“Is that who you were arguing with outside a while ago?” I nudged Dee Dee, but it didn’t faze her. She plowed right on. “We looked out the window to admire the ocean view and saw y’all on the beach. You certainly didn’t look like you were best friends.”

“Yeah, that’s her. Grace threatened to report me if the dogs got out again. They told me if I had another citation I’d have to go to court. I’m sure they’d make me give up the dogs. She’s an old busy body. There’s not a person on this island she hasn’t angered at one time or another.”

CHAPTER THREE

I understand why she might get under your skin.” Dee Dee said around a mouth full.

“Well, I don’t want any of this ruining your stay. It’s my problem.” Laura replenished our drinks and sat back down beside Mama. The doorbell rang.

“Must be more guests.” Laura jumped up from the couch and fast footed her way to the front door. “Hello, come on in. Welcome to Seaside Cottage. I’m so glad you’ve chosen to stay with us.”

“We didn’t have much choice,” a gravelly voice announced. “Most of the hotels were full because of some doggone turtle festival or some-such nonsense.” The red-faced man was as big around as he was tall. He sported a comb-over and a missing tooth. Not exactly Adonis.

Laura, a pained look on her face, led the couple into the sitting room.

“Now, Harold. Be nice.” It seemed Harold got the better end of the deal. An attractive, sixty-something lady, decked out in a brightly flowered sundress, patted him on the arm.

She glanced in our direction. “I’m so sorry. Harold’s a little on edge, with the long travel and all. I’m Cassie Daniels and this is my husband.” She pointed toward the rude man. “We’re thrilled to be staying here. I’ve always wanted to vacation on the beach.”

“Humph.” Harold surveyed the room with a sneer on his lips.

“We were just having a few snacks and socializing. Why don’t you leave your luggage in the foyer and I’ll show you to your room later.” Laura introduced us and handed them each a plate. “Please help yourself.”

Harold might not have been impressed with his accommodations, but he piled his dish to overflowing.

We relaxed and ate while Laura puttered around. Another knock had Laura scurrying to the door.

A gray-haired, older gentleman stood nobly in the doorway. “Name’s George Knight. I just stopped by to introduce myself. I’m a guest at Ocean View Inn.” The distinctive English accent suited him well.

Laura tripped over her words. “Please, please come in.” She stuck out her hand as did George. The two outstretched hands culminated in a hearty handshake. George appeared to be in his late seventies or early eighties. Dressed in khakis, a dark blue polo, and a tweed jacket thrown over his arm, he posed a dashing figure. Gray hair, blue eyes the color of his shirt, and a wide white smile accentuated his handsomeness.

This did not go unnoticed by Nana, who jumped up to insinuate herself into the conversation.

“Hi, I’m Belle. This is my niece Betty Jo, my great-niece Trixie, and her friend Dee Dee.” Her hand shot out and grabbed George’s hand faster than a duck on a June Bug. She didn’t even mention her nickname. “We’re here on vacation.”

Dee Dee poked me in the side and stage whispered in my ear, “Nana’s got her eye on him.”

“Hello, Belle. It’s my pleasure to meet you.” He held her hand a little longer than necessary. It was good to see Nana flirting with someone her own age. Lately, Nana had taken to making eyes at much younger men.

“Mr. Knight, we were just having a snack. Would you like to stay a while and visit?” Laura thrust a plate and napkin toward George.

“Well,” his gaze lingered on Nana, “I do believe I would like that very much.” Laura finished the introductions while George filled his plate with goodies. He told us about his travels around the world and his fellow guests at the Ocean View Inn.

He stood to leave.

“Mr. Knight, we’re so glad you came by. Please, visit any time.”

“Thank you so much, Laura. I sure wish I’d known about this place before I made my reservations.”

My ears perked up and I shot a quick glance at Dee Dee.

“Not that I like to talk about anyone, especially my hostess, but that lady could take some lessons from you. She possesses no social skills.” He directed his comments to Laura.

A trace of a smile appeared on Laura’s face. “Well, Mr. Knight. Please know that you’re welcome here anytime.”

“Oh, call me George. And I thank you for the invitation. I suppose I’ve just about worn out my welcome, so I’ll be on my way. I enjoyed the snacks and I enjoyed the company even more.” He bowed in Nana’s direction. Her face turned radish-red.

After George left, our little band dispersed. Nana, Mama, Dee Dee and I opted to take a nap before supper. I awoke to the smell of fried chicken. Fried chicken? By the time Dee Dee and I ambled downstairs, we found Mama and Nana settled in the sitting room looking at magazines.

“Is that fried chicken I smell?” Dee Dee raised her nose in the air and sniffed.

“It sure is.” Nana scooted over on the loveseat and patted the cushion. I sat down beside her. “Laura’s cooking up a good ole southern meal just for us.” Nana knows a southern meal when she smells one.

I found it ironic we’d traveled to the best seafood area in the south and we feasted on a meal of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans and all the trimmings. It would have been rude to go into town on our first night, but I was looking forward to sampling some of the local dishes. We ate until we thought we couldn’t eat another bite and then stuffed ourselves on fresh strawberry shortcake. No use in offending our hostess, after all.

Feeling guilty over the calorie laden meal, Dee Dee and I decided to take a walk on the beach. “Oh-my-goodness. If we eat like this all week long, I’m going to gain ten pounds. Or more.” Dee Dee patted her rotund stomach.

“You and me both.” We laughed at our dilemma.

“Let me grab my camera.”

Dee Dee headed outside to wait on me.

On the beach, I gazed at the beautiful landscape God had painted – the dark blue ocean against the soft blue of the sky, surrounded by the white sand. I snapped shot after shot, but a photograph would fall short of capturing this beauty. I reveled in the decision to spend my vacation on Tybee Island. A peace settled over me. If I’d only known what lay in store I wouldn’t have felt so peaceful.

“Look!” Dee Dee pointed toward a gray and black cat walking along the edge of the ocean.

“I wonder if he’s a stray. Look, his ear’s clipped. Means he’s had his shots.” I’d heard of beach cats, but had never seen one. Roaming the shores, they fed off fish and the food people gave them. Beach cats claimed no permanent home. “He’s a little scraggy, but he’s a beautiful color.” Dee Dee knelt down and called to the kitty.

“Here kitty, kitty.” I couldn’t believe my eyes. With deliberate steps he cautiously moved toward Dee Dee. “I wish I had something to give him.” The cat crouched, looked at her, then slinked a few steps forward. He repeated this until he was within inches of her. When she reached out to pet him he darted away.

I picked up a shell and studied the patterns of gray, brown, and white, similar to the cat’s coloring. God’s hand was everywhere. Father, thank you for giving us this beautiful world to live in. Help me to take the time to stop and enjoy it.

“Come on, Trix. Let’s go back in.” Dee Dee interrupted my thoughts. “It’s been a long day and we need to rest up for some sightseeing.” She grabbed my arm and we walked back to Laura’s arm and arm. Thank you, God, for my best friend.

Later that evening, we sat around with Ellie, Cassie, Harold, and Laura. Everyone chatted about their day and plans for the week. Dusk arrived and our group broke up. Ellie went out on the town and the Daniels left for a nighttime drive. We decided to turn in for the night, and get an early start in the morning.