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“I have no idea. I couldn’t believe it when she laid into me, and haven’t had a chance to see her since. She definitely says what’s on her mind. But I’m not the best at saying what’s on mine. And to tell you the truth, I’m pretty pissed off at her.”
“At least you know where you stand with her.”
That made him flinch. “Yeah, no doubt about that. The doghouse.”
“Give her a day or two to cool off. Let the dust settle a little, then talk it over.” He laughed and scraped a hand over the stubble on his head. “Though. I guess that would be easier if you didn’t live right below her.”
“No kidding. But you’re right. I’ll just lie low for a day or two and try to keep out of her way.”
Back at Serenity, Jack crept into his apartment, then tiptoed as he got ready for bed. He cast a dark glance at the ceiling, angry at having to be quiet in his own home.
* * *
The morning dawned crystal clear with a hint of breeze, and Jack woke inspired. He grabbed his sketchbook. Jumping into his truck, he headed to the peaceful spit of land at the north end of Half Moon Bay.
After cresting the sandy hillock, he came to an abrupt stop on the rocky ground. The sun behind him cast a pale golden glitter over the ocean, and he was mesmerized, frozen in place. A car came up the bumpy dirt road and when the engine turned off, the morning air became silent once more. Jack smiled as Dexter carefully picked his way toward him, using a carved wooden walking stick for support.
“Well, good mornin’ there, Jack. You’re out here bright and early.”
“I felt like drawing before work. What’s your excuse?” he asked with a smile.
Dexter smiled back, his lined face creasing. “This is a special place. I just wanted to watch the mornin’ rise again. Who knows how many more I’ll get to see—better take advantage.”
Jack had brought a folding stool and shook it out, offering it to Dexter. “Have a seat, then. We can watch it together.”
“Don’t mind if I do. Thank you kindly.” The older man thumped into the seat with a grunt.
“What’s all this talk about not seeing any more mornings? You look pretty spry to me.”
Dexter shook his head. “Not as much as I used to be, and there’s no denyin’ it. This mornin’ I’m feelin’ every one of my seventy-five years.”
Jack straightened. “Is everything ok?”
Dexter inspected his fingernails, pale pink and white against his dark fingers. “I fell last night. On my way to use the restroom. Got all turned around in the dark.”
Heart thumping, Jack bent down and placed a hand on his bony shoulder. “Are you hurt? Do you need to see a doctor?”
“Nah, nothin’ like that. But it was a good reminder I’m not thirty anymore. Hell, not even sixty.” He sighed, panning his watery brown eyes around the area. “My son has been tryin’ for years to get me to move closer—South Carolina. But a man has his pride, and I never even considered it. But that fall last night has me chewin’ on the thought a little more, I have to admit.”
“Do you have an emergency contact nearby?”
Dexter waved him off. “Don’t need that. There’s always 911 if it comes to that.”
“Do you have a cell phone?”
“Oh yeah. My son got me one of these fancy ones. I only know how to use it to make phone calls, though.” He fished the phone out of his pocket, holding it up with a toothy smile.
Jack took the phone from him and brought up Dexter’s contacts. He entered his own information, then quickly entered Dexter’s number into his own phone. “I put my name and number in here. If you ever need help, you call me, Dexter. See, my name is right here on your recent calls, right under George.” He handed back the phone.
Dexter smiled and pocketed his phone again. “George is my son. Don’t suppose havin’ your number could hurt. You’re all right, Jack. Thank you kindly.” He turned his gaze back to the ocean. “Now let’s watch a new day begin.”
CHAPTER 26
Sara curled a new section of Jamie’s lovely light-brown hair, letting the motions of a familiar activity relax her tense shoulders. A lousy night’s sleep hadn’t improved her bad mood, but the perspective it provided made her aware she might have been a little harsh toward Jack.
Again.
A guest at Half Moon Bay, Jamie had enjoyed a luxurious mani-pedi from their new employee Evie before moving over to Sara, who had given the woman blonde highlights and a soft, layered cut. Finishing the final curl, Sara brushed it all out and stood back, pleased with the results. “Well?”
