Chapter 25

First day of summer, Jack planted the pineapple seeds he got from Won. He grinned at the memory of how he got them for free. After watering them he headed into town to go to the beach. As he entered the south side of Rose Plaza, he saw Sasha, Jeff, and Karen entering the plaza from the north side.

Karen waved, "Hey, Jack, did you come to watch the Frisbee Contest?"

A curious look crossed Jack's face, "What Frisbee Contest?"

"It happens every year. You throw a Frisbee for your dog to catch. The owner and dog that get the best distance wins a nice trophy."

"Huh, is there a puppy division in the contest?"

Karen shook her head, "No, I guess Hero can't enter this year. I hope you'll enter next year."

"Well, I'll watch the contest anyway. Is your shop going to be open tomorrow?"

"Yes, why do you ask?"

"I want to buy some summer crop seeds."

Karen snapped her fingers, "That's right, those pineapple seeds will take some time to grow."

Sasha raised an eyebrow, "I don't recall you buying those seeds from us. I don't think we even sell them."

Jack grinned, "I got the seeds from Won. When I was mailing a letter to a friend, Karen came in with an order form to mail. Won after seeing Karen, suddenly had a 'Golden Service' sale, and that everyone was to get a free item. I think Won only wanted Karen to have the free item and not Zack and me. But she saw through the scheme, so Zack and I did get a free item."

Karen blushed slightly, Jeff chuckled, and Sasha giggled.

Sasha said, "Well I did raise a bright daughter, as you pointed out a few weeks ago."

"I hope you are not mad that I got seeds from someone else."

Sasha shook her head, "No, why should we? If those pineapple seeds help you make more money, you should use them."

Karen nodded, "Yeah, now and then Joe would buy seeds we didn't sell from another person."

Jack raised an eyebrow, "He did?"

"Yes, that apple tree on your farm, he got the seeds from another vendor."

Jack smiled, "Ok, I didn't want to earn the 'cold shoulder' treatment."

Karen walked over and gave a one armed hug to Jack, "Hey, anybody that helps make my uncle pay his bill will never get that treatment, at least not from me."

Sasha nodded, "Yes, I agree. I will not do that, you're a nice guy."

Jack grinned, "Thanks ladies."

At the same time Karen and Sasha said, "You're welcome, Jack." Then they looked at each other and giggled.

As they were headed down the stairs to the beach, Karen saw a guy wearing a purple bandana on his head.

Karen grinned, "It looks like Kai has arrived."

Jack asked, "Who?"

"Oh, that's right, you haven't met him. He's runs the snack shack over there, but only in the summer time."

When they got closer, Karen yelled, "Hi there, Purple Pirate, did you just sail in today?"

Kai turned around, "Hello, Karen. No I got here late last night. So who is your friend?"

Karen smiled, "This is Jack. He inherited Joe's farm."

"Did Joe retire?"

Karen shook her head sadly, "No, he passed away near the end of fall. Jack didn't know and Joe's death until the start of spring when he came to check up on him."

"I see. Glad to meet you Jack. I'm Kai, I run that snack shack. Drop in for a bite to eat tomorrow."

"Ok, I will."

Kai smiled, "Joe was a good man. Where you related to him?"

"No, I befriended him ten years ago. My parents wanted me to see the world, and they chose this place to start with. When we were here, I wandered off. I ended up at Joe's farm and he was kind enough to reunite me with my parents. We stayed at his farm. Then when we were leaving to go back home, he asked if we could write to each other. So we had been doing that up until his death. Had I not been on that Grand Jury in the fall, I would have been here sooner."

Just then a pink blur knocked Kai down.

"HI, KAI!" shouted Popuri.

"Ooof. Hello, Popuri, how are you?"

"I've been great! I can't wait for you to open. I've been wanting a snow cone for a long time."

Kai reluctantly nodded, "I'll be open tomorrow."

Popuri smiled, "Ok, I'll be there."

Popuri then dashed off.

Kai stood up and dusted himself off, "I see that she is still energetic as ever."

A concerned look crossed Jack's face, "Are you ok?"

"Yeah, well nice meeting you Jack."

Kai then wandered off.

After the contest was over, Karen asked, "You think you might want to enter Hero next year?"

Jack nodded, "Yes, he might not win, but I think he would like it."

"So what do you think of Kai?"

"He seems to be a nice guy."

Karen smiled, "That's good to hear. Hey, I think that Doug will be open. How about a beer or two?"

Jack grinned, "That sounds great."

Karen and Jack headed off to the Inn.

A soft smile crossed Sasha's face, "I think that Jack is winning the race for Karen's heart."

Jeff looked at Sasha, "Are you upset with that?"

Sasha shook her head, "No, something seems right with it. I think that Karen and Jack did play with each other when they were eight. I think I remember her saying back then, that she wished the boy she played with would return the following summer. And lately, I have seen Karen looking at Jack."

Jeff raised an eyebrow, "Do you think that Jack has been doing the same? He did stare at Karen after he got those seeds she gave him."

"True, but I think that the stare was more from the surprise of getting free seeds. Now let's head home, dear."

"Ok."