‘I thought you’d want to know.’
‘Of course.’
‘Drinks tonight at The Cozy Catch?’
I clicked my teeth regretfully. ‘Can’t. It’s the winter formal at the hotel. Wasn’t sure if it was going to go ahead, with the boat missing. But now we know that they’re safe it’ll be business as usual.’
He snorted. ‘Good luck. Wouldn’t catch me all gussied up like a turkey in a suit, that’s for sure.’
‘You’re just jealous you can’t pull it off as well as I can.’
He laughed. ‘Whatever you have to tell yourself, bud.’
I disconnected the call and sagged back against the pillows, dropping the phone onto the bedside table.
‘Everything OK?’ Mae asked.
‘It is now.’ I ran my hands through my hair. ‘The other boat that was caught out in the storm is on its way home.’
She clapped a hand to her chest. ‘Oh, thank God. That’s the best news.’
I stared at her, feeling emotions flood through me. Relief, mostly. But also, a deep sense of community.
‘Pine Harbor lives and breathes the sea,’ I told her. ‘It’s in our blood, our bones, our lungs. When we lose someone out there, the whole town feels it to their core. Believe me when I say that everyone will sleep easier tonight knowing those guys will be home, safe in their beds.’
She shook her head. ‘I don’t know how they can do what they do. Howyoucan. Go out there again and again, knowing the dangers you all face.’
I shrugged. ‘For me, it’s a job. But for these guys, it’s a calling. A family legacy, in a lot of cases. They can’tnotdo it. It’s hard work, sure. And risky as hell. But they have an unbreakable bond with the ocean.’
She stared down at her hands, her face solemn. I knew what she was thinking. Knew what I’d put her through. She was questioning whether she was strong enough to be the one waiting on the dock, watching the horizon. I reached over and gently tilted her chin so she was looking at me.
‘It’s all going to be OK, I promise.’
She nodded, forcing a smile. ‘I know.’
‘So, who’s the parcel from?’ I asked, deliberately changing the subject.
She flipped it over and checked the back. ‘Oh,’ she exclaimed, and for a second, I thought she was going to cry. But they were happy tears. ‘It’s from my best friend back in Chicago, Holly.’
‘Nice. What is it?’
‘I left my X-ray goggles in my other pants,’ she said, poking out her tongue.
I reached for her. ‘Touché.’
She laughed, ducking out of reach.
‘No fair,’ I protested, pouting. ‘You know I’m hurt.’
‘Do you need me to kiss it better?’
I grinned wickedly. ‘Only if you want to. I mean, I’m no doctor, but I’m sure it would help.’
She put the box down on the floor and crawled up the bed, lifting one leg to straddle me.
‘You have to tell me if I hurt you,’ she cautioned.
I reached for the hem of her sweater and lifted it over her head, admiring her. ‘Depends how exquisite the pain is.’
