Sailor stood by the railing, raising his hand in a wave to Skeeter.
10
Maileah clicked her computer keyboard, flipping between screens. As she researched, she grew more excited about creating a business on Crown Island.
She could do this. All she needed was her first client. While she would feel more confident about moving out of Junie’s house if she had work, she could manage.
Junie opened the door. “Knox and I are having a barbecue tomorrow night and inviting the neighborhood. Want to ask Todd?”
“We’re going out the next night.”
Junie grinned at that. “You can see him two nights in a row, can’t you?”
Maileah shook her head. “Just taking it slow this time.” She got up and stretched before wrapping her arms around her sister. “I’m glad we’re back on speaking terms. I’m sorry for everything I said.”
Junie feigned an angry attitude. “If you apologize one more time, so help me, I’ll have something to apologize for.” She held out her little finger. “Sisters forever?”
“Forever,” Maileah agreed.
Laughing, she hooked her little finger around her sister’s,just as they used to do when they were younger. A pinkie promise, they called it.
She was also going to yoga with her grandmother to work on harnessing a sense of calm—and her mouth, which had gotten her into trouble on too many occasions.
Junie eased onto Maileah’s bed and crossed her legs under her flowing floral print skirt. “How’s it going with Todd?”
“He’s Mr. Perfect. He even cooks—and actually enjoys it.”
“Just what you need.” Junie’s excitement for her was almost contagious. “What else?”
Maileah thought about it. “He’s becoming more affectionate, but we haven’t kissed.”
“Why not?” Junie’s eyes widened in alarm.
“Relax, we’ve only had three dates. Two really. The first one at Cuppa Jo’s doesn’t count. That was a meet-and-greet. So the Ferry Cafe was the first, and that was too soon. The cooking lesson wasn’t conducive to kissing, what with ten couples and my flinging hot pasta sauce all over the floor.”
Junie covered her face and laughed. “Oh, my word, I can’t believe you did that.”
“And yet, he still called me back. Unbelievable.”
“He must be crazy about you. This next date will surely seal your relationship.” Junie shook her hands with excitement.
“I think you’re more thrilled than I am,” Maileah said, sitting beside her.
Looking crestfallen, Junie made a pouty moue with her lips. “You’re not?”
“No, no, I am,” Maileah quickly assured her. “I’m just trying not to show it. You know, I want to be cool this time. Let him chase me for a change.”
“I knew he was right for you the first time I saw him.” Junie clasped her hands and beamed. “You really listened to me.”
“I did. And you’re right.” Still, Maileah missed the blinding passion she’d had in other relationships. Of course,those had been disastrous and burned out as fast as fireworks, she reminded herself. “Nana shared some advice with me the other day.”
Furrowing her brow, Junie asked, “About Todd?”
“No, it was about the need to work onmefirst. To get myself situated and settled before becoming involved with someone.”
Junie gave her a sympathetic smile. “You don’t want to miss out on Todd, though. I think he’s great. He seems to like you despite what you’re going through.”
As if I’m a charity case, she thought.Maileah bit back the snarky comment; she could do better.
