“So, what do you think about getting in this boat?”
“I’m terrified we’ll capsize, and I’ll either drown or die of hypothermia.”
“Wow, Blue.”
“That’s where my brain goes.”
I take her shoulders. “This boat is sturdy, the water is calm, and I know what I’m doing. We will not capsize, I promise you that, and I never break a promise.”
“Never?” she repeats, wanting extra reassurance.
“Never,” I confirm. “But I won’t pressure you into doing anything you don’t want to do. We can change course.”
“No.” She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. “I . . . I can do this.”
“Course you can. Who’s the fuck it queen?”
“Who?” she deadpans.
“You are.” I grin, giving her arm a supportive squeeze.
After securing her life vest and fastening up mine, Lexie grips my hand and tentatively climbs into the dinghy. When she’s seated, I get in on the other side and grab the paddles, steering us into the water. Slow, icy waves lap against the boat, giving it a gentle rock that must feel like a tsunami, given her wide-eyed horror and death grip on the wooden seat. I admire her bravery and try distracting her with a game.
“Don’t think. Just say the first thing that comes into your head. Favorite food?”
“Huh? Oh, um . . . an éclair.”
“That’s dessert.”
“The best of the food groups. To make the cut, though, it must have the perfect ratio of whipped cream, chocolate, and pastry.”
“That’s specific.”
“I’m serious about my éclairs.” She manages a small smile while still white-knuckling the bench. “You?”
“Lobster rolls, hands down.”
“I love a good lobster roll.”
“This one has a Latin twist with chipotle mayo and pickled jalapenos. Can you handle some heat, Blue?”
“I can. I like spicy.”
“Good to know.” But my mind isn’t on the lobster roll; it’s on Lexie and me sweating up the sheets. Damn! “Favorite movie?” I ask, getting my mind back in the boat.
“Eat Pray Love.”
“Why that one?”
“I guess because it’s about a woman who’s been living the life everyone expects of her and one day, she just . . . walks away. Travels, eats, and tries to find herself again. That resonates with me. Your turn,” she says before I can comment.
“Black Panther.”
“Hm.” She cocks her head. “Marvel comic books and superheroes. Wanna know what that tells me about you?”
“By all means.”
“One, that you’re a kid at heart—snow angels being a case in point. And two, you’re drawn to good versus evil—the fight for justice. Am I right?”
