Whisper Beach by Shelley Noble

haven’t? Like any of us haven’t?”
    â€œYou don’t seem very sympathetic,” Van said.
    â€œMe? Of course I am. It’s just, I don’t know. I only knew her that one summer, but she always seemed so vapid. And perfectly willing to let other people take responsibility for getting things done.”
    â€œI guess, but she was so . . . I don’t know. Everyone loved her. She was always sweet, scared, or crying.”
    â€œWell, we saw crying and sweet already. Do you think she’s scared?”
    Van barked out a laugh. “If she’s smart, she is.”
    â€œMaybe she’s smarter than you think.”
    â€œHow so?”
    â€œMaybe she wants everyone to take care of her. Poor, sweet Gigi.”
    â€œWell, she was sweet. Never said anything bad about anybody. Never did anything scandalous.”
    Suze groaned. “I remember. She even made excuses for Dana. Who, by the way, I saw at the funeral repast.”
    â€œYou did? I didn’t. Did you talk to her?”
    â€œHell no. She saw me and headed for the opposite side of the room. I don’t think she’ll be making overtures anytime soon.”
    â€œWell, as long as I don’t have to deal with her, I guess I can’t begrudge a few days of shoring Gigi up while I decide what to do about the house. I suppose I’ll have to call the lawyer to make arrangements for getting inside.”

    â€œW ELL, IF IT isn’t Joseph Enthorpe.” Dorie placed a menu in front of him. “Haven’t seen you in a while.”
    â€œBeen busy.”
    â€œSo I hear.”
    She stood there grinning at him, and Joe knew he hadn’t fooled her. Dorie always did know what was going on.
    â€œWhat are the lunch specials?”
    She told him, her smile didn’t waver.
    â€œHow’s Harold?”
    â€œHe’s off on one of his trips.”
    â€œOh. Well, if you need any help closing up for the winter—”
    â€œBut don’t worry that I’ll be lonely.”
    She was baiting him. Why didn’t he just go ahead and ask? It was natural to ask about someone you hadn’t seen in a while and who was back in town.
    â€œThat’s good to hear.” He gave her his order.
    She didn’t go away. “Don’t ya want to know why I won’t be lonely?”
    God, did he ever. “I’ll have a Guinness with that.”
    She coughed out a laugh. “Guess you already know why I won’t be lonely. And I thought you were here for my crab cakes.” She took his menu. “I’ll be back with that Guinness.” She walked away.
    Joe should just get up and leave before he embarrassed himself further. What was wrong with him? He was thirty-three. Had never been shy or marble-mouthed. Women liked him. And yet he couldn’t bring himself to admit that he cared about how Van’s life had turned out more than he should. And more than he had any right to ask.
    It had been twelve years. Couldn’t they just pretend that all that shit hadn’t happened? Couldn’t he just ask about an old friend without it being a big deal?
    He’d bite the bullet and ask Dorie when she came back with his beer.
    A young waitress came with his beer. He thanked her, grinding his teeth.
    He played with his beer glass until the same waitress brought his meal. Ate his crab cakes. They were delicious as always, but he hardly tasted them waiting for Dorie to reemerge from the kitchen.
    She didn’t.
    He glanced toward the kitchen door. No sign of Dorie.
    He speared the last roasted potato wedge. Brought it to his mouth, chewed slowly. Swallowed. This was stupid. He caught the waitress’s eye. She hurried over to his table.
    â€œIs there something I can get you?”
    â€œYes. Could you ask Dorie to come out here?”
    A flicker of anxiety flashed in her face. “Is there something wrong with your meal?”
    â€œNo. I’d just like to talk to Dorie.