Summer of Dreams Read online

  “Isn’t this TV going to be too big for your boat?” Riley asked chuckling.

  “No. It’s perfect.” He stopped pulling the wagon. “I would appreciate it if you don’t say that in front of Alice. We argued in the store about the size of the television.”

  Riley chuckled under her breath as they both brought the TV onto the dock. Arriving at the back of his boat, Randy got onto his boat. They maneuvered the television off the wagon and onto the boat. Alice opened the patio doors and they carried the television inside. It took half an hour for Randy and Riley to get the television set in place. Of course, the set was too big for this small area, but she kept that to herself because Alice was already complaining that she would be able to see the screen from the middle of the bay.

  “Thanks for your help, Riley.”

  “Anytime. Enjoy your evening.” Riley opened the doors and stepped outside. Her eyes caught movement to the side. Shelby was sitting in a chair with a glass in her hand.

  “Can I interest you in a glass of iced tea? You probably need it right now after your hard work,” she said nodding with her head.

  “Great,” Riley answered and hopped back onto the dock. She approached Shelby who already had filled a glass for her. “Thanks,” she said taking a seat on the other empty chair.

  “That television was kind of big for a boat,” Shelby said trying to hide her amusement.

  Riley leaned over. “I know that and so did Alice. The only one who was content with the size is Randy.” They both laughed.

  “Men and their televisions. The bigger the better as far as they are concerned.”

  “So did you enjoy yourself today with Pam?” she asked trying to sound nonchalant about the question.

  “Yes.” Shelby leaned forward in the chair. “We saw a manatee. It was so cool,” she sighed. “I wish I’d had my camera with me.”

  Riley picked up her glass and took a long swallow. “I could take you out again if Pam is too busy,” she said without making eye contact with Shelby.

  “I’d like that, Riley. Maybe we can fish again?” she asked shyly.

  “Anytime. Are you working tomorrow?” Riley asked already knowing Shelby would be working.

  “Yes. I’ll be on for the next four days.”

  “Four days?”

  “Yeah, I took an extra shift for the extra money.”

  “You are going to collapse by the time your shift ends.”

  “I’ve done it before,” Shelby shrugged. “It’s not so bad. I don’t do it often.” They both sat quietly for a moment before Shelby spoke again. “The rents are kind of high near the hospital and I need to furnish the place too. So if I have to take an extra shift to pay for those things, I will.”

  “We all do what we have to do,” Riley answered absently.

  “I don’t see you taking off too much time. Do you ever just take the day and do nothing?”

  “My job is easy. Once the marina is open for guests, it’s easy.”

  “What is it like after Labor Day here?”

  “Quiet. We have a few people that stay here all year long, but most go back to their lives somewhere else.”

  “Do you travel in the winter?” Shelby asked looking at Riley.

  “I used to, but not too much anymore.” Her shoulders came up in a shrug. “This year I’ll have my house to keep me busy.”

  “Are you going to help build it?” Shelby asked surprised.

  “No,” Riley said chuckling. “I will be the general contractor to make sure everything goes smoothly.”

  “I thought you were going to do a modular. What is there to do?” Shelby didn’t realize that she had moved her chair closer to Riley as they spoke. Her hand now rested on the arm of Riley’s chair.

  “The house isn’t fully finished when it arrives on the site. There is lots of finish work to do.”

  “Have you picked out your finishes yet?”

  “Not yet. I’m not a decorator and I keep procrastinating on my choices.”

  “I’ll help you if you’d like, Riley.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, Riley. I love doing that type of stuff.”

  Riley’s hand came out and Shelby took her hand. “Deal.”

  “Deal,” Shelby said chuckling.

  Riley stood up and placed her empty glass on the table. “I guess I’ll see you when you finish your shift.”

  “Thanks for keeping me company, Riley,” Shelby said also standing.

  “Thanks for the tea.” Riley jumped back onto the dock and picked up the handle of the wagon. She turned and waved at Shelby one more time before she walked the wagon back to its place near the office.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Riley didn’t see much of Shelby over the next four days. She caught a glimpse of her once as she walked toward the boat after one of her shifts. She didn’t bother her in the evenings because she knew Shelby would be sleeping.

  After four days, Shelby came by the office. “Hello, Ava,” she said as she walked into the cool office.

  “Hello, Shelby. How are you, dear?” Ava asked smiling up at her guest.

  “I’m good. How about yourself?” she answered as she casually looked around the office for Riley.

  “No complaints. What can I do for you?” Ava asked motioning for Shelby to take a seat in one of the chairs.

  “I just came by to see if Riley was around,” she answered taking a seat.

  “She ran into town to pick up some supplies, but she should be back shortly.” Ava saw the disappointment on Shelby’s face and she tried to keep the grin off her face. “How about I have Riley find you when she gets back?” A smile appeared on Shelby’s face.

  “I don’t want to bother her while she’s working,” she answered knowing she was wearing a blush.

  “Nonsense. Riley’s time is very flexible.” Ava looked at her. “Are you going back to the boat?” she asked as Shelby stood up.

  “I think I’ll go sit by the water.”

  “Okay, dear. I’ll let Riley know when she comes back in.”

  “Thanks, Ava. Enjoy your day.”

  “You too, Shelby.”

  Riley walked into the office an hour later. “Shelby was in here looking for you this morning.”

  “Oh yeah,” she said as she unpacked the supplies. “What did she want?”

  “You,” she said through a laugh.

  “What do you mean me?” Riley asked putting the bag away and looked at her mother.

  “She likes you, Riley.”

  “Are we on this again?” Riley asked with a roll of her eyes.

  “Say whatever you want about her being straight, but that girl likes you.”

  Riley just stared at her mother and walked toward the office door. “Shelby said she was going to sit by the water,” Ava said laughing as Riley made her escape.

  Riley walked toward the water, but was cut off by Pam standing in front of her. “What’s the hurry, Riley?” she asked glancing back over her shoulder. “You know you’re wasting your time with that one. She told me the other day she’s straight.” Riley didn’t say anything and just stared at Pam. “Why don’t you forget about that one,” she said hooking her thumb over her shoulder. Her hand rested on Riley’s arm. “You and I can have some fun while I’m here.”

  “I appreciate the offer, Pam, but no thanks.” It wasn’t that long ago that Riley would have jumped at an opportunity to have Pam, but now it felt wrong.

  “What’s the matter? You don’t think I’m attractive?” she asked putting her hand on her hip.

  “I think you are very attractive, but I’m not looking to just have some fun. Okay?”

  “If you think that one is going to change her mind, you are crazy.” Her eyes glared as she spoke.

  Riley pushed past Pam and continued toward the water. As she got closer, she saw Shelby standing there watching. “Hi,” she said as she reached the beach.

  “Hi,” Shelby said and took her seat again. “What did she say to you?”


  “That I am wasting my time with you,” Riley said softly. “I am a bit confused though. Stu told me you told him you were gay.” Shelby softly chuckled. “I figured you told him that so he would leave you alone.” Riley sat down. “Pam told me that you told her you were straight.” Again Shelby laughed.

  “I seem to be in a predicament,” she answered grinning at her. Her eyes were playful as she looked at Riley.

  “Yeah, I would say so.”

  “I did tell them both those things. First, I’m not interested in Stu and I certainly do not have any interest in Pam that way.” Shelby took a breath. “I just…” she didn’t finish.

  “You just what?” Riley asked looking at her. Shelby remained quiet, but Riley knew she had to ask. “Do you have feelings for me?”

  Shelby’s head spun so quickly to Riley’s face. Her mouth opened and closed quickly, but all that came out was a loud sigh. She finally said, “I don’t know.” Shelby swallowed her fear and began. “I kissed a girl when I was sixteen, but it didn’t do anything for me. It didn’t do anything for her either.” Shelby’s hands came up. “So, I don’t know, but when you are near me...” she swallowed again. “You make me nervous. I wake up every day wondering if I am going to see you. I enjoy spending time with you, Riley. I don’t know what to think.”

  “I don’t know how to respond to what you just said,” Riley said watching Shelby carefully. “I’m sorry if I did something to make you uncomfortable.”

  “That’s just it. You don’t do anything intentionally. You are just being you.” Shelby shook her head. What the hell was she talking about? This wasn’t her, but here she was, wanting to be in the company of this woman. All she knew was that it was important for her to get to know Riley better.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t apologize for something that isn’t your fault. I enjoy spending time with you. You are easy to talk to and I always have a good time no matter what we are doing.” Her eyes drifted toward the water. “I’ve never felt so comfortable with anyone so quickly.”

  “I’m comfortable with you too,” Riley said softly.

  “I would like to see where this might go. That is if you’re willing. I can’t make any promises, but I would like to try.” Ava is going to have a fit.

  Riley’s eyes were now staring at the sand in front of her. Could she risk falling for her and then Shelby decides this isn’t for her?

  “I know I’m asking a lot from you without offering any promises.” Shelby covered her face with her hands. She felt someone sit down next to her. Her hands came off her face and she saw Riley smiling at her. “Does that smile mean what I think it means?”

  Riley touched Shelby’s leg. “I would love nothing more than to try and see where this goes. I won’t push you, Shelby. If you find that this isn’t for you, I need you to be honest with me.”

  “I will, I promise,” she said returning Riley’s smile.

  “Can I take you to dinner tonight?” Riley asked taking Shelby’s hand.

  “I would love nothing more.”

  “Good. I’ll pick you up at six.”

  Shelby climbed off of the lounge chair. “I’ll be ready. See you later.”

  Riley walked into the office wearing a wide smile. “I take it your talk went well?” Ava asked as Riley took her seat at her desk.

  “Yeah. She wants to date me. I’m taking her to dinner tonight.” She looked at Ava and didn’t understand the look on her face. “I know I’m taking a chance, but I have to at least give it a try, Mom.”

  “As long as you are sure, dear,” Ava said softly. She normally didn’t worry who her daughter saw, but this one was different. The last thing Ava wanted was to see her daughter’s heart broken.

  “She’s worth it, Mom.”

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Riley walked out of the house wearing a tan pair of cotton pants, a dark blue tank top and a light blue satin shirt over the top. Her new pair of boat shoes were on her feet. As she approached Shelby’s boat, the patio door opened. Her feet slowed and she felt as though they were in quicksand as she stared at the woman in front of her. Shelby was wearing a yellow and white check summer dress. Over her arm she carried a light sweater and her naked feet were in a pair of sandals. “You look beautiful,” Riley said as Shelby stood at the stern of the boat. Her hand came out taking Shelby’s extended hand as she got off the boat.

  “You look nice too, Riley,” she said smiling up at her. “Where are we going to eat?”

  “I thought I would take you to our restaurant here. I reserved a table overlooking the water on the second floor.” As Shelby slipped her arm in Riley’s, a sigh escaped. “Unless you wanted to go somewhere else?”

  “No. That sounds perfect.”

  Out of the corner of Riley’s eye, she saw Pam standing on the dock staring at them. Her jaw went slack before she turned around and walked back to her own boat. Satisfaction settled in her heart knowing that Shelby had chosen her and not the redhead.

  Dinner was filled with soft conversation. The meal was delicious and Riley couldn’t help but stare at the woman who sat across from her. “My parents passed away five years ago,” Shelby offered into the conversation. “It was a boating accident.”

  “I’m sorry, Shelby. I don’t know what I would do if I lost my Mom. We’ve been together so long that it would be devastating without her working with me.”

  “It was devastating at the time for me too. I think that may be why I never settled down with anyone. If I couldn’t have what they had, it wasn’t worth it.” Their eyes met across the table and Riley reached and placed her hand on top of hers.

  “I hope I don’t turn out to be a disappointment to you,” Riley said watching the blue eyes dance as they watched her.

  “I have the same fears as you do, Riley. I know you’ve been with women that were always gay,” her voice trailed off. “I hope you have the patience to let me get used to this new experience.”

  “I’ll give you all the time you need, Shelby. I have a feeling you are going to be worth it.” Riley squeezed her hand. “Do you feel strange having dinner with another woman instead of a man?”

  “I feel as though I should, but I don’t. It’s really no different from the last time you and I went out to dinner,” she finished with a smile.

  “Oh, it’s different all right. The last time I was trying to play it cool. Thinking that I could pull this off and just be your friend.” Riley had to laugh at herself thinking she would never have been happy just being Shelby’s friend.

  “Then you took me dancing at a gay bar,” she said smiling.

  “Which was your idea, by the way,” Riley said grinning with her finger pointed.

  “Yes it was. I wanted to experience that with you.” Shelby leaned over the small table, “I loved dancing with you.”

  “You have no idea what you were doing to me,” she said fanning herself with her hand.

  They both laughed. “I think I do because I was feeling the same way.”

  “What are you doing tomorrow?” Riley asked changing the subject because the conversation was starting to make her uncomfortable in a good way.

  “Nothing.” Shelby raised an eyebrow.

  “Maybe you can stop by the office sometime tomorrow and help me choose some finishes for the house?”

  Shelby’s smiled opened. “I’d really like that.”

  Riley took her hand as they left the restaurant and walked back to the dock. When they reached the boat, she jumped on and held her hand out to Shelby.

  “Thank you,” Shelby said as she landed on the deck softly. She walked over to the door and unlocked it. “Would you come in for a moment?” Riley followed her in through the doors. They both stood there awkwardly holding hands. “Would you kiss me good night?” Shelby asked as her body swayed toward her date.

  Riley wrapped her one hand around Shelby’s waist and looked into her eyes before their lips met. The kiss was soft and chaste at first, but Shelby p
ulled her closer and their kiss deepened. They both pulled away at the same time. “Wow,” was all Riley could think to say.

  “Now that kiss definitely did something to me. It was nothing like the kiss I had when I was sixteen.” Riley laughed at her comment and suddenly Shelby’s lips were back on her mouth. “Good night, Riley,” Shelby said taking a step away from her.

  “Night,” Riley said standing there looking at Shelby. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Yes, you will. Thank you for dinner.”

  Riley walked back to the house as if her feet weren’t touching the ground. Her mom was sitting up when she walked into the room. “How was your date?”

  “Wonderful,” she answered feeling herself flush.

  “I can tell by the look on your face that you both had a good time.”

  “We did.” Riley walked toward the stairs. “Good night, Mom.”

  “Good night, Riley.” Ava only hoped that the look on Riley’s face would remain.

  *

  “Mom, I’m just going to grab the repair bills from Pete. If Shelby comes in, ask her to wait, please.”

  “Go,” Ava said waving Riley out the door. A few minutes later, Shelby walked in. “Hi, Shelby. Come on inside and take a seat.”

  “Hello, Ava.” Her eyes scanned the room.

  Ava chuckled. “Riley will be back in a few minutes. She asked that you wait.”

  The two women looked at each other and Shelby took a deep breath. “I won’t hurt her, Ava. I know you are concerned that I’m just going to toy with Riley’s affections.” Her smile grew wide. “I care about Riley.”

  “I know you do and based on the way my daughter has been bouncing around since last night, she cares about you too.” They both turned when the door opened.

  “Hi. I’m sorry I wasn’t here when you arrived.”

  “It’s okay, Riley. Your mom and I were just chatting.”

  Riley’s eyes drifted to her mother’s face. “Don’t look at me like that. I didn’t scare her off. She is still here.”

  “Mom, I’d like your input too if you aren’t too busy,” Riley said sitting at the table with Shelby.