Page 37 of Knockin' Boats
“And look, I know not everyone is driven by a career,” he said. “You don’t have to be passionate about your job, but you should be passionate aboutsomething.Otherwise, what’s the point of living, right?”
It was on the tip of my tongue to say I was passionate about my life on the lake. About the water sports I’d always loved. The wakesurfing and boarding I used to compete in through school sports and clubs. But…it had been a long time since I’d gone out and really enjoyed myself.
Months.
And not just because it had been the off-season.
Somewhere along the way, my love for those things had taken a backseat to adulting. So, in that way, maybe Mason had a point. I’d taken the boating tour job for a reliable income to pay for the things I wanted, but somewhere along the way I’d forgotten toenjoythe fruits of my labor.
“I guess I’ve gotten stuck in a rut,” I admitted. “But I can’t just quit my job, so…”
“Well, I know,” he said. “I just want you to find something you love. If that’s work, great. If it’s something else, maybe a girlfriend…”
“No,” I said quickly as the image of Ash and that stupid kiss surfaced once more. “I’m not interested in anyone.”
“Well, I’ve got no room to judge. It’s been a while since I broke up with Dean.”
“But?” I prompted.
“I just worry about you, Saw. Ever since the family restaurant went south and everything that happened afterward, you’ve played it safe.”
“I don’t play it safe,” I argued. “I go out wakeboarding on the lake. That’s a total adrenaline rush.”
“Sure, but that’s not the kind of safe I mean.”
I sank back against my pillow with a groan. I already knew where this was going. We’d been here before. Many times.
“Sorry,” he said. “I’ll shut up. You’ve got to get to work.”
“I do,” I said. “But I’m glad you called, even if…”
“Even if I annoyed you?” he asked, sounding amused, when I trailed off.
“I guess that’s your job as the annoying older brother.”
“Hey!” He laughed. “I’m the cool older brother.”
“Sorry, man. That ship sailed alongtime ago.”
We disconnected after a few more friendly taunts about who was cooler, and I reallywashappy he’d called. I just wished he didn’t worry about me so much. I was doing just fine. I didn’t need to chase some passion across the country. I’d never liked school, so college had never been on my radar.
I didn’t want acareer.
But I’d seen the way fucking Ash looked at that food boat with stars in his eyes. I’d seen the huge smile blooming across his face, not the sarcastic one he shot me yesterday, but something real and deep.
And that? Well, maybe I could see why that would appeal to some people, even if I still thought Ash was taking a foolish risk.
The difference was, he could afford to do it. And I never could.
I got out the last of Mom’s brisket and made a sandwich. Like clockwork, there was a knock on the door.
“Come on in!” I called, already knowing it was Shua. Like a hungry hound, they always managed to sniff out when I’d made up food. I grabbed a knife to cut the sandwich in half.
“Hey, Saw!” They stepped through the door. “I thought maybe if you weren’t working today?—”
I cut them off, my eyes on the green wiggling creature in their hands. “What are you doing with that poor turtle?”
Shua’s eyes lit up. “Isn’t hecool?I found him down by the lake. I saved him from drowning.”
