Fish Perfume (Cozy Harbor Marina Series) Read online

  Everyone said, “Hi, Lolly.”

  Lolly gave us a big smile and asked, “Ladies, are you ready to get sexy?”

  We all laughed and yelled, “Yes.”

  She said, “Since there are twenty of you, I want you to get in groups of five. Five to a pole.”

  I joined up with Mo and her friends.

  Lolly said, “Okay, ladies. The first thing we need to do is loosen up those muscles. I want you to do some stretches with me.”

  She took us through several stretches. We extended our arms and legs and rolled our shoulders and shook it out. We did a five-minute warmup.

  She asked, “Ladies, are you ready to start?”

  In unison, we said, “Yes.”

  She said, “I’m gonna turn on some music, but before we start working with the poles, I want you to do a few moves with me.”

  She turned on some music. The first song we heard coming out of the boom box was Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing.”

  “Okay, ladies. I want you to move your hips. Follow my lead.”

  We all started to swivel our hips.

  She said, “Okay, let’s try a bump-and-grind.” She demonstrated and we all tried to imitate her. We practiced the bump-and-grind for at least ten minutes. Lolly went around the room and gave us each some personal instruction.

  She said, “Now I want you to bump and grind and lift your left leg out. Always point your toe. I see you all have tennis shoes on. Next class I want to see you in heels, the highest heels you can stand. Nothing is sexier to a man than high heels. I know they’re a bitch, but if you want to do a little pole dance for your man, they’re essential.”

  MaryAnn said under her breath, “Easy for her to say; she hasn’t seen my bunions.”

  Val sympathized. “I haven’t worn high heels since I retired.”

  Sandy laughed and said, “I’m gonna need a hip replacement after this class.”

  Lolly tried to encourage everybody, “You’re doing good, ladies. Let’s see you point your left foot, and then slowly flick it up behind you. Good job. Now move like a cat. Move your hips left, right, left, right. Now I want you to put your arms up like you’re holding onto a pole. Got the grip? Okay, now pretend you’re slowly sliding down the pole. Just go about halfway. Point that left leg out. Good, ladies. You’re getting it.” We practiced that move for about five minutes. Lolly said, “Okay, ladies, it’s time to move onto the poles.”

  We all gathered around our assigned poles.

  Lolly asked, “Okay, who’s going first?”

  Mo turned to me and said, “You’re the youngest, Meggie. You’re up.”

  I went to our pole.

  Lolly said, “Okay, I want you to wrap your right leg around the pole. Put your right arm high up on the pole and swing yourself around pointing your left leg out.” I pointed my left leg out and took a good swing around the pole.

  Lolly said, “Meggie, you’re a natural.”

  Who knew I had a hidden talent?

  Everyone took their turns in my group as Lolly went around the room giving tips to everyone. MaryAnn was the last one to work with the pole. She got in position and twirled around the pole. In mid-twirl, she farted like a machine gun. Our group immediately burst out laughing, and MaryAnn slid down the pole onto the floor. The rest of us were doubled over laughing.

  Lolly announced, “Ladies. This was a great class. You all did great. Next week we’ll work on some more moves.”

  Our group was still laughing hysterically and the rest of the women were looking at us a little funny. I laughed so hard I was afraid I was going to pee my workout shorts and quickly headed over to Dancing Kathy to ask where the bathroom was. When I came out, Mo and her friends were waiting for me.

  Sandy said, “We thought martinis were in order. Want to come?”

  I said, “I’m right behind you.”

  We left the class and went to the nearest bar down the street.

  We all took seats at the bar and Sandy asked me, “What kind of martini would you like, Meggie?”

  I said, “I’m a lightweight, Sandy. I’ll have a Coors Light.”

  She ordered my beer and martinis for everyone else.

  Mo said, “Hey, Meggie, did you see Barbara on the pole? She looked like a professional. She can bump and grind with the best of them. No wonder Just Howard is struttin’ like a peacock.”

  I said, “I thought the same thing. She had all the moves down.”

  MaryAnn said, “I can’t believe I farted. Are you sure no one else heard me?”

  I laughed and said, “Yeah. We were the only ones. That was so funny.”

  MaryAnn said, “I guess I’ll be known as the farter now.”

  I said, “Well, I almost pissed my shorts laughing.”

  Sandy said, “MaryAnn, you’re the farter, and Meggie, you’re the pisser.

  We all laughed.

  I stayed for another beer and then went home. I checked the answer machine when I got home and there were two messages. The first one was from my mom telling me to call her back. The second one was from Ian.

  “Meggie, it’s Ian. I guess you’re at your class still. I just wanted to let you know I had to go up to Maine to pick up some parts for the boat. I’m spending the night and I’ll get the parts in the morning. I’ll be back in the afternoon. I want you to save tomorrow night for me. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  God, I miss him. My body aches for him. This is torture. I need to make up my mind soon before I go nuts. I should just confront him and tell him I love him and see what happens? He’ll either say he loves me back or he doesn’t. If he does, I’ll stay and see what happens. If he doesn’t, I’ll go home. The other scenario is to not say anything and enjoy the next week with him and live out the summer fling. I’ll have a broken heart, but wonderful memories.

  I listened to his message two more times and then looked at the clock. My parents are usually up till 11:00. It was only 10:00 so I dialed their number. I can’t wait to hear what my mom thinks about Gram and Cal. Mom picked up after two rings.

  She said, “Hello.”

  I said, “Hey, Mom, it’s Meggie.”

  “Oh my God, Meggie. Can you believe your Gram got married? I’m in shock.”

  “I hope you’re happy for her, Mom. I met Cal and I think he’s great.”

  “Oh, honey, I’m so happy I can’t stop smiling. My face hurts. I never thought I’d see the day. She’s like another person. There is a light in her eyes I’ve never seen before and I think she looks ten years younger.”

  “Me too, Mom. I think she looks great. What do you think of Cal?”

  “I couldn’t have hand-picked anyone better for her. He and your father have really hit it off. We are going to have to plan a big party when both your brothers get home. Maybe we’ll do it up in Rhode Island. Speaking of Rhode Island, are you going to stay up there? Your Gram said she asked you to run the marina.”

  “I’m still thinking about it, Mom. I’ll let her know next week.”

  “I almost forgot. The school called and they want you to give them a call. They said it was about some meetings you need to attend.”

  “Okay. I’ll call them next week, too.”

  “What’s wrong, Meggie? Why are you having such a hard time making a decision about the marina? I know you really don’t like teaching; you’ve told me that many times. Your Gram said you told her you’ve loved running the marina, so what’s stopping you?”

  “Mom, I’ve loved running the marina. It’s Ian. I’m not sure how he feels about me and if I stay and it doesn’t work out, then I’ll have to see him all the time and it’ll hurt too much.”

  “Oh, I see. You’re in love, aren’t you?”

  “Hook, line, and sinker.”

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nbsp; “You need to tell him how you feel, Meggie. Give him a chance. Guys don’t ever say how they feel. You have to pull it out of them. Your father was like that and still is sometimes. Tell that boy how you feel. How could he not love you, Meggie? You’re my precious little girl.”

  My eyes were starting to water.

  “Thanks, Mom. I’ll let you know what happens.”

  “It will all work out, honey. I promise.”

  “Talk to you in a few days, Mom, and say hi to everyone.”

  “I will. Bye.”

  “Bye, Mom.”

  Mom and Mo are right. I need to talk to Ian and tell him how I feel. I don’t know when or where I’ll get the courage to do that, but I have no choice.

  The next morning, I was walking out of my office when the phone rang. I went back and picked up the phone.

  “Harbor Marina.”

  “Meggie, it’s Ian. I’m still up in Maine. They had the wrong part, so I’ll have to stay up here until tomorrow morning. There’s a truck due in early with another shipment and they swear to me the part I need is on that truck. I’m sorry, but I’ll have to cancel for tonight but can we do something tomorrow night?”

  I was disappointed but relieved. I’ll have one more day to get my courage up for our big talk.

  “That’s fine. I’ll keep tomorrow night open.”

  “Good.”

  “Good luck with the part.”

  “Thanks. Talk to you tomorrow.”

  “Bye.”

  I love his voice. It’s deep and it goes right to my soul.

  I hung up the phone and headed out to the fuel dock. I had to talk to Matt about the bait order I needed to fax.

  I got halfway down the dock and saw Bonnie waving at me from the Bonnie Blue. I retraced by steps and headed over to C dock.

  Bonnie said, “Hey, Meggie. I wanted to let you know that we’re going offshore tomorrow. The Murphy brothers are coming with us and I wanted to see if you would like to go.”

  “I would love to, Bonnie. I’m sure Journey can handle things, but I would have to be back by 5:30.”

  “That’s no problem. I’ll make sure we’re back in time.”

  “What should I bring?”

  “Just yourself. We’ve got all the gear and bait and the Murphys are bringing food. If there’s anything special you want to eat or drink, bring it, but we’ll have plenty. Looking at your pale skin, you might want to bring some sunscreen. I have some onboard, but it might not be strong enough for you.”

  “Don’t worry. I never leave home without it.”

  “Oh, and a hat. You’ll need it.”

  “What time are you leaving?”

  “About 4:30.”

  I smiled at her and said, “Okay, Bonnie. I’m excited. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  She smiled back at me. “Sure thing, Meggie.”

  I went down to the fuel dock, talked to Matt, and then went back to the office to do paperwork.

  At noon, my stomach was crying for food so I went over to the Shack. As I approached the Shack, I could hear ZZ Top’s song “Leave Your Hat On” playing on the radio. I opened the door and cracked up laughing. Mo and Sexy Cathy were in the middle of the Shack practicing their bump-and-grinds.

  Mo looked up and saw me. She said, “Come on, Meggie, you need practice, too.”

  I joined them and had just completed my third bump-and-grind when the door opened and in walked Big H. He looked at the three of us and cracked up laughing. It was the first time I ever saw him laugh. I looked over at Mo and Sexy Cathy and they didn’t miss a beat, they just kept on bumping and grinding. Big H walked around the counter still laughing and poured himself a cup of coffee. He put a dollar down and gave us a last look before he walked out the door. Mo waved at him and he blushed. When the song ended, we all started laughing.

  Mo said, “Well, at least he got a taste of what he’s missin’ out on.”

  I said, “You can say that again, Mo. You got the bump-and-grind down.”

  Sexy Cathy said, “I’ve never seen Big H laugh like that.”

  I said, “Me neither.”

  Mo said, “I have and it makes me melt. He’s ten times more handsome when he laughs or smiles. He needs to do it more often.”

  She walked behind the counter and asked, “You girls hungry?”

  I said, “I’m starving.”

  Sexy Cathy said, “Me too. Kenny kept me up half the night last night.”

  Mo said, “Brag, brag, brag. You shouldn’t be sayin’ things like that around a horny, middle-aged woman. It’s downright cruel.”

  I said, “Mo, you’re gonna meet that Fisher Man tomorrow and he’s going to be all over you.”

  Sexy Cathy said, “Oh, you finally are going out with that guy you’ve been telling me about?”

  Mo said, “Yeah, but I ain’t gettin’ my hopes up.”

  I said, “Well, my hopes are up, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you, Mo.”

  Sexy Cathy said, “Me, too.”

  Mo said, “What are you gals in the mood for? I got a great special today—Chinese chicken salad with my own special dressing.

  Cathy and I both said, “I’ll have that.”

  My mouth started to water just thinking about it. God, if I wind up back in Philly, I’m going to have to get all of Mo’s recipes before I go. Maybe I’ll quit teaching and open my own sandwich shop.

  Mo went behind the counter to make our salads.

  Cathy asked, “How are things with you, Meggie?”

  I said, “Okay. I’m going fishing tomorrow on the Bonnie Blue.”

  Mo said, “Hey, catch me a big tuna, I’m running low.”

  I said, “I’ll try. I’m really looking forward to it.”

  Sexy Cathy said, “You’ll be in good hands. Bonnie will take care of you. Kenny and I went with them one time and we had a great day on the water and caught some nice fish.”

  Mo asked, “When’s your Gram comin’ home? I can’t wait to see her.”

  I said, “She should be home Sunday. I’m sure she’ll make an appearance here sometime next week.”

  Mo put our salads in front of us and Cathy and I dug in. Food just shouldn’t be this good. I need to get running again.

  I went back to the office and worked like a dog to get caught up so I could take the day off tomorrow. I didn’t close up shop until seven. I locked the door and ran into Tony in the parking lot on my way to the cottage.

  “Hi, Tony.”

  He asked, “You’re coming to my party, right?”

  I said, “Yeah, Ian and I will be there. When’s Helen flying in?”

  “Tomorrow afternoon. I can’t wait to see her. I bought her a another new bikini for the party.”

  I laughed and said, “She’ll love that.”

  He said, “I’ve gotta keep the Princess happy. We’ve got the party Saturday night and then Paisano Sunday the next day.”

  “Whoa. You’re taking her to Paisano Sunday again? Isn’t that dangerous?”

  He laughed and said, “Yeah, but she’s worth the risk. I’ve had to tell my parents where I’ve been disappearing to every other weekend, so now they want to get to know her.”

  I said, “Well, they’ll love her.”

  He winked at me and said, “Of course they will. Would you and Ian like to go? It might help to have some friends with us.”

  “I would love to, but I don’t know what’s going on with Ian. I’ll take a rain check if that’s okay?”

  I could feel my eyes starting to well up.

  I could tell by the expression on his face that he noticed.

  He said, “I’m going over to Kelly’s for a burger. You want to come?”

 
I thought about it for a second, shrugged my shoulders, and said, “Sure, why not?”

  “Come on. I’ll drive.”

  We walked to his truck and he opened the door for me. I jumped up into the truck, Tony got in and two minutes later we walked into Kelly’s. It wasn’t too busy so we were able to grab a booth. We both ordered burgers, Tony ordered a beer, and I ordered a Coke.

  I told him, “I’m going fishing tomorrow, so I want to feel good in the morning.”

  He smiled and said, “I don’t blame you. You have to have a good stomach to go offshore. It’s supposed to be a stellar day tomorrow so you should be fine.”

  I noticed Pete the pick-up-line guy walking into the bar. He passed our booth and glanced our way. When he spotted me, he walked backward like Michael Jackson, stopped at our booth, and greeted me. “Hey, Red One.”

  I laughed and said, “Hi, Pete. How are you doing with your pick-up lines?”

  He hung his head. “Not too good.”

  He looked at Tony and leaned over and whispered in my ear, “I thought you were going out with that lobster guy.”

  I said, “I am. This is Tony Maroni. He goes out with the blond one.” Pete’s eyes popped. He said, “The goddess?”

  Tony laughed and said, “The very one, and believe me, she’s a goddess.”

  Pete shook his head like a wet dog and said, “Are you the Tony Maroni, the ‘King of Love’?”

  Tony and I looked at each other and burst out laughing.

  Tony finally said, “Well, I’ve heard people call me that.”

  Pete said, “Hey, can you do a dude a favor and give me some tips? I’m desperate. I’m a bust with the ladies and it’s not from lack of trying. Share your oh-so-great wisdom with a lowly commoner.”

  Tony looked at him and bit his lip trying not to laugh and hurt his feelings. I was doing everything I could to maintain my self-control.

  Tony said, “Sure, but you have to keep this between us. I don’t dole out my secrets to just anybody, but since you’re a friend of the Red One and the Goddess, I feel it’s my duty to help a guy in need.”