Page 26 of Here & Now

“What’s an example of a story you wrote?”

She gave him a funny look. “Are you really interested in this?”

He nodded. “I’ve never known a writer before.”

She sat up a little straighter. “I’m no Stephen King.”

“That’s okay. I don’t read horror, anyway.”

She smiled. “Some might call them fluff pieces, but I like to write about things that tug at the heartstrings.”

“Such as?”

“Animal rescues, people giving back to the community, local heroes, that sort of thing.”

“How’d you get started writing?”

“In sixth grade, I started writing for the school newspaper, and I haven’t stopped since.”

“You must love it, then.”

“I do. Shouldn’t you check the steak?”

He’d been so immersed in her story that he’d almost forgotten about it. He stood and went over to the grill. As he flipped the steak, he glanced over and saw her take another long swallow of wine. What was it that made him want to know everything about her?

He closed the lid and rejoined her. “More wine?”

She shook her head. “I shouldn’t. I’m a bit of a lightweight, and I don’t want to embarrass myself.”

“At least, if you get drunk, it’s only a short walk home.”

She laughed, and he liked the sound of it. It was far more appealing than Callie’s cackle.

“I won’t be getting drunk tonight.”

“Darn. I’m kind of curious what drunk Bree is like.”

“Drunk Bree is even more klutzy than sober Bree!”

He chuckled. “So, back to your job.”

“There’s not much more to say.”

“What are you going to write about while you’re here?”

“Sanibel. Since it’s a popular tourist destination, I’ll highlight some of the best things to see and do here. Maybe I’ll even interview some of the locals…” Her eyes went wide, and she pointed at him. “You. I could interview you!”

“Me? No thanks.”

“Why not?”

“Why would anybody want to read about me?”

“The article wouldn’t be about you so much as your shop and what it’s like living on the island year-round.”

“There are plenty of people who live here year-round. I could hook you up with someone a lot more interesting than me.”

“But I know you, sort of, so it would be easier to write. Will you at least think about it?”