Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida by Debby Mayne Read Free Book Online Page A

shutting off the laptop and focusing on what to wear the next day.
    As Jerry stood in front of his closet, he felt at a loss. What did a guy wear to a music festival on the beach when he wanted to make a great impression on someone he cared about? Someone who appeared to like him but didn’t quite trust him?
    Since his wardrobe consisted mostly of khaki and navy chinos, there wasn’t much of a choice. “Why don’t you run out and pick up something new?” his mother asked from his bedroom doorway.
    He shrugged and pulled out his favorite pair of khakis and a burgundy golf shirt. “I’ll be fine with this.”
    “Bo–ring,” she crooned with a smile.
    Was it boring? he wondered. Or, more importantly, was he boring?
    “Since I’ve never attended a beach festival, I have no idea what to wear. This is probably safe.”
    Jerry felt his mother’s gaze as she tinkered with his confidence, so he turned to face her. She remained in the same position, arms folded, head tilted to one side.
    “You think I’m too safe, don’t you?” he asked.
    “Sometimes,” she admitted. “But that’s part of your charm.”
    “So what do you think I should wear?” His arms dangled at his sides as he looked from his wardrobe to his mother.
    She grinned back at him. “Never mind what I said earlier. I don’t think it really matters what you wear to this festival. I’m sure Amanda is just happy to be going with you.”
    “Are you sure?”
    She nodded. “Positive. I hope she was okay with the change in plans.”
    He didn’t tell her what he was pretty sure Amanda was thinking— that anything would be better than coming to the condo for dinner and having to suffer through an interrogation. “I hope so,” he said softly. “She acted like she really wanted to go to this festival.”
    “Well, it certainly sounds like fun to me. Your father and I used to do all sorts of things like that when we were younger.” The sadness in her voice was evident. Ever since his dad had started wandering off and getting lost, they weren’t able to do much that involved large crowds. And now that his mom had Parkinson’s, she was at the mercy of an increasing amount of physical limitation.
    A surge of guilt washed over Jerry. Why was he so worried about what Amanda thought? These were his parents, who’d been with him through everything. They’d never acted ashamed no matter what he did. He loved these people unconditionally.
    Forgive me, Father, for the terrible thoughts and lack of respect for Mom and Dad. They’re special people, and I wouldn’t want to hurt them for anything.
    He felt a little better, but there was still a tiny grain of remorse. Mom and Dad had never been embarrassed about him, even when he was on his worst behavior.
    Guilty feelings aside, it was too late to do anything about that now. But next time—assuming there would be a next time—he’d work on his attitude and display his parents with pride.

    Early the next morning, Amanda downed the last of her coffee before grabbing her gear and starting for work. Lacy intercepted her before she got to the door.
    “I won’t be home for dinner tonight,” Lacy said, grinning from ear to ear.
    “Neither will I.”
    Lacy’s smile faded as she pulled back and squinted her eyes. “So where are you going?”
    Amanda had spoken too quickly. “Sun, Sand, and Swing Festival.”
    “By yourself?”
    “What do you think?” Amanda popped her helmet on her head and snapped the strap under her chin. “I’m going with a friend.”
    A slow smile tipped the edges of Lacy’s lips, and she batted her eyes. “It wouldn’t just happen to be Jerry Simpson, would it?”
    “Okay, yes, I’m going with Jerry. So how about you? Where will you be?”
    Lacy grinned. “I’m going to the festival, too, and I bet you’ll never guess who I’m going with.”
    Rather than play one of Lacy’s favorite games, Amanda opened the door, stepped halfway out, then turned to face her sister. “So