Page 20 of Swept Up In You

“Almost there!” she called down. She grabbed her phone out carefully and took final photos of everything in detail—the condition of the lines (no fraying, thankfully), the shackles, swages and pins (just a few to replace), and the welds, especially along the spreaders (all clear, no cracks).

She made sure everything was put away and secured, double-checking nothing could fall on her descent.

“Right, lower away Larry!”

She braced herself in the harness, ready to pull through the line as Larry lowered her. With Larry being a seasoned sailor, instead of her bouncing all over the place like she had on other masts, it really wassmooth sailingall the way to the bottom.

She was still thankful to be back on solid ground as soon as her feet touched the deck.

“What’s the damage?” Larry asked as he helped her out of the harness. They went through everything that needed to be fixed or replaced, ready for her to quote as soon as she got home.

She’d need an assistant at this rate with all the work that kept piling on. At least having the jobs pop up in the same area helped. She’d have to thank Mr. Stevens for that; it was his initial service on his caravan over in the storage yard that kicked off this string of work.

That was the one downside of working for yourself. Sure you had flexibility, but sometimes you never knew where the next batch of work might be coming from month to month.

Taylor really wanted to work on making a name for herself and building up repeat business. Boats and caravans usually required yearly services at least, not including ongoing maintenance. With a small growing list of repeat customers already, she only needed a few more to reach the goal she’d set herself.

“Garner’s should have one of them in stock,” Larry said, his weathered hand pointing at the picture of the cracked shackle on the screen. “Have you been in there yet?”

“Yeah, awesome shop. I’ve only spoken with Sam so far, and she’s been a great help. I just wish I knew about it sooner with the work I do.”

“Ah yes, Sam is such a lass. Puttin’ up with all us boaties nagging her all the time, yet she always greets us with a smile.”

“She does seem very cool,” Taylor agreed.

“That’s what I’ve been telling my grandson. He oughta stop by the shop one day and ask her to go with him, or whatever you young ones call it now.”

“See each other or go out?”

He waved a hand. “Ah, whatever it is. Be nice to see her with someone other than hanging out at the shop or on that boat of hers. Michael?” he wondered, more to himself than anything.

“Manny,” she corrected, happy to change the subject and definitely not encourage Larry to set upanythingwith Sam and her love life. Not that it had anything to do with her anyway. She’s just a friend.

“Manny. That’s the one,” he said, clicking his fingers. “Manny and Carol.”

“Carol? Who’s Carol?” Taylor asked.

“Carol is Matt’s boat, err, Sam’s dad,” Larry explained. “Nowthat’sa fine vessel. Named after his missus, bless her soul.”

Oh. It seemed like sentimental boat names ran strong in the Garner family.

“That’s a beautiful name for a boat,” she replied.

“Yes, very fitting. There’s not many boats I like as much as mine,” he said, patting the mast affectionately, “but that’s one of them. If you ever get the chance, ask for a tour.”

“Will do Larry. Now, time to get to my next job and get you that pricing.”

“Yep, sure thing. Thanks again Taylor; appreciate your work getting up there today.”

“My pleasure.”

Taylor unlocked the door to the sound of puppy paws scooting down the hallway.

“Heeeeey Belle, did ya miss me?” she said, crouching low and giving Belle a good scritch before making her way into the kitchen. There was a note from Jess on the counter.

Grabbed a last minute shift, dropped off lasagne in fridge. Yeah boi!

Excellent. Eating one of her fave meals for dinner and not having to cook? Yes, please! This also meant she’d have enough time to squeeze in a quick late afternoon paddleboard. She eyed the doggie life jacket still strewn over the couch from where she’d thrown it the other day and walked into the living room.

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