Page 24 of Adrift

“Yes.” The captain nods.

“My dad likes you. He’s had a boat forever, each one a little bigger. But you’re the first captain he doesn’t complain about. If you want the shit gone, I’ll take the fall. I’d love to see the look on Candy’s face when all her five million horses are gone. Fun fact, she doesn’t know how to ride a horse. My dad surprised her by having a stable put in at the main house when they were in the city last winter. She hates live horses. She won’t even go downto feed them a damn carrot.” His phone flashes. “It’s Rocky. I’ll break it to him now.” He taps the screen. “Hello.”

“Easton, where the hell are you, son? They said you checked out of the hotel early. Candy and I are going to lunch with Brick and Emily.”

“I did. I’m at the boat, Dad. I’m talking to Captain Sam. There’s a little issue.”

“What is it? They said things were coming along but picking it up early made for some additional preparations. Why the fuck didn’t they?—”

“Dad, you’re on speaker with Captain Sam and head stew Haley.”

“Well, why in fuck didn’t you lead with that? Hello Captain, Miss Haley.”

“Hello,” I say, wishing to hell I wasn’t involved in this.

“Right, Dad, there’s so much extra shit ordered for the boat that the captain says it’s a safety issue. They gave me a full tour, and it’s so much that you can’t walk into some cabins.”

“Is that right?” Mr. Rockwell doesn’t sound like he’as buying it.

“Dad, in my cabin there are five horse statues and six anchor lamps. And that’s just what’s out. There are boxes of stuff too. If we hit a rogue wave, we’re going to be buried alive in horses and pillows.”

“Is this true, Captain Sam?”

“I’m afraid so, Rocky. It’s too much stuff and more.”

“Fine, get rid of it. Do you need more time to get the ship ready?”

“Another day would make things a lot more presentable.”

“Done. You coming back to the hotel, then, Easton?”

“No, there’s a lot to do here, Dad. I’m going to stay and help.” Easton smiles at me, and all I wonder is how much does he pay to get his teeth that white.

“You sure? Candy is going to take Emily shopping.”

“That sounds like hell. I’ll pass.”

“All right, we’ll see you tomorrow at breakfast.” Mr. Rockwell disconnects, with no goodbye or I love you. My mom’s been gone for four years, and I can’t imagine not telling her I love you.

“That’s awesome.” I clap.

“Do you want to tell the crew?” Captain Sam is beaming at me.

I grab my radio. “All crew, all crew. Mr. Rockwell and guests are now arriving tomorrow morning. And the extra boxes are going to be donated. Please take them to the dock.” The calls that come back are equally as excited as I am.

“That’s amazing,” says Dante over the radio. “I’ve got some gourmet lunch going down to the crew mess in an hour, but I’ll take the extra day. Woo-hoo!”

“I’m done with my workout. How can I help you, Haley?” Easton takes a long drink from his water bottle.

The captain clears his throat. “That’s really kind of you, Easton, and normally we’d say no, due to liability. But as the owner’s son, you can certainly help all you want. Shayla is down by your room. Haley and I need to talk.”

I glance at the captain, wondering how I’ve gotten myself in trouble, because by the way the captain’s glaring at me, I’ve done something I’ve forgotten about.

“I’ll see you down there.” I wave.

“She’s going to be busy most of the day. But I’m sure you’ll catch up during dinner service.” The captain’s gruff, like he’s drawing a line in the sand.

“I meant what I said,” replies Easton. “I’ll find something to eat near the dock. No need to do anything special for me.”

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