“Nah. I’m thinking about later, when I get older. If I’m gonna afford that house on the hill, I’m gonna need to make some real money.”
George took a bite of biscuit and stared at the water. “Well, I like the way you think, JB. That’s why you’re the idea man.”
It wasn’t long before the guests began assembling on the hill. Jack went out to greet them while George stayed behind to collect the money.
“Howdy, folks,” Jack shouted. “If y’all will make your way to the dock, I’ll show you to the boat so we can get going.”
Besides being on the water, meeting new people was the part of the job Jack enjoyed most. He found life outside Sims Chapel fascinating, so any chance he got to ask people where they were from or what they did for a living, he took it. Over the years, he’d talked to folks from as far away as California, but most came from Ohio and Michigan. They spoke with funny accents and had little experience on the water, which Jack found amusing. There was even one man the summer before who had lost his balance and fallen in, clothes and all. He and George still laughed about that.
* * *
When the morning tour had concluded, Jack sat down in the shack and had lunch. As usual, George had been right about the weather; it was hot as blue blazes. But after chasing his bologna biscuit with a glass of sweet tea, Jack was as good as new.
With the boat refueling, Jack wiped the hull and in no time had it shining again like new. And it wasn’t long before the second crowd began to gather.
When everyone was aboard, Jack untied the lines and prepared for departure. But just as he was ready to shove off, he glimpsed something from the corner of his eye.
“Wait!” a voice echoed across the water.
Jack turned his head to find a young lady running toward him, frantically waving her arms.
“Wait for me!”
Upon closer inspection, Jack realized she was about his age. More importantly, she was pretty, which got his attention.
“Thank you…” She stopped to catch her breath. “Do you have room… for one more?” She smiled sweetly.
“I’m sorry, miss.” He stared at the reflection of himself in her sunglasses. “We’re already full. But I think we still have a few spots left in the morning if you’d like to go then.”
She glanced at those in the boat, then reached into her pocket and came back with a wad of money. “I’m willing to pay extra.”
Up went Jack’s eyebrows. “Whoa!”
“Please? I’ve come a long way, and I’d like to get out on the water this afternoon.”
Usually unflinching, Jack found himself spellbound, stunned by her beauty.
Having heard the commotion, George lumbered out of the shack and assessed the scene before him. “What seems to be the trouble?” His gaze shifted from the young lady to Jack.
“She wants to go with us,” Jack explained. “But like I already told her, we’re full.”
George counted the passengers, then noticed the wad of money she was holding. He stroked his chin. “I’m sure we can find a spot for her somewhere.” He took the money and shoved it into the front pocket of his overalls. “Why don’t you let her sit with you, JB?”
Jack glanced over his shoulder. “Where, on my lap?”
She pressed a hand to her mouth, stifling a giggle.
“You got a bucket, don’tcha?” said George.
“Yessir.”
“Well, turn it over. It ain’t the most comfortable seat, but it’ll do in a pinch.” He winked.
“You’re the boss,” said Jack. “All right, Miss…?”
“Spencer. Elizabeth Spencer. But everyone calls me Ellie.” She presented her hand, palm down, so Jack took it and helped her into the boat.
“You’ll be in the back with me.” He showed her to her seat. “I’m Jack, by the way, but most folks around here call me JB. You ever been on a boat before, Ellie Spencer?” They eased away from the dock.
