Page 38 of Adrift

“Didn’t you? Of course it has to be a girl. Men love Brianna.”

Haley’s nodding away.

“She’s not welcome on board. I’m sure Rocky can give you the details when you ask him about it.” I cross my arms over my chest.

“I’ll do that. You know, you’re not the only captain of yachts. Where’s my cabin?” She glowers at Haley.

I stand there and cock my head slightly. Then I give her a quick nod. She’s right. They have other options. Few would put up with her. And while I believe you should never talk badly about a former employer, I’ll make sure no one I know ends up with this commission. Right now, I’m counting, because mymother taught me never to swear at a lady. And she’s the owner’s soon-to-be wife.

But Anders was right. He suggested we look for a new boat. I suspect he’s been looking for a new one for a while now, on his own. Which is the way of yachting. I didn’t expect him to be my first officer forever. He’s more than ready for his own boat.

I lucked out getting in with Rocky five years ago. This is my third new boat with Rocky but the first that was new from the shipyard. I can find a new position on another yacht next season, if it comes down to that. Because I’m not going to be her punching bag. I’ve got a great resumé, and nowhere on it does it include “yes-man.”

“This way.” Haley is motioning when Shayla magically appears with an espresso martini.

“Oh. Now this is what I’m talking about. I like this one.” She smiles at Shayla, whose hair is curled up short with a white headband that matches the shimmering paint of theRock Candy.

Shayla smiles and zips back to the butler’s pantry before Candy can draw her into a conversation.

I can leave them alone now. Candy seems like she’s not going to cause any permanent harm to any of the crew, and especially not to Haley. I reach for my phone to fake a getaway when Candy gasps.

Don’t say it, don’t say it.

“What’s wrong?” Haley responds out of reflex, and I can see her kicking herself for reacting.

“Oh, nothing. The bedroom—I mean the cabin—it’s lovely. Without any of that stuff that Susan picked out.” Candy spits out the name of the woman she replaced. The cabin is stunning, and the stews have fresh flowers matching Candy’s preference sheet in multiple places around the room. The bed faces the bow of the ship, and it has a 180-degree view.

Candy lies down on top of the ivory comforter. Multiple layers of horse pillows engulf her head. Her drink sloshes over onto the comforter, but she doesn’t pay any attention.

Haley is there with a towel, immediately dabbing at the large spot.

“Oh, leave it, Kaley. I’m going to sit here and watch the ocean.” She takes a big sip of her drink and puts the glass on the nightstand. “Unpack my bags for me and press everything.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Haley smiles and doesn’t say a thing about Candy getting her name wrong.

“I’m not old enough to be a ma’am,” she yells. “Call me Candy.”

“Anything else you need, Candy?”

“Yes, tell your captain to get the boat moving. I’m waiting.”

How drunk was she coming on board that she forgot I’m in the room? “We’ll be underway shortly.” I leave the stateroom and follow Haley out. We march in silence to the butler’s pantry.

“Wow,” Haley says. “Just so you know, Shayla and I reached out to your chief stew from last year. I hope you don’t mind. I DM’d her. She said our only hope is to keep Candy’s glass filled up with espresso martinis. They put Candy to sleep. And to order more sheets.”

“Good plan. I asked Kerri to come back, but she said she’d rather die from a thousand paper cuts than set eyes on Candy again.” We head up the stairs to the main salon deck where the bridge and kitchen are.

Haley laughs. “I guess you’re glad you didn’t lead with that when you interviewed me.” She cocked her head.

I’m not a dishonest guy. I don’t lie. But I might not have described the owners in great detail. I wanted Haley to take the job. Plus, Kerri, while a professional stew, takes everything too personally. She spent a good amount of time hiding, crying over things Candy said to her.

“No, I’m glad I didn’t either.” My eyes rake over Haley’s body.

The butler’s pantry is first, then the kitchen. I can hear Shayla talking to Rocky and Brick on the aft deck. Maybe there is a benefit to not having so many stews. I nudge Haley into the butler’s pantry and shut the door. It’s seven feet long and wide enough for cabinets on both sides and not much more. A long closet, a long closet with no cameras. I shut the door and flick the lock. It’s meant to keep the door from banging on rough seas. It won’t keep anyone out. But with Haley pushed against it...

Chapter 17

Rigging Snob

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