Page 53 of The Sailor

“I don’t think she does. But as I said, she’s working as much as possible to save up some money.”

“You sure know a lot about her for just meeting with her once,” Knox observed.

“That’s just who she is,” Chad explained. “I swear if the Russian president came over, she’d convince him to give up his power-hungry ways and be a decent person.”

Everyone chuckled.

“If you want to give her my number, I’d be happy to text her,” Marit blurted. “I mean, I’m new here too, and I wouldn’t mind making another friend.”

“I’ll do that,” Britt said with a grin.

Talk turned to the upcoming race, and Zach took that opportunity to lean down and whisper into Marit’s ear, “You’re a good person. Thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me for befriending your mom’s neighbor. I like Kash, and like Britt said, Harper can’t be all bad if her kid is anything to go on. Besides, I wasn’t lying. I could use more friends. Other than you and your family, that is.”

“She’d be crazy to turn down your offer of friendship,” Zach replied.

Just then, the public address system let out a loud and ear-piercing squeal. Everyone moaned, and some people covered their ears.

“Sorry about that, folks! Welcome to this year’s world-famous Lobster Festival Great Crate Race. Are you ready to cheer on our contestants?”

The crowd roared in response. Marit tried to find Kash among the crush of people down at the docks, near the floating platform. The crates were strung across the water all the way to another floating platform, ready for those brave enough to attempt to race across them.

She crossed her fingers, hoping Kash would do well. It was obviously important to the boy, and she wanted him to be proud of his performance.