Thread and Dead--The Apron Shop Series by Elizabeth Penney

Author:Elizabeth Penney
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: St. Martin's Publishing Group

CHAPTER 15

“A couple more feet. Come on, come on.” Dr. Horatio Morris, Madison’s father, gestured as Ian backed his truck down the boat ramp. He put a hand up. “Halt. You’re there.”

As the tall, lean physician hurried to help Ian unload our boat, I glanced around at the chaotic scene. Onlookers and other paddlers milled about, preparing for the start of the cardboard boat race under the direction of someone using a bullhorn. The creative boat designs included a dragon, a Viking ship, a race car, and a big yellow duck.

“This is fun,” Dr. Zadie Morris said into my ear. “I’ll be rooting for you and Madison.” Although not as tall as her husband and daughter, Zadie was also trim and athletic. She wore the standard summer uniform of Capri pants, T-shirt, cotton sweater tied around her shoulders, and sandals on her feet.

“Thanks. Madison is hoping we win the grand prize.” I rolled my eyes. “Fat chance. I’ll be happy to make it across the harbor without swimming for it.” The thick life jacket was biting into my waist, so I pulled it into a better position. The wet suit wasn’t too uncomfortable, though, despite my fight to tug it on. An hour later, I had almost gotten used to wearing something resembling a rubber swimsuit from the 1920s.

“That’s it,” Madison said, directing her dad and Ian as they carried the boat to our spot in the lineup. “Put it right here.” They set the boat gently onto the cement ramp, the bow in the water. Once the race started, we’d push off and climb inside—volunteer pushers would give us a boost to send us on our way.

“Is that an apron you used for a sail?” Zadie asked, lifting her sunglasses for a better look. “The whole thing is very clever. A real catboat.” She turned to smile at Grammie, who was coming to join us.

“The design was all Madison,” I said. “And the apron is to promote the store.” We’d painted S.S. RUFFLES & BOWS across the stern (even though we were using human power, not steam). The thought of steamships made me think of Claudia again. I planned to start researching tomorrow. Right now I had to survive a boat race.

Ian came up beside me and gave me a kiss on the lips. “Good luck, babe. I’ll be waiting with a couple of cold ones after.”

“Awesome. I’m looking forward to the clambake.” Down on the rocky beach, people were already tending the seaweed-heaped underground pits holding lobsters, clams, and corn on the cob.

“You look cute, by the way,” he said, pushing back a strand of my hair. His arm was warm around my (very corseted) waist.

“Thanks.” I snickered, plucking at the skintight neoprene. “I hope I can get it off later. It’s welded to my body.”

“All right, teams,” bellowed the man with the bullhorn. “Are you ready?”

Paddles in hand, the teams gathered around their boats. Grammie and Zadie retreated to stand with other spectators while Horatio and Ian prepared to push us.

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