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“We just finished our first full season at the Wayfarer, and one thing is crystal clear. We’re in bad need of better security. We need someone who knows what they’re doing. I’m not going to lie to you—in season, the job will be a gigantic pain in the ass. In the off-season, you’ll be bored. We’d put you on an annual salary with bonuses for surviving the summer. We also provide full medical and dental insurance as well as long- and short-term disability.” Big Mac named a salary number that piqued John’s interest. It was more than he’d made in Tennessee. “What do you think?”
“I think it sounds great, but don’t you want to check my references or anything?”
“You’re Owen, Katie and Julia’s brother. That’s all I need to know.”
John eyed him skeptically. “Is that how it works around here?”
“Yep. I think the world of them, your mom, Charlie, your grandparents, Cindy. Wonderful family.”
“Thank you. They’re pretty great.”
“I assume you are, too?”
“I try to do the right thing in every situation.”
“That’s what we need, but I want you to know, the shit that goes on there in the summer would try the soul of the most patient of people. Nikki Stokes, our general manager, has some war stories you might want to hear before you accept.”
“I assume there won’t be anyone shooting at me.”
“They’re more apt to throw up on you than shoot at you.”
“I’d take puke over a bullet any day. I’m not afraid of drunk and disorderly.”
“We’re concerned about it escalating from there. Had a couple of reports of unwelcome sexual advances this past season, which has me concerned about lawsuits and such.”
“I have a lot of experience dealing with that, too. I’d do my best to keep things running smoothly for you.”
“I promised Nikki I’d do something about the security situation in the off-season, so you’re hired. If you want the job, that is.”
Did he want to stay on Gansett indefinitely, including during the long, cold winter? He wouldn’t have thought that would appeal to him until he’d come home and spent time with his family, not to mention the promising new friendship with Niall. “I think it sounds great,” John said. “I accept.”
Jeff Lawry was in love.There could be no other way to describe the light-headed, carefree way he felt whenever Kelsey was anywhere nearby—and even when she wasn’t. Just knowing she existed in this world made it a better place. The thought of leaving her in a couple of weeks was so painful, it kept him awake at night, rethinking his life plan so it might include her.
He’d come early to the McCarthys to pick her up after work, hoping for a minute alone with Mr. McCarthy, who was at home recovering from a vasectomy. The only reason Jeff knew about that was because Mr. McCarthy had told him to enjoy your swimmers while you can. That had cracked him up, especially as he tried to imagine his own father saying such a thing. Jeff hoped the McCarthy kids knew how lucky they were to have a dad like him.
He often wondered what his life might’ve been like if he’d been born into a normal family. Not that he’d trade his mom and siblings for anything, but what he would’ve given to have had a childhood free of violence and fear. The fear had been debilitating and had driven him to drugs and a suicide attempt. He gave thanks every day for the second chance he’d been given by the EMTs who’d saved his life that day as well as the grandparents who’d threatened legal action to get him out of his father’s home. He’d been determined ever since not to squander his second chance, which was why he wanted to talk to Mr. McCarthy.
Jeff knocked on the sliding glass door.
From his post on the sofa, Mr. McCarthy waved him in. He had a stack of papers and a laptop on the table next to him. Was that a bag of frozen peas on his lap? Interesting.
“How’s it going, Jeff?”
“Good, sir. How are you?”
“I’m better, and I told you before not to call me sir.”
“Sorry, sir.” After being raised by a career military officer with a mean left hook, the habit was so deeply ingrained in Jeff that he’d never be able to undo it.
“Kelsey is at the beach with the kids, but they’re due back in a few.”
“I know. She texted me. I wondered if I might speak to you for a moment?”
Mac looked up at him. “Sure. What’s on your mind?”
Jeff sat in the chair across from him. “I was wondering if you have any job openings in your company. I did several summers of construction when I was in college and have experience in roofing, framing, drywall and finish carpentry.”
“I thought you just graduated from college and had a job lined up in Tampa?”
