“Washing each other’s hands,” he said. “Got it.”
They passed more people and were stopped or just waved to.
When they got to the beach, there were multiple docks. Some had boats in slips; others were empty. There were a few areas for seating to the side and Gale moved toward them.
“It’s nice down here. You can lie in the sun if you want, take a boat or jet ski out. You have to pay for those slips, but many do.”
“Not you.”
“Nope. I have no desire for it.”
“Gale.”
They turned when her name was called. “Hey, Jared. How are you doing?”
“Good. Did you get your car fixed?” Jared asked.
“It’s getting fixed now. Thanks again for spotting that.”
“No problem.”
“Jared Peterson, this is Rory Connors. He’s staying with me for a bit.”
He shook hands with the man. “I heard rumors about you and some guy. About time you did more than work. She was just like that in school,” Jared said.
“Funny,” Rory said. “I don’t see her being the one always studying rather than mingling.”
He heard her let out a snort next to him. “I did both,” she said.
“Jared, how much longer are you going to be down there?”
Rory looked behind him to see who had called out to the worker. “Coming now, Rocco. We’ve got to replace some decking soon. I’ll make a list so you can let Kane know,” Jared said sarcastically. “Rather than just letting me fix it now. See you later, Gale.”
Gale waved at Rocco. Rory had heard the name enough and wanted to meet as many as he could.
Did he like the way Jared had eyed his girlfriend? Not really. And because she introduced him as her boyfriend, he was going with the term that had been battling in his brain for days.
“Hi, Gale. I didn’t see your car in the parking lot. It’s not fixed yet?” Rocco asked.
“No,” she said. “There were a few things that needed work so they are keeping it for that. I appreciate you guys watching out for me. I’ve got Clay’s truck for a few days. This is Rory Connors. He’s going to be staying with me for a bit in case you see him on the grounds.”
“Nice to meet you,” Rory said. “I appreciate you watching out for my girlfriend the other day. I’d hate to think of her driving and losing her brakes. Talk about scary. Especially if she was on the highway.”
“Yeah, that’d be horrible,” Rocco said. “Just glad she got it taken care of. Where have I heard your name before?” Gale went to open her mouth, but Rocco said, “Oh, Kane and Daniel were talking about you not that long ago. I hadn’t been aware you knew them.”
“Seems to me everyone knows everyone else in this area, doesn’t it?” Rory said, and Rocco looked between him and Gale, had his name yelled and then turned to return to work. “That’s who you said you feel bad for?” he asked.
“Yeah. I told you, he gets crap from all directions. Even his workers do it to him half the time. I’m not sure why he neverstands up for himself, but I like the way you handled that. We know you’re being talked about by Daniel and Kane.”
“We always knew that, but hearing it verified is a plus too. Just wish we could get more than that.”
36
HYPER AWARE
On Monday, Gale pushed back from her desk, sent a text to Rory, Clay and Ford that she was walking to get lunch. Her office was only around the corner from Main Street and in a high traffic area. There was no reason for anyone to be concerned.
When she didn’t get a reply in five minutes, she left to stretch her legs and get some food.
