Page 87 of Happy Harbor
“I can’t believe we have to do it all again tomorrow, but I’ve got something huge in store that I hope will put us over the top, money-wise.”
“Are you going to tell me what it is?”
“I’m not sure. I kind of wanna see the look on your face.”
She laughed. “The look is going to be the same whether you tell me now or show me tomorrow. Plus, I hate surprises.”
He turned and looked at her. “Nobody hates surprises.”
“I do. Trust me, I had plenty of them as a kid. I like to know ahead of time what’s going to happen or else I might get knocked off my feet.”
“Surprises are the spice of life. They are what break up an otherwise monotonous existence.”
She furrowed her eyebrows. “Are you a philosopher now?”
“I have deep thoughts for a boat repair guy. Okay, so you don’t like surprises, then I guess I’ll tell you.”
“Spill the beans.”
“Are you familiar with the band Lowcountry Smoke?”
“Of course! They’re one of the most popular bands in the country right now. I heard their groupies are crazy and follow them everywhere.”
“Well, let’s just say I have a lot of friends, and one of them grew up with the guitarist in the band.”
“So, what are you saying? They’re going to make a donation?”
Walker chuckled. “Not exactly. I’ve arranged with the mayor to have free use of the concert hall. Lowcountry Smoke is doing a concert here tomorrow night. Totally a surprise. Nobody around here knows yet. We’re going to make the announcement tomorrow morning, and people can buy tickets. They’re going to donate all the ticket sales and twenty percent of the merchandise sales.”
Josie sat there with her mouth hanging open. She didn’t know what to say. Lowcountry Smoke had taken off over the last few years after winning a TV talent show. They were touring all over the country, and she couldn’t imagine meeting people that famous.
“Are you serious?”
“Totally serious.” Walker sat there with a satisfied smile on his face, knowing he had done something big.
“I don’t even know what to say anymore. The amount of gratitude I feel... I just can’t put words to it...” she stammered as she felt her face get hot and tears start stinging her eyes. Josie hated showing emotion in public.
“You deserve this, Josie. Your grandmother wanted nothing more than for you to have a fresh start. Even though she kind of mucked that up by taking out that loan and getting behind on the payments, she believed in you. We all believe in you.”
Without thinking, she reached over and hugged him tightly. She couldn’t remember a time that someone had said they believed in her, although she was sure her grandmother did. But coming from somebody who wasn’t related and was just on the outside looking in, it felt good to be acknowledged.
She quickly pulled back, almost embarrassed at what she had done. “Sorry.”
He smiled. “You can hug me anytime.”
Suddenly, she heard somebody clearing their throat nearby. They turned around and saw a man standing there.
“Sorry to interrupt.”
“Oh, hey, Leonard. What are you doing down here so late?” Walker said.
“I forgot my wallet on the boat. Took it out for a fishing trip this morning. But it’s gone.”
“Gone? What do you mean?” Walker craned his head and looked down at the very end of the Riverwalk.
“It’s gone. I called the sheriff, and he’s headed over here now.”
“Somebody stole your boat in Happy Harbor? I’ve never heard of such a thing happening around here,” Walker said, standing up. The three of them headed toward the boat slip where Leonard’s craft had been tied off.
