Page 26 of Mr. Green

Grant is behind me. “Why don’t you sit down?”

“Right, right.” If only I could make my feet move forward.

He goes to a chair and moves it. Then he signals for me to sit. This is good. Directions will help.

I walk over, grab my seat, and he pushes me in. Now I’m staring across from him. His beard is groomed, his light brown eyes are almond shaped with dilated pupils, and his arms are straining against his shirt. I’m engulfed in the man and pine smell I love so much since his jacket is still around my shoulders.

Thankfully, there’s a waiter. He brings oversoup. The smell of clams and bacon filter through my haze, and my stomach gurgles in response. I haven’t eaten since this morning. Once the flight was over, I took a nap and then it was time to come here. I make myself busy and add some pepper, avoiding the gaze across from mine.

It’s weird how quiet it is in here. Maybe it’s from not hearing an engine or the wind anymore. Usually Grant talks to try and fill the void of awkwardness. Maybe I should say something.

“I—”

At the same time he says, “Well—”

“Oh, go ahead.” I blush.

“No, you first.” He motions his hand at me.

This is going well. I take a deep breath. “I wanted to say thank you for taking me to see the whales. I’ve seen them once before and have always wanted to come back again.”

“I’d take you every year if you’d let me.”

My blushing continues. I have no idea what else to say. I look down at my soup again.

“How are Mr. and Mrs. Love. It’s been a while. They still together and look at one another with hearts popping out of their eyes?”

I laugh. “My dad was always a romantic. Said he fell for my mom the first time he saw her. They’ve been together thirty-nine years now and still make out in front of me. It can be gross to watch.” I pause. “But, I’d love to have that,” I mumble.

“When you know, you know.” The side of his mouth twitches as he strokes his beard. “I bet the person you’re looking for is right under your nose and has been looking for you for a while.”

I look up at him. He can’t possibly be talking about him and I being soul mates. “Anyways,” I clear my throat, “what are we eating? I would guess there’s bacon in here.”

“I know what I’d love to be eating.” He gives me a devilish smirk.

“Okay, you needto stop.”

He leans forward with his eyes staring at my lips. “Why?”

“I’m not looking for a guy.” I protest. “You men can’t be trusted.”

“I’m not just anyguy.”

I know.My stomach drops to my toes. Grant is my dream guy, but there’s no way he could be serious aboutme.

“I’m two seconds from blowing up and swimming back to shore just to get away from you.”

“You’re cute.” He strokes his beard. “I don’t think you want to get away from me.”

“No?” I raise my eyebrow and then get up and push my chair away from the table. I’m muttering profanities as I make my way out the door. There’s a small boat secured by rope on the sides I could lower. It’s probably for emergencies, but this is one. I need to get off the boat and away from Grant.

I turn to the captain who’s steering at the top of the deck. “I’m going to need that boat. It’s not safe on board anymore. Can you help me get it down?” He stares at me like I have five heads instead of taking me seriously.

“Hey, I’m just teasing you,” Grant says from behind me. “Will you please relax and come sit inside. Finish your dinner. You’ll have more energy for the swim back at least.”

I turn to him and point a finger at his face. “You’re not funny.”

“She has hallucinations,” he tells the captain while swirling a finger around his temple.