Page 25 of Rum Sips and Salty Lips

“Any time,” he says.

We finish our samples and Bristol takes our drink order. I try to catch Carina’s eye when she orders a cocktail made with the rum the two of us shared the other night, but she’s fixated on the food menu.

“Haley was telling me you have a boat?” Beckett says, sipping his beer. I’m surprised by the choice since the bar is famous for its cocktails. At least it’s from a local brewery.

“Yeah, I own Lost Craft Charters,” I say. “We have five boats here total.”

“But you do have your own sailboat? One not for charter,’” Beckett asks. “I saw the pictures Carina posted.”

I nod without responding because I know where this is headed.

“That would be a lot of fun for the bachelor trip. Don’t you think, Alex?” Bristol has returned to the bar, while Alex remains seated since it’s slow enough that the bartenders can keep up with the orders.

“You don’t have your own?” I ask.

“No, too much work to deal with the maintenance.”

“Like you said, I don’t offer my boat for charters,” I say. “I’m happy to work something out with the fleet. We have a really nice catamaran for groups.”

Beckett shakes his head. “No, I looked at the others. They don’t go nearly as fast. You made an exception for Carina. You can make an exception for me.” He turns to Alex. “You’re the best man. You should be organizing this anyway.”

To his credit, Alex hesitates when he sees my reaction. “We’ll figure something out.”

“Where have you sailed around here?” Christian asks, shifting away from Beckett who pulled his phone out. “When Bristol isn’t bartending, she does kayak tours around the island. I’m sure she’s worked on your boats before you bought the company.”

“Not many places yet. I’ve been busy with the house. I am sailing to a sandbar south of here tomorrow on a day charter, and then I’m taking my boat to Egmont Key on Monday.”

“You’re going out by yourself?” Carina asks.

“I’ve sailed alone plenty. It’s a popular destination so I need to scout it.”

“I’ve never been,” she says.

This is my opportunity. To get her back on my boat. Just the two of us.

“I haven’t either,” Alex says.

Fuck.Well now I can’t invite her without excluding everyone else, making me the asshole. “You should all come,” I suggest, not letting my tone betray how much I don’t want that.

“Some of us have jobs,” Beckett says.

“I can make Monday work,” Carina says. Haley and Christian agree, suggesting Bristol come along to help me with the sailing.

It won’t be quite the romantic day I had in mind. But I’ll make do with what I have.

Beckett’s phone vibrates and he smirks. “Sienna wants me to approve ties for the groomsmen.” He passes the phone to Carina. “What do you think about this one for Hamilton?”

She tenses. “It looks fine to me.”

“That’s all you have to say?” Beckett asks.

I don’t know who Hamilton is, but I hate seeing her tense.

“Beckett.” A fake smile spreads across her face. “Hamilton and I broke up because he didn’t want to do long-distance.”

I keep my face straight as best I can. Never did it cross my mind the challenge to some kind of future for Carina and me is that she is holding out for someone else.

“Things change, Carina. Weddings are romantic. You never know what you’ll agree to.”

---