“Would you like to see one of the rooms? Simone and I finished it before she came to get you.”
“Of course.” She turned to head up the massive staircase that would take her to the second floor, but Brooklyn stopped her and motioned toward the elevator. “Oh, I don’t know. That thing hasn’t been used in ages. I would hate for us to get stuck, unless you intend to send me up by myself.” Carly’s eyebrow rose, which made Brooklyn giggle.
“Bowie had it fixed. He also had the interior redone, so it matches more of the theme you’re going for. He also tested it extensively, and while we may only have three floors of rooms, he had that thing moving up and down for hours, trying to confuse it.”
“And did he . . . confuse the contraption?”
Brooklyn sighed. “Unfortunately, Bowie survived any misfortune.” Carly eyed her again, and Brooklyn shook her head. “I’m joking. Come on,” she said, taking her by the arm. Brooklyn wasn’t really joking, though. Brooklyn had been working on one of the floors, painting the lobby area, when the elevator doors had opened. She had happened to glance over her shoulder to find a shirtless Bowie standing there. The way he had looked at her had made her already-warm body flush. Her heart had pounded, the speed increasing the longer they’d stared at each other. She had watched his Adam’s apple bob as he swallowed, wondering if he was feeling the same as her. He had stepped forward, and she had followed, closing the gap between them. She had been within inches of his body and could see pebbles of sweat dripping down the planes of his abdomen. For weeks they had danced around each other, avoiding the elephant in the room when they were alone. They had a history, one filled with lust, longing, and pain. She had missed him over the years and had often thought about a life different from what she had now, one where he played a major part as her companion. Brooklyn had licked her lips, tasting her own sweat, and reached for him. He had grimaced and called out in pain as the elevator doors tried to squeeze the life out of him. Bowie had let out a string of curse words that would have rivaled a sailor’s as the doors had continued to open and close, smashing against his arms. The doors had closed instantly, cutting them off and ending whatever fantasy she’d had playing out in her head.
Brooklyn suggested Carly do the honors by pressing the button. Within seconds, the doors opened, and Carly inhaled. Stylish gray paneling and a wooden rail had replaced the old cracked mirrors and gold railing. Brooklyn had hated the old elevator, and when she used to come to the inn would opt for the stairs. Even to this day, mirrors in elevators gave her an eerie feeling, like someone was watching her.
Carly pressed the number two on the keypad and giggled as it lit up. Brooklyn wasn’t sure what was funny but played along. Anything she could do to make Carly feel good about reopening the inn. The old elevator used to creak, wobble, and sometimes miss its stop. Not now, thanks to Bowie. The smooth ride took only a few seconds, with the doors opening effortlessly. Together, the two of them stepped out into the second-floor lobby. Brooklyn moved to the side to give Carly some time to come to terms with what she saw. On the wall, for everyone to see when they came out of the elevator, was a painting of Austin’s boat. Brooklyn had found the picture and sent it off to one of her colleagues, asking them to print it on wallpaper for her. She wasn’t always a fan of wallpaper unless the occasion called for it, like now.
Carly went to the wall and ran her fingers around the trawler. She traced the fine lines of the picture until she had gone from one end to the other. “He was so proud when he bought this ship.”
“I remember,” Brooklyn said.
“He could’ve done anything with his inheritance but chose to follow in his father’s footsteps. Reckless boy.”
“Fishing was in his blood, Carly. I don’t think there was a soul alive who could’ve steered him in another direction.” Brooklyn had tried often.
“No, I suppose you’re right—although I tried, many, many times. Do you ever wonder what your life would be like now if things had been different?”
Brooklyn didn’t want to answer that question but did anyway. “I always imagine it a couple different ways. All of them end up with Austin and I married, with a couple of children. It’s hard sometimes, watching Brystol grow up with only the memories we tell her.”
“She reminds me so much of Austin, especially at this age. I am so very thankful for her.” Carly turned toward Brooklyn. “You could’ve made a different decision.”
She nodded. “If I had, I wouldn’t be standing here right now.” Brooklyn wanted to add that Austin could’ve made a different decision as well, but she kept that to herself because his mother didn’t need to hear something like that. Not now. “Come, let me show you the room.”
Carly followed Brooklyn the short way down the hall. There were new light fixtures, making the hallway brighter. The walls were now a creamy yellow, and the flooring was hardwood. “Where did the carpet go?”
“Tore it up and had Bowie install bamboo flooring. It’ll be easier to clean, and the guests won’t struggle with their already-heavy suitcases.” There was nothing worse than the push-and-pull game down a carpeted floor.
“Huh, I liked that carpet.”
“It was threadbare and had to go.”
“If you say so.”
Brooklyn fought the urge to roll her eyes. She swiped the master key card against the new door, which only led to another round of questions from Carly. She was so out of touch with modern technology; Brooklyn made a mental note to have Brystol sit down with her grandmother and teach her a few things.
Carly stepped into the room and had her head on swivel, taking it all in. “The wall is my favorite, and I love the artwork.”
“Thanks, but Brystol gets the credit there. I let her pick something for each room.”
Carly smiled. “You know, I love having her here. You could stay and run the inn.”
She shook her head slightly and pressed her lips together. “I’ve been asked to do a job. It would start in October. I can’t stay.”
“Can’t or won’t?”
She wanted to stay and do the right thing for her daughter. She also wanted to leave and put everything behind her. It was easier living on the road. There wasn’t anyone or anything to get attached to. “Carly . . . ,” she sighed.
“Brystol can. She could start school, make some friends.”
She started to respond, but the sound of her phone cut her off. “Hello?” she answered. “Okay, I’ll be right down,” she said before hanging up. “My parents are here. Do you want to come down with me or stay up here?”
“I’ll stay up here a little while longer.”
Brooklyn figured Carly would want to look at Austin’s boat a little longer. As far as she knew, it was still shipwrecked at the bottom of the ocean, although its coordinates weren’t exactly known. Teams of divers had looked, scoured the area for Austin and the boat, but each trip out had yielded nothing in return. Down at the Whale Spout, the old-timers who sat and chatted happily in the corner had woven their own tales—that Austin was still out there, sailing the seas. Brooklyn wished it were true, at least for his mother’s and daughter’s sakes.
“I’ll be downstairs, probably at the house.”
“Tell your parents I’ll be there shortly.”
She left Carly standing in the room and took the flight of stairs down to the main floor. As soon as she saw her mom and dad, she collapsed in their arms. “You have no idea how good it is to have you here.”
EIGHTEEN
The idea of being awake before the sun was up was never high on Brooklyn’s priority list. She preferred to sleep in, especially on the weekends. Austin had other plans, though, and wanted to take her fishing, so she was up, albeit slightly cranky, and waiting outside for him. When his truck rambled down the road, she hurried to the end of her driveway to save him from flashing his headlights into her parents’ bedroom. He pulled up next to her and leaned across his bench seat to open the door for her.
“Good morning, be
autiful,” he said as she climbed in. She scooted to the middle and met his lips with hers.
“It’s morning, but I reserve the right to say whether it’s good or not.”
“Ah, don’t be that way. We’re going to have fun today.”
“If you say so.” She sighed. Fishing was important to him, and he was important to her, which was why she was up so early. She rested her head on his shoulder while he drove down the road. Every so often, she would yawn and close her eyes, until he hit a pothole or took a corner sharply. She accepted the fact that she wouldn’t be able to sleep and paid attention to where they were going, although she was slightly confused, as they were driving away from the water.
“Where are we going?”
“To pick Bowie up.”
“Oh, he’s coming with us?”
Austin hummed in agreement as he took another corner haphazardly. The boy thought he was a race car driver, only he had a truck that didn’t corner very well. He had also failed to mention that Bowie was tagging along. It seemed that anytime she and Austin tried to be alone, Bowie was there, lurking in the shadows. Sometimes she didn’t mind, like when they went to the stupid parties Austin always brought them to or when Austin drank a few too many. Bowie always made sure Brooklyn made it home safely. Truth was, she didn’t much care for her feelings toward Bowie because they muddled the way she felt about Austin. Teenage hormones confused her greatly, and these boys were making things harder for her.
They pulled into the Holmeses’ driveway, and Bowie opened the door, blinding Brooklyn with the dome light. She cried out and buried her face in Austin’s shoulder, garnering a kiss from him. In fact, he continued to kiss her until she lifted her head and he could finally plant one on her lips. She deepened the kiss, letting it go longer after the door was pulled shut, in an effort to prove to herself that the other boy sitting next to her meant nothing. The jury was still out on whether it worked.
“My mom made us breakfast and lunch.” Bowie held a basket on his lap.
“That’s awesome. I forgot about food.”
Brooklyn didn’t know if the pain she felt in her stomach was because of the aroma coming from the basket or because Austin hadn’t cared enough to make sure they ate while out at sea today. She played it off as a simple mistake because surely her boyfriend cared about her well-being.
When they arrived at the pier, the only sounds to be heard were the subtle splashes of the water lapping at the surface and the other boats getting ready to go out for the day, but other than that, the docks were quiet.
Brooklyn stood at the end of the dock and watched the light from the lighthouse spin. She counted the seconds between intervals and followed the beam of light as it hit shore. She had no idea how anyone could use that light as a guide back to land but trusted that Austin and Bowie knew, and honestly was too afraid to ask.
“Brooklyn, what are you doing out here? Don’t you know about Wally?”
She looked over her shoulder at Bowie and turned farther to look for Austin. He was somewhere on his father’s boat, and Bowie was out here with her. He was always where she was.
“Who is Wally?”
“The walrus. Haven’t you met him?”
“Are you pulling my leg or something?”
Bowie shook his head. “Not at all. Wally usually sleeps on the docks here. For the most part, he’s harmless, but if you scare him, he may try and bite you.”
“You tell lies, Bowie Holmes. It’s too warm for a walrus in Washington. They live in Alaska.”
He held up his hand and displayed three fingers. “Scout’s honor.”
“Ha, are you even a Boy Scout?”
“No, but I’d never lie to you, Brooklyn.”
For whatever reason, she knew this to be true. There was something about Bowie that told her he’d always be honest with her. From behind, she heard a large splash and leaped toward Bowie, who wrapped her in his arms.
“What was that?” she asked.
“My guess, Wally. He’s either awake and coming over to see what all the ruckus is, or he’s looking for food.”
Brooklyn shivered in his arms. “I’m scared.”
“Don’t be; I’ve got you.”
The dock rocked, and a loud guttural growl came from the dark water. Brooklyn was tempted to lean over and look, but Bowie was pulling her away from the edge. She feared for her life but couldn’t be bothered to run. She had to see for herself what was making that noise.
Two large flippers somehow grabbed ahold of the dock and heaved the rest of its body forward. Brooklyn squealed and jumped back as a black blob wiggled out of the water. It let out another growl, this time louder, but stayed toward the edge.
“Meet Wally.” Bowie laughed.
Brooklyn slapped him in the chest. “You moron. That’s not a walrus; it’s a seal.”
“Is there a difference?”
“Ugh,” she groaned in frustration. “Don’t you pay attention in science class?”
Bowie looked away sheepishly. The answer, she was sure, was no. Austin did, though, and he would prove that she was right. She marched off toward the boat and stood on the dock, calling for him. He came around in a rush, asking her what was wrong.
“Nothing. I need you to come tell Bowie he’s wrong about Wally.”
Austin jumped onto the dock and walked toward Bowie and Wally. “What’s going on?”
Brooklyn crossed her arms and huffed. “Bowie seems to think Wally is a walrus. I said he’s a seal. Who is right?”
Austin ran his hand over his hat and adjusted it a few times. He let out a sigh and finally looked at Bowie. “Sorry, man. She’s right.”
“What?”
Austin shrugged. “I figured you knew.”
“Old man Potts said he brought one back with him, that it snuck on board.”
“Old man Potts is like eighty, and he’s been telling that story since he was twenty. If it were true, the walrus would’ve died a long time ago. Come on—we gotta go.”
Brooklyn smirked at Bowie and followed Austin to the boat. He helped her come aboard and held her in his arms for a bit. “I love that beautiful brain of yours.”
She blushed. He teased her often about how smart she was, but he was just as smart, if not smarter. They shared most of their classes together, and both excelled in science. As much as she wanted to be a nurse, she wasn’t ruling out going into marine biology or something of the like so they could work together. Silly dreams, she knew, but couldn’t help it.
Once Bowie boarded, he and Austin worked as a team to get the boat ready to go. As soon as Austin started the motor, he suggested Brooklyn put on a life vest and asked if she wanted to sit with him while he steered the boat. She thought she would stand next to him when she saw that there was only one chair, but he told her to sit. She did, and he stood behind her with his chest pressed to her back. He placed her hands on the steering wheel and told her to relax. Brooklyn loved being in his arms, and it was moments like this that made all the other stupid ones seem trivial.
They were sailing out toward the ends of the earth—at least that was the only way to describe it. It seemed that the farther they went out, the darker it was. The sun rose behind them, casting a beautiful orange, pink, and red glow over their town. Every so often Brooklyn would look over her shoulder and sigh.
“This is why we get up so early, so we’re reminded of how stunning our home is.”
“Like Bowie, you tell lies. You get up this early so you get the best fishing spots. It’s a sport, and like every sport it has advantages and disadvantages. I know enough to know fish bite better in the morning.”
“And where would you have heard such a thing?”
Brooklyn tilted her head toward Austin, and he smiled down at her. “This guy I met a few months back. He introduced himself as the resident heartthrob and local fisherman. He’s told me a few things about fishing.”
Austin chuckled. “What about the heartthrob part?”
“Me
h,” she said, giggling. “The jury’s still out on that one.”
He let go of the wheel so he could tickle her. Brooklyn yelped and jerked the boat to the left. Bowie let out a string of curse words, to which Austin yelled, “Sorry, man.” Was he really sorry, though? Brooklyn wondered because he was hiding his laughter in her shoulder. Austin helped her get the boat back on course and instructed her to head straight. While she did, he held her and kissed her neck every chance he got.
They cruised for about thirty to forty-five minutes, out to what Brooklyn would call the middle of nowhere. There was land on both sides of them, but she wasn’t sure if it was inhabitable or not. She wasn’t going to ask, either, mostly out of fear that Austin would want to find out, and the last thing she wanted was to put herself in a Lord of the Flies situation. She appreciated the lush scenery, though, and enjoyed the beaming sun. Even though she was supposed to fish, she hoped that Austin would suggest she read one of the books she had brought along and bask in the sun.
Bowie watched some radar device that apparently told them if there were fish in the area. Austin finally dropped the anchor and told her to look over her shoulder. Behind her was their town, and if she squinted, she could see the faint outline of Cape Harbor. It was glowing, thanks to the rising sun.
“Wow.”
“Pretty spectacular, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, it really is. I guess this is why you wake up so early.”
Austin kissed her on her nose. “That, and so I can get home to you.” She reveled in his adoration. He simply was the best part of living in Cape Harbor.
“I love you,” she said as she rose up on her tippy toes to give him a kiss.
“I love you, Brooklyn. Now it’s time to fish. Bowie and I will bait your hook, but if you get a bite, you need to reel that baby in. Do you remember how I showed you when we were at the pond?”
Regrettably, she did. All hope was fading that she’d be able to sit by while the guys did all the work. Fishing was important to Austin, so this needed to be important to her. He had asked her to come out with him for the day, and she should be grateful. She did wonder, though, when Austin was going to take an interest in her hobbies. She’d love to take him to a baseball game, the batting cages, or even to the mall so she could put a fashion show on for him. Each time she’d asked, he’d been busy. There was always something to occupy his time, although he made sure to include Brooklyn in everything he had going on.
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