Page 40 of On Her Team
I chuckle. “This island is crazy.”
“Quirky.”
I snort. “Quirky? Uh huh. There’s a resident seal, and we’re off to steal a raccoon. Totally quirky and not crazy.”
“Don’t make fun of our traditions.”
“I’m not. I understand traditions. Sports teams love traditions. Personally, I wear the same socks for the entire season.”
Her nose wrinkles. “The same socks?”
Oops. I probably shouldn’t mention bad hygiene habits to the woman I’m trying to win over. Time for a diversion tactic.
“At the Seals’ home stadium, there’s a seal statute. Whenever we play a home game, it’s tradition for all of the players to kiss the seal’s nose.”
“You shouldn’t kiss Sammy’s nose. He’s pretty tame but he’s still a wild animal.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” We reach Rogue’s Landing. “Wheream I going?”
“Park in the lot over there.”
“Where to now?” I ask once we’re standing in the parking lot.
She motions to the other side of the lot. “To the chowder cook-off.”
My stomach rumbles in response. “Chowder? Clam chowder?”
“We aren’t eating any chowder. We’re on a mission, remember?”
“Can’t we be on a mission and eat chowder at the same time?”
She lifts her eyebrows. “You’re going to eat while holding a raccoon?”
My shoulders fall and my stomach protests. “Guess not.”
She rolls her eyes. “I’ll try to grab you a bowl, but I make no promises.”
I rub my hands together. “Okay. What’s the plan?”
“It’s probably better you don’t know the plan.”
“You’re the boss.”
I grasp her hand and we make our way across the parking lot to where the chowder cook-off is happening. The smell of potatoes, seafood, and onions hits me and my stomach rumbles in response.
Addy giggles. “Did you skip lunch?”
“I never skip lunch.”
“Good to know,” she mutters as we arrive.
There are several tables set up across from each other. Each table features a pot of chowder and several bowls. Plenty ofopportunity to taste some chowder. At the far end of the tables is a set of bleachers.
“Are there observers for the cook-off?”
“Duh. This is Smuggler’s Hideaway. There’s bound to be someone who cheats or steals.”
“I—”
