Page 49 of Secrets in Calusa Cove

Baily laughed. “She’s changed. She’s one of my better friends in this town. Actually, one of my only friends.”

Audra stood and followed Baily toward one of the slips where the bigger cruisers were docked. “Next thing you’re going to tell me is Lilly is your friend, too.”

“She is.” Baily nodded. “Both girls have changed. While Trinity is still a rich bitch who doesn’t have to lift a finger if she doesn’t want to, she’s not a mean girl. And Lilly, well, ever since she hooked up with Hondo when he came home to take care of his dad, she’s been a completely different person. She’s a great mom, too, even if her kids are little pistols.”

“They might be the only things that have changed in this town.” Audra stepped out on the dock. “So, let’s circle back to Fletcher.”

“Long story short, it’s all part of his plan to win me back. Or, at the very least, for me to forgive him,” Baily said. “We weren’t speaking much, but when Ken died, things just got worse. Not because I blame him for what happened, but because he and the team blame themselves.”

“Do you know what happened?” Audra asked. “Dawson has like a billion scars on his body. He looks like he’s been burned, tortured, shot, and spit through a woodchuck.”

“So, the rumors about you and him are true.”

“Not commenting.”

“You don’t have to. Not with that grin.” Baily winked. “As next of kin, I was given the official story from the Navy. Unfortunately for me, Fletcher showed up here, bawling like a baby, and gave me a few details I wish I didn’t know.”

“And that’s why you blame him?”

“Logically, I know that what happened to Ken could’ve happened to anyone on that team. They were SEALs, and SEALs die in combat,” Baily said. “The blame aspect isn’t so much about what happened on the mission. It followed years of arguments. You and I both know that Ken and I weren’t as close as this town would like to remember. We had our problems, especially about what to do with the marina if and when our dad died, and dad was drinking himself into an early grave faster than Superman. Because of that, Ken always wanted out of Calusa Cove and thought I should leave, too.” Baily shrugged. “This was home for me, and having my brother and boyfriend take off fucked with my head.”

“You knew Fletcher was never going to stay. There was nothing left for him in this town—not when his mom left, and his dad’s business folded.” Audra lowered her chin.

“He had me. The Navy wasn’t supposed to be a career but an education. When I saw that wasn’t going to happen, or that he wasn’t going to come home, I couldn’t do it anymore. I wouldn’t hold on to a man who loved the Navy more than he loved me.”

“I get it. I do.” Audra nodded. “But what does this have to do with calling him Fletcher?”

“When he and the boys moved back and made it clear they were going to make this their home, that they were going to help me save this marina since I was on the brink of having to shut it down, it made me nuts. Fletcher was the last person I wanted to be indebted to, but he’s relentless. He’s always coming around, wanting to make things right—to do what Ken never would. And Fletcher wants a second chance. I told him I’d consider going out on a date with him when he grew the fuck up. He thought going by his given name was a good start, and he acts all serious around me. It’s weird.”

Princess Afloatturned and backed into the slip.

Baily caught the bowline and Audra the stern. They tied the pretty cabin cruiser to the dock in silence.

Trinity hopped off the boat with her pretty heels dangling from her fingertips. “Good evening, ladies,” she said. “What’s the good gossip? Besides Audra and the sexy chief.”

“Do you want to get shoved in the water?” Audra took a step forward. “Because I don’t mind a repeat of the second grade.”

Trinity tilted her head, lowered her chin, and smiled. “Just so you know, and everyone will back me up, I’ve told all those chattering about it to shut up, it’s not their business, and that they have no idea what they’re talking about.”

“Then why bring it up?” Audra narrowed her eyes. “You shoved it in my face like you’re enjoying it.”

“You still have a chip on your shoulder.” Trinity sighed, shaking her head. “I was getting coffee this morning with my friend Mallary. I saw you and Dawson. I’m certainly not judging. Lord knows that man is wound tight in a weird, sarcastic kind of way.” Trinity looped her arm around Audra. “Anyone up for a drink tonight?”

“Can’t,” Baily said. “But we’re doing something tomorrow night. You should join.”

Audra glanced over her shoulder and glared. She wanted to spend time with Baily—alone. Having Trinity tag along was like forcing her to enter the Miss Everglades Pageant.

“I’ll be there. Text me the deets. Maybe we should invite the boys. You know…Audra’s new man, Fletcher… And now that I’m single again, perhaps I should give Keaton Cole a little second glance.” Trinity gave Audra a good hip check before sitting on the bench at the end of the dock. “Ifwe can get through a conversation without yelling at each other.”

“Is he still giving you shit about searching for Jared’s boat?” Baily laughed.

“He believes I’m being reckless.” Trinity rolled her eyes. Not much had changed, except she was nicer. Kinder. Maybe a little softer. “I won’t be taking out the boat tomorrow. She’s getting cleaned.”

“Good to know.” Baily nodded.

Audra glanced toward the parking lot. She couldn’t see Dawson anywhere. That wasn’t a good sign. He would have her hide for disappearing. Now, that was an odd sensation. Being concerned about others wasn’t her strong suit. “I better get going.”

“I’m looking forward to girls’ night tomorrow.” Trinity waved.

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