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Jill listened sympathetically, nodding along, and offering words of encouragement. "That sounds really tough," she said. "But maybe there's something you can do. Have you talked to anyone at town hall?"
Ariel scoffed. "I just tried. Unless he’s digging his foundation after eight at night, there’s nothing I can do."
“That's not right," Jill said, shaking her head. "Keep fighting. Maybe there's another avenue you can explore. State ordinances? Some oversight committee?"
Ariel smiled at Jill’s optimism. "Thanks," she said. "I appreciate it. It's just hard to keep pushing when it feels like I'm hitting a brick wall every time."
"I know," Jill said. "But don't give up. You're doing important work. Your guests will have a great time, and you’ll get to cook again, just like you did in Paris—and it will be so fulfilling."
“Unlike Miami, I know, I know,” she said. She’d lamented about her old life to her friend many times. “And you’re right, as always. I just have to hang in and keep looking for a solution.” Ariel felt a swell of gratitude. It was nice to have a reminder that, even when things seemed difficult, she was never alone. She hadn’t known Jill long, but she felt like the woman was a kindred spirit. "Thank you," she said again, and focused on finishing her pie.
The grocery app, when Ariel checked it, said the order was complete and ready to go.
“I hate to eat and run, but I have to stop by the market—”
Jill held up a hand, stopping Ariel’s apology. “Go. I’m off soon, and I’m going home to get fancied up and come to Leeside for the opening. I’ll see you tonight!”
“My bill?” Ariel asked.
“On the house. Get out of here,” Jill countered.
With a quick hug, Jill shooed Ariel away, and Ariel had to sneak to shove a twenty-dollar bill into her friend’s apron pocket.
CHAPTER FIVE
Still thinking about Jill’s kind words, Ariel made her way to the marina. The sun was shining over shimmering cobalt-blue waters, sparkling off boat masts stretching skyward in almost every direction she looked. People bustled along the docks while others fished from shore or moored at narrow slips between vessels. Despite its hustle and bustle, it still remained a quiet sanctuary for many; there were no cars, only sailboats flowing softly through crystal blue water mirroring the skies above. She stopped to ask one of the marina employees where Miles was, and the woman directed Ariel to a far slip.
When Ariel arrived, she immediately spotted Miles standing among several crates on a dock beside what appeared to be an abandoned vessel that had seen much better days—a decades-old schooner with faded lines and two tall masts that loomed high above them. Miles was unfolding a ladder, seemingly lost amidst a myriad of tools scattered about him—hammers here, saws there. Ariel got the sense that the old boat was something grand, or at least, once had been—much like Leeside, pre-renovation.
As Ariel watched Miles climb onto the boat, she admired the way he moved with such fluidity and grace, each movement deliberate and purposeful.“Hey there!" she called out cheerfully. "What in the world is this?”
Miles smiled and jumped back to the dock when he saw Ariel coming toward him. “Thanks for meeting me out here," he said warmly. “I wanted to finally show you this—isn’t she a beauty? I got her on commission from one of the seasonal residents. They’re paying me to restore her.”
Miles took her hand and led her over to the boat, pointing out the progress he had made. He had replaced the old, worn-out sails with new ones, and the hull had been sanded and repainted to a gleaming white. Ariel couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in her boyfriend's hard work and dedication to his passion.
"It looks amazing, Miles," she said, tracing her fingers along the refinished wood of the hull. "You've put so much love into this boat."
Miles grinned, looking pleased. "Yeah, it's been a labor of love for sure. But I think she’s almost ready to set sail again."
"I cannot wait to see it out on the water," she said, smiling. "Maybe you can take me out for a spin sometime?"
Miles chuckled. "You got it, babe. But I might put you to work on the rigging first. How are you at knots?"
Ariel rolled her eyes playfully, knowing she had no experience with sailing. But she was grateful for Miles and the way he always encouraged her to stretch herself and try out new experiences. As they stood there by the boat, Ariel felt a sense of contentment and happiness that she hadn't felt in a long time. She knew she was exactly where she was meant to be, with the person she was meant to be with—and it seemed as though he was finding some new happiness, too.
Something shifted inside Ariel’s chest—he really was doing this for himself: reinvigorating his life through sailing and boat-building as if nothing had ever happened to dampen his enthusiasm or ability in the past. As though he were shaking off the trauma of losing his old boat-building company and being swindled by his old business partner.
Almost unbidden, another thought popped into Ariels’ head—like he is recovering from his ex-wife leaving him.
A wave of warmth rushed over Ariel. That was none of her business. Miles had never made it an issue, and Ariel didn’t want to know if he struggled with getting over the woman who had left him. In fact, they had run into a relationship snafu weeks back, when Ariel had gotten a bad case of illogical jealousy over seeing Miles with another woman—who had turned out to be his sister, and not the mysterious ex who never materialized in Endless Harbor as Ariel feared.
Instead of letting herself spiral again, Ariel focused on the positive, and admiration washed over her at this unexpected twist in Miles’s luck. “This is so wonderful! I’m sure it will turn out great. I know how passionate you are about boats, and these owners would be hard-pressed to find anyone better than you to take care of this old gal. As long as you promise not to be as cranky as I was while I renovated the house…”
“I can promise nothing, except that I’ll take you out sailing once she’s done,” Miles said, grinning. “And if or when you have free time, you can come hang out here while I work on the boat.”
“I would love to watch you work on this boat," she said, her voice soft and gentle.
Miles looked down at her, his eyes twinkling with warmth and affection. "I would love having you here with me," he replied.
