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“Frank is my second cousin’s son! I can’t believe he’d do this to us. Oh, you better believe I’m gonna call his mama and tell her all about this.”
Hope said sardonically, “Well, to be fair, he did it to me—he would never have tried that on you. Everyone has to try to take advantage of the new guy, especially when he’s not a guy.” Patti only snorted.
As it neared noon, Hope’s stomach growled. “You want to join me for lunch?”
Patti smiled. “That sounds wonderful. Besides, I’m at a good stoppin’ point. You go on ahead, and I’ll join you after I get things straightened up in here.”
Hope made her way to the restaurant and to her usual table. Patti had been indispensable so far. She’d explained to Hope that Steve and Susan had turned more and more of the resort operations over to her as they got older and semi-retired, but especially after Susan had gotten sick. Patti managed the resort with skill and a lot of hard work. The employees loved her, though she could be fierce when the situation called for it.
After they ordered, Clark brought over their iced teas from the bar. “Did you get in that batch of lemons you were expectin’, Clark?” Patti asked.
“Yes, Auntie. The ones in your glasses are fresh as can be.” He returned to the bar.
“Did he just call you auntie?” Hope asked.
Patti smiled and said, “Yes, Clark is my nephew. He’s my sister’s boy, God rest her soul. I got him the job here two years ago after he had a minor scrape with the law. It’s been a good change for him. He has a wife and son, so it’s high time he started actin’ like a man and takin’ his responsibilities seriously.”
“I’ve really enjoyed being around him.” Hope leaned forward. “I can tell he takes great pride in his job. He told me all about the contest he wants to win for bartending.”
“Oh, yes. That would be wonderful. It’s an excellent goal for him, and free publicity for us at the resort too.” She took a sip of iced tea. “When are you startin’ your scuba class?”
“In a few days. Alex wants to make sure I’ve had enough time to do my homework before our classroom session. He said he expects me to be fully prepared.”
Patti laughed. “Uh-huh. That sounds like him.”
Hope looked around the restaurant, making sure they had privacy. “I’m pretty nervous about the whole thing, to be honest.” She stared at Patti and took a breath. “I can trust Alex, can’t I?”
Patti snapped her head up at Hope’s question, then smiled. “Hope, I would trust Alex with my life. He’s like a brother to me. And I can assure you, his skills are first rate. He has rescued several people since he’s been here, both divers and swimmers at our beach. If you’re feelin’ nervous, make sure you tell him. He’s got a wonderful manner with people, and I’m sure he can put your fears to rest.”
Oh, Patti. If only it were that easy. Trusting a man is the whole problem. It hasn’t exactly worked out for me in the past. Why should Alex be any different?
After lunch, Hope returned to the office, once again glaring at the fishmonger bill, her good mood evaporating before sorting the day’s mail. She thumbed through until she discovered an invoice from Emerald Isle Scuba. Her brows flew up—$1200 for five new scuba tanks. “Why would Alex need more tanks? He has plenty.” With a sigh, she got up and marched toward the pier.
She found him in the stuffy equipment room, sitting at his workbench with one of the vest BCD things spread open before him, and took a deep breath. “Hey, Alex, I was going through the bills. How come you needed five new tanks?”
He looked up from the bench. “Well, hello to you too.”
Embarrassment caused her to flush.
“The tanks failed hydro.”
She pursed her lips, on the defensive now. “I don’t know what that means.”
Alex sighed and opened a drawer next to him. Inside were well-organized hanging file folders, much like her own desk. He opened one and took out a piece of paper, handing it to her. “Scuba tanks have to undergo a hydrostatic pressure test every five years to make sure they’re structurally sound.” The word failed had been highlighted. “Some of our tanks are getting pretty old, so I wasn’t surprised five didn’t pass and needed to be replaced.” He raised an eyebrow. “Or maybe you’d prefer your guests diving with compressed air bombs on their backs that could explode at any moment?”
Hope sagged, raising a hand to her forehead. “Oh crap, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions.”
“I can check all expenses with you before I order anything if you’d prefer.”
“God, no! That’s the last thing I want. I’ve got enough to work on. Damn fishmonger.”
Alex cocked his head at her. “That your new nickname for me?”
She couldn’t help laughing. “I found out that our seafood delivery guy was trying to rip me off and confronted him yesterday. I’ve been assuming the worst of humanity ever since.” She leaned against the air compressor. “I’m sorry.”
His smile grew during her explanation before falling off his face. “Wait. Don’t we get that delivery early in the morning?”
“Yes, it was around six.”
