Page 32 of Sail Away with Me

When Galvin openedher front door, Sail stood there with a bouquet. He caught her off guard, but in a good way, and she found herself smiling at him while her heart skipped a beat.

“These are for you.” He extended the flowers toward her.

“Really? I thought they were for my roommate.”

Sail leaned in but didn’t step over the threshold. “I mean, if this imaginary roommate of yours needs flowers, I’ll gladly bring a bouquet for them as well. Are they coming to the art gallery with us this evening?”

Galvin stood there, stunned. He’d picked up on her humor without missing a beat. She worked to maintain a stoic face. Sail gave her the same deadpan expression.

They stared at each other, waiting to see who would crack first.

It was Sail. The corner of his mouth lifted first and then Galvin smiled.

“I’m going to put these in some water,” she said, bringing the bouquet to her nose. She didn’t have to go far since her kitchen and door were in the same space. While she filled a large jar, Galvin eyed Sail still standing outside the door. Every so often he’d look inside. The polite thing would be to invite him in, but she didn’t want him to get the wrong impression.

She didn’t want to give herself the wrong impression either. Her thoughts and feelings were giving her whiplash. While Galvin liked Sail, she didn’t want to. Law school was her priority and making money so she didn’t have to stress during what was surely going to be a very stressful three years of school.

“These are really beautiful. Thank you.”

“My pleasure.”

Galvin set the jar on the counter, right in the middle, where she’d be able to see them from the other room as well. The bouquet of carnations, daisies, and a couple roses brightened her space and made it feel happy. She liked being happy.

“You ready?”

“Oh, yeah. Sorry. I was admiring the flowers.” And maybe stalling.

“They look nice there,” he said as he leaned in again and looked around. “It’s good to see my parents painted in here.”

Galvin grabbed her purse and jacket. “What color was it before?”

“Not necessarily a color, but floor to ceiling wood paneling. My mom had painted it all a couple of times, but after a while it would flake. I’m glad to see she got rid of the paneling is all.”

Was Sail rambling? Was he nervous?

Galvin thought maybe she was too, and she had no reason to be. They were friends. She walked toward the door, reached for the knob, but Sail beat her to it and motioned for her to walk ahead of him.

“I need to lock it.”

“Oh, yes of course.” Sail stepped aside so Galvin could lock and shut the door. She followed him down the stairs and out the gate. He set his hand on the small of her back and directed her up the street.

“We’re walking?”

“I’m not sure if you’ve noticed but Seaport lacks parking. It’s easier for us to walk. Besides, there are a couple of bars near the gallery. We can stop in for a drink after. If you’d like.”

Galvin liked that he left the rest of their night up to her.

Luckily for her aching feet, the walk wasn’t horrible. Sail held the door open for her and they stepped in. Soft music played from the speakers and people milled around, looking at the paintings displayed on the walls.

“Margaux is one of Seaport’s most popular and famous residents. At the end of the summer, she has this huge exhibition for artists?—”

“Not this year.” A woman came up to Sail and kissed him on each cheek. “Your mother told me you were home. How are you, Sail?”

“I’m doing okay,” he said. “Margaux this is Galvin Winters. She’s recently moved here from California.”

Margaux reached for Galvin’s hand and shook it. “Yes, I’ve seen you at the diner. How do you like Seaport?”

“I love it,” Galvin said. “It’s really starting to feel like home.”

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