Page 29 of Here & Now

“It might not seem like it now, but I think you’ll be glad you went. It’s a tribute to your grandparents’ memory that you went there one last time.”

Bree nodded and then realized Shannon was waiting for her to say something. “I have an idea for my next article,” she said, anxious to change the subject.

“Oh?”

“That’s partly why you called, right?”

“Yes, but I didn’t want to badger you.”

“You’re not badgering me. I still need to work. Correction, I want to work.”

“Well, good. What’s your idea?”

“I’d like to write a series of articles about things to see and do on the island, but with a personal slant.”

“Tell me more.”

Bree and Shannon had begun working at the newspaper at the same time and had quickly become friends. Shannon’s career path had taken her into management, and now she was Bree’s boss. While that might have been awkward for some, Bree was fine with it. Shannon was a good manager, and Bree was better at writing, so it made perfect sense.

“I’m going on a dolphin cruise tonight, and the captain happens to be my next-door neighbor.”

“Ohhh…I’m conjuring an image of Captain Stubing from Love Boat.”

Bree laughed. “My neighbor isn’t that old. Anyway, he lives on the island year-round and owns an outfitter shop. I thought I could pick his brain about what it’s like to live here versus being a tourist.”

“I see where you’re going with this.”

“Since a lot of Michiganders travel to Florida for vacation, I figured there’d be a decent amount of interest.”

“I agree. Maybe your neighbor can introduce you to other people on the island with a story to tell.”

“I guess it depends on how long I’m here.” Bree glanced down at the letters again.

“Like I said before, take your time. I know you, and I know your work ethic. You’ll still deliver your articles on time even while you’re in paradise.”

Paradise. Sadly, it didn’t quite feel like that anymore. “I’ll draft something up after the cruise and send it over to you.”

“Okay, but do me a favor.”

“Yes, I’ll run spell-check first.” It was an ongoing joke between them, but Shannon didn’t laugh.

“Take care of yourself too. You’ve been through a lot lately, and you deserve a break.”

Just like that, tears sprang to Bree’s eyes again. “I’ll try.”

“Enjoy the dolphin cruise, and we’ll talk soon.”

After they hung up, Bree felt emotionally drained, and she decided she’d done enough sorting for today. She packed the romance books into a box and planned on donating them to a library or used bookstore.

Next, she replaced the letters in their envelopes and stacked and rubber-banded them. She’d take the letters home and share them with Ivy, who’d probably enjoy rereading them as much as she had—even if they had made her cry.

Last, she tossed the reading glasses and some old receipts she’d found into the trash can. It wasn’t much, but it was a start. Besides, it was time to get ready for the cruise.

This time, her clothing choice was easy. She exchanged the University of Michigan T-shirt and matching gym shorts she’d worn to clean in for the Sanibel Outfitters T-shirt and denim shorts.

Then she put her hair up in a high ponytail, slathered on sunscreen, and swiped on some lip balm. There was no point in getting dolled up to go on a cruise where she’d be exposed to the elements. Besides, this wasn’t a date. This was a working cruise. She tucked a notepad and pen into her purse, put on some flip-flops, and sailed out the door.

Ten minutes later, she arrived at his shop. A crowd of people was gathered outside, dressed like tourists and talking excitedly. She got out of her car just as Zane emerged from the shop, looking way sexier than Captain Stubing.