I'd worked up my nerve and called him that night, and I was glad I did. We spoken for a few moments but I kept things causal- asking him how he was feeling. He seemed... somber. Like he was thinking, perhaps. I kept it short and sweet, inviting him over for lunch with Lane and I. He'd gladly accepted and things had been going well between us over the weeks. I'd tried to establish a bit of distance between us but it was useless. I wanted to keep things kosher between Lindsey and I in front of Lane, but honestly the more I tried to do so the more I wanted him. It just kept building inside of me. Oh his behalf though, when it came to women, I didn't think that much had changed... I mean he had a reputation for a reason. And damn was he as handsome as he'd ever been. I snapped my drifting mind back to reality.
He had called a few days ago and asked if he could keep Lane overnight now that his cast was removed, and I'd agreed. He'd kept him for a few hours at a time and everything had gone fine so far. Lane certainly adored his Daddy, no doubt about that. I was anticipating his arrival any minute. Lunch was made, the boat was tidy and Lane was playing contently at the table, making up his own words to a book. I quickly packed a bag for him to stay at Lindsey's. Rarely was I separated from him, the few exceptions being when I first began to care for Lindsey. This would be my first night alone in quite a while. I was looking forward to just relaxing at home, but I knew I was going to miss him.
We are a quick bite and then the two we're out the door, Lane talking a mile a minute on the way. And then... it was quiet. So very quiet.
I'd intended to have a lazy day. Just hanging around the boat, reading my book, enjoying some me time. But after about an hour I couldn't take the emptiness. I treated myself to an appointment at the spa and spent the bulk of the afternoon there.
I took my time getting home, picking up a salad at my favorite cafe and wandering back to Frozen Love. I'd unpacked my dinner and slipped into a robe and nightgown, washing my face and removing my makeup and pinning my hair back loosely. This is the life, I thought. I took out a bottle of wine to pour a glass and turn on some music. I reached over to plug in my record player, as outlets were minimal on our boat, when I must have blown a breaker. I lost all power.
I cursed mildly under my breath and walked to the shore power to see what the problem was. I fiddled with it for a few minutes to no avail and realized that I wouldn't be solving this problem on my own. I wandered barefoot to slip 41, boarding and knocking on the familiar door.
"Hey, Jim," I smiled at the familiar face. "I blew the power on my boat. Think you could give a lady a hand?"
He chuckled, grabbing a flashlight, and following behind me. Jim had always been such a good friend. I swear I would have sank the boat if it wasn't for him.
"Where's Lane," he asked, fiddling with the circuit breaker.
"With his Daddy," I told him, swinging my legs over the edge of the dock, somewhat lost in my thoughts as I listened to the boats creaking as they moved with the ocean.
"There we go," Jim announced. "Should be all fixed. I'll just check in the cabin before I head back."
"Thanks, Jim," I told him, following him into the boat. "Want a beer," I asked, knowing the answer and already retrieving one from the icebox.
We chatted while Jim checked my outlets, and I'd picked up where I'd left off with my wine. Jim checked the last outlet, my record player, and there on a little ELO for good measure.
