Chapter 1
Jade
“Good afternoon, Jade,” Mrs. Willow called out from the door of her bakery. “I
haven’t seen you around town. Did you go off and get married?”
“No, ma’am. I’m not married,” I said, “I’ve been taking care of my father.”
“Please say hello to your father for me,” Mrs. Willow shouted from behind me as I kept walking.
Can’t I just have a relaxed walk down main street without people asking how I’m doing and if I’m married yet?
I stopped into the local hardware store for new ropes for the docks. Before entering, I gave myself a stern talking to about being strong.
“Hello, Mr. Gordon. I need to get another fifty feet of rope, if you have it.” I glanced around the store to see if anyone was there to overhear what was coming, then went on. “I can’t pay you today, but we have a group of tourists needing back and forth to Sandpiper Island for the next two weeks.”
“Didn’t that new fellow rename the island?” Mr. Gordon asked.
“Yes, sir, I believe you’re right. They changed it to Cloud Nine. I guess it’s just habit to call it Sandpiper.”
“Sounds like a lot of tourists to the area. Why aren’t they coming in on their own boats?” Mr. Gordon asked. “Them boys usually cruise in on them big fancy yachts, and their rich friends don’t usually need boating help.”
“Apparently, this is different than most of their guests,” I said. “So, would it be okay if I paid after the first two trips?”
“Jade, your father is an old friend. I know you’re good for it.” Mr. Gordon smiled. “How’s he doing?”
“He’s pretty miserable, but if I can get through getting him sober, I know we can save the business,” I said. “I know boating, but I’m not great at boat repair. I need Dad for that.”
“You’re a good girl to come home from that fancy job of yours to help him. He’s a lucky man.” Mr. Gordon handed me the rope I needed. “You let me know if you need anything else.”
“By any chance, do you know whose big yacht that is coming in?” I pointed out to the open waters. “I don’t think I know that one.”
“Can’t say I do, but looks like you’ll know soon enough,” Mr. Gordon said. “Looks like it’s heading for the marina.”
“Let’s hope they aren’t looking for repairs today.” I frowned. “See you in a day or two to settle my bill. Thanks again.”
I threw the rope over my shoulder and headed back to the marina. I passed the local pub.Music was blaring as tourists gathered to have drinks.
I just hope some of them want to go on a boat excursion. We need the money.
Mr. Gordon was right — the yacht came into the marina thirty minutes later. Dad was in no shape to help, so I slipped out of my flip-flops and into my boat shoes. A quick look in the mirror to make sure I wasn’t a total mess, then I headed out to see what they needed.
“Welcome,” I called out as I reached for the rope the man on the boat tossed out.
“Here, I can get that,” a male voice said as we both reached for it.
The man throwing the tie-off rope hadn’t thrown it far enough, so we both had to extend to the edge of the dock. Before I knew it, I fell forward into the water, a heavy weight splashing next to me
“Are you crazy? You could have killed me!” I sputtered as we both emerged to the surface, tangled to each other. “Why would you do that? Get off of me.”
“Stop pushing or you’ll drown both of us.” He pulled on my hood. “Take the jacket off. It’s caught on my hat.”
“I’m not taking off my jacket. It’s buttons. That’ll take too long,” I growled, fighting to stay above the water. “Give me your hat.”
“Why would you try for the rope? I said I had it,” the male voice yelled at me as we got untangled and I pushed away from his grip.
“I don’t have to listen to you. Why would I listen to you? I was out there first,” I yelled back.