“I second everything she said.” Dee Dee claimed the bed nearest the bathroom. In the past she’d been plagued with frequent nature calls, but when she began to wear one of those new patches, she was able to go a few hours without making a potty stop. But she still automatically parked herself nearest the facilities.

“Okay, ladies. When you get through, come down and help yourselves to the snacks in the dining area.” She left us to unpack.

I couldn’t wait to freshen up, I felt like a wilted sunflower.

Dee Dee looked out the window. “Wow. What a view, Trix.” She held the curtain open and pointed. I could only glimpse a bit of the beach from where I stood across the room. She swiveled back around to soak in more of the panorama. “Oh no!”

“Oh no, what?” I stuck my head next to Dee Dee’s, wondering what she’d seen. Down below, Laura, feet apart and hands on hips, was arguing with someone.

CHAPTER TWO

Would you look at that?” Dee Dee motioned toward the women.

“Laura looks like she’s about to blow a gasket.”

“Yeah, she does. But look at the other woman. I’ve never seen arms move so fast. She’s going to levitate if she doesn’t slow those limbs down.” Dee Dee imitated the woman’s gesturing and bonked me in the arm.

“Ow!” I rubbed the bruised limb. “What do you think they’re arguing about?”

“It’s a mystery. Remember, she mentioned her neighbor earlier. And not so complimentary.

“I spotted another bed and breakfast, Ocean View Inn, right next door. I imagine the competition promotes some hard feelings.”

Dee Dee shoved me over for a better glance. The neighbor lady gazed at our window. Then Laura looked, too. “Quick, duck. They’re looking this way.” We stumbled more than ducked.

“Maybe Laura will tell us about it later,” Dee Dee said. She took an armload of clothes from her suitcase and neatly arranged them in the dresser drawer.

“You’re right. There’s a chance she’ll confide in Mama since they’re friends.” I claimed a drawer of my own.

“Yoo Hoo. What ya’ thinking about, Trixie?” Dee Dee plopped her suitcase on the floor startling me.

“So glad we’re friends and you could come with me.”

“Well, I feel the same way.” Dee Dee walked over and gave me a quick hug. “Isn’t this room just the cat’s meow?”

Laughter bubbled up my throat and flowed over. I wasn’t surprised at Dee Dee’s description of our room. Her five cats have the privilege of being treated like her offspring. Since her children, Stephanie and Trey, had moved out of the house she’d projected her motherly love on her fur babies.

“The room is lovely. A great place to rest and rejuvenate. I wish I didn’t have to work, but Harv wants me to write on Savannah and Tybee Island while we’re here. He promised not to call since I’m on a working vacation.” Harv harbored a soft spot in that heart of his, but when it came to his magazine he was serious as a rookie breaking his first big story.

“Come on, let’s go see what Mama and Nana are up to.” I switched off the lamp and noted the clear base filled with seashells. What a unique idea! Observing the display of shells dispersed around the room, I mentally named this the “seashell room.” I couldn’t wait to get my feet in the sand and water and hunt for my own shells.

We exited our room the same time as Mama and Nana. Dee Dee grabbed Nana’s arm. “Come on, ladies. Let’s see what kind of trouble we can get into.”

“Bite your tongue, girl.” Dee Dee and I’d had our fill of adventures. I didn’t want any more for a while.

“Mama, how’s your room?”

“Oh, Trixie. I couldn’t be more pleased. Thank you again for letting us tag along. I’m so grateful Laura offered us her home.”

“Yeah. Did you see the view out your window? The ocean’s beautiful. It reminds me of a sparkling jewel.”

Dee Dee glanced my way with raised eyebrows. I knew she was remembering the argument between Laura and the unidentified woman.

“Hey there. I see y’all made it back down,” our hostess greeted. “How about some crackers and cheese? I try to have snacks in the afternoon and evening. The sea air can sure make a body hungry, and I want my guests to be able to eat whenever they feel the need.” Laura had laid out a large spread of snacks. Crackers, cheese, olives, chips, tiny sandwiches, and desserts covered the table.

We grabbed plates and filled them with goodies. I could see it wasn’t going to be easy to avoid gaining weight on this vacation. Looking around, I suspected I wouldn’t be alone.

I glanced around for other guests. A beautiful, red-headed woman walked in the dining area. A creamy, smooth porcelain complexion and a figure to kill for completed the package.

She sauntered over and extended her hand. “Hi y’all. I’m Ellie Sloan.” We shook hands and introduced ourselves. “My, look at this feast. Laura really knows how to take care of her guests.”

“Ellie, it’s nice to meet you.” I was dying to find out what she did for a living. “I write for Georgia by the Way, a historic magazine. We’re here on vacation, and a little work.”

“I’m here for the Save the Turtles Convention. We meet once a year on different coasts to promote protection for the sea turtles’ nesting. Did you know that Tybee Island is home to the Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles, as well as the rare Diamondback terrapin? This makes it a great place to have the convention.” She flipped back her long red hair.

“Save the turtles? My land, who ever heard of anybody meeting to save turtles? I didn’t know they needed any help from people.” Nana shook her head.

“Nana. Is it all right to call you that?” She nodded and Ellie continued. “The sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach and then abandon the nest. It takes months for the eggs to hatch and there are so many hazards and predators, including the human kind, that can damage or destroy the eggs.”

I’d heard about the sea turtles and their plight, but knew little about the movement to save them.

“Think this would be a good subject for your story, Trixie?” Dee Dee filled her plate with seconds. As Dee Dee loved to eat, I didn’t believe it’d be her last.

“Sure. I want to write on a variety of topics.”

“I’ve gathered a lot of material on the sea turtles. You’re welcome to read it,” Ellie offered.

Laura replenished the table with little pimento cheese and cucumber cream cheese sandwiches. “There’s a big initiative on Tybee to protect the turtles. Between May and October, the nesting season, outside lights directed toward the beach must be turned off. The hatchlings will go toward the lights instead of the ocean, and be stranded inland, or worse, run over by cars as they are attracted to the headlights. There’s a hefty fine for people who don’t adhere to the lighting restrictions.”

“Who would have thought?” Mama refilled her plate with sandwiches and chips then settled on an overstuffed loveseat. “Back home we let our turtles fend for themselves.”

“Well, you better not say that around here. I’m sure the sea turtles are a worthy cause, but we have some fanatics like my next door neighbor.” Laura filled a plate and sat next to Mama. It was good to see Mama’s face bright with excitement. She was thrilled when she found out about the trip and getting reacquainted with her friend.

“I for one think it’s a great cause.” Ellie shook a chip toward Laura making her point. “And I know for a fact that other guests attending the convention will be staying on the island. You have to admit it’s good for business.”

“I’m sorry, Ellie.” Laura looked sheepish as she apologized. “Grace Watkins is about to drive me crazy.”

“Why?” Dee Dee was never one to worry about subtlety.

“The dogs. I can’t help they got out and started digging up one of the nests. Grace didn’t hesitate to report me, and believe me I paid for their little escapade.”