Fish Perfume (Cozy Harbor Marina Series) (22 page)

Mo asked, “When’s your Gram comin’ home? I can’t wait to see her.”

I said, “She should be home Sunday. I’m sure she’ll make an appearance here sometime next week.”

Mo put our salads in front of us and Cathy and I dug in. Food just shouldn’t be this good. I need to get running again.

I went back to the office and worked like a dog to get caught up so I could take the day off tomorrow. I didn’t close up shop until seven. I locked the door and ran into Tony in the parking lot on my way to the cottage.

“Hi, Tony.”

He asked, “You’re coming to my party, right?”

I said, “Yeah, Ian and I will be there. When’s Helen flying in?”

“Tomorrow afternoon. I can’t wait to see her. I bought her a another new bikini for the party.”

I laughed and said, “She’ll love that.”

He said, “I’ve gotta keep the Princess happy. We’ve got the party Saturday night and then Paisano Sunday the next day.”

“Whoa. You’re taking her to Paisano Sunday again? Isn’t that dangerous?”

He laughed and said, “Yeah, but she’s worth the risk. I’ve had to tell my parents where I’ve been disappearing to every other weekend, so now they want to get to know her.”

I said, “Well, they’ll love her.”

He winked at me and said, “Of course they will. Would you and Ian like to go? It might help to have some friends with us.”

“I would love to, but I don’t know what’s going on with Ian. I’ll take a rain check if that’s okay?”

I could feel my eyes starting to well up.

I could tell by the expression on his face that he noticed.

He said, “I’m going over to Kelly’s for a burger. You want to come?”

I thought about it for a second, shrugged my shoulders, and said, “Sure, why not?”

“Come on. I’ll drive.”

We walked to his truck and he opened the door for me. I jumped up into the truck, Tony got in and two minutes later we walked into Kelly’s. It wasn’t too busy so we were able to grab a booth. We both ordered burgers, Tony ordered a beer, and I ordered a Coke.

I told him, “I’m going fishing tomorrow, so I want to feel good in the morning.”

He smiled and said, “I don’t blame you. You have to have a good stomach to go offshore. It’s supposed to be a stellar day tomorrow so you should be fine.”

I noticed Pete the pick-up-line guy walking into the bar. He passed our booth and glanced our way. When he spotted me, he walked backward like Michael Jackson, stopped at our booth, and greeted me. “Hey, Red One.”

I laughed and said, “Hi, Pete. How are you doing with your pick-up lines?”

He hung his head. “Not too good.”

He looked at Tony and leaned over and whispered in my ear, “I thought you were going out with that lobster guy.”

I said, “I am. This is Tony Maroni. He goes out with the blond one.” Pete’s eyes popped. He said, “The goddess?”

Tony laughed and said, “The very one, and believe me, she’s a goddess.”

Pete shook his head like a wet dog and said, “Are you
the
Tony Maroni, the ‘King of Love’?”

Tony and I looked at each other and burst out laughing.

Tony finally said, “Well, I’ve heard people call me that.”

Pete said, “Hey, can you do a dude a favor and give me some tips? I’m desperate. I’m a bust with the ladies and it’s not from lack of trying. Share your oh-so-great wisdom with a lowly commoner.”

Tony looked at him and bit his lip trying not to laugh and hurt his feelings. I was doing everything I could to maintain my self-control.

Tony said, “Sure, but you have to keep this between us. I don’t dole out my secrets to just anybody, but since you’re a friend of the Red One and the Goddess, I feel it’s my duty to help a guy in need.”

Pete got a serious look on his face and put his hand over his heart and said, “Your secrets are safe with me, Oh Wise One.”

I was on the edge of my seat waiting to hear what Tony would say to him. I felt Pete wasn’t the only one who was going to learn something tonight.

Tony said, “Well, I was raised around a lot of women. Do you like women?”

Pete said, “I love women.”

Tony said, “You not only have to love women, but you have to be a man who likes women, really and truly likes them. You have to like hanging out with them, you have to like listening to them. You have to worship them. Can you do that?”

Pete looked at Tony in awe and said, “I think so.”

Tony said, “It’s either all or nothing. Listening is the most important. They like to talk about their feelings and you have to give them what they need. You have to make them feel that what they say and feel is important to you. Women are the most beautiful, amazing creatures in the world and you have to believe it to the core of your being. Look at history. Men have fought wars for them, they’ve died for them. They’ve built castles for them. You have to love
all
women—old ones, middle-aged ones, young ones, pretty ones, and homely ones. I’m talking about all women. The most important thing is you have to respect them. If you don’t respect them, they’ll never trust you. If they don’t trust you, they won’t love you. Let me ask you a question. What’s your most precious material possession?”

Pete thought about it for a minute and then said, “I’d have to say my surfboard?

Tony said, “Good. Do you take good care of your board?”

Pete said, “I take really good care of it. I wax it all the time and polish it so it rides smooth in the water.”

Tony said, “Well, treat a women like you do your board and you’ll be all set. Cherish her, worship her, rub her body with slow, soft strokes, and she’ll be putty in your hands.”

Pete said, “Oh my God. I’m finally getting it.”

Tony said, “Don’t come on too strong in the beginning. Don’t talk too much about yourself, be a little mysterious. Let her be curious about you. Lure her in and she’ll want to find out more about you.”

Pete thought about this for a while and said, “I’m not good-looking like you, though. Will it work for me?”

Tony said, “Looks aren’t everything and that works both ways. There are a lot of women who might not look like a goddess on the outside, but inside they are all goddesses waiting to be released by the right guy. In order to be that guy, you have to listen, respect, care, and worship. If you get lucky enough to gain their respect, you’ll be able to worship every inch of them. Remember, their pleasure always comes first. You’ll get yours in abundance if you do that.”

Pete looked dazed. He asked Tony, “How can I ever thank you?”

Tony said, “Go forth and conquer, young man, and remember a gentleman is always a gentleman.”

Pete got up from the booth and said, “My eternal thanks, Oh Wise One.”

When he walked away, Tony rolled his eyes at me and we both started to laugh.

The waitress served our food.

I said, “Tony, you are too funny. I thought I was going to pee my pants. I’ve got to tell you, though, I liked what you said. If that kid follows your advice, he’s going to be a happy man.”

Tony got a serious look on his face and said, “I meant what I said, Meggie. I
do
love women. I enjoy their company, I respect them, and I really do think they’re the most amazing creatures in the world.”

I smiled at him and said, “I believe you. Tony, you get women, you really get us. I’m amazed. Helen is a lucky girl.”

He said, “I’m the lucky one. Now what the hell is going on with you, Red Hot?” Tell the ‘Oh Wise One’ why those beautiful baby blues of yours look so sad.”

I immediately got choked up. I swallowed hard and said, “It’s Ian. I don’t know what to do about him. For the past week I’ve been on an emotional roller coaster. First I overheard a conversation he was having with some guy in the store who asked Ian if he got Gram to agree to sell him the marina yet.”

Tony looked surprised. He said, “I didn’t know he was interested in it.”

“Neither did I. My first thought was that he was dating me to get on Gram’s good side.”

“I doubt that, Red Hot.”

“I confronted him about it and he told me the truth, but I was surprised he never discussed it with me before. He said it never came up in conversation. I’m not sure I believe he was using me to get to Gram, but it made me doubt him. I only have a week left before I go back to Philly. Gram asked me to stay and run the marina. I would like to, but I’m hesitant because I’m not sure how Ian feels about me. He’s never told me.”

“But he’s showed you in many ways, don’t forget that.”

“Maybe he’s that way with all the girls he dates.”

“Does Ian know your Gram wants you to stay?”

“That’s the thing. I told him and he didn’t say anything. He didn’t encourage me one way or the other. I really believe that he was only into having a summer fling. If I stay and he dumps me, I would have to see him all the time and I don’t know if I can do that. I’m in love with him and it would hurt too much.”

Tony sat back and smiled at me. He said, “Meggie, I’m sure he has feelings for you. Take it from the Wise One, he does. I think you should stay and see where it goes and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Remember what I said about the code. He’s just making sure of his feelings before he lets them out of the bag. He’s being extra careful with you because he cares.”

“I hope you’re right, Tony.”

He winked at me and said, “If I’m not and he breaks your little heart, I’ve got some relatives who could make him sorry he ever darkened your doorstep.”

I laughed. “Thanks for listening, Tony.”

“You’re welcome, Red Hot.”

We chatted some more while we finished off our burgers.

As we got up to leave, we both turned around to see how Pete was making out in the back of the bar. He was standing near the dartboard talking to a petite brunette. He looked our way and Tony gave him a thumbs-up. Pete smiled and bowed.

Tony and I smiled at each other and laughed our way out to his truck.

When I got home, I checked my answering machine and there was a message from Helen to call her.

I dialed her number and she picked up on the second ring.

I said, “Hi, Hel, it’s me.”

“Hey you. I’m flying up tomorrow; I can’t wait. Are you and Ian coming to the pool party?”

“Yep, it should be fun. I just had an interesting dinner with Tony.”

She said, “Oh, that’s nice. Where did you two go?”

“Kelly’s and we ran into the pick-up-line artist, Pete.”

“How’s he making out, any luck?”

“No, but I think things are about to change for him. He asked Tony for some tips and Tony gave him a class in Women 101.”

“Oh boy, I bet that was interesting.”

“It was and I’ve got to hand it to Tony, he’s a man who really gets women. He blew me away.”

She laughed and asked, “What did he say?”

“He said we are all goddesses and need to be treated with respect. There was a lot more to it, but Tony really should teach a class and all men should be required to take it in high school. It should be a requirement like math and English. The world would be filled with happy women.”

“I have to admit, he is amazing. I can’t wait to see him.”

“Things must be serious with you guys. He told me you’re going to Paisano Sunday again.”

“I’m a little nervous about that, but he’s worth having my ass pinched a few more times. How are things going with Ian?”

“He’s been up in Maine the last few days, but I’m supposed to see him tomorrow night. My Gram has asked me to stay and run the marina and I’m not sure what to do. I told Ian this and he had no comment. I don’t know how he feels about me and I don’t want to stay unless I know where I stand with him. I’ve had a great time with him, but the problem is I’m in love with him and I’m afraid I’ll be broken-hearted if I stay. I’ve got to make up my mind this weekend. Gram needs to know and if I decide to stay I’ve gotta let the school know.”

“Oh M
eggie, I’m sure he has feelings for you. I think you should go for it. Stay up there and keep dating him and see where it goes. If I wind up moving up there, I want my best friend nearby.”

“Tony basically said the same thing. I bored him with all my troubles over dinner. He’s a good listener. I know a lot of men have trouble talking about their feelings, but I’ve got life-changing decisions to make. I imagine Tony tells you how he feels, doesn’t he?

She laughed. “He does. I’m not used to it and at first I felt a little uncomfortable about it, but now I can’t get enough. He’s much better at expressing his feelings than I am.”

“Consider yourself lucky.”

“Maybe you can have a talk with Ian tomorrow night.”

“I intend to. I don’t know what our plans are for the evening, but I’m definitely going to talk to him.”

“Go for it, Meggie. No guts, no glory.”

“I’m going offshore fishing tomorrow and then I’m going to check out Mo’s blind date for her. She’s got a date with a guy she met on the net and he’s picking her up at the marina. She wants me to scope him out for her before she gets on his boat.”

“I hope he’s a hot one for her.”

“So do I. I’ll see you on Saturday and let you know what I’ve decided. Thanks, Hel.”

“Chin up, girlfriend. Bye.”

I hung up and got ready for bed. Tomorrow will be a big day. God, I miss Ian.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

I walked out of the cottage and went over to the store to open up. Journey was coming in early to cover for me. To my surprise, I actually slept well last night and I feel great. I’m so excited about the fishing trip; it’s kept my mind off Ian. Of course, he is always in the back of my mind, but I promised myself I wasn’t going to think too much about him today. I’m going to enjoy myself on the high seas.

Journey showed up and I proceeded down to the docks to the
Bonnie Blue
. Everyone was already on board ready to go. The Murphy brothers took the bag I had packed with my super-duper sunscreen and a six pack of bottled water.

The Murphy brothers look so much alike they could be twins. Don is the younger one and Mikey a few years older. They’re both in their thirties and have great bodies. They have the same brown hair, blue eyes, and strong chins. Through the grapevine, okay, thru Mo, I heard Mikey is divorced and Don has never been married. They smiled at me and Don heaved my bag up above in the cockpit.

Don asked, “Are you ready to catch a big fish, Meggie?”

I smiled and said, “I can’t wait.”

Jim was fooling around with the radios. He turned around and said, “Little lady, we’re hoping you’ll bring us luck today.”

I said, “I hope so, too.”

Bonnie came up from below with a cup of coffee in her hand. She spotted me and said, “Hey Meggie, want some joe?”

I smiled at her and said, “No thanks, I’m wired as it is. I’m so excited.”

Jim said, “We have about a two-and-a-half-hour ride out before we drop the lines, so you can nap below or sit up here and watch the sunrise.”

“I’m gonna watch the sunrise,” I replied.

Bonnie said, “It’s amazing to watch from the water.”

I asked, “Where are we going?”

Jim held up his right hand and wiggled his fingers. “The Fingers. It’s about 40 miles out, 20 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard. They call it the Fingers because the depth contours are shaped like, guess what, fingers. It’s a great fishing spot.”

He started the engines and I took a seat up in the cockpit with Bonnie. The Murphy brothers sat on coolers in the back of the boat.

We pulled out of the harbor and through the channel between Jerusalem and Galilee. It was flat calm and I settled in to enjoy the views. Pretty soon all that was visible in every direction was water. An hour after we got out to sea, the sun rose and it was a spectacular sight. I was in heaven.

A little while later, Jim shouted at me, “Meggie, you’ve got to see this, look off starboard.”

I turned to the right to see a big giant turtle swimming along. There is nothing better than observing sea creatures in their own element. We all watched the turtle swimming along happy as can be. Already I’ve had a great day. It was priceless.

An hour later, the Murphy brothers went down below and started to bring up the rods and reels. Bonnie and I helped as they placed them in the rod holders in the back of the boat. Don and Mikey started to rig the rods with different-colored lures, making sure they were all rigged up properly to the outriggers and the safety lines. Jim had told me that we would be trolling today and dragging plastic. When the guys were finished, seven rods were rigged up and we were ready to start fishing. Bonnie had the binoculars out and was on bait watch.

Ten minutes later, she said, “There’s the bait—portside. Here, have a look, Meggie.”

She handed me the binoculars and I took a look at the water. I had no idea what I was looking for.

I said, “I see a bubbling on the surface of the water.”

She patted me on the back and said, “You’re a natural fisherwoman. That’s the bait moving. The big fish look for that and then they come up to eat. That’s when we drop the lines and go for them.”

The Murphys started to let line out and we were officially fishing. A few minutes later, I heard a click and zzzzzzzzzzz sound.

Don said, “Fish on. You’re up, Meggie.”

I jumped up and Don handed me the rod.

He said, “Start reeling in, Meggie. Nice and easy.”

I started reeling and by the time I got the fish to the boat, Mikey was holding a gaff and Don a large net.

Mikey said, “It looks like just a mushie.”

I said, “What’s a mushie?”

Don laughed and said, “Nothing you would enjoy eating. It’s oceanic bonito. They have a soft mouth and bloody meat, not too tasty. We’re gonna let him see another day.”

Mikey gently took the hook out the fish’s mouth and tossed him back in. A couple more lines hit and we reeled in a few more mushies. We trolled around for another half-hour and then two rods hit. They were bent over.

Bonnie said, “Looks like we got two big ones.”

She put a belt on me that had a rod holder attached and then put one on herself. Don handed me one rod and Bonnie the other one. We started to reel in the fish. It was a workout. It took us about five minutes to bring them to the boat, but it seemed a lot longer. I was working up a sweat. Bonnie got hers to the boat first and the guys scooped it up with a large net.

Jim said, “Nice mahi, Bonnie. Looks like a thirty-pounder.”

I looked over at the fish flopping around the deck. Its skin was beautiful with different shades of blue, yellow, and green. Mikey held down the fish while Don took the hook out of its mouth and put it in the large cooler. Then they helped me with my fish, which was also a mahi, but not quite as big as Bonnie’s.

Don took the hook out and I went over to open the cooler. I lifted the lid and Bonnie’s mahi took a flying leap out of the cooler, up in the air, and over the side.

Everyone started laughing.

I said, “Oh my God. I’m so sorry.”

Jim said, “That’s a first. I guess that fish had other plans. Don’t worry about it, Meggie, at least you’ll have a good story to tell about your first offshore trip.”

I started to laugh and I said, “I can’t believe that happened.”

Bonnie said, “I can’t either. Too funny.”

I could hear my fish banging around in the cooler. I said, “I kind of feel bad for the fish.”

Bonnie said, “We only take our limit and we eat it all. Sometimes we just sportfish and tag the catch for the Marine Fisheries Service. It helps them keep track of the species population. One time we tagged a small tuna and got a postcard from the Fishery Service that it was caught two years later down in Venezuela.”

I said, “That’s cool.”

The Murphys set the lines again and we continued to troll around. We could see a few other boats in the area.

Don jumped up and said, “Whale off the starboard side.”

I looked out in the water and saw my first whale in the wild. It was gray and I could see it move through the water, its hump and tail resurfacing. We all enjoyed watching the whale until we heard a line hit and then it was back to fishing. Every time I heard a line hit, my adrenaline started pumping. Fishing, I think, runs two opposite ends of the spectrum. You go from being completely bored to totally excited in about two seconds flat.

Mikey went for the rod that was bent over; its tip was almost down to the water’s edge.

Bonnie said, “You take it, Mikey, it looks like a big one.”

Don fastened a rod holder around Mikey’s waist and he started to reel it in. It kept taking more line and then he would reel it in again. This went on for about fifteen minutes.

Mikey said, “I think I’d better sit in the fighting chair. He sat and took the rod out of the belt at his waist and set it in the holder on the chair. Sweat poured down his face as he fought the fish and he was grunting from the strain.

Bonnie laughed and said to me, “It’s like watching a woman have a baby.”

I agreed and we continued to watch Mikey fight the fish. Finally he was making progress and the fish was almost to the boat. Jim and Don stood ready with gaffs and when the fish got to the boat, they gaffed it and hauled it on board. I stepped up in the cockpit to get out of the way and watch.

Don said, “It’s a bluefin. What do you think Jim, a hundred twenty-five pounds?”

Jim smiled and said, “About. Nice fish, Mikey.”

Mikey grinned from ear to ear. Bonnie and I watched as they removed the hook from the fish’s mouth and stuck it in the cooler.”

Bonnie said to me, “What do you think about offshore fishing?”

I said, “There’s a lot more to it than I ever thought. This has been an experience.”

We caught two small bluefin after that and decided to call it a day and head home. On our way back, a school of dolphins came by and rode the wake of the boat for a while. I think that was my favorite part of the trip.

We pulled up to the dock around five and I helped Bonnie clean the boat while the guys cleaned the fish. Don handed me two bags of fish, one with mahi and one with tuna.

I said, “I had a great day. Thank you all for showing me the ropes. Sorry about that mahi.”

They all laughed.

Jim said, “You’re welcome anytime, Meggie.”

“Thanks.”

I took the fish up to the cottage and went over to close up the store.

Journey was at the counter when I walked in. She said, “Hey, how was fishing?”

“Great. We caught a lot and I got to see all kinds of sea life, whales, dolphins, turtles. It was cool. How were things around here today?”

“Busy. I’m beat.”

“Well, take off. I’m going to lock up.”

When I was through, I went directly over to the Shack to meet Mo who was standing behind the counter.

I asked her, “Are you ready for your big date? Come out here and let me see how you look.”

She let out a sigh, walked around the counter, and twirled. She had on light-blue cropped pants, a white T-shirt, and a jeans jacket. On her feet she wore a pair of navy canvas topsiders.

I said, “You look really nice. That’s the perfect outfit for a boat ride.”

She nodded, “That’s what I was thinkin’.” She shivered, “I’ve got butterflies bad. I’ve been dreadin’ this date all week. I can’t wait till it’s over.”

Surprised, I said, “I thought you really liked this guy. You’ve been e-mailing for weeks and you told me you got along really well.”

“That’s just it. Too well. He’s too good to be true. I’m tellin’ you, he’ll have two teeth in his head.”

I laughed, “Think positive. Hey, if he’s a fisherman, how bad can he be? Every fisherman I’ve met around here’s been really nice.”

Mo said, “Well, you can put a cat in the oven, but that don’t make him a biscuit. When the other guys turned out to be losers, it didn’t bother me because I wasn’t all that crazy about them anyway. This one I really like. I’ll be disappointed if he turns out to be a dud.”

I smiled at her and repeated, “Think positive. Let me go down to the dock and see if he’s there yet. Maybe he’ll be early and you can get the suspense over with.”

“Thanks, Meggie.”

“Be right back.”

I walked down to the fuel dock and the only boat I saw was Big H’s. Matt was fueling it up for him. I looked up and down the channel but didn’t see any boats approaching from either side.

Big H asked, “Are you looking for someone, Meggie?”

I said, “Yeah. Mo has a blind date, and he’s picking her up here. I’m supposed to check him out. She’s afraid he’ll pull up in a rust bucket and only have two teeth in his head.”

Big H looked up and gave me a big, wide, toothy smile.

I looked him over and realized he was a bit dressed up for Big H. No fishing hat, no T-shirt with oil and fish blood stains. He had on khaki pants and a nice navy polo shirt. Suddenly the pieces fit. I thought to myself, no way.

I said, “Oh my God, you’re him, aren’t you? You’re Fisher Man.”

He laughed and said, “That’s me.”

“I’m so excited. Mo is gonna flip out. I can’t believe it’s you.”

“Go get her. Tell her I have a full set of teeth, but don’t tell her it’s me.”

“I’ll be right back.” I couldn’t stop smiling. I couldn’t wait to see Mo’s reaction.

I walked in the Shack and she looked at me wide-eyed. She asked, “Is he there?”

“Yeah, he’s there.”

“Meggie, don’t keep me in suspenders. What’s he like? Will I like him?”

“You’ll like him alright.”

She asked, “Is he good-lookin’?”

“Very handsome, and he has a really nice boat.”

“How about the teeth?”

I nodded. “He has good teeth and they look like they’re his own.”

She smiled and said, “Really?”

I laughed. “Really. I think you’ll have a great time.”

She grabbed her purse, and we walked out of the Shack.

There was no way I was going to miss this so I said, “I’ll walk you down. I want to get another look at him.”

Halfway down the dock, Mo grabbed my arm and said, “Just to be on the safe side, get the name and make of his boat in case I wind up fish food. I usually meet these Internet guys in public places.”

I gave her arm a squeeze. “Stop worrying, you’ll be fine.”

We reached the end of the dock and Mo glanced around.

She turned to me and said, “He must’ve changed his mind. The only boat I see is Big H’s.”

Big H must have gone down below. He came up a few seconds later and looked up at us. Mo was gazing down the channel

Mo asked me, “Meggie, what did his boat look like?”

I pointed at Big H and said, “Mo, I want you to meet the Fisher Man.”

Mo’s jaw dropped and then slammed shut, her faced turned beet-red, her body tensed up, and her hands balled into fists. She stomped over to Big H’s boat and climbed aboard.

She stood in front of him shaking and said, “I’m so angry with you. What the hell took you so long?”

Big H grabbed Mo and started kissing her like he was a drowning man. I stood and watched them for a minute, and then I felt like a voyeur, so I turned around and danced up the dock. Halfway up, I looked over and, as usual, Bob on the
Bite Me
had his camera out. I gave him a wiggle, punched my fist up in the air, and he snapped my picture.

By the time I got to the cottage, I had made up my mind. There was no way I was going back to Philly.

When I walked in, the phone was ringing. I ran to pick it up before the machine came on.

“Hello.”

“Hi, Meggie. I hope we’re still on for tonight?”

“Yes.”

“I thought we would go out to dinner somewhere, if that’s okay.”

“I went fishing today with Jim and Bonnie and I have two big bags of fish. Maybe we should eat it while it’s fresh.”

“Okay. Bring some over here and I’ll cook it on the grill?”

“Yeah, that sounds great. I’ll bring some rice and I’ve got stuff for a salad, too.”

“Then I guess I’ll see you in a while.”

“About an hour. Bye.”

I took a quick shower and dressed in some capris and a T-shirt. I packed up the dinner supplies and got in the car to drive over to Ian’s. I’m a bit nervous about seeing him and telling him my decision. I hope he’s happy about it.