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Not that I cared. Her relationship status was none of my business. I needed to double down on my efforts to talk to all the commission members so we could put the zoning issue to a vote as soon as possible. Then Claire could be on her merry way, and I’d never have to think about her again.
Unlikely.I brushed the thought aside.
“Plenty of single women walk through the doors of the Carolina Brew Company.”
“If you’re referring to the widows that come to Carmen’s side for book club, no thanks.”
She pulled her hand out of mine and lightly slapped my arm. “That’s not who I’m talking about, and you know it. You limit your options, and I don’t understand why.”
The Carolina Banks was my home, and I wasn’t willing to compromise on that, so there was no reason to take a chance with a woman who might want me to move. “Are you giving everyone else this talk too?” I asked instead of explaining. “There are seven other kids who can give you grandchildren, plus Wes.”
“You’re the oldest.” She shrugged. “I figure it’s like dominoes. Once I get you knocked down, the others will follow.”
“Don’t hold your breath.” I leaned down and gave her a peck on the cheek. “Call me if you need any kind of help with Paul. Or anything else. I mean it.”
She waved me off. “You’re busy, and I’m sure I can manage.”
Knowing her, she could handle whatever life threw at her, but she didn’t have to do it alone. “I’m never too busy for family.”
“I know, dear. That’s why it’s such a shame you don’t have one of your own.” She sounded sad, and a pang of guilt struck me.
Nope, not falling for that.My life was great, and I had all the responsibilities I cared to take on. She’d have to take one of her other children on that guilt trip because I wasn’t going.
“On that note, I’ll see myself out.”
CHAPTER 6
Claire
“CLIMB ABOARD, MISSY.”The older man held out a grizzled hand. The boat he was standing in swayed in the water.
Inching backward, I gulped. I hadn’t been lying when I’d said I loved the Carolina Banks. I loved nearly everything about it—except this. Boats were not my friends. Put me on any roller coaster, and I’d be fine, but the slight shifting of the surface beneath my feet, caused by the waves, made my complexion green and my stomach revolt.
Despite the cold, I broke out in a sweat. “Mr. Abernathy, I’d be happy to make an appointment with you to come back at another time—”
“You said you wanted to talk. Well, I’m listening now. So either get on the boat or don’t.” He shrugged. “The choice is yours, but I’m not missing the tide.”
“Um…” I stalled, trying to come up with an excuse for not boarding that didn’t make me sound like a wimp. Instinctively, I knew such an excuse did not exist. Seasickness was for tourists. If I wanted this man to take me seriously, I couldn’t let him see my weakness.
Damn it, Phil.Why couldn’t his company be trying to open a ski resort in the mountains instead? One that didn’t involve boats… and surly brewmasters who made me sweat for other reasons.I bet Bennett wouldn’t hesitate to get on the boat.
Mr. Abernathy dropped the offered hand. “Suit yourself.” He started unwinding the ropes that connected the boat to the dock.
“Wait!” I said. Mr. Abernathy owned a chain of bait-and-tackle shops on the island, and he’d been difficult to track down. Since he wasn’t willing to set up a time to chat, this might be my best chance.You are a badass lawyer. You can do this. It’s only a silly boat.“Okay, I’m coming.”
He smiled and held out his hand again. “That’s more like it.”
My palms slick, I gripped his hand and stepped aboard. Thank God I’d worn flats, though my crisp pants, silk blouse, and cashmere wrap coat had no place on the water.Neither do I.
Once aboard, I turned my death grip to the railing, the metal of my pinky ring pressing hard against the rail and digging into my skin. “Is there anything I can help you with?”Please say no, please say no.
“Of course not. I can man my own boat.”
Damn.I had hoped to show what a team player I was, not insult him.
Scratching his chin, he eyed my white knuckles. “Can you swim?”
I nodded, but I must not have convinced him because he tossed me a life jacket. “Put this on.”
