“Thanks, Dr. Johnson.” I smiled back.
“And stop calling me Dr. Johnson, we went to grade school together.” Tommy Johnson walked out of the room.
Allen walked in right after Tommy left. I filled him in on everything.
“Dr. Johnson, ugh, I mean Tommy, said Dad will sleep for at least four hours. Do you think you can stay here with him, just in case, while I run a few people to Cloud Nine?” I asked.
“I can stay for two hours, then I have to get my orders done at the pub,” Allen offered with his usual warm smile. “I’ll get someone to come until you get back.”
I hugged Allen, kissed my father, and hurried to the door. “I’ll be back very soon, but please call me if anything changes.”
The marina was a mere three minutes from the hospital, thankfully. I could see two expensively-dressed women standing at the office door when I pulled up.
“Hi, I’m Jade Campbell. Welcome to Paradise Cay Marina. You must be here for the lift over to Cloud Nine. Let’s get you inside in the air conditioning while I get the boat ready.”
“I’m Victoria Hawthorne and this is Murphy, my daughter. Will the ride over take very long?” Victoria asked as they followed me into the office. “Also, I wanted to make sure we’re scheduled for you to pick us up in the morning.”
“Yes, ma’am, I have that scheduled, and the trip over won’t take more than ten minutes.” I pointed out the window. “You can see the island from here.”
I could see Victoria looking around at everything.
“I apologize for the run-down condition of the marina. My father was trying to run it himself before he called me to come home and help,” I apologized. “Don’t worry, the boat is in great shape.”
“I’m not worried, dear. My nephew told me this marina is good. Where is your father now?” Victoria asked.
“He had an accident yesterday and is in the hospital recovering, actually. That’s why I was late getting here. I’m sorry.” I said. “It was pretty bad, and I forgot to bring your phone number with me.”
“Taking care of your family is nothing to apologize for. If you don’t mind my asking, what was your job before coming back here?” Victoria smiled.
“I’m a marine biologist.” I waved for them to follow me out to the boat.
“That would make you Dr. Campbell, would it not?” Victoria asked. “I’d love to hear about what you do.”
“Well, we’ve got ten minutes. Ask away.” I helped them both onto the boat and on the main deck. “I’m not shy.”
Chapter 24
Sawyer
Isaw the boat coming. I had a feeling pass through me briefly, wondering if Jade was driving the boat. But, with her father injured, it probably wouldn’t be her.
“Hey look! it’s the cute blonde from the marina.” Asher slapped me on the back. “Let’s go greet my mother and sister”
“Don’t be, well, you, when we get down there,” I called out to him.
We were on the deck when the boat came into dock. “Welcome to Cloud Nine.” I shielded my eyes from the sun.
“She sure does know how to handle a boat,” Asher grinned. “Are you sure she pushed you?”
“Oh, shut up, Ash.” I put a hand out to help Aunt Victoria off the boat, then Murphy. “How was the ride over?”
“Very pleasant. Jade is a lovely girl.” Victoria turned and waved to Jade.
“Be careful, Mrs. Hawthorne. Sawyer there likes to push people in the water,” Jade called out, laughing as she pulled her boat pulled away from the dock.
“I’m gonna need to hear that story.” Murphy hugged both of us. “She’s pretty.”
“I don’t like that gleam in your eyes.” Asher pushed Murphy away. “I’m not playing this game.”