Love Came Calling Read online

  “Thanks, Deb. I’ll just enjoy my vacation and ogle her from afar. I’m going to my cabin to change before dinner. See you later.” Kelly followed the longer wooded route to her cabin. She slowed her pace and breathed in the cool early evening air, taking a moment for reflection. What did she want with Josie? From Josie? She’d spent most of her vacation time so far with her and Ruth but didn’t regret any of it. Was she pathetic to enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot tub and quiet time with a beautiful woman and her elder, instead of hanging out with her energy-filled, laughing friends? She didn’t think so, as long as she was careful. Her draw to Josie worried her a little, if she was honest with herself. Josie was more than attractive; she was mature, intelligent, responsible, and tender with her grandmother. What she knew so far about Josie indicated she would definitely be someone she would want to date, and could possibly fall for. She continued to her cabin, resolving to enjoy the rest of her time away from work, and she’d appreciate Ruth’s and Josie’s company with no expectations.

  She took the time to give her sister a call and check on her house and horse. Reassured that all was well at home, she dressed quickly and casually. That was another nice thing about this place. It was relaxed in a way being at home wasn’t. But then, that’s what a vacation is about. She couldn’t forget this wasn’t real world stuff. It was like summer camp; it would end, and they’d go their separate ways. Steadied, she returned to the lodge and sat with the others for dinner. Conversation was fun and light, and Kelly let herself simply enjoy the moment.

  “This fish is fantastic. Thank you for sharing it with us, Maria,” Ruth spoke from the makeshift head of the table the group had made by pushing three tables together in the lodge.

  “Yeah. I agree. I haven’t taken time to go fishing in over a year. I’d forgotten how good freshly caught walleye is,” Josie said.

  “You’re welcome. I love fishing, so it was a treat for me. Tell us about the upcoming powwow, Josie.”

  Josie set her fork down before speaking. “The Ojibwe powwow is a spiritual event celebrating the history and life of the Native American people. You may not know, but powwows were restricted until World War Two because the dances were seen as war dances, but they’re in fact an expression of the culture. There’ll be all kinds of dancing, drumming, and music there.”

  Kelly watched Josie’s dark eyes sparkle as she spoke of the event. She’s sexy when she’s intense. “Debby told me you’re a descendant of the Ojibwe, right?”

  “Yes. My mother was half Ojibwe.” Josie glanced at Ruth and smiled. “But my grandmother is full-blooded.”

  “Cool.” Jaylin spoke between bites.

  “I can’t wait to go.” Kelly stood to stoke the fire.

  “You don’t have to do that.” Josie rose but stopped when Kelly waved her hand dismissively.

  “Don’t be silly. You cooked the meal. The least we can do is help with some chores. I even plan to do the dishes.”

  “I won’t argue,” Josie said. “But you’ll be helping do the dishes, if you insist. I’ll not have the word spreading I make my guests work when they come here.” Josie picked up a few of the empty plates from the table and took them into the kitchen.

  “Is she truly worried, Ruth?” Kelly asked.

  “My granddaughter worries over everything. Her mother was the same way, God rest her soul. My husband, her grandfather, built these cabins, and when he died, left them to our son-in-law, Joslyn’s father.” Ruth paused. “He was a good man but never recovered from his wife’s death, and he made some poor financial decisions. When Joslyn inherited the cabins, she had a bit of a mess to clean up. I’m very proud of her for creating Harlow’s by the Bay, and I know she’ll be successful with it. Especially after meeting you all.” She smiled and held Kelly’s gaze.

  Kelly had more questions than ever about Josie after Ruth’s disclosure, but they were for Josie to answer. “I better make good on my offer. I’ll see you guys later.” She collected the last of the tableware and headed to KP duty.

  “You really don’t have to help with this, Kelly.” Josie stood with her gloved hands in a sink full of hot soapy water.

  “I want to. I’ll dry.” She picked up a dish towel from a holder on the wall and grabbed a plate from the dish rack. They worked in comfortable silence for a while. “I admire your grandmother.”

  Josie nodded. “She’s a remarkable woman. She was a significant presence in my life as a teenager. I was upset when she and my grandfather moved south, but I couldn’t blame them. My grandfather was offered a job as a manager at a large construction company in Tawas, so they had a house built and semi-retired there. Then my father and I only saw them on holidays. I visited them a couple of times when I was in college and spent a week with Nooko when my grandfather died.”

  Kelly refrained from pulling Josie into her arms when she saw the sorrow play across her face. She rested her hand on her shoulder instead. “I see how caring you are with her. You’re a good granddaughter.”

  “Thank you. I know she loves me, and I love her. I’ll do anything I can to keep her safe and happy.” Josie took a step back, almost as though to put some distance between them. “We’re done here. Let’s go see what the group’s up to. I’ll take the garbage out on our way.”

  Kelly followed Josie out the kitchen through a back door. Josie put the black garbage bag into a large bin with a bolt-secured latch. The bin, located near the hot tub area, sat against the wall next to a metal door she hadn’t noticed before labeled Private. “A storage room?” she asked.

  “No. My studio. It was my mother’s, but I use it now.” Josie walked quickly past the door without saying anything further, and it was all Kelly could do to keep up. Josie’s instant reaction to her interest in her studio even surpassed her swift response when she’d asked her about being single. She was clearly a private person, and Kelly wondered if she let anyone in.

  Ruth sat alone on the couch in the expansive room when they returned, and the fire had dwindled to burning embers.

  “Did the group go back to their cabins?” Kelly asked.

  “They did. They asked me to tell you good night and they’d see you in the morning. It was a nice evening, wasn’t it?”

  “Yes, Nooko. It was. I’m glad you’re enjoying our guests.” Josie nestled a log on the cinders and poked the fire until it sparked to life. “I’m going to enjoy the fire a bit before I turn in. Can I get you anything?”

  “I’m so full I don’t think I’ll need anything for a week.” Ruth leaned back and rested her hands on her belly.

  “I’m with you, Ruth,” Kelly said. “I’m going to make a cup of tea before bed, though. You want one, Josie?”

  “Sounds good. Thanks.”

  Kelly brought back the cups of tea and settled on the end of the couch opposite Ruth with her feet curled under her. Again, she wondered why this felt so much more comfortable than going out on the town. There wasn’t much of a town to go out on, but she was fine with it. She sighed and sipped her tea.

  “Are you okay, dear?” Ruth leaned toward her looking concerned.

  “Oh, yes. I’m great, Ruth. I knew I needed a vacation, but I don’t think I realized how much. I haven’t relaxed this much in a long time.”

  “I’m so glad. I know Joslyn will be glad to hear it.”

  “Hear what?” Josie had gone to retrieve more firewood for the morning and walked in on their conversation.

  “Kelly’s enjoying her vacation by relaxing.”

  “Good. Things will get a little more exciting this weekend. We get hundreds of people streaming to the island for the powwow.” Josie settled on the couch next to Kelly. Their thighs touched but neither moved away. “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself, and please let me know if there’s anything you need.”

  “We’re getting new people tomorrow, aren’t we?” Ruth asked.

  “Yes, Nooko. Cabins five and six will be full tomorrow,” Josie said.

  “A full house.” Ruth grinned. �
��I’m ready to call it a day. What time are we heading to the event, Josie?”

  “About noon. Our Canadian guests plan to be here by eleven, so I’ll get them checked in and be ready to go as soon as they’re in.” Josie turned to address Kelly. “We can meet here at the lodge and you can follow me, if you want.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll check with the group and find out their plans. Good night, Ruth. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Kelly rose, noting the cold spot where her leg had been nestled against Josie’s. She walked the path to her cabin slowly, enjoying the warm night air. She looked forward to experiencing the powwow and spending some time with her friends. She had no regrets about how she’d spent her vacation so far, and she felt more rested and relaxed than she had in years. Maybe it was time to distance herself a little from unavailable Josie and play with her friends.

  Chapter Twelve

  Kelly sat on her porch sipping iced tea and enjoying the warm sunny morning while waiting for her friends to decide who was driving and how many they could fit in their car. She’d offered to drive, but her friends claimed Jaylin’s vehicle had more room. They laughed and joked and discussed various versions, but since Kelly wasn’t interested in piling in one car like a bunch of teenagers, they all decided it was best if Kelly just followed them. Sounds to her right drew her attention to Josie, who was helping Nooko into her SUV. Josie waved and grinned, and her belly fluttered.

  “Do you want to ride with us, Kelly?”

  “I’d love to. Thanks.” Kelly waved to her friends, who were squeezed into one vehicle, and pointed to Josie’s Jeep. She waited for their acknowledgment before she tossed her daypack into the back seat. She slid in and reached to squeeze Ruth’s shoulder. “Good morning, Ruth.”

  “Good morning, dear.”

  “Thanks for offering a ride. All the others are going to follow in one car.”

  “Let’s go celebrate life.” Josie shifted the car into gear and they drove the short distance to the event with the group following close behind.

  “Wow. This is amazing.” Kelly jumped from the car as soon as it stopped, eager to look around. She turned in a circle, taking in the expansive open area located at the edge of the woods. White tents stood around the perimeter of the space with tables and chairs for anyone wanting to get out of the noonday sun. Dream catchers swayed in the breeze and jewelry sparkled in the light as they hung displayed on several of the tables. “Are those all for sale?”

  “Mostly they are, but some folks bring their artwork to trade,” Josie said. “Why don’t you find us a spot to settle? The dancing’s going to begin soon. We’ll be right behind you.”

  The sound of the drum’s reverberation kept pace with her heartbeat. Kelly followed the group to one of the tables under a tent and positioned their coolers and packs to claim the spot. Debby and the others took off right away to have a look around. Kelly turned to look for Josie and Ruth and gasped in surprise as Ruth exited the vehicle. She wore a beautifully beaded long black dress with rows of beads and dangling rods laced across her chest and shoulders. Another ring of beads hung just below the waist and swayed as she walked. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t noticed the dress in the car. It was stunning. “Ruth, you look fabulous. Is that a native type dress?” She cringed at her ignorance and hoped she hadn’t offended Ruth.

  Ruth laughed and her dark eyes sparkled. “It’s an elder jingle dress. Just watch.”

  She kissed Josie on the cheek before turning and stepping in time to the drumbeats and moving to the center of the dancing area. Kelly watched as it filled with dancers in various forms of dress. Several of the men wore multicolored tunics and pants with feathers and headdresses. Some carried eagle feathers or sticks and stomped to the beat of the drum. The women hopped and danced as the items pinned to their dresses swayed and jingled.

  Kelly watched Ruth pause and shuffle a few beats before lifting her feet for a few steps. “She’s getting tired. Should we stop her?”

  Josie leaned close to speak, and Kelly automatically reached for her hand, grateful she didn’t pull away. “Nooko’s an elder, and she hasn’t been to a powwow in years. This is a great honor for her to dance today. I can’t believe a few weeks ago, I was helping her up from the floor after she fell. She’s doing quite well out there. Let’s let her go as long as she’s able.”

  Josie squeezed her hand before releasing it and standing to address the group, who had rejoined them and were all avidly watching the dancers. “This is called the Jingle Dress Dance, which was originally a medicine dance. All of the different dances you see, as well as the chants and music, are Ojibwe cultural expressions, and the powwow, through the drum, is a reminder of our connection to Mother Earth. The drum is a sacred symbol of the circle of life, the drumbeat our combined heartbeat. It’s blessed by an elder and kept safe by a drum keeper who brings it to the powwow.”

  The drumming volume increased as well as the chanting, and Josie sat close as they kept a close eye on Ruth. She appeared to be having a ball as she promenaded alongside the few other elders in the circle of dancers. “I’m glad Ruth’s able to be here, and thank you for bringing all of us.” Kelly stopped herself from reaching for Josie’s hand again. She sensed Josie wouldn’t move away, but she didn’t want to send mixed messages. They’d already established their vast differences. Josie wasn’t interested in a permanent relationship, and she wouldn’t settle for less. She caught the spicy scent of her cologne and stole a glance as her polo shirt stretched across her chest when she leaned back with her elbows on the tabletop and extended her legs out in front of her. The Harlow’s by the Bay logo, printed in script just above the swell of her left breast, summoned to be traced with her fingers. She looked relaxed and sexy.

  “I’m glad you all wanted to come along. Powwows are big events every year, but we don’t have one on the island that often. There’s an annual three-day powwow held in Sault Ste. Marie on their Sault Tribe powwow grounds. It’s a huge area and great event. There are also powwows in St. Ignace, Michigan, and many other areas of the Upper Peninsula and neighboring states.” Josie smiled and waved at Ruth as she circled toward them.

  “You looked great out there, Ruth.” Kelly moved to the back and side of her in case she needed support. But she didn’t.

  “Thank you. I had fun.” Ruth sounded breathless, no doubt more from excitement than exertion.

  “Let’s get something to eat and drink,” Josie said. “I brought some sandwiches and water, and I saw some bottled iced tea up by the entrance. You’ll want to pick up some maple syrup while you’re here. It’s the best around. And the corn soup is a tradition not to be missed.”

  “I’m going to check out the jewelry and stuff.” Maria stood and the rest of the group followed.

  Kelly smiled at Josie and Ruth, who settled down with sandwiches and waved them off. She was strangely reluctant to leave, but chastised herself. She was supposed to be having fun with her friends, too. She linked arms with Debby as they wandered past the various tables.

  “This is fun, isn’t it?” Debby asked.

  “Yeah. I had no idea what to expect, but it’s great.” Kelly took a sip of the iced tea she’d bought and picked up a pair of handmade moccasins from one of the tables. “These are nice. What do you think?”

  “Very. Buy them.”

  Kelly paid for her new footwear, along with a jar of maple syrup, and followed Debby and Alex back to their table. “I’m glad we’ve had nice weather this week. And today is perfect.” She tilted her face to the sliver of sun peeking through the leaves. She breathed in the fresh air and listened to the sounds of voices emanating from the various groups. The drumming had stopped for a break, but Josie had told them they’d begin more drumming and dancing within an hour.

  “You and Josie make a striking pair.” Debby sat across from her sharing an iced tea with Alex.

  Kelly shook her head. “Nothing there.”

  “Maybe it’d be a nice diversion for you. A little roll in the hay with
a sexy woman?”

  Debby was grinning, but Kelly sensed her seriousness. She didn’t want to divulge her fear. A fling with Josie had the potential to open her to heartache. She’d tried and failed before to avoid reading more into a relationship than what was there. It was better to never know what she couldn’t have. “As good as it sounds, I can’t do it, Deb. I’m done chasing after unavailable women. And she made it clear she’s not available.”

  “Fine. But I still think you two are hot together.” She reached and squeezed Kelly’s shoulder. “And you deserve someone who thinks the world of you.”

  The sound of drumming and chanting interrupted any further discussion.

  “Kelly? Hey there.”

  Kelly turned to the sound of the voice she’d only heard once before but wouldn’t forget. “Hi, Barb. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised you’re here. How are you?”

  “I’m good. Happy to see you again. And hello to your friends.” Barb introduced herself to everyone before turning back to Kelly. “Can I buy you an iced tea or something?” She sat close to Kelly on the bench and reached her arm around her waist before quickly removing it. “Sorry. I don’t mean to be presumptuous, but Josie told me you were here alone, and you’re a beautiful woman.”

  “Thank you, Barb. I am here alone, and that does mean I’m single. I just finished an iced tea, but thanks. This is great.” She turned her attention back to the dancing. Barb was attractive, and she could tell she was interested in her, but she reminded herself of her vow to take it slow. No more one-night stands leading nowhere.

  “Yeah, I’m single, too, and this is great.” She grinned. “And so is the powwow. We don’t have one on the island often. I’m glad you made it for this one.” She turned toward her, and Kelly tumbled into her hazel gaze.

  “Maybe another iced tea would be nice.” She stood and Barb rested her hand on her lower back to lead her to the vendor area. She leaned toward her as they walked, enjoying Barb’s interest. It’d been a long time since she’d felt wanted by an available woman, and she looked forward to the possibility of spending time with her.