“You’re such a pain sometimes, Asher.” I lightly pushed him as I exited my cabin. “You couldn’t let me finish my call?”
“Dude, are you going to stay crabby like this all weekend?” Asher followed behind me. “I can go back to New York and work with August if I wanna be growled at.”
I stopped walking and turned to face him. I had nothing nice to say, so I turned back around and walked onto the bridge.
“Captain, make sure you leave room for the other yachts coming in tonight.” I patted his back and turned into Asher. “Why are you behind me still?”
“Because I’m not leaving until you tell me what is going on.” Asher held his position. “While I’m at it, why are you mad at me?”
“I’m not mad at you. And not now.” I walked around him.
“Did you sayother yachtstonight?” Asher asked from behind me. “Who’s coming tonight?”
“Yeah, my brother’s coming for the weekend.” I walked out on the bow.
“Which one? The fun one or the married one?” Asher chuckled at his joke. “This is ano married peopleisland, isn’t it?”
“That’s how I started it, but I’m changing it to any of the family can come.” I watched as the crew tied off to the dock, and my mind went to Jade.
“Which brother?” Asher stood next to me.
“Cota and his girlfriend are coming in tonight, but I invited Kellan and Poppy too.” I waited for Asher’s outburst. “Let’s get on shore and we can talk more.”
“Cota’s cool, but Kellan’s too serious. Besides, isn’t Poppy pregnant?” Asher called out, still on the bow.
“I’m not listening to you, Asher. They’re coming or they’re not. Either way is good with me.” I hit the sand and immediately kicked off my boat shoes.
My cell rang just before Asher joined me in the sand. “Aunt Victoria. Thanks for returning my call.”
“My mother?” Asher whispered. “I’m not here. You haven’t seen me.”
Chapter 13
Jade
Iwas saved from having to converse further with Mr. DeLuca when the customers showed up for the fishing excursion.
“I really do have to begin their excursion, Mr. DeLuca. But if you want to leave your card, I’ll save it for someday.” I put my hand out to shake goodbye.
“Your marina has a lot of damage. I wish you luck, but if you wish to sell, please give me the first chance at it,” DeLuca delivered brashly before waving goodbye.
“Mr. DeLuca? One question,” I called out to him, “are you looking for an investment for a company or for yourself?”
“For myself.” He smiled and got in his car.
I’ll keep his card. No corporation is getting this marina.
“Hi, we’re here for some fishing. Can you tell us where to get started?” an energetic middle-aged man asked.
“Welcome, I’m Jade. I’ll be taking your group out today. Is everyone here?” I looked around, seeing only three people. “Are the other three joining still?”
“I’m Todd. They stopped at the store to get some Dramamine. They should be here any minute.” Todd pointed to the other two men. “This is John and this is Sid.”
“Welcome, gentlemen. Let’s go in the office and get your paperwork signed.” I gestured for them to follow.
“We’re nervous about doing this. But when we found out a Marine Admiral owned the marina, we felt better.” Sid smiled hesitantly. “Is he joining us on the excursion?”
“No, Sid, he isn’t feeling up to it today. But I’m his daughter and our family has owned and run this marina for a hundred years. I promise you’re in good hands.” I laid out three liability forms.