Page 68 of Save Me
“So, Henry, we’re halfway through the game. I think we’ve given it enough time.” Mark’s mischievous gaze darts to Jim. “What’s with the shiner?”
“Why? You like it?”
He throws his arms out. “Who the hell punched you in the face? Who’d bethatstupid?”
Archie bolts for the golf cart with my clubs slung over his shoulder as if to avoid a pending explosion.
“That is a very good question.” Henry stalls answering with a long, leisurely sip of his bottled water. “Ronan? You have any idea who that guy was?”
“Nope. No idea.” With a shrug, I saunter toward the carts.
17.Sloane
“Ex-army? You didn’t think to mention that?”
“Why? Is that a bad thing?” Frank hovers over the espresso maker that quit halfway through the early morning rush, turning a tiny screwdriver with his giant hands. I would have had to replace the pricey machine by now if not for him and his uncanny skills with mechanical things.
“No, it’s good. It’s great. She’ll be on time and a hard worker.” I scan the dates. Bailey must be in her mid-thirties, at least. She’s mature. Another positive.
“Hey, New Girl, more water,” Frank hollers, waving an empty pitcher.
I roll my eyes. “Her name is Lara.”
She sweeps in with a laugh. She doesn’t seem bothered.
“Did Bailey say why she left the army?”
“Nope, and I didn’t ask. She said she was looking for something fun and stress-free, and a summer contract on the water would be ideal.”
“As long as she wasn’t dishonorably discharged. “
Frank tosses the screwdriver to the counter and wipes his sweaty brow with his forearm. “I’m sure you’ll find out as soon as you get her in for an interview.”
“Who’s coming in for an interview?” Skye sweeps past on her way to the storage fridge to replenish the milk and cream before another round of customers arrives. “New tiki captain.Potentialnew tiki captain,” I correct. I have to meet her first. “So no one has to be subjected to Frank anymore.”
Frank waves his middle finger in the air before snagging a different tiny screwdriver and returning to his work.
“How do such meaty paws handle such delicate instruments,” I mock ponder.
Skye returns with two full cartons. “That would be amazing. Then all you’d need is one more, and you wouldn’t have to be out there every afternoon.”
“And then I could do all the work I’m supposed to do. Wouldn’t that be nice.” I sigh.
“Thought you hired Lover Boy,” Frank mutters, and I can’t tell if he’s just being Frank or if he still disapproves.
“No. Well, I don’t know what’s going on there. He went in this morning. Somehow still has a job.” Or maybe Henry wants to fire him to his face. “You know, he calls you King Kong?”
Frank scowls as if offended but then pauses to weigh that nickname. “Huh … I think I like that.”
“I had a feeling you would.”
He plugs the machine in, and lights ignite. “He ever tell you what Wolf did to make him punch him?”
Skye gasps. “RonanpunchedHenry Wolf?”
“Yeah. Last night.” To Frank, I say, “No, but I have a feeling it had to do with me.”
“I was thinking the same thing.”
