensed Drew watching her, but she kept her eyes on the waves and listened to the gulls’ cries. “Feeling better?” he asked gently. With surprise Marya realized Drew had been distracting her by talk of birds and sharks’ teeth. “Yes, thanks. I feel more relaxed.” “Good. Ready to discuss Penelope?” “Guess we’d better,” Marya said. “I do think she has to face the fact that she accidentally drowned our little sister.” “I agree. I’m not up on all that psychology stuff, but I know it’s not normal to pretend it never happened.” “That’s right. I wish I knew of some therapist or psychologist she could speak to in New York.” “Maybe her agent could recommend someone,” Drew suggested. “Do you know her?” “I’ve just spoken to her a few times over the phone, but she seems pleasant. I think that’s a good idea, Drew. I’ll call her tonight and explain the situation.” A little ray of hope lifted Marya’s spirits. “Good! We’ll both feel better when this is taken care of,” he said confidently. Marya smiled at his positive attitude. “At least we have a plan, and I do think we’re on the right track.” “I do, too.” Drew checked his watch. “I hate to go, but I have to get back to Uncle Walt.” They stood and walked companionably up the beach to Marya’s condo, saying little. If things were different, if he weren’t engaged to her sister, Marya could easily fall in love with Drew. In fact it was difficult not to. Besides his obvious good looks and intelligence, he was hard working, sensitive,
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and kind. And the attraction she felt to him was difficult to ignore. But he’s not for you, she reminded herself sternly. At her stairway, Marya turned to face him. “Thanks, Drew. You’ve helped me a lot.” He smiled down at her, put his hands on her shoulders, and pecked her softly on the cheek. But in another instant he pulled her close, her arms went around his neck, and their lips were meeting hungrily. Drew’s strong hands caressed her back, and Marya pressed closer, immersed in such delectable sensations that she forgot to breathe. But suddenly he pushed her away.
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Chapter Eleven
Driving back to Uncle Walt’s, Drew felt like a real jerk. He’d apologized to Marya for kissing her like that, but she’d run upstairs without a word. He was confused. Being with Marya had felt so right, so good, that he’d completely forgotten Penelope. Now that he did think about his fiancée, it was with doubts. Sure, she was beautiful. She had seemed vulnerable, and he’d felt protective toward her—in fact he still did. But being protective wasn’t the same as being in love. He knew that now. They had become engaged too soon, before they really knew each other. Uncle Walt was on the porch reading when Drew arrived. “Hey, Drew!” Walter’s face crinkled up in a delighted smile. “You gonna be here for supper?” “Sure.” Actually supper was the last thing on his mind, but Uncle Walt was probably hungry. “Maybe I’ll start the grill and cook those turkey sausages we’ve got in the freezer.” “Oh boy!” Uncle Walt beamed. “Thought you might be eating with Penelope and Marya.” “No, Penelope went back to New York.” “How about asking Marya over for supper, then?” Uncle Walt suggested. “That girl’s a real winner, even if she is a slave driver.” He chuckled. “If it wasn’t for her pushing me to exercise, I’d still be sitting here moping.” “No, uh, she’s busy tonight, Uncle Walt.” Besides, she probably wasn’t speaking to him now, since he’d grabbed her
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and kissed her like that. But Uncle Walt was right. She was definitely a winner. *** Marya sat sipping iced tea and gazing out at the Gulf of Mexico. It seemed that she did that a lot these days. What must Drew think of her? Her cheeks burned, and she held the cold glass to her face. Drew had been so kind, trying to ease her worry about Penelope, that she’d let her emotions run away with her. When he gave her a brotherly kiss on the cheek, she must have unintentionally given him some signal. Why else would he respond that way? She’d made a complete fool of herself, clinging to him and kissing him shamelessly. He’d had to push her away! How could she ever face him again? She must try to avoid him as much as possible. Monday morning Marya called Penelope’s agent Lorna in New York. After Marya had explained about the accidental drowning, and about Penelope’s strange reaction, Lorna was silent for several moments. Then she said, “Thanks for telling me, Marya. I have a good friend who is a psychiatrist, and I will insist that Penelope see him today. We can’t jeopardize her career by letting her persist in denying the truth. I don’t know whether you realize how popular your sister is becoming. I’ll take care of this, and I’ll let you know how it goes.” “Thanks, Lorna. I’ll be waiting to hear from you.” Marya hung up, with the uncomfortable feeling that Lorna might be more interested in Penelope’s career than in her mental health. But whatever Lorna’s motivation, it was good to know Penelope would be seeing a psychiatrist.
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After working at the hospital until three, Marya took the ferry to the island and walked to Walter’s home to supervise his exercises. She breathed a sigh of relief that Drew’s truck wasn’t there. With any luck, she could leave before he came home. “Hey, gal!” Walter sang out, obviously glad to see her. Although she tried to keep a professional attitude with all her patients, Marya had to admit that Walter was really special to her. He was a good friend, and she rejoiced that their hard work together was slowly but surely developing more strength in his affected arm and leg. It was too early, though, to tell whether they would ever be as strong as before his stroke. They had just finished the treatment when Marya heard footsteps on the stairs. Please don’t let it be Drew. But it was. Drew walked in whistling, but he stopped short. “Oh, hi, Marya. I didn’t know Uncle Walt’s treatment was today.” No doubt he would have avoided seeing her, if he’d remembered. “Hi, Drew. We’re just finished, so I’m leaving right now.” She wouldn’t stay here and embarrass him. In spite of Walter’s protests, she said goodbye and walked onto the porch. But Drew followed her. “Wait a minute, Marya. I’ve been thinking about Penelope all day.” Of course he would be! And Marya was selfishly thinking of herself. “Did you call her agent?” Drew asked, his voice tense. She should have realized how worried he’d be. “Yes, I did. Her name is Lorna. She said she would see to it that Penelope gets in to see a psychiatrist today. He’s a friend of Lorna’s.” “Great!” Drew sighed in relief. “Then she should be okay soon?”
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“Well, we hope so!” Walter called from inside the house, “You give Marya a ride home, Drew. She shouldn’t have to walk.” “Oh, don’t bother,” Marya insisted. “I need the exercise.” After the way she’d thrown herself at him, she just wanted to get away. Walter limped onto the porch. “Do what I say, son.” Drew smiled. “Better let me take you home, Marya, or Uncle Walt might send me to bed without any supper.” She had to accept. They walked down the stairs and climbed silently into the truck. When he’d driven out of the driveway, Drew cleared his throat. “About yesterday, Marya, I hope you didn’t misunderstand…” “Oh, no.” She understood perfectly. He was her own sister’s fiancé. She’d unthinkingly led him on, and he’d had to push her away. “I’m really sorry. Can we be friends?” Drew glanced sideways at her. “Of course,” she mumbled. He was too gentlemanly to blame her. Drew drove on, around the corner by the fallen Australian pines, and along the narrow track behind the beach houses. “You haven’t come recently to see the house I’m building.” His voice was polite. “You should come and see it some day. I’m kind of proud of it.” “Thanks, Drew. I will.” She was grateful that their initial embarrassment was over. “I will go to see it soon.” Did her voice sound as stiff as she felt? “And about Penelope,” Drew said, “Be sure to let me know if she tells you about the psychiatrist. If she calls me, I don’t know whether I should bring up the subject or not. Not
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that she calls me very often.” He paused. “And I hate to call her. When I call her she’s either sleeping or out.” “I know what you mean. I was wondering whether to mention the drowning, too. Or the psychiatrist. Since she will be under his care, maybe we should wait a little while and let her bring up the subject?” Marya was feeling comfortable again. Drew’s friendliness had that effect on her. But that wasn’t the only effect he had. She must not let him see her attraction to him. Was it love? No. It mustn’t be. That would mean nothing but trouble. She brought her thoughts back to Penelope. “Penelope’s agent said she’d call me. Tonight or tomorrow, I hope.” “Great. I really appreciate your help, Marya.” Drew pulled into the condo grounds. “Let me know as soon as you hear anything.” “Sure will. Thanks for the ride.” Marya didn’t hear from the agent Monday night. Although she was tired, she slept fitfully. She liked the windows open, and usually there was a nice breeze from the Gulf, but tonight the air was still. And her ceiling fan had quit working. During the night she worried about Penelope. Surely a psychiatrist would know how to deal with her strange denial. She looked forward to Lorna’s phone call. Maybe she would call the next day. After work on Tuesday Marya stopped at Home Depot and picked up a new fan for the bedroom. The clerk reviewed the installation instructions with her, and they seemed straightforward enough. “Do you have a man to help you?” the clerk asked. “I can do it myself.” Why should he assume she needed a man? “It’s pretty heavy, Ma’am.” He shook his head.
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“No problem.” Marya smiled. He had no idea how many heavy patients she lifted every day. She lugged the new fan box onto the ferry and then across the island on one of the big plastic wheelbarrows. Tonight while she was waiting for Lorna or Penelope’s call, she would have time to install it. Before fixing supper, Marya carried the heavy new fan to the bedroom. With daylight saving time, she should be able to finish installing the fan before dark. But first she had to remove the old one. She identified the bedroom switch in the fuse box and flipped it off. Then she got her dad’s stepladder from the closet. Standing on the stepladder Marya unscrewed the screws holding the decorative metal piece attached to the ceiling. With that loosened, the fan’s wiring was exposed. Marya undid the wiring of the old fan. She would have to be careful to wire the new fan in the same way. When she was satisfied that she knew how to do it, she tried to lift the old fan from the sturdy metal holder. Boy! Was that heavy! But she could do it. She would simply place the fan on the top of the ladder, then carry it down step by step. Bracing her knees against the top of the ladder and tightening her abdominals, Marya lifted the fan from its hook on the ceiling. But one of her feet slipped on the ladder step. Still clutching the fan, she lost her balance, crashed to the floor, and everything went black. ***
luck.
Drew waited Monday night for a call from Marya. No Surely she’d call on Tuesday, to report whether
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Penelope had seen the psychiatrist. But by Tuesday evening she still hadn’t called. As soon as Penelope’s memory was straightened out, Drew would have a very serious talk with her. He would make her see that they weren’t right for each other. They had nothing in common. She didn’t even like the island very much. He’d finally realized that last week. And he planned on living here. He wouldn’t be blunt, of course. He’d bring up the subject of their dreams for the future. When Penelope saw how different their ambitions were, she’d want to break the engagement herself. And that would be a big relief. Drew’s thoughts turned to Marya. Not as spectacularly beautiful as Penelope, but beautiful in her own way. She had an inner beauty and was truly caring. She was wonderful with Uncle Walt, and it didn’t seem like just a job to her. He’d bet she did her best with all her patients. Besides all that, he was so attracted to her that he’d made a fool of himself. She’d forgiven him, though. He checked his watch. Eight-thirty. Had Marya forgotten to call him? Drew called Penelope’s number in New York, but got her answering machine. He hung up. He called Marya, but she didn’t answer. He’d wait until the last ferry. She’d be home then for sure. But at 10:45 Marya didn’t answer. Why not? Where could she be? Now he began to worry about Marya as well as about Penelope. What did he know about Marya, after all? Did she have a boyfriend? At the thought he felt an unreasonable prick of jealousy. Why should he care if she had a boyfriend? But he did care. She was a very special person. If he weren’t engaged to her sister…
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Drew dialed Marya’s number again, but she didn’t answer. He knew he couldn’t go to sleep until he found out if she was all right. “I have to check on something, Uncle Walt,” Drew said, looking into his uncle’s bedroom. “Okay.” Uncle Walt rolled over. Drew went down to his truck and drove along the dark roads to the condo, the dim headlights shining on palmetto, Florida holly, and a pair of eyes shining at the edge of the road. No lights were on in Marya’s apartment. Did that mean she hadn’t come home? Was she asleep? He grabbed the flashlight he always kept in the truck and stuffed it in his back pocket. Not knowing whether to be angry or worried, Drew climbed the steps and knocked softly at Marya’s door. No answer. But he had a strange feeling something was wrong. He knocked again, then tried the door. It was unlocked! How could she be so careless? She was always talking about how safe the island was, but this was ridiculous. A woman alone should be more careful. He pushed the door open and turned on the kitchen light. Everything was in order, but he still felt uneasy. “Marya?” he called softly. No answer. He tiptoed toward her bedroom, feeling like a fool. If she was asleep he’d just lock the apartment door and leave. “Marya?” he said again. “It’s Drew.” He heard a slight movement. Maybe she rolled over in her sleep. “Are you okay?” A moan from her room made the hair on his neck stand on end. He felt for the light switch and turned it on. Nothing. It was black as before. “Marya?” he called, and heard another groan. He took the flashlight from his pocket and shone it on
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her bed. The bed was empty, but a ladder stood beside the bed. Curiously, Drew directed the beam to the floor. “Marya!” Drew yelled. She was lying on the floor, a ceiling fan partially on top of her, and her forehead red with blood! “What happened? Are you all right?” He dropped to his knees and moved the fan away from her. She groaned again and whispered his name. Drew shone the light in her face. All that blood! “I’m right here, Marya. Are you all right? What happened?” She blinked her eyes at the light. How could the ceiling fan have fallen? He looked up. The fan had been disconnected. So maybe the circuit to this room had been turned off. He rushed to the kitchen and found the fuse box. Sure enough, he found the circuit for the bedroom and turned it on. Now he switched on the bedroom light. “Marya, I’m here. You’ll be fine.” He hoped. “Can you move?” What if she’d broken her neck? Marya moved her legs and raised her hand to her forehead. Thank God. “You just lie here a minute.” Drew hurried to the kitchen, got a clean dishtowel, soaked it in cool water, and went back to Marya. Gently he wiped the blood from her forehead, exposing a deep cut. But the bleeding had stopped. He rinsed out the cloth and reapplied it, then he hunted in the bathroom until he found some gauze squares and adhesive tape and covered the cut. “Drew,” Marya’s voice was husky. “Thanks for coming.” “Can I help you up?” “Okay,” she whispered.
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He helped her to a sitting position, then put his arm around her and half lifted her into her bed. Should he try to get her to a hospital? By boat? At night? With no moon? He’d rather not unless it was necessary. “How do you feel now?” “Better.” Her voice was stronger. “Do you want to go to the hospital?” “Oh, no! I’m fine.” Yeah, right! Her forehead had a big lump now. Drew got some ice from the freezer, put it in a plastic bag, wrapped it in a dishtowel, and applied it over the lump. “Feels good,” Marya murmured. Drew couldn’t leave her like this. He called Uncle Walt, waking him up. “Marya took a little tumble, Uncle Walt. Will you be all right tonight by yourself? I think I should stay here to see that she’s okay.” Uncle Walt was alarmed, but Drew calmed him down. “Really, Uncle Walt, she will be fine. I just don’t think she should be alone.” “You stay there and take care of her, you hear?” Uncle Walt croaked. Before he went to bed, Drew turned off the circuit to Marya’s bedroom again. They certainly didn’t need a fire! In the morning he would cap off the wires for the fan. Drew lay down in Penelope’s room, but he didn’t sleep much that night. Several times he went to check on Marya, and as far as he could tell she was asleep. He must have fallen into a deep sleep just before dawn. He woke up to the smell of coffee and struggled out of bed. Marya was sitting at the kitchen table in a cotton robe. “Hi, Drew. I hope I didn’t wake you. Thanks for coming!” She seemed embarrassed.
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“How are you this morning?” “Fine!” Part of the bandage had come loose, and the lump hadn’t gone down. “Help yourself to some coffee, Drew. The mug is by the coffeepot.” “You don’t look fine,” Drew said. “We’d better get you to the doctor this morning to get that forehead stitched up. And maybe they will want an x-ray.” He poured himself some coffee and sat at the table with her. “They will take care of it at the hospital today,” Marya said. “I really feel all right. Just a little headache.” “You can’t go to work today!” “Of course I can!” “Not with a bump like that on your head. You need to rest!” He sipped some coffee, which really hit the spot. “Really, Drew, I’ll be fine!” Drew wasn’t able to talk her out of going to work. Stubborn woman! He waited until she had taken a shower and was dressed in her uniform, then asked her, “What did you think you were doing yesterday?” “I bought a new fan and was taking down the old one. My foot slipped.” Drew shook his head. “Why on earth didn’t you ask me? I’d have been glad to do it for you.” “Why should I ask you when I could do it myself?” She seemed surprised at his question. Drew couldn’t help being sarcastic. “I see how well you did.” “Why are you so overbearing?” Marya’s eyes flashed. “Overbearing? Are you kidding? I just wanted to help.” Installing a fan would be child’s play for him, and he felt hurt she hadn’t asked him. Drew stood up and carried his mug to the sink.
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Marya rinsed out both cups. “I don’t need help.” “Oh yes you do!” “Do not!” “Do too!” This argument seemed so childish that Drew suppressed a grin. Marya stared at him, then giggled. And soon they were laughing together like old friends. *** At the hospital that morning one of the doctors put four stitches in Marya’s forehead and told her to take it easy. Luckily she had a light patient load that day and was able to go home early. Late that afternoon Marya called Penelope in New York, but there was no answer, so she called Lorna, her sister’s agent. Lorna assured her that Penelope had seen the psychiatrist and seemed to be doing fine. Relieved, Marya called Walter’s number, hoping to leave Drew a message. “Drew’s right here, honey.” Marya explained to Drew that Penelope was in good hands, and he expressed his relief, too. Then he said, “As long as you’re home early, I’m coming over now to install that new fan for you.” “You really don’t have to, Drew. I can…” “Do we have to go through that again? See you in a few minutes.” Drew arrived in his jeans and T-shirt, dark hair slightly curled by the humidity, his arms muscular, his hands strong and capable. Marya tried to ignore the quickening of her pulse.
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In a short time Drew installed the new fan while Marya stood beside the ladder handing him the screws. She could see that the fan was heavy even for him, and she grudgingly admitted to herself that the job might have been too difficult for her. Not that she would tell him, of course. With the ladder put away, Marya and Drew went to the porch with glasses of iced tea. “So you think the psychiatrist will help Penelope?” Drew asked. “Her agent seems to think so. She said Penelope is doing her work as usual.” “Good.” Drew examined his glass. “I’m, uh… I have something to discuss with her.” He looked troubled. Marya couldn’t help wondering if they had a problem. But of course she wouldn’t pry. “I’m hoping she might come down this weekend.” “Me, too.” Drew finished his tea. “Say, while we still have daylight, let me take you over to the house I’m working on. It’s framed in. Do you feel all right?” “Fine. Let’s go.” Drew grinned. “It must take a lot to get you down.” They drove to the new house in Drew’s truck, and he proudly showed her through every room. “It will have hard wood floors, because then it will be easy to sweep up the sand. Whoever buys the place can have area rugs.” “Good idea. And I love the kitchen facing the water, Drew. What a great view of the Gulf.” Marya admired his attention to detail and good workmanship. In fact she admired almost everything about him. She’d better get home, away from him, before she made a fool of herself again.
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When Drew dropped her off at the condo, he got out of the truck with her and put his hand on her shoulder. “I’ll see you soon.” Did she imagine the sultry gaze? Just the touch of his hand made her feel weak. She made a hasty retreat. The next weekend Penelope did come down from New York. Pretty as ever, she was in good spirits. “You wouldn’t believe who I met. A psychiatrist. He’s a friend of Lorna’s who happened to stop into Lorna’s office when I was there. We got talking, and he asked me out for coffee. “Oh?” Marya was dying to know what happened. “Not a date. Just a friendly chat. He’s so good at drawing people out. I suppose because of his work. Anyway, before I knew it, I was telling him that crazy story Aunt Sophie told us about the baby drowning.” Should she tell Penelope right now it was the truth or wait? “And what did he say?” “He didn’t really say much, just listened, and asked me if I remembered our little sister.” “And do you?” Marya had been not much more than a baby herself, and definitely didn’t remember her. “Sometimes I kind of think I do,” Penelope said. “Craig said—that’s his name—he’s admired some of my magazine pictures. We’re going to get together next week for coffee again.” So Penelope seemed to be in good hands. Marya would let the psychiatrist take care of it. Craig… Drew took Penelope to dinner Friday night, and Marya was reading in the living room when Penelope come home. “I didn’t think you’d be home so soon. Isn’t Drew coming in?” “No,” Penelope said shortly. Her face was pale. “He said he had to get up early.”
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Had they had a tiff? Since Drew had to work Saturday morning, Penelope slept until noon. She still looked out of sorts when she got up. In the early afternoon Drew called to see if Penelope would like to swim, and Marya heard her grudgingly agree. When he came to their door in his swimming trunks, his towel around his shoulders, Marya answered. “Hey, Marya.” He smiled. Something seemed different about him, but Marya couldn’t identify it. His attitude? “Hey, Drew. Penelope is getting ready.” Penelope came out of her bedroom, gorgeous in her pink bikini. Marya glanced down at her own blue T-shirt and tan shorts and mentally compared herself unfavorably to her sister. Oh well. Penelope raised her eyebrows questioningly at Drew. Marya felt undercurrents of some emotion she couldn’t identify, but she wasn’t going to inquire about it. She hoped they would get out of the apartment soon. It was awful being so attracted to her sister’s fiancé! “Why don’t you come too, Marya?” Drew asked. “Oh, no, I…” “Please.” Drew looked into her eyes, and she couldn’t refuse, even though she realized he was just being polite. “Okay,” she said. “I’ll meet you at the beach.” She put on her new blue and white two-piece swimsuit. It wasn’t as brief as Penelope’s bikini, but compared to Marya’s old suit, it was quite daring. She admired her reflection in the mirror before going downstairs. Down at the beach Drew and Penelope swam for awhile. Marya had to keep her forehead dry, so she waded to her waist and bobbed up and down in the waves. Afterwards they all stretched out in lounge chairs in the sun. While Penelope
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rested with her eyes closed, Marya and Drew chatted comfortably about the weather, his building projects, his uncle’s progress, and Marya’s job at the hospital. “How’s the new fan working?” Drew finally asked. “Just fine!” “I bet you’re glad you had help,” he teased. She grinned. “I didn’t need help.” “You did too!” “I did not!” They both laughed. Penelope stood up suddenly, picked up her towel, and left without a word. “Pen, are you okay?” Marya asked. “Don’t want too much sun.” Penelope called over her shoulder. Marya was worried. “Is something wrong, do you think?” “I think she’s a little put out with me.” Drew frowned. We had a talk yesterday. Something we should have discussed a long time ago.” She didn’t want to hear their problems. “I think I’d better go, too.” Marya stood up. “Do you have to?” Hating to leave him, she said, “Yes.” Drew sighed. “I’ll walk up with you. Then I should get home.” Reaching the condo, they walked underneath and turned on the shower to rinse the salt and sand off themselves. Marya started to dry herself with her towel when she felt Drew’s eyes on her. “Marya.” Drew reached out and touched her damp cheek. Ever so slowly his hand slid down the side of her neck.
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He fingered the swimsuit strap on her shoulder, making her breath catch in her throat. Her towel fell from her grasp as he gently drew little circles down her arm to the crook of her elbow. With a little moan Marya moved closer to him and felt his arms slip around her and his hands massage her bare back. Her skin tingled at every nerve ending. She pressed herself against his chest, her fingers caressing the short dripping curls at the nape of his neck. She belonged here. This felt so right! She raised her face, and his lips tenderly sought hers. *** From the top of the stairs Penelope watched Drew and Marya, and sudden anger gripped her with icy fingers. How long had this been going on? Drew was her fiancé! How dare he kiss her sister like that? They couldn’t make a fool of her and get away with it! Who did they think they were dealing with? She was getting tired of this engagement, but she would decide when to call it quits! If Craig’s divorce were final, she would dump Drew right now. Drew and his precious island. As for Marya, she’d had Penelope completely fooled, with her good sister act. Well, two can play at that game.
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Chapter Twelve
With a gasp, Marya pushed herself away from Drew. This wasn’t right! Drew was her sister’s fiancé. “I…can’t” “No.” Drew stepped back as though dazed, and Marya ran upstairs, away from him. Penelope met her at the top of the stairs. She had changed to blue shorts and a matching top, and her cheeks were unusually pink. “Getting a little too friendly with Drew, don’t you think?” “Oh, Pen!” Marya felt so guilty she could have cried. “I’m… I…” What could she say? She was completely in the wrong. She slumped into a kitchen chair. Penelope perched on another chair, her arms crossed, her eyes narrowed. “Drew told me how you’ve been coming on to him. It really makes him uncomfortable. In fact, we had a good laugh about it—that you’re so starved for affection you’d try to break up our engagement. As if you could!” Penelope sneered. Marya stared at Penelope, then down at the floor, wishing it would open up and swallow her. “It wasn’t that way at all!” she whispered. “Oh no?” Penelope raised her eyebrows. “Why would Drew lie to me?” She paused, her beautiful white teeth gently
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biting her rose colored lower lip. “I wasn’t going to tell you this until afterwards,” she said, her voice softening. “But Drew and I are getting married in two weeks.” Marya felt her jaw drop open. “What?” “He’s going to meet me in New York, and we’ll find a justice of the peace.” Penelope glanced sideways at Marya through lowered lashes. “But why… Are you pregnant?” Marya’s mouth went dry. Penelope brushed her lustrous hair back over her shoulder. She seemed to have forgotten her accusation. A tender smile played at the corner of her mouth, and she stared into the distance. Although she didn’t answer, her silence spoke volumes. Obviously Penelope was pregnant, which was why they were marrying in such a hurry. Marya sat stupidly, trying to digest this news. She had the bizarre sensation of being an unwilling participant in some strange drama. “One thing, though, Marya,” Penelope begged, “Please don’t tell Drew I told you. We agreed not to tell anyone about the wedding until afterwards.” “I won’t.” Marya felt sick with guilt and grateful that Penelope no longer seemed angry. With a cryptic smile Penelope said, “I knew you’d be surprised.” “I’m… speechless.” Marya glanced down at herself, still in her damp swimsuit, and the blood rushed to her face. Just a few minutes ago under the condo, she and Drew had shared an embrace and a kiss. Her own sister’s fiancé. In two weeks he would be her sister’s husband. With self-loathing, a bitter taste of bile came to her throat. She couldn’t forgive herself, but even less could she excuse Drew. He was
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disgusting, repugnant! “I have to get cleaned up.” Marya left the kitchen and hurried to the shower to wash off the mere thought of him. She lost track of time, scrubbing herself from head to toe under the hot shower. It wasn’t until the water became cool that she came to her senses, turned off the shower, and stepped out. Wrapped in a towel, she went to her room and grabbed an old pair of shorts and a top to wear. Then she plodded heavily back to the kitchen and found Penelope eating a sandwich. “Aren’t you and Drew going out?” She almost choked on his name. “No, Drew said he had some work to do tonight. And besides, I want to get to bed early. I’m leaving on the first ferry. Have to catch a morning flight.” Shouldn’t Penelope and Drew be spending as much time together as possible? Weren’t they making plans? Well, she wouldn’t interfere! Sunday morning Marya and Penelope took the ferry to the marina. There Penelope caught a limo to the airport, while Marya went to church. If there were ever a time she needed heavenly guidance, it was now. Guidance, forgiveness, and the ability to forgive Drew. But try as she would, she couldn’t forgive herself. She had actually fallen in love with her sister’s fiancé, the father of her sister’s child. And she certainly couldn’t forgive him for flirting with her two weeks before his wedding, and lying to Penelope about her. Had she“come on” to Drew, as Penelope said? She was so mixed up now she didn’t know. Maybe she had. Sunday afternoon Marya took out her list of petition signers and looked it over. It was pretty pathetic, actually. She would have to get busy if she wanted to prevent the state
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from issuing a bridge permit. All afternoon she walked in the glaring sunshine from house to house, starting at the south end of the island, where she would be less likely to see Drew. Many houses were locked up, their owners not on the island. She found some residents swimming or sunbathing on the beach. A few people did sign the petition, but it would surely take more than that to sway the state. Thoroughly discouraged, hot, and tired, Marya went home, fixed an early supper, and went to bed. Monday at the hospital Marya rearranged her schedule so that she could give Walter his treatments on Tuesday and Thursday mornings rather than afternoons. That way she could be fairly sure Drew would be out of the house, and she wouldn’t have to see him. Walter seemed as happy as ever to see her on Tuesday morning. He was doing very well and was pleased at his own progress. They discussed his library, whose many enthusiastic patrons stopped in to see Walter after they chose books. And those visits themselves were therapy for him. Thursday morning Marya had left Walter’s house and was walking to the ferry when Drew’s truck rumbled up the sandy track toward her. Darn! She stepped into the weeds to let him pass, but the truck squeaked to a stop beside her. “Hey, Marya!” Drew smiled broadly. “Haven’t seen you all week. Going to work? If you wait a minute I’ll give you a ride to the ferry.” He wore cut-off jeans and a clean white Tshirt. Even now the sight of his friendly smile, brown arms and legs, and unruly lock of hair tugged at her unwilling heart. “No, thank you,” she said coldly, brushing past the truck. “Is something wrong?”
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actor! “Oh, no!” Her voice dripped with sarcasm. “There’s nothing wrong. Nothing at all.” She continued walking, ignoring his calls behind her. Eventually he gave up, and she heard the truck chug on to Walter’s house. He thought he could turn on the charm, have a little flirtation with Penelope’s sister, and no one would be the wiser. Well, he could just guess again. Words could not express her disgust. In spite of a busy schedule at the hospital that day, Marya’s thoughts were never far from Penelope. And Drew. Now that it was never to be, she admitted to herself that she had allowed herself to hope… that possibly Drew and Penelope would break their engagement… that maybe Marya and Drew… What an idiot she’d been! Good riddance! She just hoped Drew would stay faithful to Penelope. If he knew what faithful meant. After work Marya treated herself to dinner at a local fish restaurant. She took the last ferry home, and the phone was ringing as she walked in. She ran to answer. Drew’s deep voice said, “Marya, I’ve been calling you all evening. Everything all right?” “Just ducky!” She hung up. Immediately the phone rang again. This time it might be her sister. But when she answered, it was Drew again. “Marya, what’s wrong? Did I do something to make you mad?” “Listen, Drew.” Her voice was cold with anger. “I’m tired of your little games. Just leave me alone!” She slammed the receiver down. The phone rang several times after that, but she didn’t answer. Maybe now he’d get the picture.
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The next morning Marya stepped out the door of her apartment, locked it, and turned to look over the treetops at the sparkling water of the bay. It was a beautiful day, and she wouldn’t waste another minute worrying about Penelope and Drew. She had her own life to live. She had started down the stairs before she noticed the truck below. Drew sat behind the wheel, obviously waiting for her. How could she get through to him that he wasn’t welcome? Getting closer, Marya was surprised at his appearance. He hadn’t shaved, and his eyes looked tired and red. Her first thought was of his uncle. “Is Walter all right?” “He’s fine. Marya, please get in. We have to talk.” She might as well get this over with. Silently she climbed into the truck beside him. He started the engine and drove slowly to the ferry dock, where he parked in the shade of a mangrove. Now he’d tell her about the wedding and maybe even about the baby. “So talk,” she said. She would listen, but she refused to make this any easier for him. Drew’s warm brown eyes looked so troubled that in other circumstances she would feel sorry for him. “Marya, I hardly slept last night. I don’t know what I did to hurt you, but whatever it was, I’m sorry.” He waited, but when she didn’t answer, he continued. “I don’t know how I could have got myself into this situation…” She laughed bitterly. “Oh, really.” “I’m not proud of myself. I didn’t intend to speak to you about this until later, after I’d settled something. I’ve always considered myself a gentleman. But when you hung up on me, it hit me so hard!” He raked his hand through his hair. “I realized I’d have to say this now. I…like you very much. I
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would never do anything to hurt you. Not anything. Or Penelope, either. Oh, what a mess!” He hit the steering wheel with his fist. The ferryboat had pulled in and was ready to leave again. Marya jumped out of the truck. Her jaws ached from being clenched. “Gentleman! Ha! You listen to me, Drew Adams. I’m not proud of kissing you. It won’t happen again. Ever. You’d better settle down now, and try to remember your secret!” She ran down the dock to the ferry. She’d promised Penelope she wouldn’t mention the wedding and the baby, but she couldn’t help referring to it. “What?” Drew yelled. But Marya had stepped aboard the boat, and it was chugging through the waves toward the marina. Secret? What was she talking about? Drew felt terrible guilt for falling in love with Marya while still engaged to her sister. The engagement to Penelope had been a big mistake from the beginning. Over last weekend he’d tried to talk seriously to her about their goals in life. Surely she could see they weren’t suited to each other at all. But she’d clammed up, wouldn’t talk about it. He’d hoped Penelope would break the engagement so he could tell Marya he loved her. But on Sunday Penelope left the island without a word to him. Was she angry? Had she seen him kissing Marya? And why was Marya so upset? Still sitting in the truck at the dock, Drew repeated Marya’s words slowly to himself. “Don’t forget your secret.” He shook his head, baffled. He drove his truck slowly back to Uncle Walt’s. Today was Friday, and he was going to drive to Winter Park to meet a banker about financing another house. Because of the distance, he planned to stay overnight in a motel and come
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back the next day. He had bought groceries for Uncle Walt and received Walt’s assurance that he would be all right alone. Now, trying to ignore his pounding headache, he packed his clothes.
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Chapter Thirteen
Marya pulled into the hospital parking lot, locked her car, and trudged up the stairs to the physical therapy department. Sherri, her supervisor was sitting at the desk. She smiled and said, “Well, are you almost ready?” Her words seemed to have some special meaning. “Ready?” Marya didn’t have a clue what she was talking about. “Don’t tell me you forgot! The Special Olympics! Remember, we signed up two months ago to help!” “Oh, I lost track of time!” To Marya that promise seemed a lifetime ago, before she’d met Drew, before she’d fallen in love, before he’d shown his true colors. “Of course I remember. When does it start?” “It actually takes place on Sunday, but tomorrow we’re supposed to help set up the registration booths, get the ribbons and trophies ready, things like that. You can do it, can’t you?” Sherri asked. “Sure!” In fact she was glad to be involved. She’d wasted enough time obsessing on Drew. “Okay,” Sherri said. “I know you live on Sea Grape Key. We may not be through with preparations tomorrow until after nine, so why don’t you stay with my husband and I tomorrow night? That way you won’t have to worry about catching the ferry, and Sunday morning we can go together to the recreation area.”
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“That sounds great, Sherri.” Marya was really looking forward to it now. Friday after work Marya did her washing and laid out the clothes she’d need for the weekend. While she folded clothes she finally allowed herself to think about her last glimpse of Drew this morning. She’d really told him off! She replayed the scene in her head. Boy, did he look surprised! Even bewildered. Why should he be that surprised that Penelope would tell Marya about the wedding? After all, she and Penelope were sisters. Saturday Marya, Sherri, and the other therapists and aides brought extra wheelchairs and walkers to the fairground for those who might need them. They looked over the list of events and divided jobs among themselves so the next day could be as organized as possible. Of course parents and teachers of the participants would also be there to help. Saturday night they all went out to dinner together, and Marya enjoyed the camaraderie of her co-workers. Maybe she had become too much of a loner on the island. She would make it a point to socialize more. Soon Penelope and Drew would be married. Beyond her anger, deep in her heart was a dull ache that might some day fade away. Sunday was a madhouse, but a heartwarming one. The participants of the Special Olympics, each with some physical or mental disability, were so enthusiastic that Marya was caught up in the excitement. She and the others helped those who needed wheelchair transport, picked up anyone who fell, directed people to the right places, clapped, and cheered. There were races of all kinds, a baseball game, wheelchair basketball, swimming, discus throwing, and volleyball. And all participants received awards, if only for participation. What impressed Marya the most was the friendliness and kindness
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the entrants showed each other, the enthusiastic cheers when each ribbon was presented. Certainly there was a lesson here for people who would be considered more fortunate. At the end of the day she resolved never to complain about anything again. Exhausted, she said goodbye to her friends and took the last ferry home to the island. A message was waiting on her answering machine. Drew’s deep voice said, “Marya?” In spite of herself, her heart leapt. “It’s Saturday morning. I’m in Winter Park and won’t be home until tonight. I’m sure Uncle Walt was all right alone last night, but would you check on him for me please?” Oh great. Couldn’t he have given her more notice? Today was Sunday. Marya would like to speak to Walter, to find out how he’d managed while Drew was gone. But Drew was probably home now, and she didn’t want to talk to him. No, she would just fade into the background and mind her own business. *** Drew had arrived at home late Saturday. The trip had been successful, and he had obtained new financing to build another house. He was elated, until he walked into the house. Uncle Walt was sitting glumly in semi-darkness. “Uncle Walt! Is something wrong?” “No.” “You feel all right? Did Marya come to see you?” “No, she didn’t.” Uncle Walt’s voice quavered slightly. Drew thought his uncle’s feelings must be hurt. Couldn’t Marya have done a small favor for Uncle Walt while Drew was out of town? She was always on the island. Even if she was busy, she could have given Uncle Walt a call. Was
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she punishing Drew for something? Why was she so angry, anyway? Drew fixed cups of decaf for himself and his uncle, opened a package of cookies, and told him about the successful visit to the banker. Soon Uncle Walt was smiling and examining the blueprint they spread out on the table. Before he went to bed Uncle Walt said, “I hope Marya isn’t sick. I’ll call her in the morning. I bet something came up this weekend.” “I bet you’re right, Uncle Walt.” But Drew doubted it. Let his uncle call Marya. He certainly wouldn’t. She’d made it clear she didn’t want anything to do with him. After Uncle Walt had gone to sleep, Drew lay in bed, his eyes wide open. His life was a mess. He’d been crazy to propose to Penelope after knowing her such a short time. And when he’d finally realized how wrong they were for each other, he’d fallen for her sister. Marya’s face swam before his eyes. So pretty, fresh, loving. At least he’d thought he’d read love in her expression. She was everything he wanted in a wife. Maybe it could still work out, if he could find out what had upset her. Drew rolled over and tried to relax. Next week would be hectic. It was a constant hassle transporting his sub contractors to the island. Having building materials barged out was another problem. And he was committed to attending the Home Show in Miami Friday and Saturday. So he’d have to drive over there on Thursday. Toward morning he fell into a fitful sleep. *** Early Monday morning Marya answered her phone.
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“Marya? Walt.” His voice was strained. “You all right, gal?” “Walter! I’m so glad you called! I was off the island most of the weekend and didn’t get Drew’s message until last night. I feel terrible that I wasn’t here to visit you! Did you get along all right while he was gone?” “Sure! You know me. Tough old Walt.” Marya laughed. It was obvious that he was relieved, and so was she. “So I’m forgiven for not coming to see you?” “Heck, there’s nothing to forgive. Just glad you’re not sick or something. Well, I have to go now.” “’Bye, Walter. See you tomorrow morning.” Tuesday morning Marya walked to Walter’s house for his treatment, hoping that Drew would not be there, and she was in luck. She and Walter had a good exercise session, and when she was leaving, he said, “Did you know Drew’s going to be in Miami for three days this week?” “No. Is he there now?” “Not yet. I think he said Thursday. Said he’d have the neighbors check on me. Humph. Treats me like a kid.” “No, not like a kid,” Marya said. “He worries about you because he loves you. You know that. I’ll see you again Thursday morning. And if Drew is gone on Friday and Saturday, I’ll stop in to visit you.” Marya thought about what Walter had said. Drew asked the neighbors to check on him. In other words, Drew didn’t trust her to do it. She thought briefly of calling Drew to tell him she hadn’t received his message last week because she’d been gone, too. But why bother? Let Walter tell him. ***
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Thursday afternoon Drew stopped at the Post Office for his mail, tossed it into the back seat of his car, and headed for Miami. He would read it in the motel. Now he was in a hurry to drive across the state on Alligator Alley. That night at the motel Drew noticed a padded envelope among his other letters and advertisements. He glanced at the return address. Penelope. What could this be? He opened it curiously. Inside was his grandmother’s antique ring. Minus the diamond, of course, which was in the new ring. Why return his grandmother’s ring this way? She could have just handed it to him some day at the island. Sitting on the side of the bed, he reached for the phone and dialed Penelope’s number in New York, not really expecting to reach her. “Hello?” “Penelope! I didn’t know you’d be home.” “Funny you’d call, then.” “The ring just came,” Drew said. “Penelope, we have to talk.” He drummed his fingers on the bedside table. “Yes, we do.” Penelope paused for a long time. “Penelope?” When she didn’t reply, Drew’s thoughts suddenly came into focus. He couldn’t simply wait for her to break up with him. It was dishonest to remain engaged to her while loving someone else. He should have realized that before. Gentleman or not, he had to break the engagement, even if he had to do it long distance. Right now. “Penelope,” his voice was husky in his own ears, and he spoke as gently as he could. “We have to talk seriously.” He cleared his throat. “We, you and I… well, do you see that we just aren’t compatible?” “What?” She sounded incredulous.
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“I’m sorry to do this by phone.” Now that he’d started he’d have to continue. “Honey, we just became engaged too soon, before we really knew each other. Don’t you see?” “Exactly what are you saying, Drew?” Penelope’s tone was like ice. Drew swallowed. “I’m saying… Darn it, Penelope, I think we should agree to break up. We aren’t right for each other. You don’t really like the island, and the island is where I belong. You love the city, and when I was there I could hardly wait to get out. I want to make a success as a builder. You want to continue your career, and you should! You are getting more famous all the time.” “Oh, thank you!” she said with thick sarcasm. “I’m sure you are an expert on the fashion scene.” “Pen, I know I’m not an expert. That’s my point. We live in different worlds, and neither of us is willing to give up our world. You could commute, of course, but I don’t think you’d enjoy it.” “You could commute,” Penelope mocked. “Well, you’re right. I don’t enjoy it. And I don’t enjoy your precious island, either.” Drew’s hand tightened on the receiver, and his head began to ache. He knew he’d hurt her feelings. “I’m so sorry, Penelope. This was the wrong way to broach the subject. Let’s just talk about it next time you come down.” Penelope laughed shrilly. “Next time I come down? What makes you think there will be a next time? I’ll tell you what, Drew, there are plenty of available men up here, and one rather special one. He’s a doctor, by the way. His name is Craig. So don’t think I’m heart broken, okay?” “Penelope, I’m so sorry,” he repeated lamely. He’d made a mess of this conversation. Absently he twirled his
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grandmother’s ring on the end of his finger, noticing the place where the diamond had been removed. “See you around, Drew.” Penelope’s voice was polite and distant. Drew heard her receiver click softly. Drew sat on his bed, emotionally exhausted, more tired than if he’d worked a full day in the sun. He put his grandmother’s ring on the nightstand and dialed Marya’s number. Now he could tell her that his engagement was over and try to find out how he had hurt her. He longed to tell her he loved her. When her answering machine came on, he said, “Marya. Drew here.” He took a deep breath. There was no way he could say this over the phone. “I’ll talk to you this weekend.”
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Chapter Fourteen
Thursday night Marya stayed in town long enough to have dinner with Paul, another therapist from her department. He’d asked her out before, but she’d always said no. There was nothing wrong with him, she supposed. She might as well get on with her life. No sense mooning about Drew. After dinner Paul waited with her at the ferry to make sure she got on safely. Deftly avoiding his kiss, she jumped on board. “See you tomorrow, Paul.” Walking from the ferry landing to her condo, Marya listened to the cicadas and watched the shadowy palm trees swaying in a slight breeze. The tangy salt air was like a welcoming embrace. She loved the island, but was it big enough for Penelope, Drew, and herself? Could she stand seeing them every day, happily married? It would be so difficult not to be jealous of Penelope. Drew was exactly what she wanted in a husband. Correction. She’d thought he was what she wanted. But not now. What she should probably do was sell her half of the condo to Penelope. It would be a lovely place for a married couple. With a baby. When she got into the apartment she found a message from Drew on her answering machine, saying he’d speak to her this weekend. It was probably his subtle way of reminding her he was out of town. That he hoped she would watch out
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for his Uncle Walter. Of course she would. But she had nothing more to say to Drew, ever. Friday was hot, sunny, and windy. Marya had planned to visit Walter before work, but she overslept. Maybe she could leave work early and see him this afternoon, she thought. But, unfortunately, by the time she finished her patients and paperwork, she’d missed the six o’clock ferry. She finally plodded home at 7:15. As soon as she got inside she dialed Walter’s number, but got Drew’s answering machine. At the tone she said, “Hi, Walter. It’s Marya. Just checking on you. Call me back, will you?” She hung up. Maybe Walter was downstairs in his library. Probably a friend had come to visit. Marya ate supper, then called Walter again. But again he didn’t answer. Strange. The sun had set, and he should certainly be home. She tried again and just got the answering machine. Could he be sick? Now she began to worry. She changed to shorts and a T-shirt, grabbed her flashlight, and set off for Walter’s at a run. Deciding she would reach Walter’s sooner by running down the beach, Marya played the flashlight beam on the sand. The beach was almost covered with water, and she had to dodge the large waves rolling in. Not much interested in fishing, she seldom kept track of the tide, but it must be high tonight. A strong west wind whipped her hair and clothes. Dark clouds scudded before the moon. Marya felt a few raindrops. She was relieved to arrive at Walter’s house, but her relief was short lived. The house was dark! She ran upstairs and burst into the door without knocking. After fumbling for a light switch, she finally saw Walter, lying on his couch, pale and still.
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“Walter!” she cried. He groaned and whispered, “Hey, gal!” “What’s wrong?” He placed his hand on his chest. “Hurts.” No, not a heart attack! Marya went to the telephone and dialed 911. Marya told the 911 operator she was on Sea Grape Key with an elderly man who was having chest pain. “Can you please send a police boat? The dock is number 81.” “I’m sorry. We can’t do that. The two police boats are out on calls already.” “Well, how about the helicopter from the hospital? This is an emergency!” The woman sounded concerned. “I’m sorry, but we dispatched the helicopter a few minutes ago to an accident on I-75. If you get the patient to the marina, we can have an ambulance waiting.” Marya took a deep breath. “Is that our only choice?” “That’s it. I’m very sorry.” “All right. Send the ambulance. We’ll be there.” Marya gave her name and Walter’s and hung up. Marya looked out at the neighbors’ houses. All dark. “Any of your neighbors here, Walter?” “No.” Another option occurred to her. She called the ferry office, but a recorded message stated that business hours were from nine to nine. Then it was up to her. She forced her voice to sound calm. “It’s probably nothing, Walter, but just to be sure, I’m going to get you to the hospital. Where’s your poncho?” Even as she asked, she saw it hanging on a peg by the door. Foul weather gear was a necessity on the island. When she’d
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helped him into the bright yellow plastic garment, she grabbed a blanket and pillow. “Let’s go.” Walter was able to stand and slowly make his way downstairs with Marya’s help. “Take your time,” she said. “You’re doing fine.” They got into the golf cart, and Walter slumped in the seat beside her. Oh, please let him be okay! The wind was strong at their backs until they had crossed the island. Then it let up a bit, and Marya realized it was because they were now on the lea side of the island. Getting Walter out of the golf cart and out to the end of the dock seemed to take forever, but she didn’t want to hurry him. The tide was so high the waves splashed the under side of the dock. Walter’s boat, tugging at its lines, rode much higher than usual. Instead of stepping down into the boat Walter would have to raise his leg over the bow rail and step up. With Marya and his cane supporting him on his weak leg, Walter managed to step up and over with his strong right leg. Marya helped him to lie down on the deck. Then she ran back to the golf cart for the pillow and blanket. So far so good. “Doing okay, Walter?” She asked with forced cheeriness, covering him with the blanket and the tarp she’d removed from the console. “Fine!” But his voice was weak. “You just relax. We’ll be at the marina before you know it.” Was she out of her mind to try this? Marya stepped behind the console, breathed a prayer, and turned the key. Nothing. She tried again. On the third try the motor started. She untied the lines, but before she had a chance to put the boat in reverse, to back away from the dock, waves pushed them sideways. The side of the boat thumped against the dock, and they drifted backward, toward shore.
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Well, at least the bow was headed in the right direction. Marya pushed the throttle forward, and the boat lurched to life. Steering desperately, Marya sideswiped two tie poles, but managed to clear the dock. “We’re on our way, Walter!” she sang out, her voice carried away by the wind. Now to find the channel markers, which was imperative because much of the bay was very shallow. Marya turned on her flashlight, but could see only dark waves. She knew she should follow the coastline of the island for awhile. Squinting, steering, and directing the flashlight, she found the first marker and carefully passed to the left of it. The next marker should be ahead of her. She was away from the relative protection of the island, now. The wind and waves whipped at the boat from the west, bouncing and pushing them farther from shore. Off course? No, there was the second marker! Marya turned left at the marker and headed directly east. At least she hoped it was east. It was so hard to tell at night. She turned off the flashlight, hoping the lights on the mainland would guide her, but she couldn’t see lights yet. It had begun to rain, and wind from behind now pushed the boat forward as if it were a toy. Large waves broke over the stern, soaking Marya to the skin. Walter was on the forward deck. She hoped his blanket and tarp were some protection for him. He was so quiet! At last she saw lights flickering through the rain, but they weren’t where she’d expected them! They should be directly ahead of her, if she was on the right course, but instead they were way off to the left! What should she do? Lights meant shore and people. She swung the boat left and headed for the lights.
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Now the waves buffeted the boat from the left. Had the wind changed? Or did it mean she’d completely lost track of direction? Other lights twinkled on shore, more to the right. By now she had no idea where the marina’s lights might be. But shore was shore. She pushed the throttle as far forward as it would go. With a grinding noise, the boat jerked to a stop, and the motor quit. Marya turned the key again and again, but heard only a sickening whine. Then she thought she heard Walter’s voice. She walked around the console to see him. “Okay, Walter?” He gave a weak chuckle and raised up on one elbow. “You ran aground, gal. I’ll try to get us loose.” He started to sit up. “You will not! You lie down or I’ll smack you!” Walter’s hearty belly laugh did Marya good. He lay back down. “Can you find my grappling hook?” Marya felt around on the deck “Is this it?” “Right. Raise the motor, and see if you can push us loose.” Following his instructions, Marya pushed as hard as she could with the metal pole, but they were still stuck fast in the shallow water. “I bet if I jumped in I could push the boat loose.” “Maybe. But first try the horn. It’s inside the console,” Walter croaked. She found the battery-operated metal horn and blasted it repeatedly. The rain had let up. With the motor dead, the only noise now was the waves pounding against the boat. Off to the right Marya thought she heard a boat, but it droned away into the distance.
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Was that another motor? Looking toward the hum, she saw a spotlight. She jumped up and waved in the darkness. “Over here!” It turned away. “Here!” she screamed, sounding the horn again. . In a few minutes she heard a boat motor, and the spotlight turned toward them again. Between horn blasts she thought she heard a voice. “Marya?” came the call across the waves. “Here! Here!” she yelled. The other boat approached, but cut its engine before it reached them. A form jumped into the water and came toward them in knee-deep water. “Marya? Uncle Walt?” “Drew!” Never had she been so glad to see anyone. He waded alongside. “I’ll get you loose.” He tugged and pushed, but the boat still held fast. “I’ll help.” Marya jumped over the side. With both Marya and Drew pushing, the boat still rocking and pitching, slid into deeper water. Drew grabbed the bow line and, in water to his chest, fastened it to his own boat, then came back. “Can you climb into Uncle Walt’s boat?” “Sure!” she said. But it was harder than it looked. With a boost from Drew, she finally made it. Marya sat with Walter while Drew started his boat and towed them slowly through the waves into the more protected water of the marina. An ambulance was waiting, and the paramedics soon transferred Walter to a pallet, covered him with warm blankets, and sped him to the hospital, with Marya beside him on a little stool. ***
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After parking his car in the hospital parking lot, Drew came dripping into the emergency waiting room and saw Marya shivering in a corner. When she saw him she leapt up and ran toward him. But he watched her smile fade from joy to polite recognition “Drew, you’re a life saver,” she said. “But how did you happen to be there? I thought you were in Miami.” “Let’s get some hot coffee, and I’ll tell you about it,” he said, ushering her to a deserted alcove containing coffee and snack vending machines. With their hands wrapped around the hot cups, they sat on two straight back folding chairs. “Now, tell me how you found us.” Marya’s teeth chattered. Her wet hair hung in limp clumps around her face. Her nose was red. To him she’d never looked more beautiful. Drew could hardly resist taking her in his arms. “You don’t watch the weather reports much, do you?” he said. “No, why?” “So you didn’t see the huge storm heading in from the gulf.” She gulped. “No, I didn’t,” she said in a small voice. “I was watching the news at the motel, and when I saw how bad the storm looked on radar, I called home, but there was no answer. Then I called you, and you didn’t answer.” Drew sipped his coffee. “I knew something was wrong, so I jumped into my car and high tailed it home. At the marina they said quite a few people had evacuated the island. When the ambulance pulled up I found out they were waiting for Uncle Walt! But you didn’t come!” He closed his eyes, reliving the worry. “I had to find you, that’s all. No matter what.”
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“I’m glad you did! Because Walter was sick, I mean,” Marya said. “I’m sure we’d have been all right otherwise. No problem.” She sat very straight. Drew chuckled. Marya smiled. “All right. I’ll admit it. We definitely needed help. I’m not invincible after all.” “People do need each other,” Drew said, his voice husky. He wanted to say so much more! A woman in white came around the corner. “Are you here with Walter Brogan?” Both Drew and Marya jumped up. “Follow me,” said the nurse. Walter had been admitted to the hospital. He’d had a slight heart attack, but he would be fine. They wanted to keep an eye on him for a few days. When Drew and Marya visited him in his room he seemed relaxed and comfortable. Already his color was better. “You two kids go home and get some rest,” Walter said sleepily. “See you soon.” When they’d left his room Drew said, “But we can’t go home tonight, you know. The storm is too bad. We’d better check into a motel.” Marya stared suspiciously at him. “I’d rather stay here.” Drew rubbed his eyes. It had been a long day. “I was merely offering you a ride to a motel. Obviously we’d have two rooms. But we can spend the rest of the night here in the waiting room, I suppose.” He collapsed into a plastic chair. No one else was in the waiting room now. Mercifully, the TV volume was on low. Old dog-eared magazines lay in unappealing confusion on the few tables. “I have something to tell you,” Drew said. “Penelope and I aren’t engaged anymore.”
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Marya sat beside him, her cheeks very pink. “What do you mean you’re not engaged? You’re getting married in two weeks!” “Where did you get that idea?” “From Penelope, of course! I know it was supposed to be a secret.” Drew shook his head. “That’s not true, Marya! Besides, I spoke to Penelope yesterday, and we agreed to split up.” No doubt Penelope would claim it had been her idea, and that was all right with him. “Anyway, Marya, I’m free.” He smiled in relief. “You think you’re free!” Marya laughed cynically. She jumped up and paced the room. Drew couldn’t read the expression on her face. Finally she strode across the room, as far away from him as she could, sat and closed her eyes. Wind and rain lashed the windows. One or two emergencies came in. Marya seemed to be sleeping, her head against the wall. Why was she so angry? Drew had never felt so lonely. *** Marya awoke to watery sunlight shining into the waiting room. She had a crick in her neck. Her nose was stuffy. Her clothes were wrinkled, but almost dry. Drew’s chair across the room was empty. She stood up and stretched. Coffee. That’s what she needed. In the little snack alcove she saw Drew, staring into a steaming cup. He didn’t notice her at first. He looked awful— crumpled, needing a shave, hair every which way, a dejected slump to his shoulders. “’Morning,” Marya said shortly.
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Drew’s head snapped up, and he smiled broadly. “Good morning! Let me get you some coffee.” “All right,” she said, unsmiling. She watched him drop coins in the machine and wait for the cup to fill. When he handed it to her she thanked him and turned away. She took a sip. It wasn’t great, but at least it was hot. Maybe it would help. She sat down on a folding chair, and he sat beside her. Drew took a gulp of coffee. “Want something to eat? Looks like just crackers and cheese in the machine.” “No, thanks.” Marya sighed and shook her head. Drew cleared his throat. “Anything wrong? I’ve checked, and Walter is much better this morning.” “That’s good.” Marya looked deep into his eyes and said wearily, “Drew, how can you ask me if something is wrong? Last night you told me you’re ‘free.’ I don’t understand your twisted reasoning. My sister is carrying your baby!” Drew’s arm jerked, spilling his coffee on his leg. “That’s a lie!” he yelled, his face crimson. “Did she tell you that?” He crumpled the empty cup. “Yes, she did,” Marya declared, raising her chin. Drew swore. “It’s not true! Tell me what she said,” he fumed. “It was when she told me you were going to be married in two weeks,” Marya said coldly. “Which wasn’t true,” Drew growled. “Then what did she say?” “Well, then…” Marya pictured Penelope perched on a chair in their kitchen, telling about the wedding. “I asked her if she was pregnant, and…” Marya paused, trying to recall her sister’s exact words. “And?” Drew thundered, his eyes narrowed.
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“Well, I guess she didn’t actually say yes.” Marya’s voice faltered. “I remember that now. But she kind of smiled, and she let me believe… I was sure that’s what she meant.” “She let you believe!” Drew said angrily. “So you did believe it. Well, it’s not true. It’s another of Penelope’s lies. Marya, we have to have a serious talk!” “All right,” Marya said in a small voice. She rubbed her eyes and tried to concentrate, her mind in tumult. Drew reached for her hand, but she snatched it away. “Penelope and I never should have gotten engaged,” Drew said. “I’ve always had this urge to help ladies in distress, probably because my mother was so sickly. As a little boy I tried to help her as much as I could, but she died very young” He rubbed the stubble on his chin and took a deep breath. “Anyway, when I met Penelope in the rain, and she needed a taxi, of course I helped her.” Drew gave a hollow laugh. “She was so glamorous, and she can be very charming and funny, as you know. And yet there was that little air of uncertainty about her. She made me think she needed me. I thought I was in love... “I realized very soon that I’d made a mistake, but by then we were engaged, and I didn’t have the guts to break the engagement.” Marya looked into his eyes, searching for the truth, and his eyes seemed to plead her to believe him. “I didn’t know what to do,” he continued. “I fell in love with you, but I was engaged to your sister. I hoped she’d break up with me, but finally I knew I had to end the engagement myself.” “So you’re the one who broke the engagement?” Marya asked. For some reason that seemed important to her.
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“Yes, I did. I couldn’t keep acting a lie.” Drew ran his hand through his disheveled hair. “Penelope was angry, but not because she loved me, I’m sure. In fact, she mentioned some doctor she’s interested in. Craig, I think she said.” “That’s that psychiatrist!” Marya said. “Right. So, as I said, I’m free.” The word “free” no longer angered Marya. In fact it sounded like music in her ears. She found herself smiling. Encouraged, Drew said, “Marya, I’ve loved you for so long. Well, it seems like a long time, and I’ve wanted so much to tell you, to be with you. Is there any hope that you, that we…” He reached for her hand, and this time she welcomed his touch. Marya’s heart seemed to sing within her. “You said you were attracted to Penelope’s beauty and glamour. Do you appreciate my beauty?” she teased, knowing very well how she looked. Drew stood and pulled Marya to her feet, and holding her hands out, looked her over. “Your beauty? Actually, you look like something that washed up on the beach.” He grinned. “But I bet you’d clean up well.” “Thank you sir. I’m flattered.“ Marya giggled. “With a shave, a shower, and some clean clothes you might look all right yourself. Do you consider me weak and in need of a protector?” “No way, lady! When I need help I’ll call on you.” He squeezed her hands. “And I’ll call on you,” Marya said. “We all need help sometimes.” She paused. “I have a confession to make. You know the petition I was taking up to stop the bridge? Last night in the boat I would have given anything for a bridge!”
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Drew smiled. “I know exactly what you mean. And maybe some day there will be a bridge. But one thing we do have on the island right now is a beautiful little chapel. Would you like to be the first bride to be married there?” Marya threw herself into his arms. “Oh, Drew, I’d love to!”
The End
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kathleen Culligan Techler has lived half her life in Minnesota and half in Florida, where she now lives with her husband. She has been a physical therapist, full time mother of five, and part time bookkeeper. She is a proud grandmother. Always an avid reader, Kathleen loves mysteries and a bit of romance. A barrier island off the coast of Florida where she and her husband owned a house is the background for two of her books. When she is not writing or reading she delivers Meals on Wheels, knits hats for newborns, and tutors second graders in reading.
