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I waited on the dock until they stood in front of me. “Victoria, that was a short visit, I wasn’t planning on picking you up until morning.”
“I had to come back unexpectedly to pick up a friend. I didn’t bother you because I wanted some alone time with my nephew,” Victoria smiled.
“I thought maybe you’d had enough of him and were ready to leave.” I pointed toward Sawyer. “Geez, what’s wrong with me? Sorry, I’m not usually so snotty.”
“Seriously, you’re not? Because you’ve been like that since I met you,” Sawyer quipped.
“That might be because you keep giving me reasons to act that way, Mr. Hawthorne,” I said through gritted teeth. “And you started this by telling everyone in town that I pushed you.”
“Sawyer, why don’t you call the airstrip and see if Sienna is ready?” Victoria nodded. “Jade, dear, tell me, how’s your father doing?”
“He’s asleep still, so I’m taking this time to get the hole in the deck repaired.” I pointed to the broken area. “This marina was once the one all boaters wanted to dock at.”
“And you think you can save it?” Victoria asked. “Shouldn’t you just sell it? Perhaps get back to your career?”
“No, ma’am, I’ll do anything to save this place. It’s all I have left of my mother. I have a lot of memories here.” I shook my head. “I’ll fight ‘til I can’t anymore.”
“Will your father be in the hospital for a long time?” Victoria asked. “This looks like a lot for one person. Have you thought of hiring out?”
“Won’t be any hiring. There’s no money and I’m about out of all my savings.” I looked over to the parking lot to see a redhead coming toward us. “Is that who you were waiting on?”
Victoria stood looking at me instead of her friend approaching. “Are you bringing the band over tonight?”
“Someone will. I’ll have to play it by ear because of Dad. He can’t be alone.” I turned to leave. “You have my number if you need anything, though. Great talking with you.”
“Jade, I have an idea that might help you. Do you mind if I call you later to discuss it?” Victoria asked. “I don’t want to hold you up now so you can get back to your father.”
“Sure, call me anytime.”
Chapter 26
Sawyer
Iwatched Jade and my aunt talking. Then, she walked away as my aunt’s guest approached. That was my cue to return.
“Marcus messaged that he’d only be a few more minutes. Why don’t we get on the boat and relax while we wait?” I led the way back, watching for unsafe areas. “What was the big discussion with the marina owner?”
“I’d rather talk about why she calls you ‘Mr. Hawthorne’. It’s a bit snobby, don’t you think?” Victoria asked. “Not to mention she has a name that’s notmarina owner.”
“I don’t know, I told her to call me Sawyer.” I shook my head. “She just keeps calling me Mr. Hawthorne.”
“Sawyer, dear, whatever is she talking about when she says you pushed her?” Aunt Victoria asked, standing next to me on the deck. “She seems a bit angry with you.”
“I think she’s just angry. I didn’t do anything.” I paced across the deck. “She’s been testy since I arrived.”
“And you had nothing to do with it?” Aunt Victoria took a seat with her guest. “I’ve been so focused on Jade I forgot my manners. Sienna, this is my nephew Sawyer. He’s our next victim.”
“Victim? If I wasn’t concerned before, I definitely am now.” I turned in the direction of the redhead.
“Hey there. I’m Sienna. I run the agency in Australia.” Sienna waved from her seated position. “I look forward to working with you. Your aunt is really good at this too, so you’re a lucky guy.”
“Sienna, nice to meet you, but you should know that my aunt is good at everything.” I leaned on the railing, watching Jade. “Look at her over there. How can she fix a broken dock with old wood?”
“You’re welcome to go help her, Sawyer. It might do you good to get those hands dirty,” Aunt Victoria instigated. “We’re gonna sit here and discuss your ideas.”
“I’ll be back in a few minutes.” I jumped onto the dock and marched toward Jade.
“Is there something else you needed, Mr. Hawthorne?” Jade asked without looking up at me. “If not, then could you step back out of my sunlight?”
