Free to Love by Sydell Voeller

turn deserves another,” Ted said with a shrug. “You helped me at Anchorhold. I’ll help you and Conner with the roof. The three of us, we should get the work done in no time.” A seagull swooped down onto the picnic shelter railing and cocked its head as it regarded the men curiously.
    “You know Conner?”
    “Yeah. Small town, don’t forget.” The older man chuckled. “Makes a guy keep his nose clean. Anyway, Conner helped my wife and me sell our home over on Twenty-Third Street. He’s top-notch in everything he does—but no matter how you slice it, three can get that roof on faster than two.”
    “I guess I can’t argue about that, Austin said, his voice tentative.
    “You like shellfish, Sullivan? Maybe afterwards we can all get together at my place for a clambake. I went out at the crack of dawn this morning and got my limit.”
    “Well, all right. But we may have to take a rain check.” Austin inhaled deeply as his gaze swept the parking lot that fronted the day use area. The rain-washed air held a faint odor of damp humus mingled with the tangy smell of salt water. An assortment of tree branches, remnants from last night’s storm, lay scattered about. Already the sun was getting hot, causing a light mist to rise from the pavement.
    “Why put the roof off?” Ted scratched the bald spot on the back of his head. “I thought you said the shingles finally came in.”
    “They did. But now there’s another problem.” Austin aligned a row of pencils with deliberate precision as if trying to get his ducks in order.
    “What kind of problem?”
    “It’s Jo.”
    “Joanna?”
    “Yes. In fact, I kind of hated leaving her for so long today, but it was the only way I could keep her from insisting on being here herself .”
    “She’s pretty sick, huh?”
    “Yeah, that new strain of flu, I think. She’s spiking a high fever, has a dry cough, and has been battling some killer headaches.” He squared his jaw, then frowned. “The last thing she needs is us pounding overhead.”
    “Good point. Hey, look. I can manage alone if you think you should go.” Ted nodded to his cell phone. “I can always ring up someone else to give me a hand.”
    “I... I’m not sure exactly what I should do, but I promised her I’d take her place today. If I don’t stick to it, she may jolly well drive right over here—fever, cough, and all. It’s the only way I can keep her down.”
    “Oh, I see. The independent type... just like my missus.” One corner of Ted’s mouth lifted. “Now why doesn’t that surprise me?” He rocked back on his heels and hitched his thumbs in his belt loops. “Well, as far as the roof goes, just let me know. We’ll work it in—whenever. I hope the little lady is back on her feet soon.”
    “So do I . And thanks. Thanks again, Ted.” Though Austin’s voice was filled with appreciation, he couldn’t dismiss how the tenor of their conversation was frightening him. It seemed they were talking almost as if he and Jo were husband and wife. He had to change the subject. He had to change it quickly. “By the way, any further news about the owl Joanna hauled into Anchorhold ?”
    “It recovered without incident. I turned the owl loose not far from her place.”
    “Good, I’ll tell her. That should help pick up her spirits.” Austin lifted the collar of his windbreaker against the rising breeze.
    Ted grinned. “You’re too late, pal. She already knows. She phoned in to check on the owl almost every day.”
    “I might’ve guessed,” Austin answered with a chuckle. “Pretty soon, she’ll probably be showing up on your doorstep to be your newest volunteer.”
    “You’re too late on that one also. She said she’s making arrangements at the aquarium to take off every Friday afternoon so she can help me. It might take her another few weeks to get everything squared away, but she’s working on it.”
    “And by that time, if I’m lucky, I’ll be well on my way up north,” Austin