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“Jack’s been traveling all day, so he didn’t get much to eat. And I know how muchyoulike food. I didn’t think the time would matter.”
He took the sack she handed him. “Thanks. You’re right, it doesn’t.”
He gestured to the table, indicating they should sit, and offered them each a beer. Jack declined, said he didn’t drink. And Ismay said she preferred water. “After seeing how much Bastian put down tonight, this might be a dry summer for me,” she said ruefully.
“What was he drinking?” Bo asked.
“Mostly whiskey,” she replied. “When I left him, I couldn’t believe he was still standing.”
Bo got them each a glass of water before bringing his beer to the table. “Hopefully, he’s sleeping it off by now.”
Ismay’s phone dinged, and he watched her pull it out of her purse.
“Don’t tell me that’s Bastian,” he said dryly.
“No. Remy. I told him Jack was arriving tonight, but from this text I don’t think it registered. He’s not keeping close track of anything until his exams are over.”
“Then what does he want?” Jack asked.
“He’s just wondering if I had fun today. I’ll reply in the morning. For all he knows, I’m asleep.”
Bo swallowed the fries he’d put in his mouth. “When will Remy be finished with his exams?”
“Not for a couple more weeks,” Ismay replied.
“I wonder if Bastian plans to stay that long,” he said, dipping more fries in ketchup.
She sprinkled malt vinegar on her battered fish. “So do I.”
Jack should’ve been the hungriest as Ismay had indicated, but he was barely touching his meal. “Are you sure you don’t mind me staying here?” he asked. “Ireallydon’t want to put you out.”
Bo guessed he was having second thoughts about coming to Mariners. It couldn’t be easy for him to be in a foreign place right after his life had been turned upside down. But Bo felt it had to beat staying in Utah amid the rubble of his marriage. “You’re welcome to stay as long as you’d like. Won’t bother me,” Bo said and was surprised to realize he meant it. Maybe he’d feel differently later on, if Jack did something to get on his nerves. But Ismay’s brother seemed subdued, easy to get along with, and quiet. In a word—solid.
“I’ll pay for my stay, of course,” Jack said.
“Your sister’s already promised me you’ll pay with your labor,” he said with a grin. “The storm that just passed through here did some damage. I could use an extra pair of hands for the next few days.”
“Happy to help,” he said and sounded completely sincere.
Bo hadn’t been looking for free labor when he agreed to let Ismay’s brother use the spare bedroom, but it was kind of Jack to return the favor. “You won’t have to do too much. You should have plenty of time to be lazy like your sister,” he added jokingly.
“Lazy! I’ve earned a summer off!” Ismay gave him a mock scowl, but another ding from her phone drew her attention before the conversation could continue.
“Remy again?” Jack said as she checked it.
She frowned. “Bastian.”
“What doeshewant?” Bo asked.
“Says he’s just checking to see if Jack arrived safely. But he’s probably wondering what could be taking me so long.”
As far as Bo was concerned, Bastian had far too much interest in his brother’s fiancée. “Does he know Jack’s staying with me?”
She sent a message back before replying. “Not yet.”
Bo finished the last of his fish. “When are you going to tell him?”
“Not for a few days.”
