Page 10 of Hooked

“You were there?” I ask, finally reaching the counter. “I’m sorry, I don’t remember much.”

“Shock does that,” she replies. “Yeah, I was piloting the boat. I’m Coast Guard Reserve. Wish it were my full-time gig but my mom needs me to help out here. I’m Kristi Vasquez.” She takes one of my hands from the counter and looks at my knuckles. “Hold on.”

She disappears for a few seconds and comes back with a small pair of cotton gloves and some ointment.

“We use these to do inventory,” she says, indicating the gloves with a shrug. “Fancy rich people don’t want our dirty fingerprints on their shit.”

She rubs some of the goo on my hands and slips on the gloves. “It looks weird, but it’ll help a ton. Arnica gel is great for reducing swelling and bruising. Gloves are to keep it on you and not everything else.”

“Thanks.” My hands aren’t as flexible as I’d like—it’ll make it hard to draw up my plans later.

“The Ivy Bay didn’t sink,” Kristi says, excitement returning to her voice. “They’re going to salvage it later today. I’d love to work that but I’m stuck here.”

She looks glumly around the empty store.

“Will you even get any more business?”

“Probably not, but we’re barely making ends meet. If I miss even one sale it could make a difference. My mother is at our liquor store and that really needs to be staffed this time of year.”

“Kristi. I have an idea that could get us both what we need. You saved my life. I need a ton of clothes. If I spend an insane amount of money in here, could you close for the day and work the salvage?”

She looks unsure.

“I’m planning a party,” I continue. “And I’m going to need a lot of alcohol, plus food and decorations. And I could really use someone local to point me in the right direction.”

“It’s going to be hard to find some of that stuff. Lots of things sold out.” She looks longingly out the window, toward freedom.

“Aninsaneamount of money,” I say again. “I’ll make it worth your family’s while. I promise.”

Finally convinced, Kristi pops off her stool and locks the door. “Let’s get you some new clothes, then. Lots of ugly shit here but you seem resourceful.”

She’s right about that.

Kristi and I talk about her Coast Guard dreams while I try clothes on. I file her comments away. Any event planner knows that networking is the key to success, and I’ll be on the lookout to make connections to help Kristi get what she wants in return for her help.

We’re mostly done, and then I spot a fabulous dress in the corner. It’s a dark green body con, backless, except for two thin lace panels on either side. It’s long sleeved with a scoop neck, and it’s absolutely perfect for the party. Too bad about the leopard print Jimmy Choos. They would’ve gone beautifully. When I try it on, Kristi nods approvingly.

“Girl, some guy is going to glue his zipper shut when he sees you in that dress.”

My first thought is of Vinny, but I’m sure he’ll just think I’m frivolous for not sewing a gown out of my uncle’s old t-shirt.

“This is the dress, then. You’ll come, right?”

“To your party? Me? When is it?”

“Yes, you. It’s going to be at my uncle’s inn on the twenty-third. They have an event space and I want to show it off to attract some business.” I can’t help but smile.

I’d been worried about getting Uncle Danny’s approval when the real hurdle will be pulling all the pieces together, but I know I can do it. I have to do it. I hadn’t been able to reach Danny when Drew had died. I handled everything wrong and made the situation even worse. When Kieran told me how excited our uncle was about the inn, I knew I had to do what I could to make it a huge success.

“Sure. I love parties.”

“Invite anyone you want.” I look at her carefully. She’s a gorgeous woman. Not much taller than I am, but with an incredible hourglass figure. Hopefully my next question lands better with her than it did with Vinny. “You have anyone special?”

She fidgets, and there’s my answer.

“You met him. Well, kind of.” She smirks. “He’s in the Coast Guard Reserve too. Tall skinny Swedish kid, Sven. He’s a first-generation immigrant like I am. Great guy but totally oblivious.”

A new mission presents itself. I love helping people.

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