Harlow had tried to believe her, but she hadn’t been convinced. Over time she’d learned that her father didn’t do well if he didn’t get his way, and it was smarter to let him tire himself out. Once he calmed down, he could be reasoned with, but until then, he was like a kid having a tantrum.
“He’s eighteen,” her father fumed. “I gave him a good job. I paid him more than I should, and this is how he thanks me? He’s always been a mama’s boy. I don’t know why I bother.”
Harlow didn’t point out that Austin had been crewing since he was fifteen. The only reason he didn’t have a captain’s license, beyond a six-pack, was that he’d never bothered to take the tests. He wanted to work here in the summer, but as he’d said, running the company had never been his thing.
About twenty minutes later, Cord ran out of steam. He sank into his chair and stared at her.
“We’re screwed.”
She took the visitor’s seat and shook her head. “You’re being way too dramatic, Dad. We’ll figure it out, just like we always do. Yes, we’re shorthanded, but that’s not why you’re mad. You’re mad because he left.”
Her father stared at her. “I guess. I don’t know why he did it. He stood right there, looked me in the eye and quit.”
“He’s been trying to talk to you for weeks, and you wouldn’t listen. He made appointments with you, and you wouldn’t take the time. This is on you.”
He scowled. “Anything else you want to criticize?”
“I’m not being critical. I’m pointing out what happened. And while we both know we’ll be okay staff-wise, you’ve taught me it’s always smarter to be prepared. I know who we could hire to replace Austin.”
Her father immediately perked up. “Who?”
“Enid.”
She was ready to explain why that was a good idea, but before she could start in on her list, her father relaxed, leaned back in his chair and grinned.
“Well, look at you. That’s a great idea. Enid. I should have thought of her myself. She knows the boats, she’s good with people, and she’d look hot in the uniform.” His gaze swung back to her. “Does she want the job?”
“Yes. It pays more than the one she has now. She’s saving for medical school, Dad, so the money’s important to her. She also needs to be done by four so she can get to her night job. You’ll need to keep that in mind when you schedule her. No sunset charters except on the days she’s not working at the restaurant.”
He nodded as he turned to his computer and started typing. “Easy enough. Get her in here first thing to fill out the paperwork. I’ve got a half-day charter from ten to three tomorrow. I’ll put her on that. While she’s in the office, she can give me her schedule.”
Harlow kept her expression neutral. “I’ll take care of it. Anything else?”
Her father waved toward the door. “Nope. See you tomorrow.”
She knew there was no point in waiting for a thank-you. Her father didn’t believe in them. Once she was in the hallway, she did a little dance. Even a half-day charter would pay more than the boutique. Enid was going to be relieved.
Once she was in her car, she called her friend.
“Be in the office about eight tomorrow to fill out the paperwork. And bring your restaurant schedule. I’ll refresh you on everything, and you’ll be on by ten.” Harlow paused. “Oh, wait. That means you’re not giving the boutique any notice. Is that a problem?”
Enid laughed. “No. Business is slow, my manager said. Someone needs to quit or people will be laid off. No one quit yet. I’ll let her know the happy news.”
Her friend’s voice dropped. “Thanks, Harlow. This is fantastic. More money and more fun than steaming clothes.”
“Happy to help. Let’s go get Mexican to celebrate. My treat.”
“I owe you. I should buy.”
“No way. I want to celebrate my friend, so it’s on me. I’ll pick you up.”
Enid laughed. “I’ll be here. Can’t wait.”
* * *
Robyn stepped out of the shower and reached for a towel. She was tired and hungry—hours on the ocean plus skipping lunch—but also happy. She’d enjoyed herself. Mason had been an excellent sailing companion. On the way back, she’d shown him how to tack into the wind, and he’d picked up the basics quickly.
Despite his lack of experience, he’d been fine. No seasickness. Nor had he been anxious out on the open ocean. Unlike Florida’s West Coast, where the water was warm, shallow and frequently calm, between California and Asia stood nothing but some atolls and thousands of miles of water. A few hundred yards off the shore, the ocean floor dropped about ten thousand feet. There was always current and wind. Even an experienced sailor could be intimidated in a small boat.
But Mason had been fine. He’d trusted her, done what he was told and been an excellent conversationalist.
She remembered what Lillian had said about Mason watching her. As she started to dress, a little shiver rippled through her. Anticipation, she thought happily. Possibilities. They were both adults. Both single. Both aware of each other. It was nice.
She blew out her hair, then walked barefoot back into her bedroom.
Her phone rang. The screen showed Mindy’s name. Instantly her stomach sank as she wondered what kind of trouble her friend was in now.
“Hey,” she said, answering the call.
“We did it. We slept together.”
Robyn dropped into a chair. “No. Why?”
“You’re supposed to be supportive and ask how it was.”
Robyn leaned back, closing her eyes. She wanted to say Mindy would regret the act forever, but there was no point in repeating herself.
“How was it?”
Mindy sighed. “Less wonderful than I’d hoped. I mean, his body is incredible, and it was very exciting being with someone other than Payne, but no fireworks. I couldn’t relax. We went to his place, which is very nice. He did all the right things, but I don’t know. It felt weird.”
Robyn opened her eyes. “Are you okay?”
“I feel guilty. That should make you happy.”
“This isn’t about me being happy. I never wanted you to feel bad. I wanted you not to do it in the first place.” She pressed her lips together to avoid saying something she would regret. “I’m sorry it wasn’t wonderful.”
“You don’t mean that. You’re sorry I did it.”