Page 105 of Save Me
“Because these guys are technically one group, we’ll connect and make one big floating bar. Normally, though, we anchor fifteen, twenty feet apart,” I shout over the music and laughter.
“Got it.” Bailey nods as if making a mental note.
“Have you ever anchored before?”
“Plenty. We had a big ol’ fishing boat for years. Took it out on some rough waters.”
“Then this should be a breeze. ’Kay. Toss it in, and make sure it’s fixed. The current here is deceptive. You’ll be getting pushed out, and you won’t even know it.”
Bailey moves with ease to the outside of the tiki and, hauling out the anchor from its storage spot, throws it in, giving it a good tug to ensure it won’t drag along the sand.
“Nice.” Jeremy nods approvingly. He hasn’t taken hiseyes off her since I walked her down the stairs to show her the tiki.
I can understand why. Bailey’s beautiful and fit, with an angular face and a hard body. She told me she’s thirty-four, but she’s in better shape than any of these twenty-somethings we’re shuttling around. More importantly, she seems easygoing and up for anything, and she laughs a lot.
“She’s a natural.” She’ll make a fantastic addition to the Sea Witch team.
Until I’m forced to close up shop.
It’s takingevery ounceof my energyto hold a positive attitude. Maybe Frank shouldn’t have told me about Henry’s grand plans. I’d rather live in ignorant bliss for as long as possible.
Then again, I know why he did. It changes things for me. Before, my biggest concern was raising a baby as a single parent, when all the other elements of my life—my home, my business—were a constant. I’ve been starting to picture myself holding a baby in my arms, and every time, it’s always against the backdrop of the back porch or the coffee shop. Now, suddenly, when I try to imagine my life in a year, I can’t see anything clearly.
My path ahead leads into dense fog in unfamiliar territory. That’s terrifying.
And what was possible yesterday no longer seems possible today.
“Go forth and enjoy!” Jeremy hollers as the two groups merge. He cranks up the volume on his speaker, the summer tunes carrying as bodies drop into the waist-deep water with splashes and laughter.
With them gone, he swings his lanky body over his bar and hops aboardTiki One. “So, Bailey, how’s it going so far?” His eyes trail her toned arms and the tattoos adorning them. The uniform shirt I gave her is a bit big—it was meant for AJ—and it reaches halfway down her thighs. I’ll have to put in an order today.
She checks the latches on the cooler. “Well, Jer, it’s been fifteen minutes since you saw me at the dock, but I think it’s going okay. Sloane, what do you think?”
“Yeah, the first fifteen minutes have been good.”
“Okay, okay.” Jeremy waves us off as we tease him. “If you ever need any help or advice, I’m here. Seven days a week, sometimes. Just a text away.”
“Damn, Sloane works you to the bone around here, huh?” But she winks at me to offset the barb.
We’re going to get along well.
“It’s a grind, yeah, but she treats her staff well. I haven’t paid for a coffee in years, even during off-season.”
“Hallelujah, I wasprayingfor that perk.” Bailey holds her hands together in mock prayer.
He grins. “You stayin’ in Rainbow Alley?”
“Uh … no, I’m staying with my aunt in her cramped one-bedroom in Old Town until I find a place.”
“Oh man, Sloane …” He nods toward me as if to say,go on, tell her.
I hadn’t before now because I wanted to be sure Bailey was a keeper. “I have a few trailers on my property that I rent out to staff for the season at a low price,” I explain. “It’s on the water.”
“Wow, seriously?” Her eyes light up. “Do you have any available?”
“Come on, hook a girl up, boss!” Jeremy goads.
I chuckle. “I’ve got one. You can come check it out tonight. I will warn you, it’s tiny, but the bigger one has been spoken for, and you don’t want to bunk withthat guy.”
