“How convenient,” I deadpanned.
Jesse snapped his fingers. “Exactly. Convenient.”
Thank God Boots took this opportunity to bring us the check. “Here’s the bill. You can pay me when you’re ready.” My brother raised an eyebrow at me before turning to serve another table.
I was too busy glaring at my brother to notice Jesse stopped talking. “What? Sorry, I missed what you said.”
Jesse patted his pockets, and his face turned red.
“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” I asked.
He gave me a pained smile. “Well, this is embarrassing. It seems I left my wallet next door at the bed and breakfast. I’ll walk over there and get it.” He stood from the table.
I pushed back in my chair and stood, smiling at my longtime friend. “That’s all? That’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Don’t worry about it.” I pulled my non-maxed-out credit card out of the back pocket of my phone and prayed it would go through. “I’ll get this.”
“Are you sure? I hate to inconvenience you,” Jesse hesitated.
“Don’t worry about it,” I repeated. “It’s fine.” I waved Boots over and handed him the bill and my card without looking at either one.
Jesse sighed heavily and leaned back in the captain’s chair at the table. “What are your plans for the rest of the afternoon? You want to meet True?”
My phone buzzed with a text.
Man who is not ‘Raff’
*picture of the rebuilt shower at the Flamingo Cove Marina*
Look. Workers managed to remove evidence of your Hulk strength in the shower.
I covered my mouth with my hand and laughed. I probably should have felt more embarrassed about breaking the shower, but I didn’t. It felt strangely empowering. I had the strongest urge to stand up with my fists on my waist in a superwoman pose. Even with my newfound superpowers, the last thing I wanted to endure was meeting the woman engaged to my true love.
“Can’t. I have to work,” I said, glad for the excuse. “She sounds like a wonderful woman. Can’t wait to meet her.”
“You have a charter? I didn’t see your charter boat in the marina.”
My stomach dropped. With all the talk about Bitcoin and divorced housing, I forgot to mention that my boat burned. “No, it’s another job. I’m helping out on Pegleg Pete’s Pirate Extravaganza. A pirate-themed dinner cruise.”
“That big ship at the end of the dock? I saw that. Everyone was in costume.” Jesse frowned. “You don’t have to be the pirate, do you?”
I came close to telling him the ship already had a certified pirate but instead said, “No. I’m the Captain. And we set sail in a few hours for dinner. Need to get ready.”
“Well, okay then. I’m glad you could meet for lunch and catch up.” Jesse smiled. “Can I walk you back to your golf cart?”
Another whiff of sulfur wafted my way, threatening the hamburger in my stomach. “I’m good. You’re closer to the bed and breakfast here. Tell Mom and Dad I said hello.”
Jesse went in for another hug as we exited the bar, but I held up a hand for a high-five instead. “See you later, bro.”
I turned toward my golf cart, mentally slapping myself.Bro? What in the world was wrong with me?
Chapter 11
Rowan Rafferty breaks a promise
MovingPegleg Pete’s Pirate Extravaganza to Pleasure Point was already paying off. Tonight’s cruise was sold out again, and a line of hopefuls crowded the dock in the Will Call line, chattering with excitement. A brisk breeze carried the briny scent of saltwater, mingling with the faint smokiness of grilled food wafting from the galley. The last streaks of the sunset bled across the horizon, painting the sky with streaks of scarlet and gold.
“Red sky at night, sailor’s delight,” I murmured.
It would be smooth sailing tonight.
