Fish Perfume (Cozy Harbor Marina Series) Read online

  Mac grinned. “Oh, that was really nice of her. Mike and I had something to eat a little while ago, but we can have Mo’s good cooking tomorrow. Ian, can you just put it in the fridge?”

  Ian went into the kitchen.

  I asked Mac, “Where’s Mike?”

  He said, “He went home to get some clothes and should be back in a little while. I feel bad taking him away from his family.”

  “Well, I’m sure he’s glad to be here for you,” I said.

  Ian walked back in the room and inquired, “How are you feeling, Mac? What did the doctors say today?”

  Mac told us, “They gave me some medication and told me I had to get plenty of rest and lay low for a while. I’m feeling better already. I probably do too much sometimes. Once in a while, I guess I have to remind myself I’m eighty-eight years old.”

  Mac looked at me and said, “Meggie, I want you to use my boat anytime you have a chance. You know where I hide the key. You can run that boat as well as I can. You should take your friend out clamming when she gets here.”

  “I’ll take you up on it, Mac. When you feel better, maybe you can come down and I’ll take you both for a ride up the pond.”

  Mac smiled and said, “That will give me something to look forward to.”

  Mac asked Ian how the lobstering had been, and they talked about that in detail. After a while, Ian stood up and said, “Well, you should probably get some rest. We don’t want to wear you out.”

  Mac asked, “Are you two going out to dinner?”

  To my surprise, Ian immediately said, “Yes.”

  Mac waved cheerfully. “Enjoy your dinner.”

  When I bent down to give him a kiss goodbye, Mac winked at me. I knew exactly what my old friend was up to. I told him I would come by sometime tomorrow to check on him.

  As we walked to the truck, Ian asked, “Where would you like to go, Meggie?”

  I said, “Ian, Mac put you on the spot back there. If you have other plans, don’t worry about me.”

  He said, “I would like to go to dinner and we both have to eat. Now where would you like to go?”

  “This is your neck of the woods. You know more places than I do.”

  “I know a great place. Are you sick of fish by now?”

  “Are you kidding? I could eat fish every day of the week.”

  “My kind of girl.”

  The restaurant was pretty crowded, but they had a table for us. We ordered an appetizer of fried calamari to share, and we both ordered the seared sesame tuna with soy and wasabi for our entrées. The waitress opened the bottle of wine that Ian ordered and poured us both a glass.

  We each took a sip.

  Ian asked, “Do you like teaching?”

  “I basically decided to be a teacher because I really didn’t have any idea of what I wanted to do. I’m not passionate about it like some of the other teachers I work with. I work with some amazing people. I’m not a bad teacher. I try and make the classes fun and informative for the girls, but my heart just really isn’t in it. The main draw to teaching for me was having the summers off. I thought a lot about changing careers this past year. To be perfectly honest, I’ve enjoyed working at the marina this past month more than I’ve enjoyed teaching these past few years. I love being by the water and not being stuck in a classroom all day.”

  He said, “I know what you mean. When I got out of college, I went to work in a shipyard as an engineer. It was a good experience and I learned a lot, but I love being out on the water, and I like working for myself. When my dad decided to retire, I jumped at the chance to buy the business. I think it was always in the back of my mind that I wanted to do that, but I felt I should have another work experience just to make sure. I also missed Rhode Island. Maine is beautiful, but it’s just not home.”

  “You were very lucky to grow up here. I know my mother misses Rhode Island.”

  “They say when you’re trying to figure out a career path, you should try and think of where you want to be in your life ten years down the road. I knew this is where I really want to be. What do you see yourself doing in ten years?”

  I thought about it for a minute and said, “As far as a career, I don’t have a clue. I do hope that by that time, though, I’ll have a family of my own. I definitely want to have kids.”

  “I was an only child. If I ever have kids, I’d want more than one. I would want them to have each other.”

  “When I was a kid, I sometimes wished I were an only child. My brothers could drive me crazy; it was always two against one. I could bore you all night with tales of how they terrorized me. They were very creative and I never knew when they would strike. Those two were pretty slick.”

  He laughed and said, “If you remember, I got in on a few of those when you were up here on vacation.”

  “That’s right, you were. You should be extra nice to me to make up for it.”

  He gave me that killer smile of his and said, “I’ll see what I can do.”

  The waitress served the calamari, and we settled in to enjoy our meal. The calamari was tender and cooked to perfection. The tuna was even better. We talked about friends, our families, and places we’ve traveled to and would like to go. Ian told me he tries to take a couple of trips every winter.

  I made a mental note to renew my passport, just in case.

  Ian cleaned his plate and finished off my tuna for me. I was stuffed.

  While we waited for the check, I said, “That was just too good. I’m definitely going to have to walk more at night. The food up here is unbelievable.”

  “Would you like to go for a walk?”

  “I’d love that.”

  I offered to buy dinner, but he insisted on paying. We got back in his truck and drove over to Narragansett. We found a place to park up by the Wishing Well and crossed Ocean Road to the sea wall, which is a popular place year round to stroll and enjoy the views of Narragansett Bay. Before we crossed the street, Ian took my hand. My hand felt so small compared to his. He had a working man’s hands— strong, rough, sexy. As we walked along, I could smell the ocean and hear the surf pounding on the rocks. It was a beautiful evening with just a gentle breeze. We walked toward the Towers, two stone structures at either end of an enclosed bridge that crosses Ocean Road. The Towers were all that’s left of the Narragansett Casino, which burned down in a fire in 1900. Further down past the towers was the Narragansett Town Beach. It’s a nice walk with stunning scenery.

  By the time we headed back toward Ian’s truck, it was starting to get dark. We walked along in companionable silence. I didn’t want to just babble and I didn’t feel I needed to. I was just enjoying being with him.

  On the drive home, I said, “Ian, this was a nice evening. I’m so glad Mac is feeling better.”

  “Me, too. I’ll be honest, when I saw that ambulance last night I thought the worst. I thought his color was good tonight though. I think he’s on the mend.”

  At the cottage, he walked me to my door. He took my hand and pulled me close. My heart started to pound, and I got that warm feeling I always get when I’m close to him.

  He lean down and kissed me, warmly and gently. I put my arms around his neck and kissed him back. He removed my hair clip and ran his fingers through my hair. We finally came up for air, he nibbled on my neck, worked his way up to my cheek and gave me a quick peck on the lips.

  Ian then drew back and handed me my hair clip. He looked at me with sultry eyes and said in a husky voice, “You have the most beautiful hair I’ve ever seen. I just had to get my hands on it. It’s like silky fire.”

  I blushed and whispered, “Would you like to come in?”

  He smiled and said, “I think I’d better go.”

  Disappointed, I said, “Thanks again for dinner.”

 
“My, pleasure.”

  He turned and did his hundred-yard dash through the parking lot.

  I went into the cottage a little sad but happy at the same time. I didn’t want the evening to end. It was a magic night. Mac is feeling better and I think Ian and I just had an unofficial date. I probably shouldn’t have asked him in, but I couldn’t help myself. The words just came out of my mouth. I hope he doesn’t think I’m easy now. He is so nice and handsome and sexy and sweet. I know I shouldn’t, but I’m falling fast.

  I checked my e-mail before I went to bed. There was one from Helen, and one from my parents in New Zealand. I decided to read Helen’s first.

  Hi, Meggie:

  I’m planning on driving up on Sunday. Can’t wait. I got directions on the Net. I’m planning on getting up at 4:00 A.M. and hitting the road to beat the traffic. Do you want anything from Philly? If so, let me know. I need this vacation bad. Have you found anyone for me to play with?

  Love, Hel

  I answered back.

  Hi Helen:

  I can’t wait to see you. I just had an unofficial date with the perfect man and I’m in total like and lust. I only hope I’m not setting my self up for another heartbreak. My fragile heart can’t take another crack. I’ll fill you in when you get here. I’m sure you won’t have a hard time finding someone to play with while you’re here. You were the queen of the playground since first grade. See you Sunday.

  Love, Meggie

  I then read my mom’s e-mail.

  Hi, Meggie:

  We’re having a great time. Charlie keeps us really busy. Have you heard from your grandmother again? Hope things are going well at the marina.

  Love, Mom

  I guess it’s time to bite the bullet and call Gram. Because California is three hours behind, I figured it wasn’t too late to call.

  I dialed the number she gave me. It rang a few times and a man answered in a cheerful voice, “Cal O’Callaghan.”

  Did I have the wrong number? I tentatively asked, “Is Betty there?”

  He said, “Is this Meggie?”

  Surprised, I said, “Yes, it is.”

  He said, “I’m Betty’s friend Cal O’Callaghan. I’ve heard all about you.”

  I didn’t know quite what to think, let alone what to say. I finally said, “Is my Gram there?”

  “Yes, my dear, I’ll go get her for you.”

  Gram came on the line and said, “Hi, Meggie. Is everything okay?”

  I told her, “Yes everything is fine here. Mac had a little angina and was in the hospital overnight, but he seems to be bouncing back.”

  “Oh, honey, I’m sorry to hear that. You give Mac my love. How’s the marina?”

  “The marina is fine, Gram. I just called to see how you were. What have you been doing? Most of all, who’s Cal?”

  She laughed and said, “Are we sure I’m the grandmother and you’re the granddaughter? I thought I was supposed to ask all the questions. Well, Cal is my old friend, Meggie. We’ve been having a lovely time. Last week we went to Santa Barbara for a few days and we visited Hearst Castle. I thought the mansions in Newport were spectacular, but Hearst Castle is something else.”

  “Mom e-mailed and asked about you, so I thought I’d call and check on you.”

  “I’m fine, darling. Couldn’t be better.”

  I smiled to myself and said, “Well, Gram, you keep having fun, and I’ll let Mom know you’re okay.”

  “Please do that, honey, and again, give Mac my love.”

  “I will, Gram. Love you.”

  “Love you too. Goodbye.”

  I hung up in shock. I wanted to ask her more about Cal, but how do you ask your grandmother if she has a boyfriend. Hey, Gram, are you sleeping with Cal? Are you doing the rumba between the sheets? I just couldn’t do it. I’ve never heard her sound so happy. Whoever Cal is, if he can make my Gram sound that happy, he’s okay in my book.

  I quickly e-mailed my mother back.

  Hi Mom:

  Just talked to Gram and she’s doing well and having a great time. I miss you and I’ll keep you posted on Gram.

  Love, Meggie

  CHAPTER SIX

  The next morning after Journey arrived, I went over to the Snack Shack for a late breakfast. Mo stood behind the counter, hands on hips, looking at the four large tubs of chicken wings in front of her.

  I asked her, “What’s with the chicken wings?”

  She leaned on the counter and said, “Oh, my God. I’ve got a gazillion orders for these wings. Every fisherman in Cozy Harbor wants at least two orders for the weekend.”

  “They must be really good. I don’t think I’ve ever had them.”

  “Well, most of them haven’t either. I’m gonna put them in the fridge and I’ll be cookin’ them tomorrow afternoon. I’ll be lucky if I get out of here by midnight.”

  I asked, “Why the run on chicken wings all of a sudden?”

  “Well, the warm water has moved into the canyon. It’s about eighty miles offshore and a prime fishing area for tuna and mahi. The Murphy brothers went out to the canyon fishin’ the other day on the Tuna Kahuna. I guess there were quite a few boats out there and no one was catchin’ a thing. The boys bought some wings from me before they went out fishing. Don was chompin’ down some wings and tossing them in the water. Next thing you know, all their rods were bent over and they caught six yellowfin tuna and a couple mahi. None of the other boats got so much as a nibble. When they filleted the fish, guess what was inside?”

  “Your chicken wings?”

  “You got it. Now every fisherman around thinks my wings are the best bait goin’. I’m thinkin’ of raisin’ my prices.”

  I laughed and said, “That’s unbelievable.”

  Mo shook her head and said, “Believe me, it was just a fluky thing. These fishermen will try anythin’ to catch a fish. They’d throw their own mother overboard if they thought she’d make good bait.”

  “If you want, Mo, I’ll be happy to help you after work tomorrow.”

  “Oh, Meggie, you’re a lifesaver.”

  “No problem. Can I get a cup of coffee and a bagel?”

  “Sure, just let me get these wings in the fridge.”

  Mo put the wings away and made my bagel for me.

  She asked, “What’s the latest on Mac?”

  “Ian and I went over to see him last night and he’s doing much better. He said to thank you for the meals.”

  “Good. So, you and Ian went together?”

  “Yes, and afterward we went for dinner and a walk at the sea wall.”

  “A walk at the sea wall sounds pretty romantic to me. I’m so happy for you, honey.” She raised her eyebrows and asked, “Any action afterward?”

  “He kissed me goodnight and left. I invited him in, but he said he had to go.”

  “He must think you’re special. I know a couple of local girls who went out with Ian, and I never heard nothin’ about him bein’ a slow mover.”

  “Well, I hope that’s a good sign, but he needs to speed things up. I’m only here for the summer. Gram will be back before you know it. By the way, I talked to her last night. I called her at the number she gave me and a man answered the phone.”

  Mo looked shocked and said, “Get out of town!”

  “Nope. The friend she went to visit is a guy named Cal.”

  “Well, I’ll be damned. Good for her.”

  “Yeah. She told me they just got back from Santa Barbara and had a lovely time. I couldn’t believe it. I wanted to ask her so many questions about Cal, but I felt uncomfortable.”

  “Well, sure. I can see why.”

  “I’ll tell you, Mo, she sounded so happy.”

  “Well, honey, that little bi
t of info made my day. Maybe there’s hope for the rest of us lonely hearts. Who would have ever thunk it, though. Betty has a boyfriend.”

  “Well, keep this info under your hat, or I guess I should say under your counter, Mo. Gram wouldn’t want everyone knowing her business.”

  “My lips are sealed, sugar.”

  “Thanks and thanks for breakfast.”

  “Anytime.”

  “See you later,” I said and left the Shack with Mo smiling and shaking her head.

  I went back to work and the rest of the day went by fast. I decided that before I went home, I would check on Mac’s boat. I walked down the dock and saw Tony on Mac’s boat giving it a good cleaning.

  He looked up at me and gave my body the once-over. “You look gorgeous as usual, Meggie.”

  I looked down at myself. I had on a pair of old white shorts and a navy blue Harbor Marina T-shirt.

  “Tony, you must have had a slow week with the ladies if you think I look good.”

  “Are you kidding, Meggie? You always look smokin’ hot.”

  “You always have a line, Tony. It’s so nice of you to clean Mac’s boat. You’re just a teddy bear under that macho veneer.”

  “Well, the Tone has a soft spot for the old Clam Man. I’ll let you in on a little secret. When I bought my boat, I didn’t know a thing about them. I was a city kid. I’d been out on a few boats, but I basically hadn’t a clue about boating. I figured, hey, I have a business down here, I live near the water, I should have a boat.” He gave me a leer, wiggled his eyebrows, and said, “Besides, I figured the ladies would love a boat ride. So, I bought a boat and didn’t know what to do with it. I was nervous as hell to take it out. Well, Mac had my number from the get go. That old man spent that whole first summer with me. He taught me the rules of the road out there and taught me about engines and electronics. I owe him big time and I’ll never forget it.”