Hooked On You

Part One

I splash my face with cold water and look in the mirror. It's the official first day of fishing season and I work at a bait and tackle shop on the main dock in town. I have to brace myself for the increase of customers coming in over the next few weeks. It's going to be much busier than it has been for the past few months.

I've lived here for my entire life. Off season is slow, but everyone knows everyone and it's nice to feel at home everywhere you go. But when tourism kicks up, it's all hands on deck. Stores are open later, restaurants open 7 days a week, everything comes alive.

I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket. Pulling it out, I look to see who texted me.

"Good morning babe! I'm headed to the shop this morning, do you want a ride?" Jack texts me.

I type a quick response, "I'd love that, thanks!"

Jack and I have been together since high school. Well, we've been on and off through that time, but we've always remained friends. Currently, we're on. Jack is also the grandson of the owner of the shop I work at. Just another factor when living in a small town. I've worked at his shop since the day I was old enough to get a job. Over that time, Cap has become a grandfather to me. He looks after me, especially since my mom moved south for warmer weather.

I finish getting ready and get my bag together for work. I pack my lunch and by the time I'm finished Jack is outside ready to get me.

I hop into his car and give him a big kiss. "Good morning!"

Jack smiles, "I got you a coffee." He hands me a cup from the diner in town.

"Sugar and cream?" I ask him, grabbing the coffee.

"Always." Jack responds, smiling.

When we get to the docks, Cap is already sitting out on his chair watching the sunrise.

"Good morning, Grandpa." Jack says as he bends down to give the old man a hug.

"G'morning." Cap smiles up at both of us. "You ready for the season, Zoe?"

"As ready as I'll ever be, Cap." I joke with him.

I head inside and begin to tidy up the store for opening. I watch Jack interact with Cap from inside the store. He sits down next to him and leans on his chair. They're best friends. The way they laugh together always makes me feel so warm. They're my family too.

Jack looks back at me through the window and blows a kiss. I smile and snatch it out of the air. He is soft and sweet and romantic. I love him for that.

Jack left for his own job, about an hour after dropping me off. I spend most of my days at the shop just looking out at the water. People had been in and out of the marina all day. A few had stopped in to grab a couple things before heading out to fish. I look over to Cap, he's milling about the store tidying up and organizing during our lull in customers.

He must have noticed I was staring, "How are things with Jack," asks Cap, "this time?" He smirks as he asks the second part. He's always stirring up trouble.

I try to stay on my toes around him, "Better than the last time." I quip back.

"Do you think you'll finally settle down together?" He asks me.

I respond, "I don't know, Cap. We're young, who knows how things will turn out?"

Cap shakes his head, "When you know, you know, Zoe."

I text Jack, 'Your grandpa asked when we're getting married... again."

Jack responds immediately with, "Lol, tell him I'll get right on that."

I laugh to myself. Jack knows I'm not ready to settle down like that just yet. I love Jack, but marriage is a huge commitment, and we're young. Why add anything else to the mix? Plus, frankly, we aren't stable.
I see Cap struggling to put something up on a high shelf, so I rush over to help him, while thinking of something to respond to Jack.

"I swear I shrink more and more every year." Cap hands me the item and I easily put it up on the top shelf.

"You're not shrinking, Cap. The store just keeps getting taller." I joke with him and walk back to the counter. I pick up my phone and try writing a message back.

I hear the door jingle as someone opens it and walks in. I finish my text back to Jack and hit send. Looking up from behind the counter I lock eyes with a tall dark haired man. His blue eyes glint as he smiles at me.

"Hey, I'm Maxwell. I just got in, is this where I rent a space at the dock?"

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