When was the last time a guy asked her a bunch of questions and then sat and listened to the answers? Even though she’d been the one conducting the interview? She couldn’t recall.
Certainly, Austin had been too involved in his own little world to listen for very long when she spoke.
She realized she knew very little about Nick, though. It seemed she’d done most of the talking today. Except about the shop, during the interview.
Courtney opened the refrigerator. She’d found the market yesterday and picked up groceries. Turkey and provolone sounded good. She placed a couple pieces of bread on a plate and piled up the meat and cheese. Her thoughts drifted to her new colleague.
Kira. What a piece of work she was.
Courtney blew out a breath.
The day had not started well between them either, but it was entirely possible that all of that was already ancient history to Kira. She didn’t seem interested in making things difficult, nor in holding grudges. She might just be a tell-it-like-it-is kind of person. No “buts,” no fuss.
It would be easier to work with someone who got straight to the point, anyway.
Courtney cleaned up and sat down at the table with her sandwich, then propped open her laptop.
The sandwich hit the spot, but only a few paragraphs into her draft, her eyes began to droop. It had to be all the sunshine and paddling that morning, she thought with a yawn.
Courtney had locked the screen door and left the front door wide to allow in the afternoon breeze. She took the laptop and moved to the couch then pulled a blanket over herself. Ten minutes later, she was out.
About an hour went by before a knock came at the screen, and a gentle voice called out, “Anybody home?”
Courtney sat up, tossing her blanket over the back of the couch and shaking her head to wake up. “Hello?” she said, dazed. “I’ll be right there.”
A tiny woman in a pastel-green sweater peered through the screen. “Oh, goodness, did I wake you? I can come back another time, dear.”
“No, of course not.” Courtney went to open the door. “Just a catnap. Still adjusting to the time zone.”
The woman’s short white hair was neatly groomed, her rosy lipstick painted expertly across an upturned mouth.
“Oh, that’s right! You’ve just been to see the other side of the world, haven’t you? How exciting.”
“Yes! You must be Mrs. Brady. Would you like to come in?”
“Why, thank you. Yes. I’m so sorry to disturb you.” She held out one hand. “I’m Victoria Brady. I was just enjoying my front porch before dinner and thought I’d stop in and introduce myself properly. You’re Courtney Price, I presume?”
“Yes.” Courtney held out her hand and Mrs. Brady took it, steadying herself. “It’s no problem, really.”
The old woman made her way in.
“It’s wonderful to meet you. And thank you for stopping by. I was going to do the same at your house this evening. You saved me the trip.”
“I’d love to hear all about your travels sometime. I’ve been to Australia myself, ages ago, with my husband. Such a lovely place to visit, isn’t it? There’s a lot more to see there than most people think.”
“Yes! I had such a great time. Wonderful people, too. Why don’t you have a seat?”
Courtney gestured to the living room and Mrs. Brady shuffled over to the sofa and sat down. “Can I get you something? An iced tea? A glass of water?”
“Absolutely not, my dear. But thank you very much for offering.”
Courtney settled into an armchair. “This place is so lovely,” she said, glancing around the cottage. “I don’t know how I managed to get so lucky. Thank you for having me. I’ll take good care of it.”
“Oh, I’m sure you will. You’re more than welcome. I hope you’ll enjoy yourself. Heritage Bay is a wonderful little place to spend your summer.” She directed her gaze out the window at the sunny sky.
Courtney followed her gaze. Mrs. Brady might just be the nicest landlord she’d ever have.
“Have you tried Home at Grandma’s yet?” Mrs. Brady asked.
Courtney shook her head. “What’s that?”
“Oh, it’s a bakery right down the street. They make the best cherry pie this side of Ohio! Sourced fresh from our local growers. That’s important to you kids these days, isn’t it? Locally sourced, organic?”
Courtney grinned. “Yes, I guess it is. But, no, I haven’t seen that place yet. I’ll make a point of finding it. I’ve heard the cherry pie in Door County is not to be missed.”
“You’ve got that right.” Mrs. Brady went on to tell her where to find the best restaurants, the library, and the post office, and Courtney told her she’d already discovered the trail that led to the marina.
“Oh, good. I hoped you would. That’s a wonderful little beach, isn’t it? I go see it when I can, up close, as long as Mrs. Schlagel has time to walk there with me. Oh, that’s Josie. She stopped over here yesterday, didn’t she?”
“Yes, we met. I’d be happy to walk there with you sometime, if you’d like,” Courtney offered.
“Would you? Why, I’d love that.”
Courtney thanked her for stocking her kitchen with coffee and Mrs. Brady waved it off. “Oh, that was Josie too. She’s a wonderful housekeeper. But you’re very welcome.”
They both turned at the sound of a soft scratching at the screen door. “Meow.”
“Well, who’s that?” Courtney went to the door and looked around. A gray cat sat outside the door, staring up at her.
“Oh, that must be my Ash. He rarely leaves my side, except when it’s time to hunt. Takes care of the local mice population. Although, I’m afraid the birds aren’t safe around him, either.”
“Can I let him in?”
“Why, of course. He must’ve seen me come in,” Mrs. Brady answered. “But watch out. He’ll pester you constantly if you’re the least bit nice to him.”
Courtney laughed and opened the door. Ash slinked in as though he owned the place.
“I honestly don’t know what I’d do without him. He was Mr. Brady’s favorite little companion. Never left his side back then, especially at the end. I think he misses him as much as I do.”
She looked sad for a moment then perked up again. Ash swatted his tail back and forth.
Courtney reached out to pet the cat from her seat in the armchair. “I’m so sorry about your husband.” Ash moved closer to Courtney and pressed himself against her leg, purring.
Mrs. Brady waved off the comment then changed the subject. “Looks like you’ve made a friend.”
Courtney continued to pet Ash. She grinned. “Well, that was easy.”
After a few more topics of conversation, Mrs. Brady pulled herself slowly to her feet to take her leave. “Josie and I are right over there if you ever need anything.”
“Thank you. Does Josie live with you?”
“Oh, no. She’s here twice a week. And she makes me wonderful meals. I’ll invite you over some evening to join me when she’s cooking.”
“Thank you. I’d like that.”
Courtney helped Mrs. Brady through the door and watched as she made her way back to the main house. The cat followed, close on her heels, just like a dog.