South of Heaven

by Ali Spooner

  “Not a problem. I like to cook, and Dad says I find too much trouble to get into if I don’t stay busy.”

  “That sounds like something he would say. So how are things going on the boat? Is the crew treating you fairly?”

  “Oh yes, sir, they have been great to me. They are a lot of fun to work with, and Harvey has taught me so much already about running a crew.”

  “He’s a good man and a great friend. We’ve worked together forever it seems. I think Kendra sees him as a second Dad.”

  Lindsey dropped a basket of fries into the bubbling oil. “I can tell she has great respect for his opinion.”

  “There’s very little on a boat he hasn’t seen or done.” He dipped out the golden crisp shrimp. “You and Kendra seem to be getting along well.”

  Lindsey could feel a blush creep up her neck to her face, and she averted her eyes.

  “Did I say something wrong?” he asked sounding confused.

  “No, sir, I think your statement just caught me off guard.” She lifted her face and looked him in the eyes. “Kendra is an amazing captain. I hope one day I can be half as good.”

  “I have no doubt you can be just as amazing. You work hard and seem to enjoy being out on a boat.”

  “I don’t know what else I’d rather be doing.”

  Kevin’s chuckle made her cock her head at him.

  “My daughter told me the same thing when she graduated from high school. She could have attended college anywhere she wanted to go, but instead, she chose to hang with her old man and prepare to take over the business.”

  “So you think there’s hope for me?”

  “Without a doubt,” he smiled.

  Chapter Six

  The next three days were just as successful as the beginning of the week, and when they finished unloading their haul on Thursday, the crew cheered when Kendra told them to enjoy a long weekend.

  Friday morning, the work on installing the new equipment began, and Kendra found herself pacing as the men worked on board. She busied herself stocking the groceries with Lindsey’s help, but she couldn’t keep from walking out to check on the progress of the install.

  Kevin arrived around eleven. “Is Lindsey here?” he asked as he approached her.

  “Yes, she’s finishing up the pantry,” Kendra answered without taking her eyes off the workers. “Why? Do you need something, Dad?”

  “Yes, ma’am, I do. I’m here to take the prettiest two women I know to lunch.”

  “I can’t leave now, Dad. The men have barely begun the install.”

  “And your constant vigilance is only going to make them nervous and slow them down, so we’re going to lunch.”

  Kendra finally turned to look at him. “Okay, Dad, I get your point. Let me go get Lindsey.”

  “I’ll tell the men to call if they need you, okay?”

  “Thanks,” she replied, and went to collect Lindsey.

  They nearly collided as Lindsey was leaving the galley when Kendra entered.

  “Oh, hey, I was just coming to tell you I finished stocking the supplies. Is there anything else I can do?”

  “As a matter of fact, yes. Dad has decided he’s taking us to lunch.”

  “Lunch is always good,” Lindsey replied.

  “He thinks I’m slowing down the work with my constant vigilance.”

  “He’s probably right, so let’s get out of their hair and let them do their job.”

  “It’s two against one, so I reckon I don’t have much choice.”

  “That’s right, Captain, so let’s go.” Lindsey grinned.

  †

  After a leisurely lunch, it was obvious to Lindsey that Kendra was eager to get back to the boat to check on the progress.

  Kevin looked at Lindsey and shrugged.

  She smiled back at him, gave him a slight nod and turned to Kendra. “I have an idea. Will you take a spin down the coast with me to show me around?”

  “A spin,” Kendra asked.

  “Yeah on my bike. It’s such a lovely day for a ride.”

  Kevin smiled and nodded.

  “Unless you’re scared to ride with me,” Lindsey challenged.

  “I’m not scared, but there’s so much work going on at the boat.”

  “Work that will be completed as scheduled tomorrow if you’ll let them do their work,” Kevin reminded her. “I’ll be at home if they need anything.”

  Lindsey watched as Kendra looked first at her, then at the smile on her dad’s face. “I don’t really have much of a choice, do I?”

  “Nope,” they replied in unison.

  “Okay, but I want to be back in time to check on the workers before they leave for the day.”

  “Deal,” Lindsey replied.

  As they walked back toward the boat from the diner, Kendra started to enter the boardwalk to the boat.

  “Oh no you don’t,” Kevin said. He hooked his arm through his daughter’s.

  “Just thought I’d try, Dad.” She chuckled.

  “Do you want to change into a pair of jeans before we go?” Lindsey asked.

  “That’s probably a good idea.” Kendra began walking up the street to the house.

  †

  “I’ll get the bike ready and wait for you out front,” Lindsey said, heading off toward the garage.

  Kendra began to enter the house and Kevin held the door for her. “After you, ma’am.”

  With a smirk on her face, Kendra replied, “Thanks, Dad. What are you going to do while we’re away?”

  “I’m going to take a nap.” He grinned. “When y’all get back, I’m thinking we’ll make this a beer and pizza night.”

  “It has been awhile since we’ve done that,” Kendra said as she started for the stairs. “Enjoy your nap and I’ll order the pizza when we get back.”

  “Have a good ride and be careful,” he cautioned.

  “Will do. See you soon, Dad.”

  Kendra watched her dad walk down the hall to his room, and then took the steps two at a time. She slipped into a worn pair of jeans and a light T-shirt before sliding her feet into her favorite boots. Her dad and Lindsey were right. The crew of workers making the install would do much better without her constantly looking over their shoulders. Getting her out of the way was probably the best thing they could hope for, so she might as well relax and enjoy the afternoon with Lindsey.

  She picked up a pair of sunglasses on her way out the front door and smiled when she found Lindsey waiting for her.

  “All set?” Lindsey asked, holding her hand out to Kendra to help her mount the bike.

  “Yeah, thanks. So where do you want to ride?”

  “Why don’t we head west on 98. I’ve only been to the edge of town that way.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” Kendra fastened the chinstrap of the helmet Lindsey handed her.

  “Hold on tight.” The motor roared to life and Lindsey eased the bike down the drive.

  Kendra looked up to see her dad looking out the window, and thought she saw his smile growing as he watched them.

  Kendra’s hands rested on Lindsey’s hips as the bike started down the drive. Kendra’s smile grew as her hands circled Lindsey’s waist while the bike raced down the street. Her body, sliding on the smooth leather seat, had her snuggled into Lindsey’s back. It was a comfortable position. She was afraid to wiggle around on the back of the bike while it was moving, so she relaxed into Lindsey’s body and enjoyed the ride.

  †

  The reflection of the sun glimmered across the water’s surface as they rode parallel to the Gulf. It had blossomed into a beautiful day, and the bike cut through a cool, coastal breeze as they crossed into Alabama, and chased the sun as they rode west.

  Traffic had come to a halt at one of the many drawbridges along the route, while the bridge rose to allow a ship to pass through on its way to the Gulf. Lindsey killed the motor and relaxed into the seat. She could feel the warmth of Kendra’s body pressed into her back and her skin buzzed with exci
tement.

  Her eyes scanned the water, watching the brown pelicans as they bobbed in the water, their eyes following the movement of the ship. Seagulls trailed the boat, their cries filling the air as they begged for handouts from the crew. She watched as the flock hovered over a pair of deckhands who were tossing scraps from their lunches to the diving birds. Angry cries echoed as the birds competed for the meager scraps of food.

  Lindsey caught Kendra’s eyes as she too watched the birds. “Isn’t it odd? They will fight each other over scraps of food when all they have to do is to fly over the Gulf to hunt for all the fish they can stuff into their bellies?”

  “They’ve been spoiled by human food for far too long,” Kendra, commented. “Amazing what antics they will pull off for Fritos.”

  “I don’t know, offer me a Twinkie and see what I’ll do.” Lindsey smirked.

  “I’ll have to stock up on Twinkies then.”

  Lindsey watched the heat rise to Kendra’s cheeks. She’s so adorable when she blushes. I think it was her turn to have an ‘oh shit’ moment. Should I let that one pass, or make a remark?

  The blaring of a car horn broke Lindsey’s concentration as an angry driver yelled out obscenities. “I guess he’s getting overheated.”

  “The boat is almost through so we’ll be moving again soon.”

  “Not soon enough for some of us.” She grinned, nodding at the angry driver.

  “He’s got no choice but to wait it out with the rest of us.”

  They watched the mast of the ship pass through the opening, and when clear, the bridge began to lower.

  Lindsey started the bike and eased forward as the traffic began to move.

  The breeze was a welcome relief after sitting still on the bridge. Kendra was nestled into her back as they rode, her chin nearly resting on Lindsey’s shoulder, and her hands were comfortably holding onto her hips.

  “Take a left at the fork,” Kendra instructed.

  Lindsey followed the signs to Dauphin Island and pulled into an empty parking area.

  “It’s hard to believe this place isn’t filled up with sunbathers with this beautiful weather.”

  “It’s Friday. By tomorrow it will have wall-to-wall sunbathers. Until then, the beach is all ours.” Kendra climbed off the bike. She pulled off the helmet and shook her hair free.

  Lindsey removed hers and stepped off the bike, positioning the it on the seat and reaching for Kendra’s.

  “You up for a walk?” Kendra asked as she handed Lindsey the helmet.

  “You bet I am.” Lindsey laid it on the seat.

  †

  They walked side by side down the beach until they reached a secluded point where a large piece of driftwood made a perfect bench. They sat and gazed across the emerald water.

  “This view is spectacular,” Lindsey remarked. The breeze blew through her blond hair and she reached to move a rogue lock from her eyes.

  “Thanks,” Kendra told her as they sat perched on the driftwood. Their thighs touched as they sat close. The warmth from Lindsey leeched through the worn denim to curl around Kendra’s heart. What a perfect way to spend an afternoon off.

  Lindsey cocked her head. “For what?”

  “For giving me such a pleasant distraction this afternoon.”

  A grin crept across Lindsey’s face. “My pleasure, ma’am. Besides, your dad and I were worried you were going to wear out the deck with all your pacing.”

  “I’m sure the workers appreciate not having me looking over their shoulders all afternoon.”

  “I don’t think anyone can blame you for being excited. You’re about to begin a new adventure with your business.”

  “I can’t believe it’s only a few days away. I still feel like I’m dreaming.”

  Lindsey reached over and pinched her arm.

  “Ouch! Okay, so I’m not dreaming this.”

  “No, Captain, it’s very real. You’re about to be hip deep in royal reds.”

  “I certainly hope you’re right about that.”

  “Of course I am. Trust me.”

  “I do.” Kendra waved her blowing hair out of her face.

  They made small talk as they gazed across the emerald-green water until the sun started to sink toward the horizon.

  “I think we should start back toward home,” Kendra said, with a tinge of regret.

  “Thanks for sharing this spot with me.”

  “You’re welcome. It’s a nice getaway and not far from home.”

  “Let’s ride.”

  †

  Lindsey wove the bike through traffic like an expert and they made it to Perdido in record time. She rolled up to the harbor and parked the bike, just as the sun was sinking to the horizon. “I thought you’d want a quick peek.” She grinned as she killed the motor.

  “Thanks.”

  Lindsey followed Kendra on board and was impressed by the amount of work the installers had done.

  “I guess they do work faster if I’m not here.” Kendra chuckled. “At this rate, they’ll easily be finished by tomorrow.”

  “Do you think you can sleep tonight now?” Lindsey asked.

  “Yeah, I’m pretty sure I can. I think I’ll go ahead and order our supper. It’s pizza and beer night. What do you like on your pizza?”

  “Just about anything except anchovies.”

  “Good, we have a consensus on that.” Kendra pulled out her cell, ordered two pizzas, and then looked back at Lindsey. “That’s set. You ready to go home?”

  “I’m ready for a cold beer.”

  “That does sound good. Let’s go.” With one last look at the completed work, Kendra followed Lindsey back to the bike.

  †

  “I was hoping you two would show up soon,” Kevin greeted them as they walked toward the back porch. “I’m starving.”

  “The pizza is on the way, Dad. Are you ready for a cold beer?”

  “I thought you’d never ask.” He grinned.

  “Sit tight, Captain, and I’ll get them.” Lindsey walked into the house.

  “Did you have a good ride?”

  “Yeah we did, and it looks like the guys got a lot done today.”

  “Tom says they should be finished by mid-afternoon if all goes as planned,” Kevin replied.

  “That’s good. I want to take some clothes down Sunday and go top off the tanks and reservoirs.”

  “You’ll have all day to do that. You could even sleep in a bit if you wanted.”

  “I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to sleep in again.”

  Lindsey stepped back outside carrying three beers. “Here we go.” She passed each of them a bottle.

  They knocked out most of the pizza and a twelve pack of beer before retiring for the evening. When they paused at the stairway, Kevin grinned. “You two want to help me with the crabs in the morning.”

  “Love to,” Lindsey answered.

  “Goodnight, ladies,” he told them as they climbed the stairs.

  “See you in the morning, Captain.”

  “Sleep well,” Kendra replied, with a smile growing on her face.

  †

  The weekend passed in a blur of activity, and when Kendra climbed the stairs for bed Sunday night, her stomach was churning with a case of rabid butterflies. She was worried she wouldn’t be able to sleep, but after a hot shower, her body relaxed and sleep came easily. She dreamed of sailing deep into the emerald-green water, chasing the sun that raced across the sky.

  Chapter Seven

  Kevin had a full breakfast cooked when Kendra entered the kitchen. She started to protest, but her dad had put in a great deal of effort to send them off with full stomachs, so she said nothing.

  “This looks and smells fantastic, Dad.”

  “You’re going to have a long, busy day ahead, so you need to start it off right.”

  “Something smells heavenly.” Lindsey walked into the room rubbing her hands together.

  “Fill your plates and I’ll bring juice and coffe
e.”

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  Once breakfast was done, Kendra got up from the table. “Time to go.”

  Kevin walked them to the door. “Good luck and call me tonight,” Kevin requested.

  “I will. Thanks again for a great breakfast.”

  “My pleasure, see you this weekend.”

  “Or sooner if all goes well,” Lindsey chimed in.

  “That would be fine, too.”

  †

  Kendra tossed a small bag over her shoulder as they walked to the harbor. The horizon filled with golden sunlight as they stepped on board. Harvey had already made coffee and was passing out mugs to the rest of the crew.

  “Good morning, guys,” she called out. “Charlie, will you and Lindsey bring in our mooring lines? We’ve got a long ride ahead of us.”

  “We’re on it, Captain.” Charlie grinned as he punched Lindsey in the shoulder.

  Kendra took a mug of coffee and headed to the wheelhouse to start the engine. She watched the crew secure the lines. “Let’s do this,” she spoke to the empty room before shifting into reverse to back out of the slip.

  It would take most of the day to reach the deep waters where the reds lived. Harvey stepped inside the wheelhouse once they cleared the harbor.

  “What would you have us do this morning, Captain?”

  “Give the crew a run down on the new equipment and they can relax until lunch. After they eat, I’d like them to go ahead and prepare the new nets. I’m hoping we’ll arrive in enough time to make a run late this afternoon.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” he answered, wearing a huge grin.

  Kendra settled in on her comfortable seat and watched as the boat passed the local fleets that were heading out for their morning runs for browns and pinks. Her radio rang with a chorus of well wishes. Captains she had fished with for her entire life wished her well on her hunt for reds. She was on her way to accomplishing a long-term dream, and nothing was going to stop her. Her heart, filled to bursting with the joy she was feeling.