Farewell to Cedar Key by Terri Dulong Read Free Book Online

as I heard the chimes on the door tinkle and saw a middle-aged man enter. Probably had a shopping list from his wife.
    â€œHi,” I said. “Can I help you?”
    A sheepish grin crossed his face as he pointed to my handmade sign in the window. “Ah, yeah. I’m curious about that men’s knitting class.”
    â€œOh, great. Well, it’s scheduled to begin on October first, and I’ll be teaching the class. You’re certainly welcome to sign up, but I’m afraid so far we have only one other man interested. My father.”
    He chuckled and smiled. “Hmm, did you browbeat the poor man into signing up?”
    I shook my head and laughed. “Actually, no. My mother and I are both huge knitters, and my dad said he’d often thought about learning himself. But I do think part of it is because I’m the one teaching the class and he doesn’t want it to fall apart before it even begins.”
    â€œWell, then. I agree with your father. We can’t have that. Where do I sign up?”
    I walked to the counter to get my notebook. “I can do that for you right now.” I knew he wasn’t a local and he didn’t look familiar to me. “Do you live on the island?”
    He extended his hand in greeting. “I’m Gabe. Gabe Brunell. I do live here for now. I’m renting a house over on Third Street. Just for the winter. Do you think that’ll give me enough time to perfect my knitting skills?”
    I smiled as I wrote his name down. “It should. It’s forty dollars for the four-week class. And then based on interest, we can begin another more in-depth class after the holidays.”
    â€œGreat,” he said, reaching for a checkbook and pen inside his shirt pocket. “Make it out to Yarning Together?”
    â€œYes, please.”
    He handed me the check and said, “Now, what exactly will I need for the class?”
    â€œAfter I teach you the basics of knit and purl, we’ll be making a scarf. You’ll only need to choose yarn for the scarf and needles, because we’ll supply the scrap yarn for you to practice on.”
    I led the way to the shelves holding yarn that would be good for a scarf. “Any of these would be fine. So this is the fun part, choosing what you’d like. Take your time and browse,” I said as I heard my cell phone ring.
    â€œIs this Josie Sullivan?” a male voice said.
    â€œYes, it is.”
    â€œHi, this is Simon Mancini. I believe Dr. Clark mentioned I’d be calling you?”
    My first thought was, Yes, he did. But that was two weeks ago.
    â€œYes, he said you might get in touch with me,” was what I replied.
    â€œGreat. I’m sorry it took me a while. I’m afraid I’ve been a bit overwhelmed trying to get my new practice up and running. He tells me you’re an excellent RN, and I’m certainly in need of one. Would you be interested in meeting me for an interview?”
    I could feel my excitement starting to build, but I didn’t want to seem desperate. “Ah, yes. That would be fine.”
    â€œGreat,” I heard him say, and I thought I detected a sigh come across the line. “Hmm, let’s see . . .”
    He paused, and I was certain he was checking a calendar. One point for him. He appeared to be organized.
    â€œOkay. Yes. How would this Friday work for you? Let’s say twelve noon at the Pickled Pelican for lunch?”
    A lunch interview? “Sure. That would be fine. I’ll see you there on Friday, and thank you.”
    I disconnected the call, felt a smile cross my face, and looked up to see Gabe Brunell holding out two skeins of yarn in front of me.
    â€œWould these work for the scarf?” he asked.
    He had chosen a tweed DK weight in shades of tan and brown.
    â€œPerfect,” I said. “Now, let’s get you those needles.” I walked to the rack and removed a packet. “Size 10, and I think