South of Heaven

by Ali Spooner

  †

  “Come on, I’ll give you a tour of the upstairs and you can unpack. After that you can join us for a cold drink.” Kendra led her to the guest room.

  “I’ll be down in just a few then. Thanks for everything.”

  “You’re welcome,” Kendra replied and walked downstairs.

  Kevin was puttering around the kitchen adding ingredients to his spaghetti sauce. “So what do you think?” he asked when she walked into the kitchen alone.

  “She seems nice enough and is confident she will work her way onto the boat next week. With her experience, I doubt she will have any problems. I just hope she doesn’t let her personal drama affect her work.”

  “Did she share her story with you?”

  “Yeah she did. Sounds like the woman really screwed her over.”

  “I think you’ll be a good influence on her,” he added.

  “Do ya now?”

  “Yes, I do. You’re in a position of authority, a hard worker, and a fair boss. You know what kind of worker a woman can be, where most captains wouldn’t consider giving her a chance.”

  “That’s true. She doesn’t seem to shy away from work, so hopefully things will work out. Do you need any help with dinner?”

  “Nope, I’ve got the sauce on simmering and was just about to crack open a couple of cold beers.”

  “I’m going to take a shower and freshen up then. Lindsey will be down once she gets settled into her room.”

  †

  Kendra stripped out of her clothes and walked into the bathroom to start the shower. She had managed to get everything done that morning that she had planned and would have Sunday to rest for the coming week. Maybe she would even see if her dad wanted to go fishing.

  The water pelted off her skin as she leaned under the flow, relaxing her muscles. It had been a long, but productive week. The season had been a busy one so far and, if they had a good red season, she was thinking about giving the crew a couple of months off. They normally took December off and she could give them January as well before going full strength again in February. That would allow Heaven Sent to go into dry dock for a fresh coat of paint and general maintenance before opening for the next season. Maybe, just maybe, she and her dad could take an overdue vacation. She smiled at that thought. Her dad had barely left Perdido in the last five years. Still, she could hope.

  †

  Lindsey heard the water running in the shower and a smile broke out on her face. “Stop it,” she spoke to herself as she visualized Kendra in the shower. I really can’t screw this up. She hung up the last pair of jeans and left the room. Maybe some distance would help take her mind off the wet, naked body of the woman who would be her boss for the next few months. Yeah some distance, and a few of those cold beers Kendra had promised her.

  She headed down the stairs and went outside to where Kevin was.

  “Make yourself at home and grab a cold beer from the fridge,” Kevin offered when she emerged on the back porch.

  “Thanks, can I bring you a fresh one?”

  He raised the bottle and turned to her. “Sure, why not,” he grinned.

  When she returned with the beers, she handed him a new one.

  “Thanks. Did you call your dad to let him know you arrived safely?”

  “Not yet. I’ll call him later. I sort of promised him I’d get a hotel last night and drive in later today. If I call now, he’ll be suspicious.”

  “You drove all night to get here?”

  “Yeah, the traffic was light and the weather was great.” Lindsey smiled at him.

  “I can’t get over how much you look like Paul. You even have your dad’s lopsided grin.”

  “I’m sure he would say the same if he saw you and Captain Drake together.”

  “I reckon we’re two peas in a pod, too. How is your dad?”

  “He’s doing well. In spite of last year’s storms, we had a good season.”

  “You had more than your fair share of storms last year. I hope we all get a break this year.”

  “Me too. I finally convinced him to let me ride out the last tropical storm with him on the boat. It was good experience, but nothing I’m in a hurry to do again.”

  “They’re never fun, but it’s safer to have the boats in open water.”

  “That’s what Dad thinks too. He’s seen too many vessels crushed against the piers or washed up on jetties.”

  “I’d take my chances on open water anytime.” Kevin took a long drink.

  †

  Kendra dressed and stopped at the fridge to grab a beer before heading out to the porch to join her dad and Lindsey. She closed the door and a photograph caught her eye. She smiled at the image of her with her dad on the beach last summer. They had done some surf fishing and he had landed a large trout. She had asked someone to take the picture with her smart phone, and had the photograph printed, and he placed it on the refrigerator. The smile he wore was one of the most cherished memories of that day.

  Lindsey was laughing when Kendra stepped out the door leading to the porch. The sound of her laughter was rich and much deeper than Kendra expected from the petite woman.

  “Is Dad entertaining you with his humor?”

  Lindsey wiped a tear from her eye. “He was just telling me about some of the antics he and my dad had shared when they were in Vietnam.”

  “I can only imagine what they got into together.” Kendra slipped into her favorite rocking chair.

  “We were scared as hell most of the time, but we found ways to keep our minds off the fighting, when we weren’t knee deep in some river or belly-crawling through the jungle.”

  “I can’t imagine what it was like being in the war. Dad doesn’t talk about it much.”

  Kendra watched a change come over her father’s face. The smile from his laughter faded and the wrinkles formed a scowl. She figured his thoughts had drifted back to the jungle.

  “We saw a lot of bad shit go down, and most of it we try our damnedest to forget. Even the darkness didn’t bring much respite from the constant fear of sniper fire or ambushes. Many of us drowned our thoughts in drugs or alcohol, but it was only temporary relief.” She watched as he shook his head, and returned the memory to the back of his mind. “That was long ago in a land far away from here.”

  Lindsey seemed to sense he needed a diversion. “Your dad told me you might show me around town in the morning.”

  “That will take about thirty minutes,” Kendra joked. “We can take a quick spin and then I thought maybe we could take the boat out for some fishing, if Dad’s up for it. What do you say old man? Ten dollars for the biggest fish?”

  “Make it twenty and you have a deal,” he challenged, the bright smile returning to his face. He turned to Lindsey and asked, “You in?”

  “You bet I am. I have to warn you though, fish fear me,” she declared, her face deadpan serious.

  “Oh you two are so going to owe me money tomorrow,” Kendra promised.

  “We’ll see about that.” Kevin chuckled. “I’m going to finish up dinner while you two figure out how you’re going to pay up tomorrow.” He grinned and walked inside the house.

  “I love how the two of you interact,” Lindsey commented. “Has it always been the two of you?”

  “Pretty much. Mother walked out on us when I was twelve.”

  “That had to be hard on you.”

  “It was hard on both of us at first, but then we grew even closer, and with time we realized life would go on and we’d make each other happy.”

  “We lost mom two years ago to a massive stroke.”

  Kendra watched the pain fill Lindsey’s face.

  “I’m sorry for your loss.”

  “It hurt at first, but eventually the pain began to fade. We worked harder and longer hours, so by the time we got home, we were too exhausted to think about anything but food, a hot shower, and a comfortable bed.”

  A comfortable silence fell between them. The soft creaking of the cane bo
ttom rocking chair filled the silence, relaxing Kendra until she felt her eyes grow heavy. “I’m going inside to check on Dad. Do you want another beer?”

  “Thanks, but I’m good for now. I’m going to call Dad to let him know I arrived okay.”

  “I’ll give you a few minutes of privacy then.” Kendra nodded and went into the house. As she opened the door, she turned and watched as Lindsey pulled out her cell phone and stepped out into the yard, walking toward an old twisted oak.

  “How’s it coming in here?” Kendra asked when she stepped into the kitchen.

  “The sauce is mighty tasty and I just put the bread in the oven. As soon as the noodles are ready, we can eat. I’ve got a cold salad in the fridge,”

  “Do you want me to go ahead and set the table?”

  “I’m a step ahead of you.” He grinned nodding toward the table.

  “That’s nothing new.” She walked to the sink and poured the last bit of warm beer down the drain. She looked out the window and saw Lindsey walking across the yard as she spoke to her dad. Kendra smiled as she watched Lindsey pace back and forth.

  Kevin looked at his daughter when she stopped talking and glanced out the window to see what she was watching. He could feel the chemistry building between the two, even if they were still unaware of the growing attraction. Some fathers would be disturbed about their daughters being a lesbian, but he had always known that Kendra was different and would never be satisfied with a man. He was disappointed she would never be a mother, and he a grandfather, but his brother had several sons and grandsons to carry on the family name. All he wanted was to see her happy.

  “You two seem to be hitting it off well.”

  Kendra jumped at the sound of his voice. She had been watching Lindsey more intently than she realized. When he spoke, his voice startled her. She battled to keep the flush from rising to her cheeks.

  “She seems eager to learn and doesn’t appear to shy away from work. I tried to send her up here earlier for a nap when I found she had driven all night, but she insisted on helping clean the boat.” Kendra felt a smile forming on her lips as her thoughts returned to the T-shirt creeping up Lindsey’s stomach as she stretched to wash the top of the windows.

  “I would think it’d be nice for you to have another woman on the boat.”

  “I have to agree with you there. The men are great, but when it comes to cooking and cleaning, they sometimes fall short. Lindsey says she loves to cook, so that in itself will be a great help.”

  The timer on the oven sounded, and when Kevin turned to retrieve the garlic bread, Kendra glanced back out the kitchen window to find Lindsey walking toward the house. Even though she was slightly shorter than Kendra, the confident way Lindsey walked was really attractive. I could definitely get used to watching her move. Kendra watched closely as Lindsey stepped onto the back porch.

  “Will you bring the salad from the fridge?” Kevin asked.

  Kendra was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t acknowledge that she had heard him speak.

  “Earth to Kendra.”

  “I’m sorry, Dad, did you say something?” Kendra was unable to hide her blush at being caught gawking at Lindsey, especially with the knowing smile her dad sported.

  “Yes, darling. I asked if you’d bring the salad to the table.”

  “Sure thing, Dad.” She rushed over to the fridge.

  “Man, it sure smells good in here,” Lindsey announced when she walked in.

  Kevin beamed at her. “Come take a seat and we’ll eat in just a few. What can I get you to drink? There’s more beer, or if you’d like, I have a pitcher of sweet tea.”

  “Tea sounds great.”

  “You want some too, Dad?” Kendra asked.

  “Please.”

  Kendra filled three glasses with iced tea and carried them to the table. “This looks great, Dad.”

  “Just a simple meal,” he answered.

  “Those are usually the best.” Lindsey reached for the honey mustard dressing at the same time as Kendra.

  When their hands met, Kendra smiled. “Go ahead, just save me some.”

  “Aye, aye, Captain.

  Kendra took a piece of garlic bread and handed the plate to her dad.

  “How’s the fishing going for your dad?” he asked.

  “He’s been raking in the whites and rock shrimp. The water warmed quicker than usual this year.”

  “That’s not a good sign,” Kevin warned.

  “Especially with hurricane season just a few weeks away,” Lindsey agreed.

  “Hopefully we’ll be blessed with decent weather for the summer,” Kendra said. “I’d love to get a full season of reds in.”

  “We can only hope, and pray,” Kevin said.

  Kendra cleaned the kitchen while her dad and Lindsey drank coffee at the table.

  “Do you ladies have plans for the evening?” he asked.

  “Not really, Dad. What did you have in mind?”

  “I bought some fresh turkey necks at the market this morning. Those blue crabs you brought home last night were good, so I thought I’d go down to the docks and catch another batch to accompany the huge fish I’m going to reel in tomorrow.”

  “You’re sounding pretty confident,” Kendra said.

  “I’ve no doubt that between the three of us tomorrow we’ll catch a nice fish or two for dinner.”

  Kendra looked at Lindsey. “Are you exhausted yet?”

  “Nope, I’m good. I haven’t been crabbing in ages.”

  Kendra grinned at her dad. “It looks like we’re going crabbing with you then. I’ll do the netting, and you two can bring them up to the dock.”

  “Deal, I’ll grab the lines and net, if you two will bring those buckets from the back porch and the turkey necks from the fridge.”

  “Let’s do this. I’ll get the buckets and meet y’all out front.” Lindsey got up to leave.

  †

  The sun was well on its way to the horizon when the group met in the front yard. Kevin had a smile plastered across his face from ear to ear. Kendra loved seeing him so happy and her worries about his being bored with retirement were fading away.

  Kendra slipped a flashlight into her back pocket and wrapped an arm around his shoulders as they walked down to the docks. Moored at the dock, Heaven Sent sat high in the water as soft waves lapped up against her hull in a relaxing rhythm.

  Kendra extended the telescoping handle on the net and peered over the edge of the dock. She could see several large crabs scavenging around the pier posts. Deciding to get a jump on the harvest while her dad and Lindsey were preparing their lines, she knelt on the weathered wood and eased her net into the calm water. As she positioned the net behind a large crab she held her breath and then quickly scooped him into the net.

  “Got ya.” She lifted the net from the water. “I’m one up on y’all already,” she called out as she lowered the net into a five-gallon bucket and shook the crab free from the webbing.

  Kevin laughed. “She thinks she’s gonna outdo us, but we have the ammunition,” he grinned as he spoke. “Let’s show her how it’s done while she scoops up what she can around the posts.”

  “Bring ’em on,” Kendra crowed, dipping her net into the water as she went for a second crab.

  “Better get that net ready, Kendra.” Kevin grinned and swung a turkey neck, sending it sailing across the water. He overturned a bucket, sat, and waited.

  Lindsey moved a few feet away from him and mimicked his movements. The scent of the turkey necks would spread quickly through the warm water, and the crabs could not resist the lure of an easy meal.

  Kendra netted two more crabs while she waited for crabs to approach the turkey necks. The light was quickly fading, but the darkness wouldn’t stop them. The crabs would tug at their lines as they pinched tiny bits of flesh from the bait. When they felt the first tug, her dad and Lindsey would begin retracting their lines, drawing the crab toward the pier. She lowered her net into the water, and w
aited patiently for them to lure the crabs into her net. Kendra glanced down the pier at Lindsey who was concentrating intensely on her line. Her facial expressions led Kendra to believe she had a nibbler.

  She watched as Lindsey slowly retracted her line. The lights from the pier illuminated the sandy bottom about ten feet out from the pier. Lindsey turned toward her when the crab came into view to make sure Kendra was ready with the net. Kendra walked next to her and extended the net in the direction of the crab. “Bring him on in,” she whispered.

  Kevin watched the two women as they worked together. Kendra was slightly taller, but Lindsey was just as lean and muscled as his daughter from hard days of working on a shrimp boat for most of her life. Both women were staring intently into the water as they followed the rapid approach of the hungry crab. He watched as Kendra scooped the crab in the net with a cry of excitement, and then he turned back to the tugging he felt on his line.

  Kevin followed her movement as Kendra emptied the crab into the bucket while Lindsey cast out again. He returned his eyes to the line he was slowly bringing in.

  “You got one on the way, Dad?” Kendra asked.

  “Yep, so come on down so you can scoop him up.”

  Kendra lowered the net into the water as she walked toward her dad. They had caught crabs together ever since she could remember. Sure, it was easier when they were caught in the shrimp nets, but it was so much more fun and sporting to catch them together. She couldn’t count the nights they had spent together, sitting side by side, as one would tease the crab close and the other would scoop them into a net. Some of their most important discussions had been made while they crabbed for dinner, the last being Kevin’s decision to retire. He had been dropping hints for several months, but her heart still raced in her chest when he slipped an arm around her shoulders.