Beachfront Embrace

by Michele Gilcrest

  “Did she tell you no?”

  “Not exactly, but she also didn’t jump for joy at the idea. Maybe it’s because she made plans of her own, I’m not sure. A part of me wishes this week was over just so I can board the plane and forget about everything else. But, I can’t. Therefore, I’m going to keep my head up, put on the staff gathering this Thursday, and then on Friday I’m out of here. Hopefully, with her by my side, but even if she’s not, I need a change in scenery for a few days.” He admitted.

  “Hey, I understand. Take as many days as you need. You know I have your back.”

  “Thank you, Brody. I promise when I get back, no distractions. I’m going to pull it together and get back to running things the way I used to. I can’t let my emotions get in the way here at work.”

  “Come on, Mike. Don’t think like that. It’s not like anyone else noticed. Besides, in my humble opinion, nothing is suffering other than your ego right now and you know it. I know Clara and I’m almost certain if she showed signs of hesitation about going, there’s a good reason for it. Especially with everything you told me she’s been dealing with,” Brody said, laying it on heavy to get his message across.

  “Everything will work out just fine. You just have to stay positive and believe.” He patted Mike on the back, reassuring him.

  “Maybe by this time next year, I’ll be attending your wedding and bringing Mackenzie as my significant other.” He added, finding it hard to contain his smile.

  “What? Get out of here. Brody, are you serious right now? Since when did you and Mack become an item?” He laughed.

  Mike playfully knocked him around for not telling him sooner. They were truly like brothers who worked well together professionally and confided in one another about everything.

  “Calm down, you didn’t miss much. We’ve only been out twice. It’s been nice getting to know her. We’ll have to wait and see where it leads.” Brody admitted.

  “Well, I’ll be. It looks like somebody is smitten.” Mike teased.

  “You’re such a troublemaker. I’m heading back inside before Gary starts looking for me. Catch you later, boss.”

  “See you later, man.”

  Chapter 15

  Clara handed pamphlets to the guests returning from Jonathan and Mae’s couple’s tour. She highlighted information about upcoming tours and asked them to share with their friends. After the last customer left, she checked in with them to see how everything went.

  “So, give me some feedback. Are the couple’s tours here to stay? Do you think everyone had a good time?” she asked.

  “I think they loved it. I’m more concerned about Jonathan more than anything else. You know he’s a fisherman at heart and nothing makes him happier than when he’s out there giving his fishing tours,” Mae replied.

  “She’s right, Clara. I’ll do whatever it takes to help Mike out, but when you spend most of your career sharing the ins and outs of fishing on Solomons Island, it’s kind of difficult listening to a bunch of seniors trying to rekindle their love lives on a midday tour. Good grief,” he said jokingly, but was still sincere.

  “Oh, I know it’s a bit of a change for you, but the good news is Mike still has you mostly scheduled for fishing tours. Don’t worry, he knows where your true passion lies.”

  “Speaking of Mike, where is he today? North Beach?” Jonathan asked.

  Just then, Tommy pulled up to the dock, concluding his tour for the morning as well.

  “Yes, he’s at North Beach today, but stick around. In about ten minutes, as soon as Tommy is done unloading, I can tell you about our plans for the staff tomorrow.”

  “Sounds good. We’re going to head inside and get cleaned up for lunch. See you in ten,” Mae said.

  Clara repeated the process of handing out pamphlets to Tommy’s group and returned inside to the storage room, placing all excess supplies on the shelf. A pair of hands grabbed her by the waistline, startling the daylights out of her.

  “Michael Sanders, are you trying to give me a heart attack? I thought you were supposed to be at North Beach today?” she said, scolding him.

  “I’m here for about an hour, and then I’m heading over to the museum. The owner asked for a last-minute meeting. He says he’s interested in doing business with us so I figured I’d sit down with him and hear what he has to say. I was hoping you’d be happy to see me. Things ended so abruptly the other day. It’s not exactly how I envisioned things would play out.”

  “I know, trust me, I’m so happy to see you. I was just about to tell everyone about the luncheon for tomorrow. Maybe you could stick around for a few minutes while I share the news?” she asked.

  He quietly closed the door behind them, ensuring their complete privacy. Then, he held Clara close enough that she could hear his heart beating.

  “We really have to stop having these encounters in the supply room. One of these days we’re going to get busted, and you know it,” she said.

  “Not if I install a lock on the door.”

  “You wouldn’t dare.”

  “Okay, maybe not, but a guy can dream, can’t he?” Mike said.

  “Mike, the other day when you asked me about-”

  He cut her off, placing his finger gently over her lips.

  “I spent the entire morning replaying the last few days in my mind repeatedly. I don’t know what I said or did wrong, but God knows I didn’t mean any harm. Right now, I don’t want to think about any of it. I just want you, Clara.”

  “But-”

  “No. No buts. Just you.”

  He placed his lips on hers, testing the waters to see if she would respond. She kissed him in return, wanting nothing more than to forget about the last several weeks and get back to normal.

  “I love you,” he whispered.

  “Mike, I love you, too, with all my heart. You know I do. But I have to explain.”

  He placed his lips on hers again, and she didn’t refuse. Then there was an abrupt knock on the door, causing them both to jump back.

  “I hate to interrupt, but all of us are patiently waiting to hear this announcement. We’d like to enjoy our lunch before round two of tours this afternoon. No rush or anything… just thought I’d let you know,” Mae yelled from the other side of the door.

  “I told you we were going to get busted,” Clara whispered, poking him in the chest.

  “Technically, nobody walked in. How about you go out there first? I’ll follow behind you in a minute.”

  “Sure, throw me under the bus,” she whispered.

  “I’ll meet you up front, Mae,” Clara yelled, before continuing her whisper argument with Mike.

  “Come to think of it, I’ve never had a boss who is such a bad influence.”

  “That’s because you never had a boss who was in love with you. Now go on, scoot before they think we’re in here doing something we have no business doing.” He smiled, wanting to pat her on the backside, but thought better of it. He figured he’d save that kind of behavior for when things were official and she took his last name.

  Outside, Tommy occupied himself on the computer, and Mae looked really testy given that it was pushing close to her lunch hour. Her temperament usually fluctuated when she was starving and ready to eat.

  “Sorry for the hold-up, everyone. Since Mike can’t stay long, I thought it would be perfect timing to announce our plans for tomorrow. As a matter of fact… Mike, would you like to do the honors?” she asked, stepping out of his way.

  “Yes, sure I will. This morning I shared with the North Beach team two important things. The first is I think you’re all amazing at what you do and without you, this company wouldn’t be what it is today. So, in case I don’t say it often enough, thank you. I truly appreciate you. The second item is I’d like for everyone to clear your calendars for lunch tomorrow. I’ll be bringing the North Beach team to Solomons so we can have lunch together at the café. Jan and Clara are working on the arrangements. All you have to do is bring yourselves and b
e prepared to have a good time. I emphasized to the North Beach crew that we’re one extensive family, even if we operate out of two business locations. Hopefully, the sentiment will be shared as you welcome them tomorrow, and again as they welcome you in the near future to do something special up north. What do you think?” he asked.

  “It sounds like a perfect idea. Besides, I’ll never pass up on the opportunity to have a free meal,” Jonathan said, patting his stomach.

  “That makes two of us.” Tommy added.

  “Good, I thought you’d be pleased. Who knows, maybe you’ll be able to exchange an idea or two while you 're at it.”

  “You got it, boss. Now, unless you have anything else to share, I have a chicken salad in the back with my name on it. Are we good?” Mae asked.

  “We’re all set. I actually need to head out of here before I’m late,” he said, giving Clara a quick smile.

  “Drive safe and call me later. Okay?” Clara asked.

  “Will do. Love you.”

  “I love you, too,” she replied.

  Clara returned to her desk, watching as he pulled off in his jeep, wondering how she’d find the right words to tell him, that although she wanted to meet his parents sometime soon, now wasn’t the right time.

  Later that evening, before sunset, Jonathan drove Mae to the Cove, a local marina where they parked their new boat. They strolled down the pier overlooking several boats before finally stopping at theirs.

  “There she is. The Blue Turtle, looking just as beautiful as ever,” he said, proudly admiring their new toy.

  “Jonathan, if I didn’t know any better, I’d think there’s some sort of love affair going on with you and this boat behind my back.” She teased.

  “There may be.”

  “Yeah, well, if that’s the case, you better get it out of your system now. We can’t keep coming to the marina every time you have a new thought that involves the boat, you know.”

  “Mae, I know. I’m just excited, that’s all. Just dream with me for a second. Now that we have the boat, we can start making plans for our first family outing. I know you’re excited, too. When we got back, you immediately called Lily and the grandkids to invite them to come and see the boat,” he said, wrapping an arm around her shoulder as they strolled closer to his pride and joy.

  “Yes, dear, I called them and they were so excited. Lily said she’d love to get down here, but it’s likely it won’t be before the holidays. We can’t exactly plan a family trip during the winter,” she said.

  “No, but when they’re here we can plan for spring break perhaps… or whenever. The point is, this is only the beginning. Now that our first dream has become a reality, the sky is the limit. We can do anything we want to.”

  Mae couldn’t miss his childlike joy… it was heartwarming.

  “Okay, I’m all in. When the kids come for the holidays, we’ll lay out the blueprint for our first family trip. What else did you have in mind?” she asked.

  He scratched his head, deep in thought, and then gazed at her with a slow, emerging smile.

  “This is going to sound wild, I know… and I don’t want you to panic… it’s not written in stone, it’s just an idea,” he said.

  “Jonathan, spit it out already. You know I can’t take it when you do that to me.”

  “Okay, would you ever consider living on the boat… right here in Maryland? You know, just like we talked about when we were shopping online.”

  “I don’t recall that conversation,” she said, turning around and walking away.

  “Mae… Mae… Mae, will you wait a minute. I said it was just an idea… slow down, will you?” He pleaded with her.

  She paused dead in her tracks.

  “Jonathan, my love. I’m all for dreaming with you, I really am. But, can you slow down and smell the roses with me for a second? We just got married, and if you recall correctly, it takes time for me to get adjusted to change. Hello… remember I’m the one who darn near had a panic attack over the idea of giving up my old life and getting engaged. I think I’ve been as adventurous as I’m ready to be for the remainder of this year. Heck, next year, too. For now, can we just enjoy knowing that we have the option to sail whenever we want to? I’m content with our current set up just the way we have it, and more importantly, I’m content with us, just the way we are.” She confessed.

  “Aww, Mae. So am I, and I don’t want you to ever doubt it for one minute. You’ll have to forgive me. I suppose I’m like a kid in a candy shop when it comes to our new boat, but it will never take precedence over you.”

  “Oh, thank heavens. I thought you were about ready to jump off the deep end with this last idea.”

  They laughed, locking arms in a side-by-side embrace.

  The moment served as a good reminder to Jonathan to always keep first things first. In his heart, no matter how many toys he had, Mae would always be the true apple of his eye.

  Later that evening, Agnes prepared a meal for Clara and Mike. Her intention was to have everything fixed and disappear downstairs so they could enjoy a candlelit dinner for two. It was her way of expressing gratitude after everything she’d put them through. She served their plates filled with crab imperial, a creamy delectable dish, sure to make their mouth water, and a tossed salad, and a side of french fries, which was one of Clara’s favorite comfort foods.

  “Clara and Mike… please make yourselves comfortable… have a seat. I whipped together a crab dish for you. It’s just a little something incorporating what Maryland is known for… it’s seafood…and it’s also my way of saying sorry, of course,” she said.

  “Sorry? Everything looks amazing. What are you sorry for?” Mike asked.

  Clara listened as an innocent bystander, much more aware of Agnes’ guilt and desire to make things right and even her desire to carry her own weight.

  “Mike, thank you. However, I didn’t exactly show up at the best time or under the best set of circumstances. You and my sister deserve uninterrupted time together… you deserve your space to be free to do whatever it is you want without me around putting a damper on things. This meal… it isn’t much… but it’s a start. It’s my way of showing you I’m thankful for having a place to stay for a little while, but I’m also working hard to get out of your hair as fast as I can.”

  “Agnes, you don’t have to rush things along just for the sake of getting out of our hair. We appreciate the gesture, but finding a new job takes time. It just makes me feel good to know you don’t have to search under pressure. Something I never had when Joan passed away,” Clara replied.

  “She’s right. Hey, if you’d like, I can put a few feelers out there for you. I’m not sure what hours you’re looking for, but we might be able to use your help part time at the Solomons location of Lighthouse Tours.”

  Clara cleared her throat. She was all for helping Agnes, but working together part time and living together full time under the same roof might be a bit much for either of them to handle.

  “Thanks, Mike, but in order to pay my own rent and keep up with day-to-day expenses, I think it’s best that I stay focused on full-time work,” she said.

  She positioned the last plate on Clara’s placemat and stepped back, taking in the entire spread, feeling pleased that everything was just so.

  “Well, my job here is complete. The candles are lit, the meal is served, and when you’re done, all I ask is that you leave the dishes right where they are. Go for a walk on the beach or do something romantic. I’ll see you two later on.”

  “You’re sure you don’t want to grab a bite to eat with us? I feel terrible that you slaved over the oven all day and you 're not going to have anything,” Clara asked, looking at Mike, who was agreeing with her.

  Agnes walked over to the counter and picked up a plate covered with foil, utensils, and something to drink. She held it up for them to see.

  “Trust me… I have everything covered. Now, enjoy yourselves and have a good night,” she said, exiting the kitchen
.

  Mike looked at Clara and shrugged his shoulders. “I guess she just wants to do something nice for us.”

  “Yep. We might as well dig in before it gets cold. Bon appétit,” she said.

  “Yes, bon appétit is right. I’m starving.” He took the first bite and let the food melt in his mouth, savoring the delicious taste of the cream sauce.

  “Your sister can cook.”

  “Oh yes, she’s always had a knack for throwing together a delicious meal. She’s a natural. She should’ve gone into culinary arts… I can easily see her as the head chef in a restaurant or maybe even opening her own food truck or something like it,” Clara said.

  “Why don’t you plant a few seeds… help nudge her in that direction while she’s searching for jobs? I bet she’d value your opinion.”

  “I hadn’t thought about it before now. I’ll say something to her and see how she responds. It’s been a long while since I offered any sisterly advice. I just want to make sure I tread carefully, not overstepping my boundaries,” she replied.

  “Understood, but from what I can tell, Agnes appears to be appreciative and maybe even humbled by the situation. Of course, you know her better than me, so you have to do as you 're led.”

  She pierced her fork through her salad, considering everything Mike was saying.

  “Speaking of being led… I know we didn’t talk in depth earlier, but I’m curious to know if you’ve given any thought to coming with me to Florida this Friday?” he asked.