South of Heaven (7 page)
Harvey broke into a laugh. “You’re right, Charlie, Lindsey looks much better in a wet T-shirt than you.”
The good-natured Charlie grinned at her. “I reckon I did deserve that soaking, but you better watch out when it’s my turn to rinse off the deck,” he warned.
“What was that? You want more?” she teased back, and threatened him with the squelched hose.
“Truce,” he cried out, and raised his hands in surrender.
Kendra watched the exchange through the window of the wheelhouse and couldn’t help but smile at the playful fun her crew was having. She prayed they would keep those high spirits for the weeks to come.
“All done for the day, Captain,” Harvey reported as he leaned on the doorframe to the wheelhouse. “Is there anything you need help with?”
“You can toss me the lines as you take off. I’m going to fuel up before heading home.”
“I’ll tag along and help if you don’t mind,” Lindsey said. She was standing next to Harvey.
“That’s fine with me. You can secure the lines and we’ll get going.”
“Aye, aye, Captain,” Lindsey replied with a grin, before turning to follow Harvey.
When she saw the lines secured on deck, Kendra backed the boat from the slip and started toward the fueling dock.
“Mind if I join you?” Lindsey asked as she poked her head into the wheelhouse.
“Please do,” Kendra answered, nodding toward the empty seat.
Lindsey slipped into the seat beside her. “We had a great day. didn’t we?”
“Yeah we did,” Kendra answered without looking at her. “Three more of those and we’ll be set for the week.”
“That sounds exciting. I bet you can’t wait until the boat is outfitted for reds.”
“I’ve waited all my life for that.”
“Must feel really good to be so close to your goal.”
“I don’t think the entire impact has hit me, yet. It still feels like a dream.”
“Soon to be a reality?”
Kendra finally turned to look at Lindsey with the sparkle of excitement in her green eyes.
“Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the experience,” Lindsey said.
“You’ve more than earned your way on board. You’ve worked hard and are keeping the boys on their toes.”
“I enjoy working with the guys.” Lindsey shrugged.
“It’s great having you on board.” Kendra couldn’t believe she had admitted that out loud.
Get a grip, you’re still the Captain,
she thought. as she pulled into the fueling station, cut the engine and secured the lines.
“Fill her up please, Ben,” she told the attendant.
“You got it, Captain Drake. You want to wait inside where it’s cool?”
“No way, this is such a beautiful day.”
He smiled at the two women. “Made even more so by you two ladies.”
“Lindsey, this is Ben. Beware of the sweet talkin’,” she warned.
“Aye, aye, Captain.” Lindsey shot a wink to Ben.
Ben went about preparing the boat for fueling as the two women walked over to the railing to gaze across the open Gulf.
There was a flash of lightning many miles away. “I hope that brings us some rain,” Kendra remarked.
“Has it been a drought season?”
“No, we’ve had some rain, but a good thunderstorm this time of year helps to keep the water temps down in the Gulf. Cooler water means less of a chance for something tropical to develop.”
“Ah, I see. Let’s hope for rain then.” Lindsey leaned into the railing next to Kendra. “I could get used to this view. The water is so gorgeous here.”
“Not at all like you’re used to?”
Lindsey smiled. “The Outer Banks have their own type of beauty, but the water here is unbelievable, so clean, and clear. The color reminds me of your eyes.”
Kendra felt the heat rise from her neck into her cheeks. She noticed the cringe on Lindsey’s face.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to embarrass you. It was meant as a compliment.”
“No problem.” Kendra walked away to check on the progress of the refueling.
“You are a complete idiot,” she heard Lindsey growl to herself.
Her heart was racing as she walked away from Lindsey. She needed to put some distance between them before she said something she would later regret. “How’s it coming, Ben?
“Almost done here, Captain. Hey I heard you got your license to fish reds. Congratulations.”
“Thanks, Ben, we head out Monday. I can’t wait to get out there.”
“I bet. I know you’ll do well, but good luck.” He removed the nozzle and replaced the fuel cap. “Add it to your account?”
“Yes, please. I’ll see you later this week to top off the tank and fill up the reserve tanks.”
“See you then, Captain.” He grinned and stepped back onto the boardwalk.
She glanced back to find Lindsey still staring across the water as she slipped inside the wheelhouse and drove for home.
Lindsey tossed the lines onto the boardwalk when they reached the slip, and stepped from the boat to begin securing the lines.
She killed the engine, and locked the wheelhouse before picking up the bucket of shrimp to join Lindsey on the boardwalk.
Lindsey reached for the bucket, avoiding eye contact with Kendra. “I’ll take care of these,” she replied, and rushed ahead of Kendra.
“Hey,” Kendra called out, and Lindsey stopped in her tracks.
“Thanks for the compliment. You can relax, okay, no harm, no foul.”
A smile of relief crossed her face. “I’m going to clean these for dinner.”
“Do you need help?”
“No, I’ve got this. You can check on your Dad, and I’ll bring them in once I’ve finished cleaning.”
“Okay, you know where everything’s stored in the outbuilding. I’ll check on Dad and get a shower in. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome,” Lindsey replied, and slowed her pace to walk beside her in a comfortable silence.
†
“Welcome home, honey,” Kevin told her when she entered through the back door. He was at the kitchen sink, peeling the potatoes to cut into fries.
“Hey, Dad, you need some help?”
“Naw, honey, I’m good. Where’s Lindsey?”
“Cleaning the shrimp for dinner. She didn’t need help either, so I’m going to take a long hot shower before dinner.”
“Take your time. I’ve got everything under control here. We’ll eat at six if that’s good for you.”
“Sounds perfect, Dad. Holler if you need me,” she replied, and left the kitchen.
†
Lindsey peeled and deveined the shrimp, then cleaned up the workspace before carrying a large bowl of shrimp to the house. She entered the kitchen where Kevin was placing the sliced potatoes in the refrigerator to chill before cooking.
“Those look great,” he said when she handed him the bowl. “Why don’t you shower and relax until dinner’s ready at six?”
“You sure you don’t need some help?”
“No ma’am, I’ve got this.”
“Okay then, I’ll see you at six.”
Kevin continued to toil in the kitchen preparing their dinner. He heard the shower running upstairs, a grin plastered on his face. He was pleased at how well the two women were getting along. Even though she wouldn’t outright admit it, Kendra was enjoying the company of another woman in the house.
He always thought he’d make a great grandfather, and held out hopes that Kendra would someday be a mother. When she finally admitted to him that she was attracted to women, he took her in his arms and reassured her that, as long as she was happy, it didn’t matter that she loved another woman. He would always support her decisions and hoped that she would find someone to share her life.
His grin widened as he heard the water stop running upstairs.
Lindsey would make a good partner
.
Too bad, she plans to return home at the end of the summer, but maybe they could at least become friends. Who am I kidding? I’m far too old to be playing matchmaker for my strong-willed daughter.
He couldn’t stifle a chuckle as he placed a batch of fries in to cook.
†
The hot water worked wonders on her body, and Kendra found herself totally relaxed when she dried off and slipped into clean clothes. A glance at her clock let her know it was still early, so she did something uncharacteristic—she stretched out on the bed for an afternoon nap.
Her thoughts drifted back to the comment Lindsey had made about her eyes. It was just a friendly flirtation, and she had reacted badly to her remark. Maybe she was overreacting, or had Lindsey gotten under her skin more than she had expected?
†
Lindsey dressed and stepped into the hallway. She walked quietly past Kendra’s closed door in case she was trying to nap. The shower had left her too wired to take a nap. She decided she would check to see if Kevin needed her help. She strolled into the kitchen as he was placing a batch of potatoes on to fry.
Kevin looked up and shot her a grin. “Feel better?”
“I most certainly smell better,” she laughed. “Is there anything I can help with?”
“I’ve already set the table, but you can work on the fries if you’re looking for something to do. The oil for the shrimp should be ready if you’ll hand me the bowl from the fridge.”
“Not a problem. I like to cook, and Dad says I find too much trouble to get into if I don’t stay busy.”
“That sounds like something he would say. So how are things going on the boat? Is the crew treating you fairly?”
“Oh yes, sir, they have been great to me. They are a lot of fun to work with, and Harvey has taught me so much already about running a crew.”
“He’s a good man and a great friend. We’ve worked together forever it seems. I think Kendra sees him as a second Dad.”
Lindsey dropped a basket of fries into the bubbling oil. “I can tell she has great respect for his opinion.”
“There’s very little on a boat he hasn’t seen or done.” He dipped out the golden crisp shrimp. “You and Kendra seem to be getting along well.”
Lindsey could feel a blush creep up her neck to her face, and she averted her eyes.
“Did I say something wrong?” he asked sounding confused.
“No, sir, I think your statement just caught me off guard.” She lifted her face and looked him in the eyes. “Kendra is an amazing captain. I hope one day I can be half as good.”
“I have no doubt you can be just as amazing. You work hard and seem to enjoy being out on a boat.”
“I don’t know what else I’d rather be doing.”
Kevin’s chuckle made her cock her head at him.
“My daughter told me the same thing when she graduated from high school. She could have attended college anywhere she wanted to go, but instead, she chose to hang with her old man and prepare to take over the business.”
“So you think there’s hope for me?”
“Without a doubt,” he smiled.
The next three days were just as successful as the beginning of the week, and when they finished unloading their haul on Thursday, the crew cheered when Kendra told them to enjoy a long weekend.
Friday morning, the work on installing the new equipment began, and Kendra found herself pacing as the men worked on board. She busied herself stocking the groceries with Lindsey’s help, but she couldn’t keep from walking out to check on the progress of the install.
Kevin arrived around eleven. “Is Lindsey here?” he asked as he approached her.
“Yes, she’s finishing up the pantry,” Kendra answered without taking her eyes off the workers. “Why? Do you need something, Dad?”
“Yes, ma’am, I do. I’m here to take the prettiest two women I know to lunch.”
“I can’t leave now, Dad. The men have barely begun the install.”
“And your constant vigilance is only going to make them nervous and slow them down, so we’re going to lunch.”
Kendra finally turned to look at him. “Okay, Dad, I get your point. Let me go get Lindsey.”
“I’ll tell the men to call if they need you, okay?”
“Thanks,” she replied, and went to collect Lindsey.
They nearly collided as Lindsey was leaving the galley when Kendra entered.
“Oh, hey, I was just coming to tell you I finished stocking the supplies. Is there anything else I can do?”
“As a matter of fact, yes. Dad has decided he’s taking us to lunch.”
“Lunch is always good,” Lindsey replied.
“He thinks I’m slowing down the work with my constant vigilance.”
“He’s probably right, so let’s get out of their hair and let them do their job.”
“It’s two against one, so I reckon I don’t have much choice.”
“That’s right, Captain, so let’s go.” Lindsey grinned.
†
After a leisurely lunch, it was obvious to Lindsey that Kendra was eager to get back to the boat to check on the progress.
Kevin looked at Lindsey and shrugged.
She smiled back at him, gave him a slight nod and turned to Kendra. “I have an idea. Will you take a spin down the coast with me to show me around?”
“A spin,” Kendra asked.
“Yeah on my bike. It’s such a lovely day for a ride.”
Kevin smiled and nodded.
“Unless you’re scared to ride with me,” Lindsey challenged.
“I’m not scared, but there’s so much work going on at the boat.”
“Work that will be completed as scheduled tomorrow if you’ll let them do their work,” Kevin reminded her. “I’ll be at home if they need anything.”
Lindsey watched as Kendra looked first at her, then at the smile on her dad’s face. “I don’t really have much of a choice, do I?”
“Nope,” they replied in unison.
“Okay, but I want to be back in time to check on the workers before they leave for the day.”
“Deal,” Lindsey replied.
As they walked back toward the boat from the diner, Kendra started to enter the boardwalk to the boat.
“Oh no you don’t,” Kevin said. He hooked his arm through his daughter’s.
“Just thought I’d try, Dad.” She chuckled.
“Do you want to change into a pair of jeans before we go?” Lindsey asked.
“That’s probably a good idea.” Kendra began walking up the street to the house.
†
“I’ll get the bike ready and wait for you out front,” Lindsey said, heading off toward the garage.
Kendra began to enter the house and Kevin held the door for her. “After you, ma’am.”
With a smirk on her face, Kendra replied, “Thanks, Dad. What are you going to do while we’re away?”
“I’m going to take a nap.” He grinned. “When y’all get back, I’m thinking we’ll make this a beer and pizza night.”
“It has been awhile since we’ve done that,” Kendra said as she started for the stairs. “Enjoy your nap and I’ll order the pizza when we get back.”
“Have a good ride and be careful,” he cautioned.
“Will do. See you soon, Dad.”
Kendra watched her dad walk down the hall to his room, and then took the steps two at a time. She slipped into a worn pair of jeans and a light T-shirt before sliding her feet into her favorite boots. Her dad and Lindsey were right. The crew of workers making the install would do much better without her constantly looking over their shoulders. Getting her out of the way was probably the best thing they could hope for, so she might as well relax and enjoy the afternoon with Lindsey.
She picked up a pair of sunglasses on her way out the front door and smiled when she found Lindsey waiting for her.
“All set?” Lindsey asked, holding her hand out to Kendra to help her mount the bike.
“Yeah, thanks. So where do you want to ride?”
“Why don’t we head west on 98. I’ve only been to the edge of town that way.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Kendra fastened the chinstrap of the helmet Lindsey handed her.
“Hold on tight.” The motor roared to life and Lindsey eased the bike down the drive.
Kendra looked up to see her dad looking out the window, and thought she saw his smile growing as he watched them.
Kendra’s hands rested on Lindsey’s hips as the bike started down the drive. Kendra’s smile grew as her hands circled Lindsey’s waist while the bike raced down the street. Her body, sliding on the smooth leather seat, had her snuggled into Lindsey’s back. It was a comfortable position. She was afraid to wiggle around on the back of the bike while it was moving, so she relaxed into Lindsey’s body and enjoyed the ride.
†
The reflection of the sun glimmered across the water’s surface as they rode parallel to the Gulf. It had blossomed into a beautiful day, and the bike cut through a cool, coastal breeze as they crossed into Alabama, and chased the sun as they rode west.
Traffic had come to a halt at one of the many drawbridges along the route, while the bridge rose to allow a ship to pass through on its way to the Gulf. Lindsey killed the motor and relaxed into the seat. She could feel the warmth of Kendra’s body pressed into her back and her skin buzzed with excitement.
Her eyes scanned the water, watching the brown pelicans as they bobbed in the water, their eyes following the movement of the ship. Seagulls trailed the boat, their cries filling the air as they begged for handouts from the crew. She watched as the flock hovered over a pair of deckhands who were tossing scraps from their lunches to the diving birds. Angry cries echoed as the birds competed for the meager scraps of food.
Lindsey caught Kendra’s eyes as she too watched the birds. “Isn’t it odd? They will fight each other over scraps of food when all they have to do is to fly over the Gulf to hunt for all the fish they can stuff into their bellies?”
“They’ve been spoiled by human food for far too long,” Kendra, commented. “Amazing what antics they will pull off for Fritos.”
“I don’t know, offer me a Twinkie and see what I’ll do.” Lindsey smirked.
“I’ll have to stock up on Twinkies then.”
Lindsey watched the heat rise to Kendra’s cheeks.
She’s so adorable when she blushes. I think it was her turn to have an ‘oh shit’ moment. Should I let that one pass, or make a remark?
The blaring of a car horn broke Lindsey’s concentration as an angry driver yelled out obscenities. “I guess he’s getting overheated.”
“The boat is almost through so we’ll be moving again soon.”
“Not soon enough for some of us.” She grinned, nodding at the angry driver.
“He’s got no choice but to wait it out with the rest of us.”
They watched the mast of the ship pass through the opening, and when clear, the bridge began to lower.
Lindsey started the bike and eased forward as the traffic began to move.
The breeze was a welcome relief after sitting still on the bridge. Kendra was nestled into her back as they rode, her chin nearly resting on Lindsey’s shoulder, and her hands were comfortably holding onto her hips.
“Take a left at the fork,” Kendra instructed.
Lindsey followed the signs to Dauphin Island and pulled into an empty parking area.
“It’s hard to believe this place isn’t filled up with sunbathers with this beautiful weather.”
“It’s Friday. By tomorrow it will have wall-to-wall sunbathers. Until then, the beach is all ours.” Kendra climbed off the bike. She pulled off the helmet and shook her hair free.
Lindsey removed hers and stepped off the bike, positioning the it on the seat and reaching for Kendra’s.
“You up for a walk?” Kendra asked as she handed Lindsey the helmet.
“You bet I am.” Lindsey laid it on the seat.
†
They walked side by side down the beach until they reached a secluded point where a large piece of driftwood made a perfect bench. They sat and gazed across the emerald water.
“This view is spectacular,” Lindsey remarked. The breeze blew through her blond hair and she reached to move a rogue lock from her eyes.
“Thanks,” Kendra told her as they sat perched on the driftwood. Their thighs touched as they sat close. The warmth from Lindsey leeched through the worn denim to curl around Kendra’s heart.
What a perfect way to spend an afternoon off.
Lindsey cocked her head. “For what?”
“For giving me such a pleasant distraction this afternoon.”
A grin crept across Lindsey’s face. “My pleasure, ma’am. Besides, your dad and I were worried you were going to wear out the deck with all your pacing.”
“I’m sure the workers appreciate not having me looking over their shoulders all afternoon.”
“I don’t think anyone can blame you for being excited. You’re about to begin a new adventure with your business.”
“I can’t believe it’s only a few days away. I still feel like I’m dreaming.”
Lindsey reached over and pinched her arm.
“Ouch! Okay, so I’m not dreaming this.”
“No, Captain, it’s very real. You’re about to be hip deep in royal reds.”
“I certainly hope you’re right about that.”
“Of course I am. Trust me.”
“I do.” Kendra waved her blowing hair out of her face.
They made small talk as they gazed across the emerald-green water until the sun started to sink toward the horizon.
“I think we should start back toward home,” Kendra said, with a tinge of regret.
“Thanks for sharing this spot with me.”
“You’re welcome. It’s a nice getaway and not far from home.”
“Let’s ride.”
†
Lindsey wove the bike through traffic like an expert and they made it to Perdido in record time. She rolled up to the harbor and parked the bike, just as the sun was sinking to the horizon. “I thought you’d want a quick peek.” She grinned as she killed the motor.
“Thanks.”
Lindsey followed Kendra on board and was impressed by the amount of work the installers had done.
“I guess they do work faster if I’m not here.” Kendra chuckled. “At this rate, they’ll easily be finished by tomorrow.”
“Do you think you can sleep tonight now?” Lindsey asked.
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure I can. I think I’ll go ahead and order our supper. It’s pizza and beer night. What do you like on your pizza?”
“Just about anything except anchovies.”
“Good, we have a consensus on that.” Kendra pulled out her cell, ordered two pizzas, and then looked back at Lindsey. “That’s set. You ready to go home?”
“I’m ready for a cold beer.”
“That does sound good. Let’s go.” With one last look at the completed work, Kendra followed Lindsey back to the bike.