Page 22 of At First Catch

“You trapped me.”

“Both can be true.”

Diane watches me for another second before turning back to her computer.

“One more thing.”

I pause.

“If Nolan’s serious about bringing the marina back, he’s going to need more than permits.”

“I know.”

“Tourism grants. Historic preservation incentives. Storm-mitigation funding. Marketing partnerships.” She begins ticking them off on her fingers. “There’s a surprising amount of money available for projects that keep public waterfronts alive.”

I nod.

“Assuming you know where to look.”

“Exactly.”

Diane smiles.

“That’s why you’re involved.”

I glance back down at the paperwork spread across my desk.

“Because I know where to look?”

“Because you know how all the pieces fit together.”

I should be more annoyed than I am.

Instead, my mind drifts right back to the marina. To weathered docks and salt wind. To string lights reflected in dark water. To families gathering near the slips while music plays from a small stage. To Nolan pretending not to like every idea until I catch him making notes.

A dangerous little flicker of excitement sparks in my chest.

Oh no.

I care.

That’s the beginning of every problem I’ve ever had.

By six thirty, I’ve accomplished enough work to look respectable from a distance and not nearly enough to justify the amount of time I spent staring at marina event forms while imagining Nolan’s face when I suggest dockside movie nights.

He will hate it, which means I must suggest it.

The office empties around me. Diane leaves with a tote bag full of files she absolutely will not read tonight but enjoys carrying for dramatic effect. Jack, the intern, waves goodbye while balancing three poster tubes and a reusable water bottle covered in stickers.

I stay behind, partly to finish the marina packet and partly because going home means being alone with my thoughts. The thoughts that are currently wearing a charcoal Henley and look at me like I’m a problem he wants to solve with his hands.

So.

Work it is.

The sun lowers outside the window, casting the office in soft amber light. I print a preliminary packet for Nolan, add sticky notes to several sections, then start a list of potential community events connected to the marina.

Summer dock concert series.