I grabbed the keys to the truck. I knew what I was up against and walking the short distance wouldn’t do tonight.
“Hey, Willie, is my father inside?” I asked the chef, who was in the alley on a dinner break when I drove up.
“Sorry, Jade. I tried to get him to go home, but he’s a big guy, ya know?” Willie took the last bite of his sandwich. “He’s also scary, but it’s a good thing you got here now.”
“Why? Is he causing trouble again?” I turned the truck off and headed toward the back door.
“He’s out at the tiki bar,” Willie called out. “Let me know if you need help getting him to the truck.”
I’d only taken two steps into the tiki hut area when I heard Mr. Hawthorne telling his buddies I pushed him in the water.
“Really? You’re still telling that story?” I asked from behind him. “We both know that’s a lie.”
He didn’t turn to face me or even have a snarky reply. He just downed the rest of his drink.
This guy is a piece of work. Where’s my father?
“Hi there, my name is Asher. I’m sorry my cousin pushed you in the water like that today.” Asher reached his hand out. “Can I buy you a drink as an apology?”
“Thanks, but I don’t drink, and the apology should be from him, not you.” I stood, staring at Sawyer’s back. “Clearly he hit his head when we fell in the water. Otherwise, he wouldn’t still be telling this sad story.”
“Oh, I like this girl.” Asher turned to the guys, laughing. “Is there anything I can do to make it better?”
“Thank you, Asher, but I’m just here to get my father. I run the marina, so if you need anything overnight, just call the number on the door.”
I turned and walked away. I had to say hello to several locals before I reached my father slumped over the bar.
“Allen, why’d you let him drink? I thought we had a deal?” I patted my dad on the back. “Come on, Dad, time to go.”
“Sorry, Jade, it’s hard to say no to the Admiral,” Allen shrugged. “Besides, he didn’t buy any drinks. People were buying for him.”
“You gonna help me get him home now?” I asked. “Please don’t let him drink next time. If you like him so much, do him a favor.”
“Jade, I’m sorry, really. I can’t leave the bar, but I can help you get him in the truck.” Allen waved to the waitress. “Just give me a few minutes.”
“Thanks.” I tried to get my father to wake up.
“Do you need some help?” Sawyer asked from behind me.
Chapter 6
Sawyer
Iknew I was acting stupid. I had no idea why. It wasn’t really my personality. I watched Jade walk away and head to the bar, so I followed.
Hmm, that looks like the Admiral laying on the bar.
“Do you need some help?” I asked from behind her.
She spun around, ready to say something, and I had a feeling that something would not be nice since I’d been acting like a jerk up until now.
“I don’t wanna fight with you. I came over to apologize,” I put my hands up in surrender. “He’s a big guy. Maybe let me help you get him home.”
She crossed her arms and stared at me. “Why would you want to help?”
“For one, you’d be letting me make amends for my behavior, and two, I had a friend who would do this and I know it’s not easy being the person to have to get them home.”
“Okay, Jade, I got someone to cover for a few minutes. Let’s get him in the truck,” Allen appeared next to me. “Hey, man, you helping too?”