Where is it? Where IS it? Sue kept asking herself this question as she perused the self-help aisle of her favorite independent bookstore. I know it must be here. They have nearly everything.
What Sue didn’t realize was that she was talking to herself out loud.
“Um, excuse me. Can I help?”
The velvety deep voice of the brown-skinned man standing near Sue jolted her like a soft cottony stick probing a sore tooth.
“What?” Sue exclaimed as if the man had just asked her a much too personal question. But really, just look at him, she said to herself. Ten years her junior, soft brown eyes that perused her face as if he was looking at a delicate flower. Wearing navy blue shorts that seemed more bathing suit than shorts. A blue t-shirt that caressed his chest and muscled arms just a bit too tightly. Humph.
But still. No reason to be rude to the man, who looked a bit familiar to Sue. Did he work at one of the resorts around here? In fact, maybe he was a scuba diver, or captained the whale watching boats, or… she decided to strike up some courage into her introverted self and just ask, but he jumped in first.
“I’m Joe. I was raised here. I went to school with the bookstore owner’s kid and used to stock the shelves. So I promise you, if you’re looking for a particular book, I can find it for you.” Joe’s smile was as wide as the ocean surrounding the island, and his eyes sparkled as if his greatest pleasure would be to give Sue pleasure.
She squeezed her fingertips together and chastised herself for the thought.
“You look familiar,” she replied. “I’ve only been living here for five months. Best decision I ever made, considering what’s going on, on the mainland. Not that we don’t have to ‘stay in place’ here, but who wouldn’t want to stay in place in paradise?” Sue was babbling, but something about the way Joe looked at her encouraged her to open up. “Every morning I see locals surfing – as soon as the sunrises! – and I figured that maybe I could find a book that, you know…”
He finished for her. “You want a self-help book on surfing?” His incredulous expression embarrassed her.
“Well, when you say it like that…” She turned her back on his insouciance.
“No, I didn’t mean it that way.” Joe touched her shoulder, and Sue turned back toward him. “I’m Dr. Joe. We met the first week you moved here ….”
Sue’s face turned redder than last night’s sunset. “That’s right! You’re Dr. Joe, the surfing doctor. Thank goodness I got to you by 12:50 that afternoon, because the sign on the door said ‘Gone surfing – Closed 1-4 p.m.’ ” Sue’s expression turned dour.
“How’s your kidney stone?” he asked, his voice gentle.
“Gone, thanks to you,” she conceded.
“So.” Dr. Joe’s eyes skimmed the books in front of Sue. “I suggest you’d learn easier with a real surfing instructor. Are you free tomorrow, at 2?”
Sue realized she’d just found the perfect self to help her.
Quite brilliant. Superb ending.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’d like to say that I planned that ending. But I was just as surprised as you were. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow a beautiful and excellent story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad you enjoyed my story of Sue and “her” Dr. Joe. Happy Surfing through life! ❤
LikeLike
Welcome 😊😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely, Pam. And perfect word-play ending. 😀 It sounds like she’s made a friend (or more), as well as found an instructor.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Surfing takes a lot of balance and a lot of practice. I think Sue will do just fine with Dr. Joe helping her find both… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nicely done, Pam. What a fun prompt! I think Dr. Joe sounds like the right kind of “self-help” to me. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Smiling. “Self-help” can occur in many different meaningful ways. ❤
LikeLike
Hanapepe, Kauai, Hawaii.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You know exactly what (or should I say where) I’m talking about, Jan! 🙂
LikeLike
Cute. Smiling.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I needed to write a smiling story, Nancy, and this ‘fit the bill’ perfectly. 🙂 xo
LikeLike
Sign me up too!!
… oh wait. Maybe Sue wouldn’t appreciate a 3rd wheel elbowing in 😉
LikeLiked by 3 people
Maybe Dr. Joe has a medical associate who also surfs….? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clever story. Made me smile. You have to love a surfing doctor.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The idea of the surfing doctor originated with a ‘true story’ when our son and his girlfriend visited us once in Kauai and she immediately got sick. We found the closest medical clinic but the doctor was “out surfing.” Fortunately he returned in time to help so she could enjoy the rest of the visit.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Now there is a happy ending! Cleverly written Pam and yes to self isolating in paradise.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Somehow right now the idea of self isolating in Paradise for a year or more sounds more and more compelling, Sue. 😁 Then again, I’m sure it is gorgeous now where you live with the snow all melted and the flowers blooming. Enjoy! Any surfing nearby? 🏄
LikeLiked by 1 person
No surfing as we are very much landlocked. The Pacific Ocean about a 12 hour drive. some gorgeous mountains within the hour though. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, I’ve been “surfing” through a lot of books on my Kindle! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I. can’t. stop. laughing!!! Dr. Joe. Kidney stones. Surfing. You’ve done it again, Magoo!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Who would guess that the combination of a doctor, surfing, and a self-help aisle could bring on a sweet romance? Ahhh, creativity. 🤓💖
LikeLike
Thanks for the clever and fun surfing safari Pam! Surfing and being at the beach sounds wonderful. Maybe I need to move to paradise. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Let me know when you move there Brad, and I’ll come visit! 😁🏄
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha, ha. You might have a long wait! ⚠
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good. Brought a smile 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good! That was exactly my intention. We all need some smiles… 😁😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes, don’t we ever
LikeLiked by 1 person
How delightful!
Love the intrigue at the end. Friends… more… ? Ah the possibilities!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Possibilities are the sweet nectar in life, Louise. 🥰
LikeLike
Very romantic, Pam. I wouldn’t mind being locked down in paradise with a warm sunny beach and a bookstore. I might even try surfing with Dr. Joe. Lol. A lovely story with a happy and clever ending. Thanks for the smile, my friend. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sometimes, imaginative romantic stories set in paradise are just what we need. 😏❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
That prompt was quite a challenge. You did well with it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for the praise! How I got a surfing romance out of a “self help aisle” prompt I will never know. 😳
LikeLiked by 1 person
I knew where Sue was the minute I saw the name of the bookstore. 🙂 Good for Sue, finding self-help in paradise! Dr. Joe sounds pretty amazing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Next on our list, Amy, is both of us having our books displayed in that bookstore! 🌴
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fingers crossed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve JUST finished your first Cape May mystery. It’s marvelous!! Off to review it now….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed it! Thank you very much. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a good read. Hope the reviews are up now…
LikeLike
What a lovely story! And I’m making up my own endings for what happens next.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Darn-I’d love to here what that ending might be Jacqui. 🤗😳🥰
LikeLike
What a fun story and with such a happy ending. I think Sue is going to enjoy her surfing lessons with the delectable Dr Joe. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think you are absolutely right! 🏄🌴❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that playful style of writing Pam, perfect for this story.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Balroop. I needed some playtime, big-time. 😏🤓🌴
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant. Love the word plays!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My favorite kind of play is with words. 🙂 Thank, Donna.
LikeLike
Not at all what I expected from the self help section. 😉 Well done on pulling me in. I would expect to find that book in “the idiots guide to…” Have a great weekend, Pam.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Haha. Love your sense of humor. I don’t know where the ‘surfing self-help’ idea came from (my mind springs weird things on me). But I know my favorite self-help book was “Puppy Training for Dummies.” 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was an interesting twist, Pam. Well done.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve never surfed, but if I met Dr. Joe, I think I’d be tempted to try…
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh my goodness, great writing for an incurable romantic … well done!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I hope to never be cured of my romanticism. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
lol then you may have my share!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely, lovely Warrior Princess!
LikeLiked by 1 person
In my imagination, I could even be a surfing warrior princess, Billy Ray. 😆🏄
LikeLike
I think Joe can help with a lot of things. Well done, Pamela.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the way your mind thinks, John! 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t see that coming. Wowza, Pam!
So many admirable points here: 1. Using the word “insouciance” so adroitly. 2. Romantic and “twisty” too, hard to pull off unless you are an expert writer.
Happy weekend, m’ dear! Laze in the sun and watch sunsets, if you can . . . 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
No lazin’ here, I say insouciantly. Haha. Do I get extra extra credits for that?
Isn’t it neat when words all of a sudden crop up in our stories and we can pat ourselves on the back? But in truth, I never would’ve thought of “insouciance.” That was all Sue’s doing. 😁🌴🙏
LikeLike
Nice twist at the end. I enjoyed the story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for visiting here and enjoying my ‘light and breezy’ self-help story. 🙂
LikeLike
A great little story! Funny how people look different when they aren’t at work. Have a super weekend. xo
LikeLiked by 2 people
Nowadays, with most people working at home, I think we have LOTS of different “at work” looks. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, there are work pajamas and there are cleaning the house pajamas!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😆
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah this is a good one… on so many levels. Certainly made me smile and then chuckle at the ending. I could really relate to her embarrassment of the non recognition. I am not good with faces.. meaning that I often do not recognize someone I may have met when I see them later, especially when it is out of context, such as in your well executed story.
Peta
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’m the same way, Peta. I just learned recently there’s a name for this (difficulty with facial recognition). One of my blogging friends has this condition to the extreme – she doesn’t remember the next DAY, much less months later!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Pam, You remind me about the concept how ‘we can’t judge a book by it’s cover’ and how this also applies to people. Then, the ending. Oh, my, my. My heart skipped a beat. Inappropriate thoughts for a 60+ woman? I need all the help I can get. Hee hee 😅
LikeLiked by 3 people
I think the older we get, the more acceptable it is to have “inappropriate thoughts,” Erica. We just don’t say them out loud. Haha. I do get my back up at the generational/cultural idea that we women ‘of a certain age and older’ have no desires or longings or passion. I think I might have to come up with some more romances of ‘older women’ in the future. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love it! Nice to read something heart-warming and sweet. I was going to ask where the story takes place, on which island? But, someone mentioned one of the islands in Hawaii in the comments, so that might be it!?
LikeLiked by 2 people
I must admit, I enjoy writing warm and sweet stories, Liesbet. I imagined this taking place on one of the Hawaiian islands, but it could be any island in the tropics. We can use our imagination. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great short! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Bette. Nice to get away from “reality” from time to time. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sure is! 🙂 Enjoy your weekend and may our summer be sensational despite the pandemic! xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
So . . . you’re taking up surfing?
And plan to spend the rest of your years hanging ten? 😀
Cowabunga, dude!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Umm, I never mentioned how bad I am at BALANCING??? :-0 I’m still working on one legged yoga tree. 🙂
LikeLike
Oh this was lovely – took me on all sorts of wild imaginative thoughts and feelings! Thanks Pam … great story 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
To me that is the best thing a writer can do – turn on her reader’s imagination. Thank you so much! XO
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmm….no book required! LOL!!! But it was a wonderful read!!! LOL!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are right, Pat. Self-help with no self-help book. 😁
LikeLike
The perfect ending! Loved the story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will admit wholeheartedly that I like stories that have happy endings, Patricia! Thank you. 😍
LikeLike
What a romantic story, Pam. When he said, “I’m Dr. Joe.” I was surprised why he introduced himself again, but it was quite a build-up and clear turns of your story. I liked that very much!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Glad you enjoyed the little twist in Sue’s life, Miriam. I’ll admit I smiled while I wrote it. 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t it wonderful when the creativity came? I didn’t see it coming. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Doctor and patient. Well now, I think she’d better change doctors. Great fun, Pam.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good point, Norah! 😆😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so nice, Pam Just what I needed–thanks! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahhh, summer reading. Sun. Sand. Surf. What could ever be wrong with that? xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nothing at all — as long as you have your sunscreen! xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is great, Pam. What a nice finish too! Looks like Sue is about to catch a wave!
LikeLiked by 2 people
And she’s catching a BIG wave, at that! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was great, Pam! Especially the ending!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m a sucker for happy endings. 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
If only all self-help books ended with such a positive result 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Haha. But if we notice, no self-help book was requited at the ending of this story (or should I say, at the beginning of Sue and Dr. Joe’s adventure…) 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A delightful story, Pam…Humorous and sexy. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just the way I like ’em. 🙂 Thanks, Carol. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely story Pam. You just can’t judge a book by its cover 🙂 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Although an attractive cover doesn’t hurt… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
True dat! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pam,
I so enjoyed this today! Summer escapism at its best. I don’t live anywhere near waves, but I’m ready to learn how to surf with Dr. Joe! Mona
LikeLiked by 2 people
Many thanks for your comment. Summer escapism is the best, isn’t it? I’m sure “Dr. Joe” can find a way to give “land” surfing lessons, doncha think? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This made me smile. 🙂 So fun and light. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you enjoyed!!
LikeLike
What a fun story with a happy and intriguing ending. Well done, Pam 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for enjoying my surfer story, Clare. I’m late in finding your comment. ;-0 xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was my pleasure, Pam 🙂 xo
LikeLike
Romance and kidney stones in one fabulous story? Clever, Pam, and only you can put these together to create a smile at the end (and maybe a sigh, too). Even though I’m in another kind of paradise, sheltering in Hawaii sounds heavenly. And so happy Sue found the self-help she needed. 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
Romance comes in strange ways. Perhaps that’s why there can be so many different types of romance books❣️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the ending, thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ohh! That’s a delightful story, Pam. It’s worth reading.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great having you here – thanks so much for reading and enjoying!
LikeLike
Yay, Sue!
Now… where can I find me a Dr. Joe?
LikeLiked by 2 people
He’s out there somewhere, Dale. Truly! xo
LikeLiked by 2 people