Fish Perfume (Cozy Harbor Marina Series) Read online

  Doubtfully I said, “I don’t know, Mac. I hope you’re right. To be perfectly honest with you, when I saw him for the first time after all these years, I felt like you did when you met Marie, all warm inside. Every time I see him, it’s like there’s this magnetic force field pulling me toward him. I never felt that way before about a guy. I can’t get him out of my head. He’s on my mind constantly. People always say you’ll know when you meet the right one. I never believed in any of that. Now I wonder if there isn’t something to it.”

  “Always go with your gut, Meggie.”

  We headed back to the marina and saw Ian coming in on The Stalwart. He looked over at us and gave us a wave. My heart started to pound and my hands began to sweat. I’ve been anxious but nervous about seeing him again. Mac and I got the boat tied up. We each took some clams, and I went back to the office.

  I just got settled in at my desk paying some bills when Randy from the Blood, Sweat and Beers knocked on my door jam.

  He said, “Hey, Meggie, sorry to bother you.”

  I turned toward him. “No problem. What can I do for you?”

  “Well, I had a pair of really nice Maui Jim sunglasses on the boat, and they’re missing. I could have misplaced them, but I always keep them in the exact same place, and they’re gone. I just wanted to let you know in case somebody turns them in.”

  “Sure. I’ll put a notice up on the bulletin board and let you know if I hear anything.”

  “They were expensive,” he informed me. “My wife bought them for me for my birthday and she doesn’t part with a buck easily. She told me she found them on sale. She’s the consummate bargain shopper. She cruises a sale rack like a shark going through a chum slick.”

  I laughed and said, “I hope you find them.”

  “Me too,” he said and left the office.

  I made up a notice about his missing glasses and put it on the bulletin board out in the store. By the time I finished the bills, it was time to close up. Journey took off for the day, and I closed up the store. After sitting for most of the afternoon, I needed a little exercise, so I thought I’d take a walk on the docks with the ulterior motive of maybe running into Ian. To my disappointment, he was gone. There were a few fishermen cleaning their catch on B dock, however, and I went over to say hi. Medium Howard was there, along with Dino from Atsa My Boat and Jim from the Bonnie Blue.

  Medium Howard said, “Hi, Meggie. We had a good day today. We caught a lot of good-sized fluke.”

  “That’s great,” I said. I looked over some of the fish they were cleaning. I told Dino, “Boy, that one is as big as a doormat.”

  Dino asked me, “Would you like a piece? It doesn’t get fresher than this.”

  “Gee, thanks, I’d love some.” I started to think about how I would cook it.

  Dino put a big portion in a zip lock bag for me. I thanked him and continued my stroll around the marina. As I wandered down A dock, I saw Tony cleaning his boat. He looked up and gave me a smile. He looks great with a shirt on, but without a shirt, he is downright mouth-watering.

  “Well, if it isn’t Red Hot, the great hoofer, standing right in front of me,” he teased.

  I laughed. “I bet everyone around here knows what I had for breakfast, too.”

  He looked up at me and said, “A waffle?”

  “Close, I had a pancake.”

  “Meggie, you look beautiful today. I want to skinny dip in those gorgeous baby blues of yours. When are you going out with me? You’re doing real damage to my fragile ego.”

  “Tony, the only thing that’s fragile around here are the planks on A dock. They’re worn out from the parade of women traipsing down to your boat.”

  He winked at me. “They’re all cousins. I have a big family.”

  “Tony, speaking of parades, are you going to be in the Cozy Harbor Parade on the Fourth? Maybe you could go as a sultan and bring your harem.”

  Excited, he said, “That’s a great idea. I always have room for one more if you’re interested.”

  I told him, “I’ll keep that in mind. Well, I’d better put this fluke Dino gave me in the fridge. Have a good evening.”

  “You too, gorgeous. I’m still having those visions. I’m not giving up.”

  I laughed and headed back to the cottage.

  After a hot shower, I put on a pair of old gray drawstring shorts and a black tank top. Since it was too hot to dry my hair, I let the air do it. I then made myself a great dinner. I’ve always loved to cook. I was so excited three years ago when I found out this great restaurant in Philly was offering cooking classes on Saturdays. I think I’ve taken every one they offered. First I had the clams, which I sautéed with a little olive oil, some white wine, garlic, hot pepper rings, and cherry tomatoes. After that, I had the main course, which, of course, was the fluke. I cooked it in parchment paper with asparagus, shallots, lemon juice, and some Old Bay Seasoning. I washed it down with a glass of Chardonnay. I’m getting spoiled by all this great fresh seafood. I can’t wait until the tuna start showing up.

  I settled on the sofa to finish off The Master and The Mistress. I’m whipping through these romances. I’ll drop the ones I’ve finished off to Sexy Cathy tomorrow. I dozed off while I was reading and woke up when someone knocked loudly on my screen door. I got up and peeked and was shocked to see it was Ian at the door. My heart went in my mouth. I must look like hell. My hair was probably a mess, not a touch of makeup graced by face, and I was braless. Not being all that well endowed in the boob department, a girl like me needs a bra. Oh well, there is nothing I can do, he’s already seen me.

  I walked to the door and said, “Hi, Ian.”

  “Meggie, I’m sorry to bother you,” he said.

  “Come in,” I said.

  He walked through the door and ran his fingers through his hair. He seemed upset. He finally said, “Meggie, I just wanted to be the one to tell you, because stories get exaggerated. It’s probably just nothing.”

  I sensed by the way he was acting that something was seriously wrong. “What is it? You’re scaring me.”

  Ian hesitated, then said, “I just went down to the boat to drop off some supplies, and on my way home, I passed by Mac’s house. There was an ambulance and a fire truck there, so I stopped. They were just putting Mac in the ambulance. I know some of the firemen, and they told me Mac had some chest pains and called 911. They took him to the hospital in Wakefield.”

  I put my hand over my mouth and sat down on the couch. I started to cry. “Oh my God. I hope he’s okay. Maybe we shouldn’t have gone clamming. Maybe it’s too much for him and he was just going because of me. It’s probably my fault.”

  My Catholic guilt was overwhelming me and I became hysterical. I don’t cry too often, but when I’m upset and get started, it’s hard to stop. I’m not a quiet crier either. I get loud and then my nose starts to run, and then I get the hiccups.

  Ian came over and sat down next to me. He put his arm around my shoulder, kissed the top of my head, and said, “Meggie, don’t be so upset. It’s not your fault. Maybe it will turn out to be nothing and he’ll be fine. Why don’t you get dressed and I’ll take you to the hospital.”

  I snorted a couple of times and said, “I love Mac.”

  “I know, sweetheart. That’s why I wanted you to know right away. Now go get dressed, and we’ll go see how he’s doing.”

  I went to my bedroom and threw on some clothes. By the time Ian and I got to the hospital, the ER nurse said they had Mac resting comfortably, and they were doing some tests on him. An hour went by; I paced while Ian read a magazine. He then went to the cafeteria and got us both some coffee.

  When he got back, I said, “Ian, I know you get up really early. You don’t have to stay. I can call a cab later. I’d like to stay until they know something.”

&nb
sp; “It would be hard for you to get a cab this time of night. I want to stay and find out how he is, too. I’ve known Mac my whole life. He and my grandfather were good friends. I know Mac has a nephew in Warwick. I think his name is Mike. I would imagine Mac gave the hospital that information but I’ll go ask the nurse.”

  Ian came back a few minutes later. He told me, “Mac did give them Mike’s number, and he’s on his way.”

  “That’s good. I’m glad he has some family close by.”

  Another half-hour passed and Mac’s nephew, Mike, showed up. A little while later, the doctor came to talk to us. He said Mac did not have a heart attack but just suffered a little angina. They were going to keep him in the hospital overnight for observation and they’d evaluate him in the morning. If he feels better then and all the tests results are good, they’ll let him come home.

  I gave Mike my number and asked him to call me if anything changed.

  I turned to Ian on the way home and said, “Ian, God really screwed up when he decided people should die. I don’t know what he was thinking.”

  He tried to reassure me, saying, “Don’t worry. Mac’s going to be fine.”

  “I haven’t lost anyone close to me. I guess I’ve been pretty lucky. When my dog, Cassie, died it broke my heart. It took me a long time to get over it.”

  He said, “I was very close to my grandparents, my father’s parents. I was a senior at Mass Maritime when they died. My grandfather got pneumonia and within a week, he was gone and then my grandmother died three months later. My grandfather had a few problems, but my grandmother was in good shape. She went downhill fast after he died. My mother swears she died of a broken heart. They were both in their late seventies. When people are older, you kind of expect it and think you’re ready. The reality of it is, you’re never ready to lose someone you love. It’s a kick in the stomach.”

  “I’m so sorry, Ian. It must have been a hard time for you.”

  He swallowed hard and said, “Yes, it was.”

  I asked him, “How did you get through it?”

  “I just kept reminding myself of how lucky I was to have had them in my life as long as I did. They were a big influence on me. If I ever meet the right girl and get married, that’s what I want. I want a marriage that will last forever with a person I can’t live without.”

  I was going to raise my hand and say, “How about me?” but it wasn’t the time or the place for that statement.

  We pulled up to the cottage and I turned to Ian.

  “Ian, thanks so much for coming to tell me and for taking me to the hospital. I’ll go in the morning and see how he is.”

  He gave me a warm smile, took my left hand in his, and squeezed it.

  He said, “He’ll be fine, Meggie. I’ll stop by the office to see you after work tomorrow. I’m sure by then you’ll have some good news for me.” He released my hand and I got out of the truck.

  I shut the door and leaned back in the window and said, “Goodnight.”

  He smiled and said, “Try and get some sleep. Goodnight.”

  I went into the cottage and got ready for bed. It took me a long time to fall asleep.

  * * * * *

  The next morning when Journey got in, I headed off for the hospital. The information desk told me Mac was on the second floor in room 211. I got off the elevator and ran into Mac’s nephew, Mike, in the hallway.

  “How’s he doing?” I asked.

  “The doctor was just in to see him. He said Mac’s doing great and he can go home around 11:00.”

  Relieved, I said, “Oh, I’m so glad.”

  “I’m sure he would love a visitor if you want to say hi.”

  When I went into Mac’s room, he was sitting up in bed watching TV. He saw me, smiled, and clicked off the remote.

  I went over to his bed and grabbed his hand. “Oh, Mac, you gave me quite a scare last night.”

  He squeezed my hand and said, “Mike told me you and Ian were here. Don’t you worry, sweetie, I still have a lot of time left. When the inevitable happens, I’m ready. I’ll get to be with Marie and Billy, so don’t you worry about old Mac.”

  “Well, it’s so nice to see you feeling better. I can’t stay long, but I’ll come by tonight and check on you after work.”

  Mac smiled and said, “I’m always up to seeing a pretty face.”

  I gave him a kiss on the cheek and drove back to the marina.

  Before I went to the office, I stopped by the Snack Shack. I wanted to tell Mo about Mac.

  Big H was sitting at the counter having a cup of coffee with Mo. They looked up when I walked in and I said, “Hi, you guys. I’ve got some bad news.”

  Mo told me, “We already heard about Mac. A couple of the firemen were in for breakfast and filled me in. How is he?”

  I said, “I just went to the hospital. It turns out he just had some angina. They’re going to release him today.”

  Mo sighed, “Well, thank the good Lord for that. I’m gonna make him up a couple of heart-healthy meals this afternoon. I’m pretty fond of that old coot.”

  “That would be great. He’s being discharged around 11:00. I’m planning on going to see him after work. If you want, you can put the meals in my fridge, and I’ll take them to him. His nephew, Mike, is going to stay with him for a few days just to make sure he’s okay.”

  “Well, in that case, I’ll make enough for two,” she said.

  I sat at the counter next to Big H. “Could I get a cup of coffee, Mo?” I asked.

  “Sure, honey. I guess you had a rough night.”

  “Well, I felt really bad because you know how I care about him, and he took me clamming yesterday. Maybe it was too much for him.”

  Big H turned to me and said, “Meggie, that old man goes clamming every day in the summer and has for years. He would have been out there whether you were with him or not, so don’t think for a minute that it was your fault. I guarantee you, Willard Scott will be putting his picture up on the ‘TODAY Show’ when he turns 100.”

  I knew he was probably right, but I couldn’t help feeling a little responsible.

  Mo put a cup of coffee and a slice of her apple coffee cake on the counter in front of me. I wasn’t going to turn down a piece of Mo’s specialty, so I dug in.

  On purpose, since Big H was sitting there, I looked up at Mo and asked, “Mo, didn’t you have a date the other night with a new guy?”

  She smiled and said, “I sure did. He was a sweet talker, too. He took me to dinner and then to a show at the Granite Theatre in Westerly.”

  I asked, “What was the show?”

  “It was Gypsy. It’s one of my favorites so he got special points for that. I had a great time. He’s a really nice guy. I think we’ll go out again soon.”

  I took a quick peek at Big H’s face, and he didn’t look too happy. He put his coffee cup down and stood.

  He said, “Well, ladies, I’ve gotta go change the oil in my boat. Meggie, give my regards to Mac.”

  “I will, Big H,” I said.

  As soon as he left, I said to Mo, “Well, he didn’t look too happy about your date. Maybe Big H will come around. It’s pretty obvious he likes you.”

  “Yeah, but the Mo is gettin’ old. I’m not gonna be this gorgeous forever. Father Time is an asshole and he’s sneakin’ up on me.”

  We both laughed.

  I said, “Well, I’d better get back to the salt mines. See you later.”

  “Sure thing, honey.”

  I went back to work and around 5:00, Ian stopped by the office. I was filing some paperwork when he appeared at my office door. I looked up at his frame, which filled the doorway, the sun behind him outlining all his yummy features. As my eyes adjusted, I saw he had on a dirty T-shirt, dirty work pants, an
d he smelled like lobster bait. I’d never been more turned on in my life.

  “How’s Mac?” he asked. His level of concern was written all over his face.

  I updated him. “I went to see him this morning at the hospital and he looked good. They were going to release him around 11:00. Mo whipped him up a few meals, so I’m going to take them over after work.”

  He suggested, “How about I run home and get cleaned up? Then, I’ll stop back, get you, and we’ll go together? I should be back here by 6:30?”

  Trying not to sound too eager, I agreed. “That would be nice.”

  He smiled. “Okay, see you then.”

  He left and I plopped down in my chair. I thought to myself, Oh boy, I’ve got it bad. I hope I don’t make a fool of myself.

  I ran home after I closed up the store and jumped in the shower. I was just finishing putting on some lip gloss when Ian knocked on the screen door. God, does he clean up good.

  He asked, “Are you ready to go?”

  I waved him in. “Let me just grab the food out of the fridge.”

  I went into the kitchen to get the meals Mo made and put them in a bag. Ian followed me into the kitchen, took the bag from me, and we left. It only takes about three minutes to get to Mac’s house. When we arrived, we could see Mac through the screen door, sitting in a recliner. Ian knocked and Mac looked up and said, “Come in, you two.”

  We went in and I went over and planted a kiss on his cheek.

  Mac said, “Meggie, if you keep kissing me, all the young fellas are gonna be mad at me.”

  We all laughed, and I blushed.

  Ian held up the bag of food. “Mo made some meals for you and Mike.”