Sisters by the Sea, page 12
“Oh no, that’s not a cat. Its nose is too long.” Leora pointed. “I believe it’s a possum, and I bet the critter’s trying to hide out in there until it gets dark.”
Violet scratched her head. “That’s crazy. I suppose if we needed to go outside, the poor thing wouldn’t do anything to us but continue trying to stay hid.”
“That’s true. We’ll just keep an eye on it.” Leora brushed her apron. “But if the possum decides to stick around our place, we might need to call someone to have it removed.”
“I’m sure the poor possum will disappear as soon as it gets the chance.” Violet leaned against the sink. “I’d like to take my phone outside and get a picture of it.”
“That would be something to remember this day.” Leora smiled. “We best get back to getting supper on the table.”
Violet set the water aside and prodded the potatoes boiling on the stove. “These are about ready to mash.”
“The meat loaf’s done, and I’ve turned down the temperature. I think we are almost ready to have supper.” Leora set the pot holder aside.
“I noticed in the refrigerator that you brought home something for dessert this evening.” Violet carried the pan of potatoes to the sink and poured off the water.
“Jah. I wanted to surprise you, Violet. There’s a chocolate cream pie inside of that container.”
“Oh, Sister, that’s a nice surprise.” Violet licked her lips as her mouth watered.
“I knew you’d be happy about it.” Leora brought the dish of carrots and celery sticks to the table, along with some ranch dip.
Violet returned the pan to the stove, adding butter and warmed milk to the potatoes. “I had a busy day at the restaurant. I’m sure you were busy at the bakery too.”
“Yes, we were. In fact, the chocolate cream pies were so popular, I had to make sure to buy that one and mark the box with my name on it.”
“Thank you for thinking of me.” She grinned. “I can’t wait to sample a piece of it after our meal.”
“You’re welcome.” Leora checked the green beans warming on the cooktop. “I’ll put on some coffee before we serve the pie after supper, and we can heat up the kettle for tea if that appeals.”
“That does sound good. I might have a cup of mint tea to go with my dessert.” Violet continued mashing the steaming potatoes.
Not long after, John came in the door from work. “Hello, ladies.” He gave Leora a kiss on the cheek. “How was your day, dear Fraa?”
“It was good.” Leora pointed toward the kitchen window. “We have a guest out in our garbage can, though.”
“We do?” He peered through the glass a few seconds. “I don’t see anything.”
“It’s a possum.” Violet and Leora spoke in unison.
“Well that’s something else! When did you notice it?”
“It hasn’t been long, but Leora discovered it,” Violet replied. “I wasn’t sure what I was seeing at first.”
Leora stepped beside him. “When I saw its long snout and white fur, I knew what it was.”
John lingered at the window and then set his lunch container aside. “I’ll go outside and take a look at our possum friend.”
“Supper’s ready, so don’t take long out there,” she responded.
“Do you want to get a picture of it? I have my phone.” Violet motioned to her cell on the counter.
John pulled the phone out of his lunch container. “Nope, but if I get a decent picture I’ll send it to you.”
“Okay!” She smiled.
John went out the back door while Violet and Leora peeked out the window for a moment, watching him. He walked cautiously toward the can. John then raised his hand high over the top of where the possum was and took some pictures of it. He turned and headed back into the house.
“I think I’ve got some good pictures of our guest.” He showed his phone to them as they readied supper.
“How about your day?” Leora poured the hot green beans into a bowl and added a spoon.
John groaned and took a seat at the table. “We were busy at that job near the park—the one that needed the roof replaced after a fire.” He took off his work boots and set them aside. “I’m glad it’s about finished, because we’ve got another project that is waiting to get started. It’s nice to be catching up so I can have next Saturday off. There are a few things around the house I’d like to get done.”
“What were you thinking of doing next Saturday?” Leora rinsed out the empty pan at the sink.
“I’d like to repair the leaky valve out by the garage, and I want to add some more pavers along the patio.”
Leora brought over the meat loaf and some sliced bread. “That would be nice.”
Violet carried the mashed potatoes to the table and went back for the green beans.
At each place setting, glasses were filled to the brim with iced water. Violet enjoyed listening to their friendly banter. It reminded her of Mom and Dad back home. She missed being with them at times, but not enough to move back to Indiana permanently. Violet was determined to remain in Florida and hoped that the Lord would someday provide the right man in her life as he’d done for Leora.
John went to the sink and washed his hands. “Supper sure smells good. I can’t wait to have your homemade meat loaf and some mashed potatoes. I know they’ll be good.”
“Thank you, John,” Leora replied. “We’re all set to eat.”
Violet sat down at the table and waited for her sister and John to join her. She couldn’t wait to share about her day. She could picture Dan’s face and how his voice sounded so mellow when he spoke. Dan Hunter—what a nice name for such a good-looking fellow. He has the shiniest golden hair I’ve ever seen. She tapped her chin. I truly hope he doesn’t have a girlfriend.
Her thoughts were interrupted by John’s voice. “Are we ready for silent prayer?”
Violet nodded, lowering her head in prayer. Father, I hope that Dan will come by the restaurant again. I also hope he might like to be my friend and that he isn’t dating someone else and will take an interest in me.
When they’d finished praying, her sister passed the meat loaf to John, and he set the platter near Violet. She helped herself to everything offered on the table. Her appetite was good this evening, and she couldn’t wait a second longer to share about her day.
“Remember when I went to Armand Circle a while back?” She took a sip of water.
“Of course. You had a good day shopping and you met a young man.” Leora poked a fork into her meat loaf.
“He was at the restaurant today with a friend.”
“Was the friend a she or a he?” John questioned.
“His name is Dan Hunter, and his friend is Steve. We were able to introduce ourselves, which was nice.”
“Do you think you’ll see him again?” Leora questioned.
“I’m hoping so.” She poked her fork into the mashed potatoes on the plate. “Also, I’m hoping he doesn’t have a girlfriend already.”
Leora gave her spouse a glance but didn’t comment. Violet wasn’t sure what either of them would say about her concern, but she waited, hoping for reassurance over her worry.
John finished his bite of food, then took a drink of water. In a comforting tone, he spoke. “Time will tell in the days to come if this fellow is dating anyone or not, but I hope things work out the way you’re hoping they do.”
Leora smiled. “I agree.”
Violet felt better having her family’s support, but she couldn’t help wondering about Dan and whether he was free to date. For the time being, though, all she could do was wait, and if she did meet him again, she’d keep her Amish roots to herself. She wasn’t embarrassed about it, but Violet wanted to keep being as English as she could for now. She took a bite of her mashed potatoes and thought about Anne’s comment concerning Levi. It didn’t set well with Violet, and it didn’t make any sense that Levi hadn’t mentioned their break-up to his sister. Violet gripped her fork. I told Levi the other day that we were through because things weren’t working out. Why would he hide that from his sister? What is he up to anyhow?
Chapter 6
A couple of days had gone by, and the workweek had begun for Violet. Due to the pleasant weather, Leora rode her bicycle to work that morning. Violet had thought about riding too, but it was more convenient to take her car. John had left before the ladies, and since Violet was the last to depart, she’d locked up the house before leaving.
The morning commuters heading to work caused heavy traffic, but thankfully the drive to the restaurant didn’t take more than a few minutes. Violet came to a complete stop at a red light and waited for it to turn green. Dan Hunter flashed through her mind as she sat there.
I can’t help but be drawn to him. He seemed so polite, and his voice was engaging. I want to get to know Dan better, so I hope I’ll see him again soon.
A blaring horn sounded, bringing Violet out of her musing. “Not the time to think about Dan. I need to focus on driving.” She shifted her foot from the brake to the accelerator, continuing on to the restaurant.
Waiting on tables had kept Violet busy all morning. Anne had the day off and would be back tomorrow. Lunch had begun, and the hostess seated guests for the meal. Violet had come back from a quick break and began taking her customers’ orders.
When the hostess seated Dan in Violet’s section, she was pleasantly surprised. Even before Violet tried to approach him, her palms began to sweat and her heart picked up speed.
I can’t wait to talk with Dan again. She took out her pad and pencil as soon as she arrived at his table. “Good afternoon.”
Dan smiled up at her. “It’s nice to see you again, Violet. The weather we’re having is perfect today, isn’t it?”
“Yeah. If I didn’t have to work, I’d like to be out in it myself.”
“To be honest, I’m here for two reasons. First, I was wondering if you’d be free to go out with me to the beach later today.”
Violet’s face warmed. “That would be nice. I’d like to go with you after I’m done working.”
“Great, what time would I need to come by to pick you up?”
“I should be done about four thirty.”
“Okay, I’ll be here right around that time.” He gazed at her with his enchanting blue eyes. “And the second reason I’m here is to grab some lunch.”
She grinned. “Of course. What would you like to drink?”
“I’ll have a root beer.”
“Would you like to order off the menu, or do you prefer going over to the buffet for lunch?”
“I’ll have the buffet. I’m pretty hungry right now.” Dan handed her the menu.
“All right, you can get your food anytime. I’ll bring your drink back here in a little bit.”
Thanking Violet, he slid out of the booth and headed for the buffet area. She tried not to stare as his form disappeared behind the partition. She was pleased that Dan had come here today, and even more so because he’d invited her to go to the beach with him. Violet felt like she could walk on clouds. She wanted to keep pinching herself to make sure this wasn’t a dream.
What a nice surprise this turned out to be. I can’t believe Dan asked me out. I do have to get through my hours here, but overall, this will be an exciting day for me.
After work, Violet had gone to the bakery, letting Leora know what her and Dan’s plans were. Her sister seemed happy over her good news about the date. Violet’s hands felt clammy as she waited inside, near the restaurant’s entrance.
She fiddled with her ponytail. I should be fine wearing my work clothes on the beach.
“Hi, Violet. Are you ready to go?” Dan asked when he walked through the doorway.
“Yes, but if you don’t mind, I’d like you to follow me in your car to my sister’s place so I can drop off my vehicle.” I’ll just hurry there before Leora and John get home so Dan doesn’t see them and catch on that I’m from an Amish family, she added mentally.
“No problem. I’ll follow you.”
They went out to the parking lot, and Violet’s excitement grew when she saw his red convertible. She’d never ridden in one and figured it would be a fun experience. They both got into their cars, and Dan followed her to John and Leora’s place.
Violet parked her car in the driveway while the convertible pulled up to the curb. When she got out, Dan followed suit.
Violet called to him, “I need to go into the house and grab my flip-flops and tote for the beach.”
“Okay.” Dan leaned against his car.
Violet returned with her tote bag and rushed over to Dan. “Do you remember this?” She dug out the semi-deflated beach ball.
Dan chuckled. “I sure do. That’s the toy we both wanted from the gift store.”
She gave him a thumbs-up. “We can enjoy using this on the beach.”
Dan came around to open her door. “I hope you’re okay with riding in a convertible. We can always drive separately if you’re not.”
“Are you kidding? I’m looking forward to riding in it.” Violet climbed in and buckled her seat belt.
After shutting her door, Dan came around and got in. He stowed her tote behind the front seats. “I stopped by the gas station before coming to the restaurant, so we’re ready to go.”
“This is a really nice car, Dan. Have you had it long?”
“About a year now. It’s been a pretty good vehicle.”
“I like the color. Actually, red is my favorite color.”
“It is?” His thick brows rose as he started the engine. “It’s my favorite too.” Dan drove away from the house. “Would you be okay with going to Lido Beach?”
“That would be fine.” She reclined in the seat as her long ponytail blew in the breeze. Riding in his cute little car was great.
Lido Beach
After Dan found a place to park, they grabbed what they wanted to take with them. As they strolled on the sidewalk, a small courtyard with round tables came into view, but only a few people were seated there. The concession stand was still open, and the familiar smells of hot dogs and fries drifted from the little establishment. Violet wondered if they’d get a bite to eat right now.
She looked at him. “Are you hungry?”
“I feel a little bit empty, but I could wait to eat. How about you?”
“I can wait, but won’t this place be closed soon?” Violet questioned.
He stretched his arms above his head. “There are some nice sit-down restaurants back at Armand Circle we could go to.”
Violet liked that idea more than eating a quick bite at the concession stand. “I’m fine with waiting until we’re done on the beach.”
Dan pulled off his sandals as they headed onto the white sandy beach. “I like to go barefoot.”
“I’ll join you.” Violet slipped off her flip-flops and placed them inside the bag she carried.
They walked side by side across the sand. The beach this evening had a good number of people, but Violet’s focus was mostly on Dan and the excitement of being with him. She felt drawn to him. Something about him made her feel relaxed. It seemed funny to Violet how comfortable she was around him, since this was their first date.
Along the shore, she spotted a reddish scalloped shell and reached down to get it. It reminded her of their favorite color. I’m going to save this one to remember this day. Violet slid it into the pocket of the sizable bag she carried, which held the beach ball. They stopped together, watching a large cabin cruiser go by.
“I would like to have a boat to go out on the water with someday. Something like that one would be nice, but I’m sure it’d be real expensive.” Dan turned to Violet. “Have you been out on the water before?”
“Yes, I’ve been on a lake back home in Indiana.” She ran a thumb over the strap of her bag. “Have you ever been there?”
“No. What town did you live in?”
“Middlebury. It’s a more rural setting than Florida. Lots of green pastures, wide-open spaces, and a good share of farms.” Violet was careful not to say anything about being Amish. She wasn’t sure how Dan would react to her not being English like him.
“Do you miss Indiana? I mean, would you change your mind and want to move back there?” Dan’s gaze seemed focused on her.
“I like Florida a lot, and I’m staying for now at my sister and her husband’s place.”
“It’s good that you’ve got close family living here. Especially if you choose to stay permanently.”
“It’s a nice place with all of its tropical feel and the great weather—at least most of the time.”
“I assume you get all four seasons in Indiana?”
“Yes, and the winters can get pretty cold.” She looked away. Especially riding in our buggies being pulled slowly by a horse. “I’m glad to be here and only have to deal with two seasons.”
“Do you have any other siblings beside the one sister living near Pinecraft?” His head tilted.
“Yes, I have three sisters, and I’m the youngest, making four daughters in my family.”
“No brothers?”
“Nope.” She paused. “How about you? Do you have any brothers or sisters?”
“I do. One brother and one sister. I’m the youngest in the family too. We also have a dog.”
She laughed. “What’s its name?”
He grinned. “We call her Sassy.”
“That’s a cute name, Dan. What breed is she?”
“A golden retriever, and she’s a big baby. Do you have any pets?”
“No, but a dog would be fun.”
Dan pointed to a vacant area near the shoreline. “Hey, how about we toss the beach ball to each other?”
“Okay.” She followed him to an open place and got out the ball. Since it needed some air, she blew until it was fully inflated.
He shifted out of the way, facing Violet. “I’m ready.”
She held it in one hand and gave it a hit, lofting it up into the air toward him. He returned with a good fist shot. The beach ball went back and forth for a while until Violet missed.
