Page 32 of Wynns of Change
“He’s down at the harbor working on his boat.”
“He left a note, so I figured he was still there. We’re headed that way.”
Harlow and Mort continued walking, crossing over the main road and taking the path through the thicket of trees. They reached the clearing and found David seated inside the fishing boat tied up next to Winnie, his sailboat, his head down and his back to them.
Harlow tiptoed closer, loudly clearing her throat so she wouldn’t scare him.
Mort had other ideas. He charged toward the water’s edge and began splashing around.
David bolted upright, shielding his face from the cold water. “Mort! How did you get here?”
“He came with me.” Harlow gave a friendly wave. “I saw your note. As soon as Mort heard the word fish, he was raring to go.”
“I keep promising him. We’re gonna have to plan a trip soon. If not, we’ll have to hold off until spring.”
Harlow lifted her hands. “If you’re waiting on me, I’m free as a bird and ready to go whenever you are.”
David shaded his eyes and studied the skies. “It’s supposed to clear up. We could go later today.”
“Sounds good.” Harlow plopped down on the edge of the dock and swung her legs over the side. “Robert will be here soon.”
“Did he ever say what he wanted?”
“Nope.” Harlow placed her palms on the wooden dock and shifted her weight. “It makes me nervous.”
“Because you think he has some sort of bombshell he wants to drop?”
“Maybe. Who knows? According to the listing agent, we already have an interest in the New York apartment. My way of thinking is the sooner the better. If we can get the stuff sold and everything divided, Robert and I’ll be able to part ways and get on with our lives.”
“Except for the next year,” her father reminded her.
“A whole year.” Harlow blew air through thinned lips. “As soon as the ink is dry on the divorce papers, I’ll try figuring out how to get out of the manager’s agreement.”
“I wouldn’t get my hopes up.”
“I’m not.” She offered to grab him lunch while she was in town.
“There’s no need, but thank you for the offer.” David propped his elbow on his knee, giving Harlow his full attention. “Did Aunt Birdie tell you about the property she bought?”
“Yeah. What do you think?”
“Honestly?”
She nodded.
“It’s a good idea. We’re not getting any younger. Birdie’s been flitting around from place to place for years now. I think she’s finally ready to settle down, at least part time.”
“So now you’ll have Birdie and me,” Harlow teased.
“And I’m happy as a clam about it.” David tightened the last bolt and slowly stood. “The fishing boat is ready to go.”
Harlow waited for her father to pack up his tools and load them into his handy dandy camo cart. Calling Mort, the trio trekked to the trail leading to the main road.
After checking for traffic, they crossed over to Wynn Harbor Inn’s property. Taking the long way home to Bridgeview Cottage, they walked around the perimeter of the property, passing by the lodge.
“I meant to ask—how did it go with the code enforcement people yesterday?”
“I think they’re going to eliminate all, but maybe one or two of the fines.”
