She knew there was no point in waiting for a thank-you. Her father didn’t believe in them. Once she was in the hallway, she did a little dance. Even a half-day charter would pay more than the boutique. Enid was going to be relieved.
Once she was in her car, she called her friend.
“Be in the office about eight tomorrow to fill out the paperwork. And bring your restaurant schedule. I’ll refresh you on everything, and you’ll be on by ten.” Harlow paused. “Oh, wait. That means you’re not giving the boutique any notice. Is that a problem?”
Enid laughed. “No. Business is slow, my manager said. Someone needs to quit or people will be laid off. No one quit yet. I’ll let her know the happy news.”
Her friend’s voice dropped. “Thanks, Harlow. This is fantastic. More money and more fun than steaming clothes.”
“Happy to help. Let’s go get Mexican to celebrate. My treat.”
“I owe you. I should buy.”
“No way. I want to celebrate my friend, so it’s on me. I’ll pick you up.”
Enid laughed. “I’ll be here. Can’t wait.”
* * *
Robyn stepped out of the shower and reached for a towel. She was tired and hungry—hours on the ocean plus skipping lunch—but also happy. She’d enjoyed herself. Mason had been an excellent sailing companion. On the way back, she’d shown him how to tack into the wind, and he’d picked up the basics quickly.
Despite his lack of experience, he’d been fine. No seasickness. Nor had he been anxious out on the open ocean. Unlike Florida’s West Coast, where the water was warm, shallow and frequently calm, between California and Asia stood nothing but some atolls and thousands of miles of water. A few hundred yards off the shore, the ocean floor dropped about ten thousand feet. There was always current and wind. Even an experienced sailor could be intimidated in a small boat.
But Mason had been fine. He’d trusted her, done what he was told and been an excellent conversationalist.
She remembered what Lillian had said about Mason watching her. As she started to dress, a little shiver rippled through her. Anticipation, she thought happily. Possibilities. They were both adults. Both single. Both aware of each other. It was nice.
She blew out her hair, then walked barefoot back into her bedroom.
Her phone rang. The screen showed Mindy’s name. Instantly her stomach sank as she wondered what kind of trouble her friend was in now.
“Hey,” she said, answering the call.
“We did it. We slept together.”
Robyn dropped into a chair. “No. Why?”
“You’re supposed to be supportive and ask how it was.”
Robyn leaned back, closing her eyes. She wanted to say Mindy would regret the act forever, but there was no point in repeating herself.
“How was it?”
Mindy sighed. “Less wonderful than I’d hoped. I mean, his body is incredible, and it was very exciting being with someone other than Payne, but no fireworks. I couldn’t relax. We went to his place, which is very nice. He did all the right things, but I don’t know. It felt weird.”
Robyn opened her eyes. “Are you okay?”
“I feel guilty. That should make you happy.”
“This isn’t about me being happy. I never wanted you to feel bad. I wanted you not to do it in the first place.” She pressed her lips together to avoid saying something she would regret. “I’m sorry it wasn’t wonderful.”
“You don’t mean that. You’re sorry I did it.”
“I am. Mindy, you have to stop before something bad happens.”
“I want to see him again. Why did I even call? You won’t listen.”
“I am listening. I just want you to be safe.”
“Dimitri won’t hurt me.”
“What he does or doesn’t do isn’t the point. I’m worried about you and your marriage. Please remember how much you love Payne.”
“I know what he means to me. I need this. I wish you could understand that.” Mindy sighed. “I have to go. I’ll talk to you later.”
The call ended. Robyn tossed the phone onto her bed, then crossed to the French doors and stepped onto the balcony.
The temperature had warmed considerably, and this late in the afternoon, it was nearly eighty. She stood in the sun, breathing in the salt air, telling herself that if she couldn’t convince her friend to listen to her, then she could at least be available when it all hit the fan. And it would.
After a few seconds, she glanced toward Mason’s room and saw him sitting on the balcony, reading. Or at least holding a book. When she spotted him, she saw he was watching her, his expression unreadable.
Their eyes locked, and in that moment, all thoughts of Mindy vanished as unexpected need filled her.
Surprised by her reaction, she was torn between moving toward him and retreating to her room. Mason solved the problem by smiling at her. A friendly, easy smile that made her lips curve up in return.
“I can’t stop thinking about the pork chops you promised me,” he said. “Between skipping lunch and being out on the water for a few hours, I’m starving.”
“Me, too,” she said, thinking she was hungry for more than food, but hey, better to keep the conversation on an even keel （no pun intended）。
“You okay? You seem concerned about something.”
“My friend who’s being an idiot.”
“Mindy?”
“That’s the one.”
He motioned to the chair next to his. “Want to talk about it? I can’t promise to offer advice, but I’m a good listener, and the view can’t be beat.”
She sat next to him, then put her bare feet on the ottoman. “Mindy slept with her tennis instructor. I knew she wanted to, but I didn’t think she actually would. It’s so dumb, and when her husband finds out, her life will be ruined. I’ve told her and told her, but she won’t listen.”
“Some people secretly want to screw up.”
“You’re right, they do. More deep thoughts.”
He laughed. “Just an observation.”
“A good one. I just wish…” She shook her head. “No, you’re right. I can’t fix this. She has to figure it out for herself.”
“You’re a good friend.”
“I try. I don’t always succeed.”
“You’re being too hard on yourself.”
“You can’t know that.”
“You put in the effort when it comes to relationships.” One corner of his mouth turned up. “Let’s just say I’ve had a lot of experience figuring out people quickly, and I’m good at it.”
She supposed it was a skill he would have developed, given his former career. “Then I’ll accept the compliment. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I had a good time today.”
“Me, too. You did great, by the way. I think you have some sailor in you.”
“Yeah, let’s not put it that way.”
She grinned. “I thought all the branches supported each other.”
“We do, but I’m not a sailor.”
“So we need a more civilian word? Sail person?” She tilted her head. “That sounds weird and gender-related. I have nothing. We’ll have to brainstorm.”