Moon over Madeline Island by Jay Gilbertson

Author:Jay Gilbertson
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.
Published: 2005-04-30T22:00:00+00:00

Over the next several days we begin cleaning the boathouse. I’m thrilled to have a workplace that has such a remarkable view of the lake. All this room here, and we’ll be far enough away from the cottage that it will feel like we’re “going to work” yet no commuting.

The boathouse perches on the northwestern corner of our property, facing the lake. Standing two stories high, the first floor is where you park the boat. It’s been dug out so that it’s actually lake water. By opening the doors facing the water, you make it possible to motor your boat in and park it. The second story is a charming two-bedroom cottage.

The living room has three French doors facing the lake that open onto a wraparound deck. The entire inside is paneled in yellowed knotty pine and is similar in design to the main cottage. There’s a small open kitchen, two back bedrooms and a tiny, dark bathroom.

“What an awesome view. Feels as though we’re sitting in the lake,” I say, carrying one end of a long table we hauled down from the barn. Ruby is at the other end. “I think we should put the sewing machines up front, by the doors—perfect setting for inspiration.”

“You have such a nose for this, darling,” Ruby replies. “I would never have thought of turning this place into a factory. I bet we have buckets of people ringing for an interview.”

“Ruby…the phone hasn’t rung once.”

“I know, darling; have patience. Things move a little slower up here.”

“What was that? A buzzing or something; there it is again.”

“That, patient one, is the phone!”

“Damn—the phone. I piled too much crap in front of the deer head!” I say, wildly pulling dusty curtain rods, a metal bed frame, brooms and what looks like a gun away from the phone’s hiding place. “Hello?” I say, out of breath, holding a stuffed squirrel in my other hand. I pass him to Ruby.

“Hey, this Eve Moss? The drape lady?” a friendly male voice asks.

“Um…yes it is.” I guess I asked for this.

“This is Charlie…Charlie Bruns. You must have given out the wrong number. Been getting all your calls…Ladies looking for you and all…A man, too.”

“Oh really? I am so sorry. I should have double-checked the number.” Shit shit shit.

“No harm done,” he assures me kindly. “Things like this happen. Kept a list of who called for you.”

“Thank you so much…. I really am grateful.” Is this a nice guy or what?

“You renting Ruby’s place for the fall or—”

“I live here…the Prévost Place. Used to be, anyway. What I mean is, yes, I do live here…with Ruby.”

“Ruby Prévost? Well I’ll be! Say…you wouldn’t want to stop by, would you? Sure would enjoy visiting with her and meeting you, too.”

“Oh sure…we’d love to come over. Thanks.” I give a questioning look to Ruby, who nods. “We could stop by later this afternoon.”

“That sure would be nice then. Yes sir, sure would. Should be around ’most all day.”

“Okay, and listen, thanks again for being so understanding.

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