Page 27 of Sail Away with Me

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As soon as Galvin left Sail in the diner, he took his phone out and texted his brother.

Can’t come in today

Dune

Why not?

Told the new girl I’d show her around town

Dune

Her name is Galvin. Learn it. Use it.

Yep.

Sail absolutely knew her name, but suspected his brother might see right through him if he added Galvin’s name to his text. He couldn’t recall the last time he and Dune chatted about women. Not in a damn long time. Even now with Dune and his girlfriend Caroline, he’s not saying much. Just, “you’re going tolove her.” Sail had his reservations. He’d seen the type of women his brother hung out with.

Galvin was nothing like them.

Sail sat at the counter and pestered his cousin, Penny. Every time she walked behind the counter to do something, he asked for the most annoying things he could: more ice, new napkin, a clean fork, even though he hadn’t ordered anything.

“You’re pissing me off, Sail.”

“Good. I’m paying you back for all the hell you put me through as a child.”

“What are you talking about?” Penny leaned against the counter with a pot of coffee in her grasp.

“Like when I had to work here. You made me wash dishes.”

“You were fourteen and too young to cook.”

“I could’ve waited tables.”

Penny rolled her eyes and pushed away from the counter. Sail laughed. They had a good relationship as far as cousins went. She was the oldest of all the grandchildren and often got stuck being the babysitter to all the younger kids. It wasn’t until Sail was sixteen or seventeen when he thought Penny was cool. Mostly because she let him drink when no one was watching.

“What are you doing here anyway?” She set his breakfast, two eggs over easy, hashbrowns, sour dough toast, and apple smoked bacon, down in front of him.

“Taking Galvin on a tour.”

“Boy, don’t do anything stupid. I really like her. She’s a hard worker.”

Sail put his hands up, in stopping motion. “I won’t, Penny.”

“Do you like her?”

He nodded and then said, “Duh. I told Dune I’m not coming in today, which means he’ll likely tell Jack, which means I’ll get my ass handed to me when I get home for skipping work.”

“Uncle Jack would never raise his hand to you.”

“Metaphorically speaking. The deal I made with him is to work until he determines my debt is paid.”

Penny rested her elbows on the counter and took a piece of Sail’s bacon. “Your parents like her. A lot. Keep that in mind before your hormones kick in.”

Sail saluted her and then slapped her hand when she reached for his toast. “Make your own food.”

She scowled and went to help another customer. Sail was mid-bite when Galvin walked through the door between the diner and kitchen area. He couldn’t keep the smile off his face. He didn’t even bother to try.

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