by CF Frizzell
“I’d love a tour, yes. Thank you.” She slipped off her sandals and left them by the side. “The Rose is huge.”
“Consider this my sun porch,” Ellis said, then led her beneath the canopy and opened the saloon door. Maggie took in the benches and small round tables with teak swivel chairs, the little counter and cabinets at the rear, the nautical accents on the walls.
“It’s just perfect, Ellis. What more could a woman need?” She was pleased to win the hint of a grin before Ellis turned away.
“Well, we don’t need to go there, do we?” At the far wall, Ellis stopped at the top of a narrow flight of stairs and looked back. “Something to drink? Come below and choose your poison.”
“Well, I did get off to a powerful start tonight, so I probably should behave right now,” Maggie said with a laugh, following her down. “Maybe save a real one for later.” Ellis had two chilled bottles of Perrier in hand by the time Maggie arrived in the galley.
“I like that idea, too.”
Maggie stood in place and turned in a circle. Surprisingly spacious, the table, countertops, and sink looked taken from high-end boating magazines Maggie had seen. The three-burner stove and oven were impressive, as were the polished teak walls and cabinets. The overhead roominess of the kitchen struck her as well, having expected the typical low-ceiling claustrophobia of boat cabins. Ellis even cleared the ceiling with plenty to spare.
“Oh, this is beautiful, Ellis. Spacious, but homey, cozy.” She placed a palm on the refrigerator. “All the comforts.” She examined the decorative wreath of pink artificial beach roses on a door in the corner. “And this is just gorgeous, so real. Did someone make this for you?”
“For my father, actually. A close family friend who passed away a few years ago.”
“Nantucket roses,” Maggie said and turned to her. “You’ve made a lovely home here.”
“I…well, thank you. It’s taken a while, but I think I’ve finally run out of projects.”
“These are all your renovations?”
Ellis shrugged. “The Rose carried freight since the sixties.” She gestured toward the bow. “I have a full bedroom forward now, where there used to be just a small bunk-and-galley combination. The rest of all this held cargo. I just sort of pushed things around.”
She swung open a rear door and Maggie went to the threshold. The open airiness of the room with its bright, pale gray walls and dual purpose took her aback. Wider than it was deep, the room offered a living room on the near side, with an upholstered couch and chair, wall-mounted flat screen, and lobster trap coffee table; and a library of sorts on the far side, complete with a simple antique writing desk, computer, and shelves of books.
“It’s not your typical family room,” Ellis explained, “but it suits my needs. Beyond that back wall is aft storage.”
“It’s like a cute loft apartment. Looks so comfortable.” She sent Ellis a sideways look. “You’re far too modest. This really is lovely.” Ellis obviously knew her way around interior construction, and Maggie suddenly wanted her opinion of the work at Tuck’r. “I’d love to know what you think of the renovations I had done for my B&B. Would you come by sometime?”
“I’m no expert,” Ellis said, leading them back up the stairs. “All this was…you know, good enough for me.”
“Like I said, you’re far too modest. I bet you’d enjoy seeing what’s been done to my place and I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please say you’ll stop by.”
They reached the open deck and Ellis started up to the bridge. “Well, all right. I could do that.” She scrambled up the steps and started the engines. Her agreement sounded like a concession. Damn, she’s hard to read.
“I’ll be right with you,” Ellis said from above. “Give me a minute to get this…”
Engines rumbling to life beneath her feet startled Maggie, and she quickly took a seat. She watched Ellis slide down the steps with a hand on each rail and cross the deck with purpose.
“Could I be doing something to help you?”
“Nope. You’re good. I just need a minute.”
Maggie watched, intrigued, as Ellis vaulted over the side and unwound the tie lines and tossed them onto the deck. Just as deftly, she gave the boat a shove and jumped aboard as the Rose inched away from the pier.
Ellis moved swiftly toward the stairs but stopped short in front of her. “You’re welcome to come up with me, if you’d like.”
“Aye aye, Captain.” Excited about their little excursion, she followed her up the steps as quickly and carefully as she could and joined her at the helm.
*****
Maggie sipped her fresh martini, crossed her ankles in the lounge chair, and took in the view of Nantucket’s humble silhouette as dusk faded to night. Brant Point Lighthouse slashed a beacon through the darkness, and Maggie found herself watching for its indefatigable return, realizing how, in just barely two months, she’d come to take it for granted. So much about life here mustn’t be overlooked, she thought, and wished all visitors would pause for moments like this and appreciate the view, the history.
Bobbing silently in place just off the channel, the Rose provided the perfect viewing station for the fireworks, now only minutes from starting. Dozens of pleasure craft of all sizes sat scattered within shouting distance, dotting the dark sea with yellow cabin lights and red and green navigational lamps. A steady, warm breeze carried laughter and conversations, even the aroma of grilling steak, and Maggie shook her head at the scene.
“I can’t believe I’m out here. It’s so beautiful,” she said as Ellis drew up a chair beside her.
“We lucked out this year, with a perfect summer night and flat sea.”
“Someone told me that they play serious music right there on the beach. It must be magical.”
Ellis nodded, her eyes focused on the crowded beach. “The Boston Pops came out here in nineteen ninety-seven.” She straightened in her seat. “The music just exploded out over the water. It was a pretty special night and made a ton of money for the Cottage Hospital.”
“There’s so much about Nantucket that visitors don’t know, don’t realize. I’m learning, too, just how much of a community this is. I encourage my guests to take in as much of the history and the feel of the island as they can.”
“I hope you do well. Nantucket needs residents who ‘get it.’”
The first fireworks of the night whooshed up into the darkness and lit up the sky.
“It’s a tightly knit little place, that’s for sure,” Maggie said as they stared upward.
“I believe it has to be. It’s a survival sort of thing. Fitting in takes determination and effort, sometimes courage.”
“And money.”
“True, but mostly old-fashioned New England ingenuity and hard work.”
“That’s for sure. It’s not easy, but I’m no quitter.”
“So where are you from, Maggie? How’d you end up here?”
A huge bang echoed across the harbor and made them both jump. They laughed when several boats sounded their horns in appreciation. But Ellis’s question lingered like the scent of blasting powder, and Maggie hurriedly composed a truthful response.
“I’m originally from Albany but ended up getting lucky with real estate investments in Philadelphia. When I spotted the listing on Nantucket, I guess my imagination took over.”
“Philadelphia. You must have quite an imagination.”
“I guess I do. No regrets, though.”
She watched the sky’s luminescent blue, gold, and red soften to pastels across Ellis’s rapt expression and wondered if Ellis had regrets, if she’d chosen to remain on this idyllic but rugged island…or if the island had chosen to keep her. Maggie mused over that as she smiled up at another colorful sky burst. Can a place do that? Would I ever allow that?
“The competition must be pretty steep,” Ellis finally said. “We have quite a few B&Bs on-island.”
“I’m trying to be creative.” She elbowed Ellis playful
ly. “Use some of that ingenuity you mentioned.”
Ellis turned, and a breath of onshore breeze mussed her hair over her forehead and darkened her sculpted features. The flash of appreciation on her mouth, the fireworks’ silver sparkle in her eyes made Maggie’s heart skip.
Another boom echoed across the harbor, fluttering against their clothes. “Whoa,” Ellis said with a chuckle. “That was big.” She swiped away her hair and scanned the colorful sky. “So just how are you being creative?”
“Ah, well. I’m offering combination deals with other attractions, great restaurants, tourist sites, things like that, to increase the draw, but…maybe it’s just too soon.”
“No takers?”
“A few, but I know I can do better. I do have one idea that’s yet to take off, however.” She sipped her drink and decided to learn Ellis’s opinion. “I’d love to offer guests a sightseeing cruise, to package it with, say, a three- or four-night stay.”
“Sounds like it would be popular.”
She thinks it has potential.
Fireworks now roared rapid-fire into the sky, and night became day. Layer upon layer of brilliant sparks and smoke splayed across the canopy of stars. Explosions overtook easy conversation. Occasionally, stubborn sparks rained into the sea around them, and Ellis guardedly observed their progress.
Maggie left her chair to stand at the side. “This is unbelievable!” She gaped at the display, gestured around her, above and below. “It’s as if we’re in a kaleidoscope.”
The Rose floated on a sea of twinkling colors as the celestial show sliced black waves into millions of brilliant, shimmering lights. Spectator boats and their reveling passengers, now fully illuminated, sounded horns in appreciation, while the beach came alive with cheering and applause.
“A great show this year!” Ellis shouted over the din. “Glad you agreed to come out!”
The last, mightiest bang nearly rocked them in place, and everyone united in a final, rousing cheer.
“Wow, what a super show,” Maggie said. Unthinking, she gripped Ellis in a quick hug and kissed her cheek. “And thank you so much.”
Ellis felt her face heat and she fumbled for her drink. She raised it to Maggie and waited for her to match the toast.
“To becoming an islander,” she offered, and Maggie clinked her glass.
“To Nantucket.”
They finished their drinks and Ellis tipped her head toward the saloon. “Let me refill these. I made a pitcher earlier. We can do one more while we wait for this traffic to die down.”
“Allow me, then,” Maggie said and took Ellis’s glass just as the Rose rocked in the wake of a departing boat. She stumbled sideways and Ellis caught her by the arm. “Lord, thank you. I’m so sorry. I’m not that experienced on boats.”
“That will change over time.”
Ellis went for the pitcher in the saloon and met Maggie halfway back. She poured where they stood, replaying her last comment in her head. Was that too suggestive? “Most islanders are familiar with boating,” she added, “but it’s not a prerequisite.”
Maggie laughed lightly. “Well, that’s good because I have enough on my plate right now.”
“Ah, yes. Ingenuity.” She led them back to their seats, a palm lightly—comfortably—pressed to Maggie’s back for steadiness. So many boaters heading home had churned up the sea, and waves now slapped randomly against the Rose’s hull.
Maggie sat and turned to face her. “Your honest, educated opinion. Do you think offering sightseeing cruises would be a draw?”
“I know they’re popular. We have a few operators who do well.” Ellis couldn’t tell if Maggie’s frown meant she disagreed or was simply confused.
“I guess my ingenuity hasn’t impressed them. Not so far, at least.”
“Well, maybe that’s just because you’re new here.”
“You know, I didn’t really think the subject would come up tonight. Hell, I wasn’t even sure I wanted it to, but if you don’t mind, could I toss something out for your consideration?”
“Of course.”
“I’m…” Maggie sighed. “Well, I’m not very good at beating around the bush, so…Would you ever consider offering cruises?”
To say Ellis was surprised by the question was an understatement. She knew her face must have gone blank, judging by the way Maggie inched forward on her seat and wrapped both hands around her glass.
“You mean, on my Rose?”
Maggie nodded.
“Well. Wow, Maggie…I…Hmm.” This was a huge issue to Maggie, and one that Ellis needed to swirl around in her head for a while. Or do I? It’s crazy, right? Yet she stopped short of blurting a reactionary “no.”
“I don’t know what to say, where to start.”
“Ellis, I know I’ve got a nerve asking, but I really see it as a win-win situation. There’s a lot to it, I realize, and I’d simplify as much of it as I could for you—if you’d consider it at all.”
Ellis absently scratched the back of her head. She didn’t know what to think, except that opening her Rose to the public just hit too close to home. Literally. But that was her gut reaction, and she thought it prudent to keep that to herself. At least for now.
“I’m curious, I’ll grant you that.”
“The bottom line is that I’m trying desperately hard to boost business. Offering exclusive excursions would certainly help Tuck’r get its feet on the ground, so to speak, get through this first season.” She looked out toward the beach. “We’ve been getting by so far, but…Sightseeing by boat is the most frequent request I get, and no cruise operator is interested.”
“And you’d like me to offer my services on the Rose.”
“I’m asking if you’d consider it, yes.”
“The Nantucket Rose is my home, Maggie.”
Maggie’s wide-eyed optimism dimmed slightly but held. “I understand.”
No, you don’t. You have no idea what you’re asking.
“My home.” She blew out a breath and scanned the pristine deck around them. “Why should I disrupt my life, my home? That’s what would happen, you know.”
“I’m not talking crowds of people, Ellis. Not groups of like forty or eighty or whatever. Probably no more than a half dozen, I’d guess, and definitely not every day. For instance, weekends. Details could be worked out to our mutual advantage.”
“And where would these cruises go?”
“Well, I was imagining all around the island, Tuckernuck, too.”
“The shallows off Madaket…” She shook her head. “Not routine passage.”
“Oh. I didn’t realize that. Obviously, I don’t know as much as I should, but…well, that makes a shorter cruise more manageable, don’t you think? More doable?”
This isn’t how I saw tonight unfolding. Keep your head.
“Operators here offer cruises for whale watches, fishing, dinners, sunsets, and other things, so are you looking at private runs like those in the long term?” Just the thought of all that pushed Ellis to change the subject.
“Well, I have dreamed about the possibilities, but, no, I hadn’t considered them seriously—and wouldn’t unless we discussed it.” Maggie set her glass down and sat back quietly, folding her hands in her lap. Rubbing her crossed thumbs said she was nervous, maybe impatient, and Ellis remained silently curious about what Maggie would say next.
“Would you at least give it some thought? Enhancing Tuck’r Inn’s appeal and the extra income in your pocket would benefit both of us.”
“You’re asking a lot, Maggie. It’s my home you’re talking about.”
“I know.” She leaned forward and rested her fingertips on the back of Ellis’s hand. The tender touch registered instantly and threatened to unsettle her. “Believe me, I know, but remember, I’m not suggesting a huge commercial operation. More like…” She raised her eyebrows tentatively. “More like having an intimate group of friends visit for a couple of hours or so on the weekend.”
Ellis had
difficulty picturing that. She wasn’t one for entertaining; a hostess, she was not. Quite the opposite. The answer surely seemed like a no-brainer.
“What do you think, Ellis? Consider it, at least?”
The anxious expression in the soft light pulled Ellis’s emotions to the surface, right where she didn’t want them. They edged her conscience aside and allowed room for something more, and she knew she had to respond rationally before her common sense buckled.
“There’s a lot to think about. Look, I’m fine with my life the way it is—and I love my Rose—so I have to tell you, right up front, that I’m not keen on this.”
Maggie gripped her glass with both hands again. Ellis fought mounting frustration, irked that the evening had somehow morphed into business, and disappointed that Maggie appeared to welcome it. She labored to keep her irritation in check and still find the right words that wouldn’t shatter the entire night.
“I don’t want to burst your bubble. I mean, obviously you’ve given this a lot of thought, and I appreciate your situation, but…” Maggie’s gaze, previously warm and hopeful, fell away, and anxiety tightened her elegant complexion.
Ellis sat back and sighed, listening to the silence between them, feeling her staunch refusal soften. She shook her head at herself. “Only as a favor to you, I’ll consider it, but don’t get your hopes up.”
Chapter Ten
A warm, vigorous tailwind and easy seas beneath a sunny sky made for a perfect crossing and finally, plenty of time to think without the pressures of work, passengers, or exhaustion. Ellis ran through a mental list of issues in need of resolution, and Maggie Jordan figured into all of them, except for that aggravating little leak in the Rose’s bilge pump. Today she’d make some decisions. It was why she’d swapped assignments this morning to work the freighter Sankaty. She wasn’t really a fan of freight runs because they not only stirred up her past, they now involved a freighter as large as her Eagle. But the duty demanded less of her time, and she’d jumped at it.
She reached the open bridge deck, awash in rapidly heating sunshine, and narrowed her eyes to scan the horizon. “Figures,” she mumbled in resignation. “Just when I was seeing things clearly.”
