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“What’re you doing?” Noah stepped forward.
“Just looking for something to write with.” I smiled, moving my hand around in the drawer and using a slight of hand to snag the keys I felt tucked away in the drawer’s corner. I didn’t know for sure if they were for the boat, but I didn’t mind taking my chances. As I pulled my hand from the drawer, I leaned over at just the right angle to produce the pen from my sleeve and quickly swapped the keys to my other hand.
With Noah’s suspicious glare burning into me, I scribbled the note on a piece of loose paper, listing out the items I’d taken and my signature. With the keys tucked away safely against my forearm, I walked out and up to my loft to get something I couldn’t leave behind. Grabbing the compass hanging from the bedpost, I made my way back down the stairs and out of the shop. And Noah was none the wiser that he’d just been robbed blind by a pirate.
8
Sinking
Katrina
Istood at the edge of the dock beside La Esperanza, waiting for Milo, and thought about the irony. Somehow, I always ended up here. On a pier, looking out at the water, waiting for Milo. As much as my heart beat for him, a part of it felt a bit broken, but I could no longer pinpoint what was responsible.
The breeze blew back my hair, giving me a clear line of sight to the approaching figure looming on the water’s surface. A bright white boat with high slanted sails, headed in this direction but still a way off. I didn’t recognize it, but I secretly wished it was mine as I watched it effortlessly cut through the water. Footsteps from behind tore my focus from the boat.
“I knew I’d find you here.” I didn’t expect it to be McKenzie who’d walked up on me. I smiled, a little nervous about her untimely visit.
“Hey,” I offered her a hug, noticing the rolling luggage still at her side. “Happy New Year.”
“It is now that I’m back.” She tossed a lock of red hair back behind her shoulder as she spoke in her signature lilt. “Ugh, my family was about to drive me insane. I drove past here on the way back from the airport and figured I’d stop to see if you were here.”
I chuckled. “You couldn’t even wait to unpack to see me.”
“Well duh! Anyway, you about to go on an excursion?” She lifted her eyebrows as something caught her attention behind me. I turned around to see what had caught her eye out on the water.
The big sailboat I’d seen in the distance was now easing in to moor at the dock next to my boat. I watched in awe as its massive hull drifted near and dwarfed my little fishing boat in its presence. And to my utmost surprise, Milo stood proudly at the helm, his expression focused as he maneuvered the thing.
“What is this? Where did you get that?” I cupped my hands around my mouth as I called out my words so he could hear me from his place so far above me.
“Let’s just say Russell isn’t the only one in his family with a liking for boats.” He yelled back with a smug look.
“What does that mean?”
“Noah’s uncle—Russell’s son—sort of lent it to us.”
“Really?” I put my hands on my hips. “I didn’t know Noah was Russell’s grandson. This seems like a big deal. Does he know how long we’re going to be gone?”
“Well not exactly,” Milo said, “But let’s bring the supplies aboard and I’ll explain. But the important thing is that we’ll be much safer traveling in this one.”
Something felt off, but I reached for the cooler handle and overstuffed backpack at my side and lugged them on.
“Where are you guys going?” McKenzie asked.
“Ummm, we’re just taking a sailing trip for a couple of days.”
“Days?” Her eyes lit up and flashed blue like the water below us. “That sounds so cool. Can I come?” Suddenly she recoiled, grabbing her arm like she was embarrassed. “I mean I’d stay on the other side of the boat or whatever because I’m sure you guys want your privacy so like obviously I’d stay away, ya know? But this just seems so cool. And that boat is so freaking nice.”
A subtle sigh escaped my lips and mixed with the salty air. How could I tell her no in the nicest way?
“Well—um…” I scratched my head and bit my lip. “The thing is…this could be a rough trip and I’m not sure—”
I was unable to finish my statement when an oddly familiar voice tore through the air and frantic footsteps wobbled the wooden deck beneath my feet.
“Hey! I’m calling the cops if you don’t get down from there right now!” I was startled to see Noah rushing across the pier, shouting in a panic directed at Milo.
“What?” I cried, glancing up at Milo, who looked completely unconcerned with the accusation as he stood leaning over the ship deck’s railing.
Just then, I noticed a boat cruising out into the horizon, navigating swiftly through the outer banks toward the open ocean. A memory flashed before my eyes. I knew that boat. It was unmistakable for the bold dark blue stripes along the sides and the name on the back.
