“Did you guys ever go anywhere on this boat? Like for more than just an afternoon?”
His gaze shifted to the small bedroom nook. “We did. Weekends anchored near the island I’m going to take you guys to today, and a few times we went all the way down to the Keys. They were good times.”
She watched his expression grow more distant. “You sure you’re doing okay with all of this?”
His attention snapped back to her and he quickly nodded. “I am. So far.”
For his sake, she hoped today was easy for him, but she had a feeling there was no way he could be on this boat with all these memories and not have some issues. She resolved right then to keep an eye on him and do the best she could to help him through whatever feelings got stirred up.
Chapter Fourteen
Frankie and Lucas decided to set up camp on the forward deck, which had wraparound seating and a small table that reminded Frankie of the ones RVs had. It seemed removable, maybe so the seating area could be expanded into more of a lounging space? She wasn’t sure. But it was a nice spot.
Made even better by Lucas’s presence.
He sat and stretched his arms out along the back of the seat. “This is way more of a boat than I thought it would be. This is really nice. I might have to do a little social media posting myself.”
Frankie grinned. “It’s gorgeous.” She lowered her voice and leaned in. “What do you think a boat like this costs?”
“Easily a million.”
“Get out of here.”
Lucas nodded. “I’ve shopped. This one is out of my price range, but it’s fun to look at.”
She’d never been on such an expensive boat before. It was very impressive. She might have to get a selfie, too. Maybe she’d send it to Jason.
Harper walked through the entrance from the cockpit. “I see you two have claimed your spots. Planning on getting some sun?”
Frankie nodded. “At least a little bit. I’m sure at some point I’ll have to retreat to the shade, but right now it feels great.”
“Just so you know, there’s a full bathroom in the cabin. There’s a kitchen and a dining booth and bedroom and everything.”
“I want to see that,” Frankie said. Mitch had invited them. He wouldn’t mind if they had a look around. She’d be down there at some point anyway to use the facilities.
“You should. It’s amazing. He said he and Jeanie went to the Keys a few times in this boat. Or on this boat. Not sure the right way to say that. But I could see how that would be fun. A little like camping, but way more luxurious.”
Mitch appeared at Harper’s shoulder. “If that table’s in the way, we can stow it and open up the sunbed.”
Lucas looked at Frankie. “What do you think? You want more space to stretch out? It’s not like we’re eating for a while.”
Did she want to turn this whole area into one giant sunbed where she could lounge beside Lucas? Did he really have to ask? She gave a quick, nonchalant shrug, like it didn’t make that much difference to her. “Sure, that sounds nice.”
“Come on,” Harper said. “I’ll show you the cabin while the guys swap it around.”
Frankie went into the cockpit with her sister, then through the sliding door and down the three steps that led into the cabin. “Oooh, this is very nice. You really could live here. Maybe not for years, but for a couple of weeks, at least.”
“Right?” Harper opened a narrow door. “And the bathroom, as promised.”
Frankie peeked in. “I am good to go. No pun intended.”
Harper laughed. “I figured you’d appreciate it.”
“Jason would love this. I have to send him some pictures. Hey, speaking of sending things, any word from Buck?”
Harper shook her head. “You were on the email. You’d have gotten a response if he’d sent anything.”
“Just thought I’d check, in case he forget to hit ‘reply all’ or something.”
