“Is that really going to be my nickname?”
She shrugs. “I haven’t decided yet. It’s a solid contender.”
Letting out a heavy breath, I gesture for Mary and Henry to follow me as we make our way down the dock. At least, that’s what my assistant told me to do. I have no fucking clue where I’m going but the water is this way, so it’s a safe bet.
At the end of the dock, a man dressed in black dress pants and white captains shirt is standing with his hands clasped in front of him. When he sees us approaching, he smiles and reaches his hand out to shake.
“Mr. Sanders. It’s a pleasure to meet you, my name is Darryl and I’ll be your captain this evening. Who do we have with us?”
“Please, call me Nico. This is Cassi, Henry and Mary,” I introduce.
“A pleasure. Right this way, I’ll let you folks get settled and we’ll depart momentarily. I heard we’re in the mood for some fishing?” he asks as he gestures to Henry who is holding a fishing pole.
“Yes, sir.”
“Well, we have four poles set up and at the ready for you at the stern, though I’d take a guess that’s a lucky pole,” he asks as he helps us onboard.
“You’d be correct, Captain.”
“Just what we need,” he smiles warmly. “If you folks need any food or beverage, Jackie is inside to take care of anything you may need.”
“Thank you,” Cassi says as she steps on before I follow.
“Thank you,” I nod to him as we begin exploring.
I’ve got to be honest. I’ve seen some nice boats, acquaintances own nice boats. This isn’t a nice boat. This is a goddamn mansion on the water. The craftsmanship is spectacular. The finite details make the entire space feel refined and elegant while still being functional. Plush seating, marble countertops and glossy wooden floors has me quickly forgetting where we even are.
An older woman with a pleasant smile emerges from the dining area as she speaks.
“Hello, my name is Jackie. Can I get you all anything to eat? Drink?”
“Do you have any beer?” Henry asks.
“We do,” she smiles.
“Then we’re in business,” he says as he follows her towards a fully decked out bar.
Mary walks alongside him as Cassi and I exchange amused looks. Instead of following, she wanders over to the railing, staring out over the water as the sound of the engines fire up. I can’t help but swallow roughly, taking a healthy step away from the edge.
“Step back,” I tell her.
She frowns at me, looking over her shoulder.
“Why?”
“The boat is going to start moving. I’m sure we need to take our seats.”
Cassi’s head tilts to the side in curiosity.
“You’re sure? Have you ever been on a boat before?”
“Yes,” I snap.
No.
Her green eyes drill into me for a second longer before she smirks.
“You’re full of shit. Are you…scared of the water?”
