Fish Perfume (Cozy Harbor Marina Series) (18 page)

I reached inside Mac’s gift bag and pulled out an “I don’t give a clam” hat. He gave me a big smile and said, “Now we’ll have matching hats when we go out clamming.” I gave him a big hug.

To my surprise, Big H handed me a beautiful bouquet of daisies. He said, “A pretty girl has to have flowers on her birthday.”

I was overwhelmed. I said, “Thank you all so much. This was so sweet.”

Mo said to me, “Come over here and cut the rest of this cake up.”

I said, “I’ll slice a piece for Brian and Matt.”

Everyone else said goodbye and filed out of the Shack. I turned to Mo and said, “I can’t believe all of you.”

Mo said, “Honey, you deserve it. Everyone down here has taken quite a shine to you.”

I said, “Well, the feeling’s mutual. They’re all great people. Hey, how was your date Saturday night?”

She smiled and said, “Pretty darn good if I must say so myself. He was really handsome. The best-lookin’ one yet. Not only that, but he was a charmer. We had a nice dinner, and he was a perfect gentlemen. After dinner, he walked me to my car and kissed me goodnight. It was a whoppin’, make-your-toes-curl kinda’ kiss.”

I said, “Oh boy. When are you seeing him again?”

She smiled and said, “Thursday night. I’m meetin’ him for drinks and dancin’. I’m gonna break out my lucky underwear and my dancin’ shoes. I think this might be the one.”

I said, “Wow. Now I can’t wait for Friday morning so I can hear all about it.”

She asked me, “Does Ian know it’s your birthday?”

I said, “No, and please don’t tell him. I would hate for him to think he had to buy me a present.”

She said, “Are you sure? I could let it slip out in front of him.”

“No, thanks. But, this was great, Mo. Thanks so much for the beautiful cake. I’m going to take Brian his piece and then relieve Matt. I’ll be back later to pick up my presents. I still can’t believe everyone went to so much trouble.”

“Well, have a great birthday, sweetie.”

“It’s already been.”

I went down to the fuel dock and gave Brian his cake and then to the store with Matt’s piece.

His eyes lit up when I handed him the cake. He said, “Happy birthday, Meggie. Doesn’t my Aunt Mo make the best cake you ever tasted?”

“She sure does. Thanks for holding down the fort.”

He blushed and said, “Anytime. I’d better get back.”

It was so nice to know that someone else around here blushes, too.

Ian came by the store around 4:00.

He said, “I’m done for the day and I’m starving. Let’s go out to eat tonight. I feel like Italian food.”

“I love Italian food.”

“I’m going to go home and take Sam for a run and do a few things. I’ll pick you up at 7:00.”

“Okay. How should I dress?”

He smiled and said, “You always look beautiful, but I’d love to see that black dress again.”

“The black dress it is.”

He kissed me quickly and went out the door.

I had a funny feeling someone told him it was my birthday.

I closed up a little early at 5:30 and went over to the cottage. I took a long shower and was drying off when the phone rang. It was Gram.

“Happy birthday, Meggie.”

“Oh, Gram. Thanks.”

“Any big plans for the evening?”

“As a matter of fact, Ian is taking me out to dinner, and I’m supposed to dress up.”

She said, “I always liked that boy.”

I asked, “How are you?”

“I’m looking forward to getting home next weekend. We get in on Saturday. I want you to save Sunday night to go to dinner with Cal and me. We’ll celebrate your birthday then. I’d tell you to bring Ian, but there are some things I want to talk to you about.”

“Okay. I’ll plan on Sunday night.”

“I’ll call you on Sunday and set up a time.”

“I’ll look forward to it, Gram, and have a great trip home.”

She said, “Happy birthday. Bye.”

I hung up the phone and it rang again. To my surprise, it was my brother Jack.

He said, “Hey, Meg. Happy birthday.”

I said, “This is a surprise. I can’t believe you remembered my birthday. Where are you?”

“I’m a sentimental kind of guy. Of course, I’d remember my baby sister’s birthday. I’m in Singapore. Hey, I hear you’re dating Ian Brady. Tell him he’d better be nice to you and remind him that I’m bigger than he is and my punches pack a wallop.”

I laughed and said, “He’s taking me out to a fancy restaurant for dinner.”

“Well, good. Tell him I said hi. I haven’t talked to anyone for a few weeks. What’s been going on with everyone?”

I filled him in on all the family news.

He said, “Wow. Gram has a boyfriend. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get my brain around that one.”

I asked, “When are you coming home?”

“I’ll be home at the beginning of October for three and a half months, which means I’ll be home for the holidays.”

“Great. It seems like I haven’t seen you in a long time.”

“You’ll be sick of me after three and a half months.”

I laughed and asked, “Broken any hearts lately?”

“You know me. I’ve left a trail of broken-hearted women all over the world.”

My brother Jack is gorgeous. All my friends drool over him.

Joking, I said, “Are you bringing me home a nice present from Singapore?”

“Only the best for you. I’ve gotta go, but have a great time tonight. Happy birthday.”

“Thanks, Jack. Bye.”

I decided to wear my hair up tonight since it was really humid. I put on a little makeup and slipped on my black dress and a pair of black sandals. I sprayed some of my new perfume on, and I was ready for my evening. I had a few minutes before Ian showed up so I checked my e-mail. There were e-mails from both Laura and Helen wishing me a happy birthday.

Ian showed up promptly at seven and he looked devastatingly handsome in a pair of black pants and a beige, silk, short-sleeved Tommy Bahama shirt. As soon as I saw the Mercedes, I knew someone must have told him it was my birthday. On the way to dinner, I filled him in on my day, leaving out the birthday parts in case by chance he didn’t know. It was about a twenty-minute drive to the restaurant. Ian pulled up in front, handed the keys to the valet and escorted me in. The interior was beautifully decorated and air-conditioned. The walls were painted a warm gold Tuscan color, and the tables were adorned with vases of big gorgeous dahlias in a variety of bright colors. The host, Nick, was also the owner and, as it turns out, an old friend of Ian’s. Ian introduced me, and Nick sat us at a beautiful, quiet table for two.

I said to Ian, “This is really nice.”

He smiled and said, “Wait until you taste the food.”

Nick came over with two glasses of champagne. He said, “I hear this is a special occasion.”

Ian said, “Yes, it is.”

Nick gave me a smile and said he’d send a waiter over in a few minutes.

Ian picked up his glass and said, “Happy birthday, Meggie.”

I blushed and said, “Thank you. I guess Helen told you.”

“I never reveal my sources.”

The waiter came over and delivered a small bowl that contained a variety of olives. He also brought a plate of dates that he explained were soaked in brandy, stuffed with gorgonzola cheese, wrapped in prosciutto, and then broiled. He said they were compliments of Nick.

I ate a date and said to Ian, “That is the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”

He smiled and said, “The night is young. We haven’t even ordered yet.”

We looked over the menu and decided our next course would be a terrine of roasted vegetables, which was served with slices of Italian bread. For my entrée I decided on the chicken with a porcini mushroom sauce, and Ian ordered the osso buco. We had finished the champagne, and Ian ordered a bottle of wine to go with the meal. Everything was excellent and, coming from a foodie like me, you know it was good. Ian asked me if I would like dessert.

I said, “I’m so full.”

“It’s your birthday. Why don’t we split some of their tiramisu, and I’ll order us a couple of cappuccinos?”

I said, “Since you’re twisting my arm, how can I say no?”

He ordered our dessert, and when the waiter walked away, Ian placed a small, beautifully wrapped box on the table.

He said, “Happy birthday. Open your present.”

I gushed, “Dinner was enough. You didn’t have to get me anything.”

He said, “I wanted to and guess what?”

“What?”

“It’s not a purse.”

I laughed and said, “That’s a relief.”

I took my time unwrapping the box. I took off the paper and recognized the blue Tiffany’s box. My heart started beating really fast. I removed the lid and opened the velvet box. Inside were beautiful diamond stud earrings. Each diamond looked to be about a carat in size, and they were set in platinum. I was floored. I’ve never received jewelry from a guy before, let alone beautiful diamond earrings. I was a little choked up, and I could feel my eyes starting to tear up.

Ian asked, “Do you like them?”

I swallowed hard and said, “Ian, they’re the most beautiful gift I’ve ever received.”

He smiled and said, “Put them on. I want to see how they look with that dress.”

I took out the silver earrings I had on and slipped them in my purse. Then I put on the diamonds and took a mirror from my purse for a close look. They were gorgeous.

Ian said, “I didn’t think you could look more beautiful, but those earrings are perfect for you.”

I was overwhelmed. I smiled at him and said, “Thank you. This has been the best birthday I’ve ever had. Ian, you have made me feel so special.”

A tear escaped and I could feel it sliding down my right cheek.

Ian reached across the table and gently brushed the tear away with his thumb.

He said, “That’s because you are special. Now, no more crying.”

We enjoyed our dessert and cappuccinos and then went back to Ian’s house. He gave me a few more birthday presents of a more private nature, but I don’t think I want to share them with anyone. A girl has to keep a few things to herself.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Today is Friday and I’ve been on a birthday high all week. Yesterday, I stopped in the Snack Shack and told Sexy Cathy, Marion, and Mo about my birthday dinner with Ian. They made me run back to the cottage and get the earrings he gave me. I showed them off and they oohed and aahed over them. I haven’t worn them during the day because I’m afraid I might wind up in the drink again.

I was starving and since it was already 11:30, I went over to the Shack for an early lunch. The only one sitting at the counter was Big H. I said hello to him and Mo and took a seat next to him.

Mo said, “What are you in the mood for today, honey?”

“I think I’ll try the salad Niçoise.”

Mo said, “Comin’ right up.”

I turned to Big H and asked, “How’s the fishing been this week?”

He said, “Good. I went to the Dump yesterday.”

I said, “The Dump?”

He said, “Yeah, it’s an area south of Martha’s Vineyard.”

“Why do they call it the Dump?”

He said, “Because it’s an old World War II dumping ground. They dumped a bunch of old surplus stuff there. They haven’t dumped anything there in years, and it’s a prime tuna fishing area.”

I asked, “Did you have any luck?”

He nodded and said, “We had a good day. We got a couple yellowfin and some mahi. We also had a white marlin in the area, but we couldn’t hook him.”

“Did you see the marlin jump?”

“No, but he was coming up and eating bait.”

I shook my head and said, “I really have to take a day off and go tuna fishing before I have to leave.”

Big H smile and said, “Well, Meggie, you’re welcome anytime on my boat.”

“Thanks, Big H.” Mo served me my salad and it looked delicious. I asked Big H, “Did you catch this tuna?”

He sat up tall on his stool and said, “As a matter of fact, I did.”

I decided it was time to needle Big H a little more about Mo, so I asked her, “Hey, how was your date last night?”

As soon as the words were out of my mouth, Big H was putting his hat back on and standing up. He said, “I’ve got work to do, ladies. Meggie, enjoy your salad.”

I said, “Have a great day.”

Mo looked at me and rolled her eyes.

I said, “So, how was your date?”

She leaned on the counter and said, “Meggie, it was a nightmare from hell. I got all dressed up, and I was feelin’ really positive about this one. I got to the bar and we ordered some drinks. Then he proceeds to tell me he invited a friend of his along, and she should be showin’ up any minute. Well, I thought that was odd. He then proceeded to ask me how I felt about threesomes.”

Shocked, I said, “No way.”

Mo raised her hand and said, “I kid you not. I told him that wasn’t my thing and he said that was too bad because he told his friend all about me, and they thought we would all have a good time.”

I asked her, “What did you do?”

She said, “Well, I told him I hope they have a good night, but count me out.”

“Are you still going to date on the Internet?”

Mo shook her head and said, “No. I’m still going to e-mail with the Fisher Man, but I’m taking myself off the website for now. I did meet a few really nice guys like that widower, but, of course, I wasn’t into them.”

“That’s too bad, Mo.”

She shrugged her shoulders and said, “Oh well. Sometimes you meet the best people when you’re not lookin’. Maybe if I stop lookin’, Mr. Wonderful will find me.”

I said, “I wish we could light a fire under Big H’s ass.”

Mo said, “He must be seein’ someone. Maybe that Fisher Man will come through.”

“I hope so. Hey, I guess the first pole-dancing class is next Wednesday night. Do you know if Dancing Kathy got enough people to sign up?”

Mo nodded and laughed, “She got just about every woman at the marina.”

“That’s great.”

Mo wiggled her hips and said, “The women of Cozy Harbor are gonna get their sexy back.”

“I think it’ll be a riot.”

Mo laughed and said kiddingly, “Maybe that’s just what I need. I know it’s impossible to imagine me being any sexier than I already am, but even an old dog like me can learn a few new tricks.”

On a more serious note, I said, “My Gram comes home tomorrow and I’m having dinner with her and the mysterious Cal Sunday night.”

Mo perked up and said, “I can’t wait to lay my eyes on him myself. He must be one hell of a guy to snag your grandmother.”

“I know. I can’t wait to see how it all plays out.”

Concerned, Mo said, “Do you think she’ll sell the marina and move to San Diego with him?”

“I don’t have a clue, Mo. My Gram is seventy-two years old. I know my parents don’t want to move up here and run the marina.”

“Meggie, you’ve done a good job of it. You should run it permanently.”

“It’s up to Gram. Whatever she wants to do is fine with me. I just want her to be happy. Right now I’m still planning on going home in a few weeks.”

“Ian hasn’t said anything about you goin’ back?”

“Not a thing and I haven’t brought it up. I
want
him to bring it up but I can’t throw away my teaching job when I don’t have a clue what Ian’s thinking or what Gram’s plans are.”

Mo said, “Well, I’m sure Betty will let you in on her plans on Sunday.”

“I hope so, Mo. I’d love to stay and run the marina, but if she wants to sell it, I would understand.”

Mo said, “I sure don’t feel like gettin’ used to a new owner. What if they don’t want to keep the Shack open? They could run my sorry ass out of here.”

“Mo, people come from miles around for your good cooking. I wouldn’t worry about it. I’ll let you know as soon as I find out anything. Keep this all under the counter.”

“Sure thing.”

I got up to go. “See you later.”

I went back to work and had trouble concentrating. My mind kept wandering to the issues I had just discussed with Mo.

Around 4:00, I was in my office paying some bills when I heard voices in the store. I recognized Ian’s voice, but not the other guy’s. I tilted my head toward the door so I could hear better.

The guy said, “Ian, I haven’t seen much of you this summer. I hear you’re almost a married man.”

Ian laughed and said, “Far from it. I’m just having some fun.”

My birthday high just flew out the window.

The guy chuckled and said to Ian, “Hey, are you still trying to buy the marina from the old lady?”

Ian just said, “I’ve gotta run. I’ll drop by your boat sometime for a beer.”

The guy said, “You do that.”

I heard the door shut and I stood up and looked out into the store. Ian had walked out with the guy. Journey turned around and looked at me. She raised her eyebrows but didn’t say anything.

I said, “Well, I guess I know where I stand.”

Journey said, “It was just two guys bullshitting, Meggie.”

“I wonder.”

I felt sick. I was starting to believe Ian had feelings for me. Not only did I find out he’s far from marriage, but that he wants to buy the marina from Gram. I started to remember some of the things he said about Gram. He told me on several occasions how much he cared about her. Maybe he was just being nice to me to get on her good side. Feelings of doubt washed over me like a tidal wave. I was deep in thought when Matt came in the office. He was all red in the face and looked upset.

I asked him, “What’s up?”

He said, “I’ve got some drunks at the dock. They came in for fuel, and I filled the boat up, then the guy handed me a credit card, I ran the credit card and it was declined. I went and told him and he got all pissed off. He handed me another card and the same thing happened. He started ranting and raving and demanded to talk to the owner.”

“Do you know these guys?”

He shook his head no. “I’ve never seen that boat before.”

“How many guys are on the boat?”

He answered, “Three.”

“I’ll go talk to them. Is Ian on his boat?”

“No.”

“Go see if Big H is around and tell him what’s going on.”

“Okay, Meggie.”

I went down to the fuel dock where I saw the boat tied up. It was a thirty-four-foot cabin cruiser. There were two guys on it and another guy stood on the dock. The one on the dock was thin and just a little taller than I am with dark brown hair and a face like a weasel.

I went up to him and said, “I’m the owner. I understand there’s a problem.”

He and the other guys laughed. One of the guys said, “She can’t be the owner. She’s probably just ‘doing‘ the owner.” They started laughing harder.

I repeated, “I am the owner.”

He said, “Well, if you’re the owner, you need to teach your flunkies how to run the credit card machine.”

Calmly, I said, “Give me your credit card, and I’ll try it again.”

He handed it over, and I went into the fuel shack and ran the card. It was declined again.

I went out and gave him back the card.

I said, “I’m sorry but your credit card was declined. You’ll have to pay in cash.”

He got really red in the face and started waving his arms around, cursing and swearing. I stepped back away from him. He turned toward me with his back to the fuel shack. He came at me and started to point his finger at my chest while he screamed at me. I could smell the alcohol on his breath.

He said, “Look, lady, you need to get your fucking credit card machine fixed.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Big H walking down the dock with a furious look on his face. I expected to see steam come out of his ears at any moment. The next thing I knew, Big H grabbed the guy’s finger-pointing arm and twisted it behind his back. He hauled the guy up and away from me.

In a low, threatening voice, Big H said in the guy’s ear, “You touch her one more time with that finger of yours, and I’ll break your fucking arm.”

The drunk’s buddies started to climb off the boat until they heard the thunder of running feet coming down the dock. I looked up and ten guys from the marina were coming at us full speed. Leading the pack were the Murphy brothers. The other two drunks changed their minds and quickly jumped back on the boat.

Big H spoke to the one he had in a hold. “You and your friends need to hand over as much cash as you can to pay for the fuel, and then you can take your piece-of-shit boat out of here. I’d better never see you around here again. If I do, trust me, it won’t be pretty.”

He let go of the guy who scurried over to his boat. The men with him handed him some cash, and he reached in his pocket and pulled out some more. His fuel bill was $420. He handed me the money and said, “I only have $310 in cash.”

I knew I’d never see a dime of the rest of the money but I said, “You can mail me the rest.”

He jumped on his boat, and they took off.

I was shaking. Big H put his arm around me and gave me a squeeze. He asked, “Meggie, are you okay?”

“Yeah. Thanks a lot. I’m sorry you had to do that.”

He laughed and said, “Are you kidding? I haven’t had that much fun in a long time.”

I asked him, “That doesn’t happen very often, does it?”

“At least once a summer we get a boatload of knee-walking drunks in here.”

I said, “I thought about pushing him in the water.”

“That would’ve worked.”

“What does Gram do?”

“She gets one of us to go take care of it. She knows we love kicking ass for her. If this ever happens again, don’t even come down here. Just come and get me or one of the other guys. If we’re not around, get Greg.”

I gave him a hug and then thanked all the other guys.

Matt came over to me and said, “Meggie, I called the marine patrol. Those guys shouldn’t be out on the water.”

“That was a good idea, Matt.”

He looked over at Big H and said, “Big H is one bad-assed dude, isn’t he, Meggie?”

I laughed and said, “He sure is. Lucky for us.”

He nodded and said, “Yeah.”

I went back to the store. I can’t get the conversation I overheard in the store out of my mind. Ian never mentioned he was interested in buying the marina. Why wouldn’t he tell me he was? That’s probably why he hasn’t asked me when I’m going back to Philly. He probably doesn’t care. He entertained Betty’s granddaughter all summer. He should gain points for that. His mission’s been accomplished.

At 6:00, I said goodnight to Journey and was just getting ready to close up the store when Ian walked in. He still had on his work clothes, and he wore a very concerned look on his tanned, handsome face.

He came right up to me and put his hands on my shoulders. He said, “I just heard what happened. Are you okay?”

I swallowed hard and said, “I’m fine. It shook me up a little bit, but Big H and the guys came to my rescue.”

“Big H told me what happened. I told him I owe him one. I went to pick up some parts for the
Intrepid
. I wish I had been here.” Then he gave me a big hug.

I lied and said, “That’s the only bad thing that’s happened around here all summer. I guess I’ve been lucky.”

Ian ran his hands through my hair. He said, “I never want anything bad to happen to you.”

Then he kissed me with such tenderness, my eyes started to water. It was hard for me to believe this is the same guy who a few hours ago said he was far from marriage and just having fun.

He said, “I have some repairs to do on the
Intrepid
. Do you want to just get a pizza when I’m done?”

“Sure. I’ll be over at the cottage. I want to do some cleaning before Gram comes home.”

He gave me a quick kiss and said, “I’ll come by for you when I’m ready.”

I finished locking up and went over to the cottage. I did a little cleaning and straightening up. The cottage wasn’t that dirty because I haven’t spent much time there. I’ve either been at work or at Ian’s house. The more I thought about Ian, the more upset I got. The more upset I got, the more cleaning I did.

I had just finished scrubbing the bathroom when the phone rang.

It was my mom.

She said, “Hi, honey, just wanted you to know that we’re home.”

“Oh, Mom, I’m glad you called. How were your flights?”

“Good, but it was a long trip. Your dad and I are so glad to be home. What’s new?”