Page 22 of The Beachside Rental

Inside the entryway, he paused to look around at the large bulletin board.She paused and glanced around at the multitude of flyers in all different colors tacked to the board.

Jenna stepped up next to him.“This is where locals come to post things they are selling or rentals that are available.Whatever you have that someone else might want, you post here.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, but I don’t know if I’ll be around long enough to take advantage.”

She was disappointed to hear that.“You just got here, and you’re already planning to leave?”

He shrugged.“I was able to get a six-month lease.After that, I’m not sure.”

“Don’t wait too long to make up your mind, or they’ll lease the place to someone else.Beachfront properties aren’t easy to come by.In fact, I’m surprised you were able to get in.”

“I, uh, have a friend of a friend who was able to hook me up with the unit.”

She wasn’t surprised to hear it.That’s how most of the prime properties on the island were rented or sold.“You must have some pretty good friends.”

He nodded.“I do.”

“Let’s get a table.”Before he could move, she grabbed the inner door and opened it.“Do you have a preference between booth, table, or counter?”

“Not the counter.”

“Agreed.So booth or table?”

“Uh...booth.”

“Good choice.”

They stood next to the sign that read:Wait to be seated.They didn’t have to wait long before the server got to them.

“Hi, Jenna.”Lisa smiled.“Is your usual table all right?”

“Sure.”When she glanced over at Simon, she saw that he was still wearing his ball cap and glasses.“And this is Simon.He’s new to Bluestar.”

“It’s nice to meet you.I’m Lisa.Right this way.”Lisa led them to a booth off to the side of the restaurant.“Did you hear about the upcoming storm?”

Jenna nodded.“I hope it’s not bad.”

“Me too.”Once they were seated, Lisa handed each of them a menu.She smiled at Simon.“Are you going to be on the island long?”

Simon hesitated just long enough for Jenna to notice.“At least until the end of the year.”

“By then you’ll be in love with the island just like the rest of us.Wait until you see it lit up for the holidays.It’s beautiful.”

“Thanks.I’ll keep that in mind.”

Lisa’s gaze moved to Jenna.“Do you know what you want to drink?”

“Iced tea for me,” Jenna said.

“The same for me.”Simon opened the menu.

“Before I forget, we’re running a fundraiser for the restoration of the South Pointe Lighthouse.It’s a five-gallon cookie jar.Each entry is five dollars.You just need to guess how many gumballs are in it to win a private dinner at sea for two.”

Jenna had heard about the dinner cruises.They were said to be very romantic.Too bad she didn’t have anyone to share it with.

She scooted around to stare up at the counter where the clear glass jar stood with brightly colored gumballs.“So, how many gumballs do you think are in there?”

Simon shook his head.“I don’t know.”