Page 29 of Sail Away
Well, she would start doing something about them today.
Besides, she didn’t love Jim. Never had. She was better off without him.
Reid was an entirely different story.
One she’d have to come to terms with because even if they went to dinner when this charter was over and there was more than sex between them, she lived on a boat docked in Seattle, and he lived on an island off the coast of Texas.
It was a doomed relationship.
So why the fuck was she thinking about him in terms of getting back together?
The final guest came through the receiving line. Quickly, she gathered up all the luggage and had her crew change into their other uniform. Since they were nearing the end of this charter season, they had leaving the port down and left the dock without incident.
She meandered up to the bow of the vessel and inhaled the fresh salty sea air. She loved the first few minutes at sea. It was as if she were returning home from a long day at work.
Reid and the rest of the guests were lounging on the back patio, being served drinks and appetizers and flirting with the interior crew.
That fine fucking line that made this job so much harder because everything was based on service and tip. At least she didn’t have to worry about her flirty ways this trip.
Her crew was either resting or finishing a few other things on their day-one charter checklist.
The sound of bare feet scuffing across fiberglass caught her attention. She glanced over her shoulder. “Hey, Kirk.”
“It amazes me that more guests don’t find their way up here. It has to be the best place to hang out when we’re cruising. Or even when we’re anchored if you just want some peace and quiet.”
“It’s not necessarily an easy walk, especially when we’re moving. And once you’re here, there’s nothing to do. The guests would rather be near the hot tub and the bar. Besides, it’s our little paradise.”
“It sure is.” Kirk took a swig of water. “What are your plans when this season is over?”
“I don’t know yet. It depends on my captain’s test and a few other things.”
“You just have the written portion left, correct?”
She nodded.
“Have you applied? Because I know a few owners looking for good captains.”
“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind,” she said.
“That brings me to why I flagged you down. Would it be okay if I put you down as a reference? I’m applying for a boson position on theGerling,and Captain Tim is running the show.”
“He’s a great captain. I loved working under him. Of course. I’ll give you my professional contact information later,” she said. “You’ll make a great boson.”
“I hope so.”
“As soon as we anchor, I want you helping Craig with the slide. Bradley and I will get the rest of the toys in. The cliffs are open, so we can take them over there by tinder. It’s going to be hard to entertain these boys.”
“I imagine the things we have don’t pack the kind of punch they crave. I mean, we do have a governor on the persona watercrafts, so those will be boring as sin.”
“They will still have fun on them. Trust me, not everything with these guys has to be a near-death experience. Just watch their alcohol consumption when using the toys. I don’t know their team members, and while Reid doesn’t usually get drunk, he still likes to have a good time. However, Preston can get pretty nasty when he’s wasted, and he doesn’t like to be told what he can and can’t do.”
“It’s not like we haven’t dealt with that kind of guest before.” Kirk nodded. “Can I talk to you about something kind of touchy?”
“Of course. I’m sorry. I didn’t realize we weren’t done with the serious chat.”
“I’m sorry we all put you on the spot in the kitchen earlier. And other times, especially since everything blew up with Kim.”
“Don’t be. I’ve been on edge since the whole scene last month, which I should have never put you all in the middle of. I could have handled myself much more professionally.”
