Free The Siren's Call (Last Chance Motel Book 3) by Abigail Keam

Mary.” He started toward her. “May I give you a hug?”
    Mary pursed her lips. “I should say not. I’m dirty and smell, and so do you.”
    River remained undaunted and said, “One day, Mary. One day.”

24
    H earing a knock at the door, River opened it and peered out. It was raining hard, and he wasn’t sure who was standing there until he spoke.
    “Mr. Egan.” Mike had on a wide-brimmed hat that mostly obscured his face.
    “Mike, isn’t it?”
    “Yes, Mike Bishop. Can I talk to you for a minute?”
    “Sure, come in. Get out of this awful rain,” offered River, standing aside.
    “Thanks,” replied Mike, stepping into the trailer. While taking off his hat, he looked about and let out a whistle. “This sure looks different from when I was here the other day.”
    “About that. How much do I owe you?”
    “Nothing. On the house.”
    “How about a beer then?”
    “Won’t refuse that.”
    River pointed to a chair as he went to the refrigerator. “Please sit. I have to admit the livability of the trailer is due to your mother. Nothing like a woman’s touch.” He handed Mike an opened beer bottle.
    “Hey, this is really cold,” gushed Mike before he took a swig.
    “The fridge is the only thing that works in this rust bucket,” River said before flipping off the cap of his beer bottle. “Here’s to swimmin’ with bowlegged women. Down the hatch.”
    Mike gave a salute with his bottle before taking another long swig.
    “Know who said that?” River asked.
    Mike nodded. “Um, let’s see. That would have to be the old salty character from Jaws. What was his name? Quint, I think.”
    River smiled. “So why are you here, Mike, son of Mary?”
    “If I remember the movie, Quint wasn’t so nice to the ladies. I hope you’re not like that.”
    “What’s that?”
    Changing the subject, Mike put the bottle down. “I want to thank you for helping Jenny. We went snorkeling Sunday and had a wonderful time. Jenny struggled here and there, but she’s game for more.”
    “That’s grand.”
    “Eva and I think she made an important step in returning to the sea. Her mother loved the ocean and I want Jenny to love it too.”
    “It would seem she is well on her way to recovery then.”
    “Yeah.”
    “Is there something else on your mind, Mike, son of Mary?”
    “I don’t mean to pry, and I am grateful for your help with Jenny, but I’m wondering what’s going on between you and my mom.”
    River took a long drink from his bottle and then put the bottle down. He folded his hands while leaning back in his chair. “That’s between Mary and me, don’t you think? At least, that’s the way I see it.”
    “Here’s the thing, Mr. Egan. My father died very suddenly, and he was the whole world to my mother. She has had a very hard time coping with his loss.” Mike stopped for a moment searching for the right words. “My mother is a good, decent woman. I would hate to see someone take advantage of her good nature if they weren’t serious about her.”
    “Mike, I can understand your concern. I really can. I lost my wife too, so I know how that can affect someone who’s been married for a long time. But I’m just a regular guy. I have no criminal record. I’ve never hit a woman in my life. My health is reasonable for my age, but there is room for improvement. I have my own money. I’m not a billionaire, but I’m comfortable. I’ve worked hard all my life.” River unfolded his hands and leaned in toward Mike.
    “Your mother and I have many things in common. Both our spouses died before their time. We are of similar age, and we share the same memories.” River grinned. “We both saw the Beatles for the first time on the Ed Sullivan Show . We both practiced hiding under our school desks during the Cuban missile crisis. We both know exactly where we were when Kennedy was shot. We understand each other, and we’re lonely.”
    “I don’t want my mother hurt. If you’re not serious, I would advise