Page 33 of Sail Away with Me

“Great to hear it,” Margaux said.

“What’s this you said about not have the exhibition?” Sail asked.

Margaux spread her arm around. “This is Eloise’s work,” she said. “I gave her the showcase.”

“Wow,” Sail said.

“Who’s Eloise?”

Sail smiled. “Eloise is Margaux’s niece. We grew up together and then she moved away because her parents divorced.”

Galvin acknowledged what Sail said and wondered if Eloise meant something more to Sail. He walked toward the artwork and then turned to Margaux.

“She’s so talented.”

“That she is.” Margaux came toward him. “This is her boyfriend, Kiel. They live in my father’s old studio on my property.”

“Eloise is here?”

Sail’s question made Galvin feel invisible even though she’d told him on more than one occasion they would only be friends. Even though Margaux mentioned a boyfriend, the excitement was still in Sail’s voice.

“She is.” Margaux beamed.

Sail turned at looked at Galvin. “I think you’d like her,” he said. “Maybe we can meet up with her and . . .” he glanced at Margaux. “What’s his name? Her boyfriend?”

“Kiel. He’s a lovely young man. Grad student.”

Galvin felt a rush of relief wash over her. She smiled at Sail and then reminded herself he could like anyone he wanted because they were friends. Galvin needed to keep that mantra running in her head.

Sail reached for her hand and linked their fingers. He started them at the first painting. They talked about each one, what they thought they meant, and Galvin pointed out the different strokes Eloise had used.

After their tour, they stood out in front of the gallery, and Galvin pulled her coat tighter. “Thank you for bringing me.”

Sail once again linked his hand with hers. “The gallery is one of our hidden gems. I’m happy we did this. Now, how about we head across the street to the Irish pub and grab a bite to eat. I’m not sure if you’re a beer drinker, but they have some Irish beers on tap.”

“I don’t really drink.”

“At all?” he asked and then added. “I’m only curious because if drinking bothers you, we can go someplace else and knowing will help me plan other excursions with you.”

Galvin gave Sail a half-shrug. “It’s not something I seek out. Like I don’t decide at four in the afternoon I need wine. But I also don’t always have wine or a cocktail at dinner. I have to be in the mood. And right now, I’m not really in the mood.”

“Me, neither. But we do need to eat, and they have soda. Come on, let’s go get rowdy with the Irish. They’re a lot of fun.” Sail winked and directed them across the street.

sail

. . .

Sail liked Galvin. He more than liked her, actually. And didn’t know what to do about his growing feelings. He sat at the table in his parents' kitchen, staring at the bowl of cereal he’d poured earlier. The oat or wheat pieces were past the point of soggy, which when mixed with the milk looked like soup. Cold soup he had no intention of eating.

The front door opened, and footsteps echoed. Sail didn’t bother looking, assuming it was his mother or his youngest brother getting ready to leave for school. Sail suspected Crew would ask him for a ride and as much as he wanted to say no, he would do it anyway. Mostly to save his mom from having to take him. Their dad was long at work, checking on every business they owned and probably holding court at one of the coffee shops in town. Jack Carter may own the most popular diner in Seaport, but that didn’t mean he didn’t patronize the other businesses.

Sail looked to his right and stared. In the doorway, a blond bombshell stood there, staring back at him. The tiny hairs on his arms and neck stood, igniting the fight response. He rose slowly, ready to protect his family at all costs. Yes, she was a woman, but that didn’t mean she didn’t have a posse of men waiting forthe all-clear outside. Crime was minimal in Seaport, but it still happened.

“Who the hell are you and what do you want?” Sail eyed her and his surroundings. He looked quickly for a weapon . . .just in case.

“You must be Sail.”

What kind of robber mentions someone’s name?

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