CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Exhausted from the day’s activities at the Dolphin Research Center, the group piled into one car for the short drive to Robbie’s for a quick meal bayside. The property was large, with a marina under a bridge with plenty of fishing boats, a pier, and the restaurant, The Hungry Tarpon, which came highly recommended. Besides the restaurant and the fishing pier, the area also had outdoor shopping for tourists to buy their souvenirs and t-shirts.
Being a laid-back outdoorsy kind of place, their lack of better attire went unnoticed. A local band was playing and the place was crowded, but after a half hour wait—which included a walk along the pier and hand feeding the enormous tarpons that had made this place home—they were given a table.
Over hand-crafted beers and platters of delicious fish tacos and shrimp quesadillas, they looked at their pictures and discussed the highlights of their day. When the last bite was eaten Cameron asked Jordon to dance, and Ashley found herself whisked away by a guy at an opposite table.
Jeremy turned his chair around to face Nadine and took her by the hand, then kissed it. “How are you doing—really? You’ve been a great sport all day, but I hate seeing that sad look in your eyes.”
“I’m doing all right. Better than expected.” She dredged up a smile. “It’s just that every once in a while I remember, and it hurts like hell.”
“Of course it does.” His knees bumped her thigh as he leaned forward, still holding her hand. “I didn’t see Michael this morning. He and his buddies must have packed up and left. Damn good thing too.” His look was fierce. “What an asshole thing to do.”
“You’re right about that. Thank God he cheated on me now, and didn’t wait until we were already married. Bet it’s not the first time either.”
He cleared his throat. “What I don’t understand is why if he had you he’d want any other woman?”
She smiled. “You’re so sweet.” She put a hand on his bare knee, feeling the warmth from his sunburn.
“I’m not sweet. Haven’t been for a hellova long time.” He glanced away and then his eyes snapped back. “Why did you allow me to kiss you, in the water?”
“I shouldn’t have.” She felt uncomfortable with this line of conversation. Glancing around, she said. “Want to dance?”
“Not right now.” They were silent for a few minutes, sipping on their beers, watching the others enjoy themselves. “You kissed me back.”
“It was wrong.” She folded a napkin on the table. “But I liked it too.” She felt her cheeks grow warm. “Does that make me as bad as him?”
“Of course it doesn’t. Hell, he didn’t even know Melody until this weekend. You didn’t cheat on him. He’s the one who screwed things up.”
“When did you know?” She held her breath, searching his face, still torn over why he hadn’t told her in private. She’d bet everything that it wasn’t to embarrass her, and yet, that had been the end result. Maybe he felt he owed his brother a chance to make it right?
“I didn’t. Not for sure. But I heard that he was partying the night before. Without you. Ashley told me. And then he missed the boat trip? And last night at the bar, how close he and Melody were to each other. That was the final straw.”
Nadine swallowed a big lump in her throat. She sipped her beer, looking over at the pier, people gawking at the seagulls and feeding the fish. They were only a few hundred yards from her, but she felt like they might be in a different universe.
“I knew then too. You know? I felt it in my bones. Melody tossed me a look and I just knew. It was like a slingshot—when her eyes connected with mine—wham!”
“Oh, Nadine, I am so sorry. Did I make it worse?”
“No. You made it better.” She was silent for a few minutes. “Even his parents knew. They tried to soften it and made excuses for their son, but his dad went to speak with him, and after that he was all over me.” She rolled her eyes. “Sheesh. I was such a fool to forgive him when my gut knew better.”
“He’s very clever, and charming. He’s never been in a relationship where he stayed faithful…you wanted to believe him. Why wouldn’t you?”
“I already was having second thoughts. Even before I saw you. He didn’t want me to quit my job and go on tour with him. If he loved me half as much as I thought I loved him, I’d have jumped all over it. He didn’t want kids right away…at least not with me.”
“Maybe not right now, but I’m sure he would have eventually.”
“Perhaps. I’m just glad that I never have to find out.”
“You are taking this unbelievably well. I’m sure that in a few days it’s going to hit you hard. I wish I could be around.” He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.
“You’re leaving?” The idea was a different kind of pain. Yet she had no right to ask him to stay. She was in no place to make promises.
“I can hang here for a few more days, if you want. I have vacation days coming.”
“Do you like your job? Why didn’t you go back to the Coast Guard?” She remembered that he’d liked his duties there. Selfishly, he’d be in Baltimore again. Where did he live now?
“I was burned out with the military. Anyway, I like what I do. The guys are like family—I’ve even learned to cook a decent red sauce from scratch for twenty. It’s cool.”
“That’s good.” She was so grateful that he’d done the self-work to be happy. “I used to love flying, but with all the restrictions nowadays and stress with long security checks, tempers are too hot. It’s just not fun anymore.” She sighed and picked at her nails. “Not sure want I want to do now.” She’d imagined being a newly wed, house hunting, shopping for linen and draperies, and choosing floor tiles. Ridiculous fantasies that would never have made her happy.
“You’ll figure it out. Take some time for yourself. A leave of absence if you can. Hell, you deserve it.” He leaned forward and looked into her eyes. “You could come visit me.”
“I don’t even know where you live.”
“I didn’t tell you?”
“No. And I didn’t ask.” Her pulse raced as she bantered with this man from her past.
“I’m in Delaware. Not that far from you. Few hours drive at most. Got a pretty place next to a river.”
“That does sound nice.” She would like to visit him, and probably would. But if she really wasn’t happy with her work any longer, she needed to think about her future and learn a new trade. She did enjoy cooking, perhaps she could go to a culinary school.
“Think about it.”
“I will.” They looked at each other for a few moments, and her heart picked up pace. She smiled. “I might enroll in a culinary school. What do you think?”
“I think you’d make an excellent chef. You’d be good at anything you put your head and heart into.”
“How come you’re always so kind to me, and say the nicest things?”
His eyes turned serious and he moved his face closer–inches from hers. “You know how I feel about you.”
“Please, not now.” She licked her lips and moved a fraction back. “It’s too soon.”
“I’m a patient man. I can wait.”
“I know you are. Thank you—and especially for today. It was a great idea. Being so busy, it kept my mind from dwelling on things. I really enjoyed myself. We all did.” She looked around. “I’m loving all this too. The noise, the people, the good food. And the lively music.” She looked at his face, that trustworthy, handsome face that showed the character of the man he was. Maybe she wouldn’t have to make him wait too long. “Let’s dance.”
“Okay.” He stood and pulled her up and into his arms for a quick hug. “Damn. I’ve wanted to do that all day.”
She lifted her head and gazed into his dark chocolate eyes and the warmth she saw there melted the chill in her heart. “So what do you make of Cameron and Jordon? Think he likes her?”
“By the way he’s holding her, I’d say yeah. There’s a very good chance.” His eyes twinkled and she turned to see her brother put his hands on Jordon’s bottom, tugging her in close. Petite, shapely, and spunky Jordon had her arms around his neck and was swaying to the music.
“She’s older than him, by at last three years.” Nadine bet that Jordan wasn’t thinking about the long-ago summers when Cam had dropped caterpillars down her shirt.
“I don’t think it matters to either of them, do you?” He swung her around, and danced with her on a small stretch of sand between tables. He kept it lively, and made her laugh.
Nadine was surprised by herself. How she could laugh and feel light-hearted after yesterday’s nightmarish wedding ceremony, she didn’t know. And didn’t care. Michael could screw his brains out, if he had any. She would be much better off without him—and find a man who loved her as she should be loved. It was possible she’d already found it. Again.
They returned to the cottages around seven thirty and were met by Anna and Nadine’s father. Juanita and Miguel stood behind them, looking grim.
“What is it?” Nadine asked, glancing from one face to another. “Dad?”
He swallowed hard and stepped forward. “It’s Michael. We don’t know anything for sure but…” Her dad averted his gaze. “It’s not looking good.”
“Don’t know what?” Panic choked her. “Did something happen?”
Anna stepped forward, her manner calm and competent. “We didn’t know until this afternoon, but Michael and his friends took a boat out late last night. The video cameras showed it to be around three this morning.”
“He stole a boat?” Nadine shrugged, wondering why everyone was looking so tense. Michael was a prankster. “Did something happen to it?”
Jeremy put an arm around her shoulders. “Where’s the boat?” His tone was solemn, understanding before she did the severity of the situation.
“We don’t know,” Anna said. “It’s gone missing.”
Juanita moved around Anna. “I went in to clean this morning and the three men were out, but their bags and belongings were still in the rooms. I waited until noon and they still hadn’t returned. That was when Colt came searching for Michael.”
She stopped speaking, and put her hand to her mouth. Miguel explained further. “He was most upset. Shouting. Said a boat was stolen…”
Anna finished the sentence. “And he had video from the surveillance cameras of the three men, drinking out of bottles, staggering down to a boat. Seems they had a crazy idea to take it out for a spin, but they never returned. Colt didn’t know it was stolen until the owner of the boat called the marina and said he wanted to take it out this afternoon and could Colt get it ready?”
Her father jumped in to finish the explanation for Nadine. “Colt manages the marina on weekends and took the call. He went to the boat slip and it wasn’t there. He called the owner back after viewing the video, then phoned the police.”
Ashley slung her backpack over one shoulder. “What idiots. Drunker than skunks and they decide to steal a boat? They’re probably moored someplace, sleeping it off.”
Jordon, eyes wide with worry, said, “Maybe they crashed the boat or went aground.”
“The Coast Guard has been searching and they haven’t found the boat or any sign of the men.” Anna gave Kevin a concerned look. “It was a stupid thing to do but I hope they’ll be found soon.”
Nadine slumped against Jeremy. “How could it disappear? The weather was clear. It has to be somewhere.”
“It’ll be found. There’s still enough light for the search to continue for a few hours.” Jeremy let out a long and weary sigh. “Better call my parents and let them know. They left first thing this morning for Orlando.”
Anna nodded. “Yes, but not before stopping by the office. They paid for the wedding.” She glanced at Kevin, then Nadine.
“That was decent of them,” her dad responded.
John and Mary had always been kind to her, and it was a thoughtful thing to do. She glanced at Jeremy. “Be sure to thank them for their generosity.” Then her mind went to a dark place again. “What if the boat isn’t recovered?” Nadine asked in a hollow voice. “They might be dead for all we know. I thought I wanted that, but I don’t.”
“Nobody wants that, dear.” Anna gave her a comforting smile. “Jeremy, make that call to your parents, and then we might as well gather around the pool. I’m sure we’ll all want to be together when they’re found.”
“That’s a good idea.” Kevin drew Nadine to his chest. “It’ll be all right. I’m sure of it. Why don’t you run and shower, and Anna and I will get some refreshments and see you back at the pool. Hopefully we’ll get some good news soon.”
Less than an hour later, the group had gathered near the pool. Ashley, Cameron and Jordon wore swimsuits under a pair of shorts, looking for a late night swim. The stars were out and a big clear half moon had appeared. The weather was warm and muggy, with a slight breeze from the ocean to make them comfortable.
Anna, dressed in black and white striped Palazzo pants and a white cotton top, offered the women mango daiquiris or wine, while Kevin had taken over the role of host, giving the men a shot of scotch with a beer chaser.
Nadine sat with Jeremy, her brother and friends at one of the large round tables. She sipped her daiquiri, hardly tasting the fruity beverage. The topic was of course all about the missing boat, and everyone had an opinion.
Ashley figured they were safely moored somewhere, sleeping it off, or trying to figure out where they were and how to get back.
Jordon guessed they were swimming with the fishes, and Cameron thought they had run into something, sunk the boat and were likely on a raft waiting for rescue.
“What do you think, Jer?” Nadine asked softly, gazing into his serious face. He’d been in the Coast Guard, and she respected his opinion better than anyone’s.
“I think they’re in trouble, but what kind, I don’t know. Stupid idiots were so damn drunk they had no right to be out in the dark in a damn boat. They coulda capsized or run into pirates for all I know. I’m pissed at Michael too, but I sure don’t want to see any of them hurt.”
“Exactly. I’m going with the raft idea. They might not be found tonight, but at daybreak.” She gave a half-hearted smile. “Probably fried from the sun, dying of thirst, scared shitless, but fine. That’s what I think. Might be all playing the blame game right about now.”
“Serve them right,” her father said, coming up to the table. “Can’t imagine what they were thinking taking a boat out at that time of night.”
“A mad getaway?” Cameron suggested, taking a drink of beer. “Whatever. Stupid-ass idea that led to trouble.”
After they’d finished the first round of drinks, Anna called the Coast Guard for the latest report—no word. Jeremy and Nadine went for a walk on the beach and Cameron and the girls swam in the pool.
Anna and Kevin watched the moon, sitting with their feet up at the railing. “It’s beautiful here,” Kevin said, looking at her.
“The view?”
“You.” He glanced away, listening to the sound of the waves breaking on the shore—watching the twinkling fairy lights as the heavy ponds on the palm trees swayed. “I’m not in any hurry to leave.”
“Then stay. I’m not going to chase you away. And I know a nice cabin with free rent.”
“Hmm. That does sound appealing. And affordable.”
“It comes with a price.” She leaned toward him and whispered, “Your freedom.”
He shot her a look. “My freedom?”
“Yes.” She lowered her voice and gave him a sly smile. “You’d be my sex slave.”
“Oh!” He laughed and grabbed hold of her, pulling her in for a kiss. “I like that idea.”
“So do I.”
They watched Jeremy and Nadine down at the beach. He was holding her hand as they walked bare-footed on the edge of the shore. Waves lapped at her ankles, and her laughter echoed back to them.
“He’s good for her,” Anna observed softly.
“Yes. If he wasn’t here, I’m not sure how she’d have handled this mess.”
“Agreed. What Michael did was unforgivable. But still, I do hope those boys are safe.”
“Me too.” He ran a hand over his unshaven jaw. “Although if they’re suffering a little discomfort, I wouldn’t shed any tears.”