Chapter 2
2391 Words
I watch Chevelle’s boat move farther out of the marina toward the gulf. She’s knowledgeable and she knows her s**t. I know she does. And I’m positive she’s smart enough to have a gun somewhere on that boat, if not for protection from her charter guests, then from wildlife should anything happen if they pull up to one of the islands. Kodiak Island is no joke.
“Cameron!” My dad’s booming voice from behind me doesn’t startle the way it once did. I don’t even turn my attention away from the window to greet him. “You keep chasing that Greene girl around.”
That comment has me slowly turning around. “Chevelle. You know her name, Dad.”
My dad disregards what I say. Not because he means disrespect to the Greene family. He should be thankful they gave me a realistic expectation of what a family is. Otherwise, I’d think it was normal to be left alone for the holidays while your parents go on vacation. Or even worse, maybe they drag you along by yourself since you have no siblings. Other than one time when I was fourteen and they let me bring Fisher to our house in Hawaii, anytime I was forced to go away with them, I was flying solo.
There were a lot of lonely times in my family. Mostly when all three of us were in the same room.
My dad sits on the sofa in my office and props one leg on top of his other knee. “It’s time to embark on our next business venture, and I’d like you to head it up.”
I rest my ass on the edge of the desk, crossing my ankles with my hands on either side of my hips. My gaze keeps diverting outside, even though Chevelle and her boat full of piss-drunk guys won’t be back for about two hours and thirty-seven minutes.
Hey, it’s my job to know when every boat leaves and comes back. It’s standard practice for boats like hers to log their trips so that if they run into trouble and don’t return, someone knows where to look.
“What next business venture?” I ask.
“Rowdy didn’t make rent.”
That causes me to focus on my dad. “What?”
“You know Rowdy, who tried to decrease prices with the hopes his business would pick up? He said it’s his last month. He’s done.”
Unlike my dad, who only thinks of an open marina spot as a chance to jack the rent on the next person, I hate seeing people go out of business. Especially a guy like Rowdy, who’s been here since before I was born.
“I think we should cut him a deal.” I scan the marina once again.
My dad shakes his head. “You gotta harden that soft spot, son. There’s no place in business for it.”
“Well, there’s something to be said for old-timers. I know Rowdy has helped Chevelle over the years. He mentors the young people who come in and will eventually take over.”
A long, exhausted sigh leaves my dad’s lips. “Let’s put Rowdy aside for right now. It’s time we start our own touring business, and I want you to run it.”
“Why, when we have two charter companies at the marina already?”
“Because Rowdy probably won’t be here much longer and because it’s a thriving business and I’m not one to ignore an already successful business model. Plus, you need to learn what it’s like to start a new business before I just hand you mine.” He raises his graying eyebrows.
My dad’s been holding the reins of the company for years even though my mom wants him to take more time off.
“What do you have in mind?” I ask.
“Let’s face it, Sunrise Bay isn’t the same Podunk fishing town it once was.”
“Like when you came and snatched the entire marina up for yourself?” I shouldn’t be snide with my dad. It never ends well. But I’m feeling protective over Chevelle again, and the last thing I’d ever be comfortable doing is putting her out of business.
“I haven’t heard you complaining when you use the money I’ve made to live the life you do.” Both those gray eyebrows shoot up and I glance away. “That’s what I thought. Anyway, it would be different than Chevelle’s. We wouldn’t be focusing on horny Joe Blows looking for a party. We’d be catering to a more sophisticated clientele. Sure, there’d be fishing, but that would come secondary to the cocktails and caviar on board.”
I don’t ask for further clarification because I’m not even entertaining the idea anyway.
“I figure since we’re in the middle of tourist season right now, we can have a soft opening before the season’s over.”
“And what about my responsibilities here?” I look around my office.
“I’ll take them over—for now.”
I squeeze the bridge of my nose. “And if I refuse?”
He stands from the sofa and follows my line of vision out toward the bay. “Then you’ll be cut off.”
He’s threatened for years to cut me off financially and it’s never gonna happen. There’s no way he’d leave his legacy to anyone but his only son. No f*****g way.
“How about I think about it? Give me two weeks or so to finish off the sablefish season. Then we can talk.”
He places his hand on the doorknob to my office. “I’ll order the boat.”
I open my mouth, but he’s already on the other side of the door, walking down the hall and whistling like one of the seven dwarfs. God, the guy aggravates me to no end.
The pressure of having to prove myself to him is never ending. I sit behind my desk and pull up Rowdy’s account. Screw my dad. I take my wallet out of my back pocket and grab my bank card. A few seconds later, Rowdy’s account is paid in full.
I know it’s not a long-term solution and it’s only a Band-Aid on a widening hole, but it buys me some time to think of a plan.
My office phone rings, but I don’t have to answer to know who it is. It’s the same guy who’s called my cell phone five times, and I would answer, but it’s now been two hours and forty-eight minutes since Chevelle left with those guys.
I can’t hold Fisher off forever though, so I pick up. “Cameron Baker.”
“What the f**k? I barely get time away from my house these days and you’re late.”
I hear the patrons of Truth or Dare Brewery, Fisher’s brothers’ bar in the background.
“I got caught up at work, but I’m coming.”
“I’m finishing this beer and then I’m out, so hurry.” He hangs up without telling me if he’s one sip from being done or holding a brand-new beer.
The universe must be on my side because I spot Chevelle pulling into the harbor.
I try not to let my presence be seen through the window, so I turn off my office light and watch the boat pull into the dock.
One of the dipshits is throwing up over the edge of the boat, his dumbass friends laughing at him. Then I catch a guy standing with Chevelle in the wheelhouse while she brings in the boat. He’s standing way too close for my comfort, so I grab my keys and my light jacket, heading down there.
By the time I make it down the elevator and out the doors, two of his friends have the one guy between them as they escort him down the pier, all of their drunken friends following.
All except the guy who was with Chevelle a minute ago. He’s on the deck, talking to her, so I approach them.
“I’m really sorry. Let me pay you for cleaning costs.” He pulls out a wad of cash, licks his thumb, and pulls out three hundred dollars.
“It’s okay, honestly. Your deposit will cover the cost. Just don’t expect to see it refunded on your credit card.”
He chuckles and holds out the bills. “Please. I feel horrible.”
She smiles and accepts the money, which means it must’ve been one horrible charter for her because that’s not like Chevelle at all.
“I’m pretty sure they’re going to crash right out. Maybe the two of us could—”
Over my dead body.
“You ready?” I interrupt.
Both of them turn toward me as though they didn’t hear me approaching.
“Oh,” the guy says.
“Cameron Baker.” I hold my hand out between them.
“Cam,” Chevelle says with that bite in her tone that makes me want to swing her over my shoulder.
“Hey, unfortunately my friends got too drunk and left her boat like this.” He gestures to the side, and I see vomit, spilled beer, and cheese and crackers everywhere.
“It’s nothing, honestly. Bachelor parties are always a little crazy.” She smiles at no-name guy since he didn’t have the courtesy to give me his name after I introduced myself.
“Craig!” the guys from the party shout.
He glances at them and back at us. “Thanks a lot. We really appreciate it, and I’ll be sure to give you five stars on Yelp.” He winks and earns another killer smile from Chevelle.
I suck in a deep breath, my nostrils flaring when I exhale.
“Thank you,” she says.
“You better get going because there’s a heavy fine if someone throws up on the pier,” I say.
Chevelle narrows her eyes at me. I shrug.
“Really? I would think it’s pretty common,” the i***t says.
“Most people around here have sea legs.” My voice is smug, but I don’t care.
“You better go. The whole group looks like they’re waiting for you,” Chevelle says.
“Okay.” He rocks back on his heels and looks at Chevelle, at me, and back at Chevelle. “Thanks again. Next time I’ll make sure there’s no one who can’t handle their alcohol.”
“That would be nice. Bye.”
“Bye, Craig,” I say pointedly.
He glances at me but walks down the pier to join his i***t friends.
“Why are you acting like you’re my boyfriend or something?”
I grab the hose attached to the pier, turn on the water, and step into her boat. “I’m looking out for you. Your boat is in later than expected and that guy could’ve been some creepo.”
She shakes her head but doesn’t refuse my help cleaning. We work together and get it done in a half hour.
“I’ll come back tomorrow and finish it up. I’m exhausted,” she says.
I put the hose back and carry the garbage bags while we walk down the pier.
“Thanks, Cam,” she says on our way out.
“You’re welcome.”
We’re actually civil with each other until another figure approaches us at the marina exit.
“Chevelle.” The guy stands in the shadows. For a moment, I think it’s that douche Craig again, but when he gets closer, I see that this guy isn’t in docker shorts and a polo. He’s in jeans that hang off his hips and a threadbare T-shirt.
“Derek,” she says with a lift in her voice that I don’t care for. She rushes to him and hugs him. His eyes remain on me over her shoulder the entire time.
“Who’s your friend?” he asks her.
“I could ask the same thing.” I lift my chin a bit while I stare him down.
She steps back. “Sorry, this is Cam, my brother Fisher’s best friend. Cam, this is Derek, my…”
He sticks out his hand. “Boyfriend.”
What the hell? I’ve seen this guy around recently. He just went from Vinny’s boat to Porter’s. Definitely a douchebag if Vinny already got rid of him.
I shake his limp hand. “I didn’t know Chevelle had a boyfriend.”
“Well, she does.” He widens his stance and crosses his arms as though he’s claiming his territory.
Well, this is my territory, and Chevelle’s been mine for a helluva lot longer than she’s been his. Besides, I could easily kick the s**t outa this little pissant.
“I haven’t told a lot of people yet. Keep my secret?” She bats her eyelashes at me.
“You know I can’t keep it from your brother and…” I lift my wrist. “I’m really late in meeting him.”
“Let’s go,” Derek says to her. “The movie.”
“Yeah, right. Thanks again for your help, Cam.”
I nod, narrowing my eyes at Derek. Chevelle laughs as if my big-brother overprotectiveness is cute to her. She usually hates it. It’s how I get a rise out of her most times. I like annoying her as if we’re eight on the playground. Any reaction from Chevelle will do. At least it means she feels something for me.
The two of them walk off right as my phone buzzes in my pocket.
“I’m coming,” I answer and hang up.
A short time later, I walk into Truth or Dare Brewery, ignoring everyone’s hellos and heading right to Fisher, who’s sitting with Jed, Chevelle’s stepbrother.
“Did you two know Chevelle has a boyfriend? Some fisherman from the dock?” I say.
They stare at me for a beat, then look at one another.
“We all know Chevelle, it won’t last,” Fisher says.
Then they go back to their drinks. I sit quietly and stew, when what I really want to do is follow Chevelle and Derek on their date so I can make sure he’s worthy of her.
- Writer
