“What kind of dog do you have?”
“Mine’s just an old mutt. The veterinarian said she thought he was a schnauzer-beagle mix.”
“A schneagle. They are so cute,” Amanda said.
“He’s not really that cute at all, but he’s sweet. I didn’t even want a dog, but that sister of mine said I needed one. She also said he was a senior dog that would never find a home if I didn’t take him. I figured I’d appease her since the thing probably wouldn’t make it to the end of the year, and here I am seven years later and that dog will probably outlive me.”
“Oh no.” Amanda lifted her hand to stifle a laugh.
“It’s true, but we’ve grown to really enjoy each other.”
Hailey tugged on Amanda’s arm. “Maeve collects stuff in her pretty bag while she’s walking on the beach.”
“Treasures!” Jesse jumped, inadvertently splashing the entire side of Maeve’s long flowing skirt. The brightly colored fabric hung heavy and wet.
Amanda winced. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be. It’s the beach!” Maeve lifted her foot in the air and stomped the water, splashing them all.
Jesse’s drenched face struck an awkward expression, and then he dropped his hands to his knees and belly-laughed.
Hailey reached for Amanda’s hand. “Mom, I want to collect sea treasures just like she does.”
Jesse touched Maeve’s tan leg, jabbering so fast she only understood about every other word, but she saw that his gaze was intent on her bag.
“Please?” Amanda seemed to remind him.
He pressed his lips together, then looked up at Maeve, dimples deep into his cheeks. “Please can I see more shells?”
Maeve lowered her bag to the sand. “Go ahead. Rummage around and pick out your favorite.”
Jesse picked up a tiny corkscrew-shaped shell. “I like this one. It’s funny looking.”
“That’s a neat shell, isn’t it?” Maeve placed her finger on the sharp point at the top. “It’s called an auger.”
Jesse’s tight grip made his fingertips whiten. “Ogger.”
“Right. An auger is a drilling tool that construction workers use to dig holes. See how it’s shaped? When it spins, it moves the dirt out of the way and makes a deep hole.”
His eyes sparkled. “I like dirt.”
“I bet you do.”
Hailey extended a finger toward the biggest shell in the bag. “I like that one.”
Maeve reached in and handed it to her. “That’s a lightning whelk.”
“Lightning?” Hailey held it out as if it might shock her.
“Not that kind of lightning. It won’t hurt you.”
Hailey closed her hand around it, testing to be sure. Satisfied, she asked, “Where did it come from?”
“Whelks are kind of like snails. They build their shell, making it bigger as they grow. I guess this one died, or maybe he moved away. The tide brought the empty shell in last night.”
“It’s beautiful. Now place it carefully back in her bag,” Amanda said.
Jesse put his shell back in Maeve’s bag too. “Thank you.” He marched off in a circle around Maeve, happier to be splashing.
Maeve tidied her bag. “It’s been nice chatting with you. I wish I had more time, but I’ve got to run. I like to be at the courthouse for the town council and zoning meetings. You should come check them out sometime. It’s a great way to be on top of what’s happening in this town.” She turned to leave.
“Bye.” Hailey waved. “I hope we see you soon.”
Maeve walked away, hoping the same.
* * *
—
Maeve changed into a sundress and flats and walked over to the courthouse. It wasn’t but a few blocks away but seemed farther in this heat.
The Whelk’s Island courthouse was no Taj Mahal. Just a long two-story saltbox with white pillars in front. She climbed the three steps and walked inside. The air-conditioning was a welcome relief.
She nodded hellos to the regulars and the mayor as he walked by. “Good morning, Maeve. You’re looking well.”
“Thank you, Mr. Mayor.” Maeve slid into her favorite spot in the second row. She’d learned to sit near the end so she could leave without bothering anyone if she got bored or fed up. Truth was, her temper flared now and again at some of the foolish things people tried to pass in this town. If she didn’t stick up for Whelk’s Island, there’d be no telling what shape this city would be in ten years from now.
The meeting was called to order, and Maeve stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. She loved this part. It made her proud that Whelk’s Island still placed importance on the pledge. In other parts of the country, people were abandoning it in public and schools, and she didn’t like that one bit. She placed her hand over her heart. “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.” Pride swelled inside her as the voices united and lifted in the room. Good people, doing good things. “With liberty and justice for all.”
The harrumph of everyone sitting back down at the same time was followed by the roll call. A silly process when it was easy to do a quick head check, but that was politics. Lots of rules for rules’ sake.
There wasn’t much on today’s agenda that really needed her attention, but she’d listen and speak up if necessary. After all, can’t complain if you don’t offer your reasons. She was rich with opinions.
Several consent orders followed, including one for the Friends of the Library proclamation, as well as the hundredth anniversary of the American Legion Auxiliary. She clapped wildly, proud of her friends and neighbors for their good works.
When the floor opened for general public commentary, she recognized the dashing young man with the compelling blue eyes who owned Paws Town Square walking to the podium. He was fit but had brains to match his rugged good looks. He’d proven he was a smart businessman, and this council hadn’t made it easy. They gave him a fight from the word go. In the beginning, no one wanted him to bring his business to this town. She’d stood up for him because his plan included repurposing the vacated Lowe’s building. Ghost box, he’d called it. It was overgrown and an eyesore. She was glad he’d hung in there until everyone saw it the way he did.
The man stood at the podium, then addressed the council.
“Good afternoon. Paul Grant. Paws Town Square, Whelk’s Island. Mayor, council members, and others here today, I wanted to provide an update now that we’re fully operational. It’s been a long road to get here, as you well know. This is our second location, and the third is now underway in Jacksonville, Florida. We’re delighted with the enthusiasm of the local community using the dog park and trails, and we’re nearly booked to capacity the entire summer, which exceeded our expectations on year one. I wanted to share a couple key measures that show the good we’re all doing, because without the support of this council, and this town, this would not have happened.”