“Jade, Admiral sold the back-up equipment a few months back.” Allen put his flashlight to his own face. “I know this because he sold it to me.”
“Why would he sell that? If it’s dark, boats can’t come in here,” I grumbled. “Let me guess, he had to settle his bar tab?”
“No Jade, I don’t’ charge Admiral for his drinks.” Allen frowned. “Yeah, don’t say it. I just heard it myself.”
“Allen, him being an alcoholic and suffering with PTSD aren’t your fault. I begged you to stop letting him drink, but it’ still not your fault.” I turned toward the office. “I believe the lights are out from not paying the bills for far too long. Wait, if you don’t charge him, then why’d he sell you the back-up system?”
Allen opened his mouth, then shut it and frowned.
I pointed my flashlight at his face and narrowed my eyes. “Speak.”
“He needed the money to buy engine parts for the fishing boat and pay the bills for another month or two.” Allen pushed my flashlight away from his face. “He thought if he could keep it running long enough for you to get here that you’d get it turned around.”
“I wish I could, Allen, but I’m only one person, and this marina needs quite a few more of me or him to keep it running efficiently.” I reached in the office frig and grabbed two bottles of water. “Let’s sit outside, it’s hot in here.”
“You have any plans for getting the marina up and running?” Allen took a chair next to me overlooking the marina. “Things are in rough shape. A few of us offered to help, but you know the Admiral.”
“I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate all the help you and Bobby have given him since Mom passed away.” I downed the rest of my water and pitched it to the garbage can. “Looky there. I still got it, and in the dark, even.”
“Wait, it ain’t in yet.” We watched as it bounced off the sides a few times before dropping into the can. “Now it’s in. You’re the man.”
“That’s the problem, Allen. I’m not actually the man, or even “a man”, that it would take to get this place ready.”
“Does being a tomboy count?” Allen shouldered me. “I’d swim with you, or climb a tree with you, over a boy any day.”
“That’s just cuz I can climb faster than you so I’d have the rope to pull you up.” I shouldered him back. “Is the tree house still there?”
“It had become a place where teenagers were hanging out, but the Admiral chased them out and fixed it up.” Allen shook his head. “He didn’t tell you, I take it?”
“No, he didn’t, but then he’s been drinking heavily every day. I’m sure he has no idea what we’ve talked about on a daily basis.” I leaned back in the chair. “You better get back to your bar, but thanks for coming to check on things.”
“Anything for Admiral or you.” Allen stood, pointed his flashlight down the walkway, then turned it on me. “Don’t you stay out here in the dark too long. Things are always better in the light of day.”
“No, sometimes they’re just brighter.” I stood and hugged Allen. “You should ask your little hostess out. She seems to like you.”
“I don’t date employees. You think she likes me?” Allen took a step. “I can’t date someone who works for me.”
“Get outta here. But do yourself a favor and recognize the interest.” I pushed him to leave. “Go on, good night.”
“Watch yourself out here, Jade,” Allen said, and strolled down the walkway.
“Hey Allen?” I called out to him. “Is it effecting business for your band to be gone every night?”
“It’s not great, but I get it.” Allen shrugged again. “The new island owner pays more money, so I get why they’d take a month-long gig for him.”
“Then maybe the owner should pay you the amount of money you’re losing.”
Chapter 30
Sawyer
She hadn’t agreed to my offer, and I suppose I couldn’t blame her. I slowly walked back to the patio with the family.
“You look like you lost your best friend,” Murphy said, pushing her sun hat back.
I wish I could figure out how to start over with her.
“What happened, man? She didn’t want your help?” Asher teased. “I have to say, I’m loving watching playboy Sawyer Hawthorne fail to impress a girl.”