Page 52 of The Sailor

“Is that really what you want to do on your day off? We could hang out at your place, or mine, and watch a movie. Or go out for dinner. We could get some donuts from Ruckus and eat them in bed,” Zach hinted, with a teasing glint in his eye.

“Or, we could get some donuts for everyone before we head to your mom’s place. Maybe watch a movie with your mom and Britt and Chad after a hard day’s work.”

Zach laughed. “It’s a date.”

Marit had never had such unique dates with a guy before, and was happy Zach had agreed. Not that she’d had all that many dates to begin with, but she liked their twist on them. A lot. Enjoyed knowing they’d be helping out his family, and she was excited to go back to Lobster Cove. There was such a welcoming, homey feel to the place. Something she’d been missing for a long time.

That wasn’t to say she wanted to live there. She liked Evelyn, but she didn’t think she’d want to live with Zach’s mother. Besides, Lobster Cove was too far away from the boat docks. She’d have to get up even earlier than she already did to get to work, which didn’t appeal.

Of course, once winter hit, while the lobster industry was no longer prohibited by law from working on Sundays, the amount of time they’d spend on the water would be reduced. As would her salary. But Marit didn’t mind. While she loved lobstering, she didn’t love being on the water in subzero temperatures.

Marit felt Zach watching her, and she tilted her head to meet his gaze. “What?” she asked, wondering why he was staring at her so intently.

“I’m just wondering what I did right in my life to deserve you. Having a girlfriend who willingly wants to go to my family home and work, or shop for a house she won’t be living in, or hang out with my mother, and who seems happy about all of it.”

“Funny, I was wondering how I got so lucky to have a boyfriend who’s willing to share his family with me, and who doesn’t mind spending his day off with them.”

“Who said I had the day off?” Zach asked with a grin. “I need to go by in the morning and do some cooking, then set the menu for next week. We won’t get nearly as much business as we are now, during the festival, but I want to make sure I have some new stuff for anyone who might be sticking around. And for the locals. I thought maybe I could experiment while we watch that movie.”

“Can I help?”

“Sure.”

She loved that he agreed so quickly, despite knowing she wasn’t much of a cook . . . and given he wouldn’t let her near the food during that first dinner in his apartment. She grinned at the thought. “What are you thinking about making?”

“Lobster and truffle macaroni cups. The cupcake tins went over so well with the lobster pot pie, so I figured we could use them again, charge the same price for mac and cheese cups. I also thought I’d experiment with some breakfast food, and see if people might be willing to buy it for lunch or dinner. Lobster and cornbread waffles with maple butter—from right here in Maine, of course.

“For those who might not want carbs, or who’re watching their weight, I want to try out a lobster and blueberry salad with citrus vinaigrette. Again, with the blueberries coming from a farm not too far from Rockville. I’ve already talked to the owner, and she said she’d bring a bushel of blueberries down to the shack this week. Oh hey, before summer’s over, maybe we can go blueberry picking together? I used to love to do that when I was little. Maine has the best blueberries. They’re smaller than what you get in the stores, but so much sweeter.”

Marit grinned even wider at hearing Zach’s passion. About the meals he wanted to create and the possibility of spending more time with her, showing her things he’d loved while growing up around here.

She’d finished her lobster roll by the time they got to the area around the harbor that had been set up for spectators. It was already getting crowded, and Marit was glad they’d gotten here early. Zach texted his brothers and let them know approximately where they were standing. It wasn’t long before Knox, Evelyn, Chad, and Britt joined them.

“Where’s Linc?” Zach asked.

“He’s with Kash, over near the starting platform. His mom couldn’t come, and of course, Victor refused to watch ‘something so ridiculous,’” Evelyn said.

Marit frowned. That sucked. The kid had been so anxious about proving to his grandfather that he could do something athletic, just to make him proud.

“So Linc took it upon himself to watch over Kash and be his coach. To keep him company and try to keep his nerves settled,” Evelyn finished.

“Harper’s not here to watch her son?” Knox asked, slight derision in his tone.

“She had to work,” Britt said, defending their neighbor. “She tried to get the day off, but her boss said no. I told her that I’d record Kash’s run for her, so she can watch it with him when she gets home.”

“You’ve been talking to her?” Zach asked in surprise.

“Yeah. She came over the other day because she couldn’t find Kash, and she was worried. I broke down and told her about the fort, then I swore her to secrecy. We got to talking a bit. She’s nice. I like her,” Britt said firmly.

“Easy, Peach. No one’s saying they don’t like her,” Chad soothed.

“Coulda fooled me. I know Linc has a history with her, but Kash is a good kid. He wouldn’t be that way if she was a complete bitch. She works all the time, and her dad isn’t the easiest person to live with. I don’t know her entire story, but she’s obviously had a rough go of it, from the little things Kash has let slip. She’s doing her best to raise her kid, save enough money for a place of their own, and to make amends for the person she used to be when she lived here. So, I decided she could use a friend. Like I did when I first got here.”

“Where does she work?” Zach asked.

“The big-box store on the outskirts of town.”

“She can’t be making too much there,” Knox mused.