“Yes, come into the office and we can get the paperwork filled out.” She waved for me to follow her.
We walked into the office to find Admiral sitting at the counter with a beer.
I could see she wanted to say, or do, something when she saw the beer, and I had to hand it to her, she maintained good control.
“Admiral, how are you this morning?” I asked, looking to break the tension of the moment.
Chapter 9
Jade
Walking in on my father with a beer in his hand at nine in the morning made me want to scream or break something.
Don’t embarrass yourself in front of a customer.
“Dad, Mr. Hawthorne is hiring us to do a few jobs, so I need to get at that counter,” I said, walking behind him. “Please get rid of the beer in front of the customer,” I whispered to him.
“I’ll be out on the dock. That’s a beauty of a yacht, young man.” Admiral chugged on the beer.
“Dad, I’d love some breakfast. Would you mind making it while I do this?” I asked, trying to get him to stay inside or at least not out on the dock. “I’m really hungry.”
“You got it. I’ll have to look at that yacht another day. My girl comes first.” Admiral tossed back the rest of the beer and went out the back door.
“I’m sorry you had to see that again,” I apologized. “I assure you his behavior won’t affect what you need me to do for you.”
“I can see that you’re a hard worker, Jade,” Sawyer comforted. “I look forward to seeing you around.”
Really with the dimples? I wanna hate this guy.
“Have a good day, Mr. Hawthorne,” I said. “We can deliver groceries as well, if needed.”
“That’s good to know. I wasn’t aware that service was available from the marina.” He opened the door to leave and paused, “I just might take you up on that.”
“We don’t normally, Mr. Hawthorne, but since I’ll be delivering people to you for the next few days, I thought I would add it.”
“It’s Sawyer, please.” He walked out the door.
“How thoughtful. Will you be staying when you deliver guests?” Asher said, pushing past Mr. Hawthorne. “I wanted to come and see what was taking Sawyer so long, but now I see perfectly.”
“You didn’t see so perfectly last night when you were rolled out of my truck bed by his crew,” I proclaimed with a fake smile. “Is there something I can help you with before you leave with your friends, Mr. Hawthorne?”
“I’m Mr. Hawthorne too, but you can call me Asher.” Asher leaned on the counter in front of me.
“I wasn’t trying to insult you. You’re very pretty, and it would be a refreshing change from looking at that guy all day and night.”
“Mr. Hawthorne, Sawyer,” I ignored Asher and walked to the door, “please be sure your friend doesn’t hurt himself out on the docks as you leave.”
“Hurt himself?” Sawyer raised an eyebrow. “He knows his way around docks.”
“Yes, and it appears he knows his way around a bottle of beer in the morning as well.” I stepped out the door. “It seems he and my father have something in common.”
Asher walked past me grinning ear to ear. “Have a good day, ma’am.”
“That’s my exit. I’ll make sure he gets to the boat safely,” Sawyer nodded.
I wonder if his hair is naturally that black looking?
“Do be careful. People get pushed off docks around here.” I walked away.