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Gunner motioned to the others and they took off, machetes in the air. I hadn’t noticed until now that the others had smeared mud on their faces.
This is going to be the best thing I’ve ever caught on video before.
Chapter 61
Jade
“I’m sure people call me many things, but I’ve never heardCharlie,” Mrs. Hawthorne smiled. “I got your message.”
“Mrs. Hawthorne, you’re here! Come on in. I thought you were Gunner’s friend Charlie.” I ran to the kitchen to check another batch of cookies. “He was helping me repair a boat, so I made him cookies.”
“Please call me Victoria. They smell delicious.” Victoria took a seat at the table.
“Let me get you a hot one, and how about something to drink?” I scurried around the kitchen with nerves fluttering through me. “I could make coffee or tea.”
“If the cookies are hot, then I think we need cold milk, don’t you?” Victoria sat her purse down. “Jade, pour yourself a drink as well, then sit and talk with me. I can see you’re nervous.”
“I’m very nervous. I made a rash decision and now with you in front of me and hours have gone by, I’m reconsidering.” I placed a milk in front of her with a plate of cookies. “I’m just nervous.”
“The other girls are just getting straight money, but I think you might want something different, correct?” She picked up a cookie. “Why don’t you start with what you need, then we can go from there.”
“I need my dad to go to the very best rehab facility that’s available, but I don’t even know what kind of money is on the table.” I put my hands on my lap under the table. “Maybe that’s asking too much. I don’t want to go first.”
Victoria sat quietly chewing a cookie for a few seconds, then spoke. “Okay, let me tell you what I think we can do, but you have to promise to listen to the whole thing before asking questions.”
“I can do that.” I nodded for her to go on. “But first, remember, it’s all about my dad.”
“Yes dear, I know. My thoughts are that I’ll arrange for your father to go to the very best rehab facility in the country. He will get treated for all the things Dr. Johnson said he needs,” Victoria started, and held up her hand when I started to ask a question. “Also, while he is in rehab and you are on the island participating in activities and getting to know the groom-to-be, we will pay for someone to run the marina, as well as all new docks, new equipment, a back-up generator and the boats updated.”
“Where do I start? Oh, first, how do you know what Dr. Johnson wants?” I stopped there, waiting for that answer.
“When I got your message, I was already on my way back to try to convince you to let me help you while you helped me.” Victoria sipped her milk. “I made a call to Dr. Johnson to inquire as to what exactly was needed.”
“He never said a word to me. Never mind that.” I stood and started pacing. “I agree with the best facility and I have to agree with someone running the marina while I’m away. We can’t lose more business by closing.”
“I agree that would be a bad idea,” Victoria agreed. “Is that all?”
“I can’t let you spend more than that.” I stopped and looked at her. “I need to agree with who is running the marina and train them.”
“Agreed. Do you have anyone in mind?” she asked. “If not, then I have a suggestion.”
“I kinda have an idea, but I don’t know if the person is interested.” I paced again. “I could ask. Who were you thinking?”
“Your new friend Charlie, and the others could help, too.” She smiled. “I don’t know if Imogen will give up Gunner for too long, but the others are free and would love to do it.”
“How do you know that? Never mind, I already know the answer.” I sat back down. “Dad has to go right away. How soon is this bride thing?”
“It starts next weekend but, if you agree, we can get started on the marina plan and get your father going immediately.”
I stared at the table for a few breaths, then turned and hugged her. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that.”
“Dear, who doesn’t like a hug now and again?” She finished her milk. “I haven’t had cold milk and fresh cookies in a while. Anyway, I insist the docks get repaired. I can’t have you over there worried that someone else will get injured.”
“That just sounds like too much money. I can’t.” I shook my head no. “That’s not fair to the other girls.”
“I promise you the other girls will be compensated equally. You don’t want your father’s friends getting hurt, do you?” She pushed her chair back and stood. “Do we have a deal?”
We looked at each other in complete silence. I could tell from her stance she was used to getting her way, but she wasn’t being too pushy. I felt like I could trust her.
