Page 57 of When We Are Falling

“Dinner. Your treat. And no boxed mac n cheese. Once we eat, I’ll be responsible for dessert. There’ll be plenty of whipped cream and your naked body, and to be honest, not a lot else.”

Her cheeks go pink but she pretends like she’s not getting all hot and bothered. “I don’t want you taking over like you usually do. You let me cook. You’re to do absolutely nothing.”

“So I have to just sit there and watch you? Will you be wearing no clothes, at least?”

“Seems overly risky.”

I pretend to think long and hard. “You make a fair point. Okay, it’s a deal. You can wear clothes while you cook, but they come off for desert.”

“Sounds like a reasonable compromise. But don’t expect gourmet. I’m a simple girl with simple tastes.”

“Somehow, I doubt that,” I say, watching her intently. “You’re anything but simple.”

She rolls her eyes. “Flattery will get you nowhere.”

“Oh, I don’t know about that,” I reply, my voice dropping a notch. “I think it’s working just fine.”

She stands there for a moment, just looking at me. The playfulness fades, replaced by something deeper. Then she steps forward, leans in again, kissing me more softly, but the sensation somehow more intense.

Then, with a final smile, she turns and continues to her car, her hips swaying slightly, me staring at her like a love-sick idiot. This woman has gotten under my skin and crawled right into my heart.

As I watch her get into her car, waving at me before starting the engine, I make a decision. I know she hasn’t spoken to her moms yet, and the thought of her with all this worry about the Tavern doesn’t sit right with me.

So I’m going to step in and help.

Whistling to Bandit, then driving the short distance to the marina, we’re soon in the office. I settle behind my desk, Bandit curling up in his bed in the corner, and start planning.

Jotting down ideas, my mind racing with possibilities, I contact a few friends who are local musicians. Once they agree to come and play, I make a few calls and let some of my contacts know about a special live music night at the Tidal Tavern this Friday. The event will feature discounted drinks and a portion of the proceeds will go toward the oil spill cleanup efforts.

It’s a win-win: it’ll attract locals and tourists alike, bringing in much-needed business for Blake, and raise funds for the cause we’ve all been working so hard on. I make a few more calls, arranging for posters to be printed and distributed around town, before I print some small flyers on the laser printer in the office. Blake’s going to be so happy when I tell her what I’ve done.

My excitement builds as the plan starts to come together. I can picture Blake’s face when she sees the packed Tavern, filled with people enjoying live music and supporting her business. By the time I’m done, there are only a couple of hours before I need to meet Blake, and I hurry to finish the admin tasks for mine and Liam’s business, replying to emails and paying invoices, before whistling to Bandit.

“We’ve still got half an hour before we meet her, buddy. Let’s go chat with some people.”

Bandit wags his tail in agreement, and I gather my keys and the planner I made for Blake. This is going to be one hell of a night.

A short time later, Bandit and I are strolling down Main Street, lined with all the local businesses that give Harbor’s Edge its unique character, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the sidewalk. The air is filled with the mingling scents of fresh bread from the bakery, the salty sea breeze, and blooming flowers from the florist shop.

We make our first stop at May Chen’s secondhand bookshop, a cozy nook with a small coffee shop. She used to be a literature professor before moving to Harbor’s Edge looking for a quieterpace of life, and she flicks her jet black hair over her shoulder as I enter, looking up from where she’s arranging books on a shelf.

“Afternoon, May.”

“Ethan and Bandit! What brings such a handsome duo in today?” She gets to her feet, setting down a stack of books.

“I’ve got a plan to help get some tourists in,” I say, leaning against the counter and passing her one of the flyers I printed in the office. “I’m organizing a special live music night at the Tidal Tavern to help bring in some business and support the oil spill cleanup. Think you could help spread the word? I think the influx of people will help everyone.”

“That’s a fantastic idea! I’ll definitely promote it here. Anything to help out. How are things going with Blake? I hear you two are dating.” She gives me a knowing look.

A laugh escapes and I scratch the back of my head. “Good news sure travels fast, huh?”

She winks. “In a small town like this, it always does. Here, let me make you a coffee to go.”

While she prepares the coffee, I pet Bandit, who’s sitting patiently by my feet, tail wagging. May hands me a steaming cup a few moments later, refusing to accept any payment, and I thank her.

Next, we head to the bakery and I tie Bandit’s leash up just outside. Tom is behind the counter. “Hey, man! What can I do for you?”

I explain my plan, and Tom smiles enthusiastically. “Count me in. I’ll make some special treats for the event.”

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