Page 3 of Island Whispers

No wonder she’d been weepy. The upcoming weddings had her emotions running high. A tiny part of her heart pinched with envy. Her best friend and brother were both headed for the altar and Nina was sitting here without a single prospect.

Love and life weren’t a competition, and yet she felt caught behind the curve. People she loved deeply were moving on, building relationships that would—and should—nudge Nina aside.

Why did being an adult have to suck?

She didn’t have an answer to that. No one did. It definitely wasn’t something she should dwell on. If she separated herself from today’s wonky emotions, she could honestly say that her dating life felt fine. Perfectly healthy. So what if a couple of dates with potential had fizzled out? That wasn’t cause for worry, just part of the process.

She wanted a real partnership, to share a bond as deep and lovely as her parents had. The love and security and solid foundation her parents had instilled in her was pure gold. Invaluable. There was no way she’d settle for a man who couldn’t respect her career goals. She didn’t want to settle at all. Then again, she certainly wanted something more than the one night stand a few weeks back.

She thought of him as she crossed the bridge, her palms going damp on the steering wheel. That was the last time she’d been in Charleston. He had been off-the-charts hot and it had been one of those spontaneous combustion connections that started with a dance and ended in an orgasm—or five—in a nearby hotel room.

A smile curved her lips as she remembered the fun of it. The delightful pleasure. He’d taken her to his room at the Ellington, of all places. Talk about posh.

And though she had momentarily dozed off in his strong arms, she slipped out of the room while he slept.

Without even exchanging names. Not really. It hadn’t seemed necessary beforehand, and afterward… Well, why bother? It was clear immediately they were only in it for the moment. He’d told her he was leaving town for his next assignment. She hadn’t told him much of anything about herself.

Before she could spiral down that well of self-pity, Nina reached the church, pulling into the narrow lane tucked between the church and cemetery to unload the flowers. She was third in the line and recognized the delivery driver ahead of her. Patrick drove for the first florist shop to give Nina a chance when she was a kid.

He spotted her and she waved and rolled down the window.

“Good morning, Nina!” Patrick said as he bounded her way. To look at him, no one would ever think he was well on the far side of 70. The man had endless energy and enthusiasm for life. Nina’s father claimed it was the latter that influenced the former and she believed it.

She had a passion for life as well and it was just one reason she’d become a florist. Flowers and plants offered countless ways to celebrate and honor a person or occasion. Of course, plenty of folks disagreed. She didn’t go a week without hearing someone in the shop nattering on about the waste of investing in flowers. “They only die” was the typical refrain.

She let them have their opinions while she gladly held on tight to her philosophy that flowers brought joy and happiness, and in today’s case comfort, before they wilted away.

“You’re by yourself?” Patrick asked. “Let me take care of this for you.” He opened her back door.

“I’ve got it,” she protested.

He winked. “Let me be the hero,” he joked. “Besides, the two of us will get it done faster.” He raised his chin toward the line of cars waiting to take their place.

Silly to argue. “Thanks,” she said as they hustled inside with her deliveries.

Knowing Patrick well, she invited him to the island at his earliest convenience. The man would never accept cash for his effort, but she had a better idea anyway. “I owe you an ice cream for this,” she said.

He grinned, a dimple flashing in his cheek. “I’ll hold you to that.”

With another wave, he hopped up into his van and pulled out. She followed him, but instead of heading straight back to the shop, she drove toward the Battery. It was a bright, clear day and something deep inside urged her to take some time. A walk around the peninsula would clear her head and get her mood right for the rest of the day.

At home, she often walked down to the beach to unwind and let the ocean breeze clear her mind even as it tangled her hair. She could usually find a quiet spot to sit in the sand, or do some people-watching at the marina. Something was always in motion between the fishing charters, harbor tours, and the new sailing school. Those tiny little boats maneuvering back and forth was mesmerizing.

She found a parking space easily enough. Taking only her phone, she pocketed the keys as she headed out. The wind was light and the sky overhead a stunning, clear blue. She adored her corner of the world.

She wasn’t nearly as well traveled as her friend Lila. Didn’t seem to have that wanderlust gene. Her own true north was right here. The short walk worked its magic and she was feeling like herself again by the time she reached her car.

The sound of squealing tires and a terrified scream tore through the morning. Nina spun toward the sounds to see a minivan barreling down the street. Behind it a woman gave chase, shouting for help.

The minivan rushed closer and closer. Nina lifted her phone and hit record to get video as the vehicle blew by her. What else could she do? When the vehicle passed, she called 911, relaying the details as she hurried to help the distraught woman.

“He has my baby!” she sobbed against Nina’s shoulder.

The 911 operator spoke with the woman on Nina’s phone and moments later, they heard sirens approaching and police were soon on the scene.

Unfortunately, neither of the women could offer much of a description. The mother said only that the carjacker had worn a dark ski mask over his face before breaking down again.

Nina did her best to soothe the shocked mother, eventually letting someone else take over when a police officer pulled her aside.