Page 17 of Rip Current

Neil Has A Day in Town

Iwalkedthroughthecenter of town, holding Jax’s hand. The mid-summer jazz festival was about to kick off. Not that I was that into jazz, but spending the afternoon in town with Jax was a hell of a lot better than going to work.

We stopped walking at the main square in the center of the town. There was a small stage set up, and Mayor Garcia stood there with a bullhorn. “Hello, Cambria Bay!”

The crowd that had gathered shouted back at him.

“I’m Mayor Nelson Garcia, and I’m here to kick this festival off. Who’s ready to party?”

The crowd reacted again. I chuckled at their response. Over three-quarters of the crowd were tourists. I knew a lot of the locals and waved to a few, but then the mayor continued, “The Mid-summer Festival is a fun event, but let’s all play and drink responsibly.” He pointed out at the crowd. “Bob’s Towing is ready and available for free tows for anyone who needs one, and Cambria Taxi is giving free rides after ten. So, no excuses for getting behind the wheel.” He paused to let everyone grasp that. “Now, let’s get started. We all know Cambria Bay can be a magical place. So enjoy the festival, be safe. Taking the stage now is Derick Bronson. He’s going to announce the bands for us.”

The crowd applauded, and a skinny, nerdy-looking guy walked up beside him. This guy had a mic instead of a bullhorn. Garcia walked off the stage after shaking his hand. “Tonight’s first band is Knight’s Glory.” Three guys took the stage and set up their instruments.

Jax pressed into my shoulder. “How could you give this up?” He kissed the side of my face. “You never said how the interview went.”

I wasn’t sure. “Seemed okay. They liked me, but you’re right. I love the festivals here, and I know so many people, including Garcia. We went to school together.” It still seemed weird knowing one of my schoolmates was the mayor.

“So?”

“I’m not sure what I want out of life. Fun and maybe not constantly having to track down my employees.”

“Well, do you want a job running a resort like my dad? Something like that?”

“No, I don’t want that much responsibility. I don’t know. I like organizing and planning. I have a business degree, and worked my way up to head lifeguard because I worked as a lifeguard through college.” I squeezed his hand. “I do love the beach. The sand, the surf, the salty smell in the air.”

“Then, look for that.” Jax swung our arms back and forth, and the band started playing. People around us swayed to the music.

“Head lifeguard isn’t a move upward. It’s an extension of college.”

“Only if you make it that way.”

“I’ll figure it out.” I didn’t want to think about it. For a little while, I only wanted to have fun with Jax. “Come on. Let’s find a better spot.”

Chapter twelve

Neil Takes The Job

ItappedonEric’sdoor. “Got a minute?” I was nervous and excited. My new job offer was amazing, but I was also nervous about it.

“Come in, Neil. What’s up?”

I handed him the paper I printed out. “It’s my resignation. I have an offer I can’t pass on.”

Eric stared down at the paper for a moment before nodding. “So you’re going there?”

“Yes. I think it’s perfect.”

“Is this move about Jax?” He looked up from the paper, catching my gaze.

“Partially, but more importantly, I need to grow. It’s time to move on, and I can’t leave him behind.” I cleared my throat. “I know what he is.”

Eric’s forehead crinkled as his eyes widened. Then he sighed and relaxed. “I was wrong. I think you’re good together. I do love my son, Neil.” He paused and looked at the paper in his hands again. “You have my blessing and always my highest recommendations for what it’s worth. I don’t know how I will get by here without you.”

“I’d recommend hiring someone older to replace me. Someone who will lay down the law about attendance.”

We chuckled at that, but it was true, though not the real reason I wanted to leave.

**

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