Simmer by Marie Booth

Author:Marie Booth
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-9997089-3-4
Publisher: Marie Booth

10

We slipped on our leather jackets, stuffing hats and gloves in the pockets. I led Sloane to the deck where we’d get the best view. Paul was already stretched out on a lounge chair, coffee in hand.

Paul had turned the engine off as soon as we were out of the major shipping lanes. Running with sails alone was ideal, the peace the crew and I experienced with only the sound of wind and water renewed my often-sagging spirit. I’d stand alone on deck and wonder at the courage of the ancient explorers, relying only on stars to guide them, the wind and the currents to power them, their minds and hearts to steer them forward.

I tugged Sloane closer and she came willingly, sharing the pleasure and peace a California sunset could bring when all you saw was the green sea and the painted sky.

“So perfect. Thank you all for letting me board your amazing ship.” She turned to Paul. “Who’s piloting the boat, captain?”

“Drew’s a licensed pilot, but he prefers to putter around in the galley,” Paul said.

“I heard that!”

“It’s true.”

“Besides the point, love,” shouted Drew. “I do not putter. You make me sound like an ancient galley drudge.”

Sloane smiled. “If it makes you feel any better, I’m the land version of a galley drudge. Cooking and creating dishes feeds my spirit. We all need something like that to keep us sane.”

“The sea is the place where I feel free and easy,” Paul said. “I can forget the stress of my job and everything else when I’m sailing.”

“What do you do, Paul?”

“Drew and I own an antique store in the Castro District. Fortunately, we have the best employees in the world. They run the shop when Vic wants to take out Adagio.”

“So, you don’t own a boat?”

“Oh no. It’s always better to have a friend with a boat than own one of your own.” We laughed together at the old adage I’d told Sloane earlier. It was true. Maintaining Adagio throughout the year cost me more than maintaining The Zone. But the peace she brought me was worth every penny.

I patted Paul on the shoulder. “These two bums have been urging me to take a trip to Tahiti, Australia and New Zealand. It’s been one of my dreams to make that sail.”

“It sounds like heaven. I’ve never been to any of those places.”

I wanted to ask her if she’d go with me, but that was me being impulsive again. I had to play it cool. Stick to my plan. Nudge Sloane into my arms, then convince her she didn’t want to be anywhere else.

“Paul and Drew’s store is amazing. High end and unique.”

“I’ll have to stop by.”

“Remind me to give you our card,” Paul said.

“We’ll make a reservation at Bel Cielo this week. There’s still time, right?” Drew shouted down.

“Yes. And I have faith in Vic. He’ll find a way to keep us open.” Sloane sighed against me.

I tried hard not to tense up as she snuggled closer. Right now, it didn’t look good.

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