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“He seemed OK to me, although I know he is still processing all of this. He was surprised that your mom agreed to the testing, but I think he understands she just wants to set the record straight. Apparently, he and Dare had a great chat just before I got there. The two of them hit it off from what I gather, but remember, Chris was a mate too.”
“Hadn’t really thought of that,” said Jo. “But I wonder if Dare knew who he was?”
“They seemed to have figured that out because he said he met Dare, your friend,” said Mike.
“Knowing Dare, he was probably totally up front with him. That’s just his way. Open and honest. He’s always been that way. It’s one on the things I like about him.”
“Mmm,” was all Mike said as they pulled into Marcie’s. “Isn’t that Dare’s car there?”
“It is,” said Jo. She realized they hadn’t texted or talked to one another since yesterday morning. “Would you mind if we all sat together?”
“Not at all,” said Mike as he opened the door to the restaurant. He saw Jo hesitate and take a step backward. “Are you OK? What’s wrong?”
Jo gestured to where Dare was sitting, but he wasn’t alone. Chris was there and they appeared deep in conversation. Just as Jo turned to tell her dad maybe they should leave, Dare spotted her and waved. “Jo, Mr. Leonard, come on over.”
Mike looked at Jo. She shrugged as if to say, “My life gets crazier by the moment,” and walked to the table.
“Hey Dare, and hello Chris,” she said. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Small island,” said Mike again looking at Chris. Chris chuckled. “Dare and I found we had a lot in common during our brief conversation at the docks today, so we decided to continue it over dinner. Dare says after tomorrow, he will be one busy mate, and I get that totally.” He suddenly sensed Jo’s discomfort and realized he had momentarily forgotten the reality of the situation. “Hey look, if you three want to spend some time together, it’s fine. I’m OK with leaving. But if you’re OK with me being here, this is a table for four and you’re welcome to join us.”
They all looked at Jo who took a deep breath and said, “I won’t get to see much of Dare either after tonight and Dad leaves in the morning and, Chris, well, we maybe can have a civil conversation this time.” Then she grinned. “Sure, it’s fine.”
Marcie had been watching the interaction from behind the bar and had no idea what the connections were with the man named Chris, but Jo seemed OK with everything tonight, so she accepted that. “MaryAnn, run over there and get their orders,” she said. “I know Jo is lemonade but I don’t know about the others.”
The infamous shrimp baskets and beers were ordered, and the conversation remained centered around boats and fishing. Mike didn’t contribute much but he enjoyed seeing the younger man’s passion. Chris, to his credit, was a good listener. Jo watched Chris intently, trying to sort out her feelings. She finally sat back and realized that she liked the man, grandfather or not. She could have dinner and let it go from there. She wasn’t going to push but she wasn’t going to ignore him either. She didn’t agree with her mom and grandmother, but as Dare and her dad both had said, to each his – or her – own. Chris seemed happy enough to see her.
The baskets had been cleared away when Dare looked around and said, “This has been a lot of fun and, Chris, it’s been a pleasure. Don’t be a stranger at the docks. I’ve got a very early morning, so I’m heading off. Here’s my part of the bill,” and he handed Chris some cash. “Nope, my treat tonight, Dare. Save your money for that boat of your dreams.”
Dare thanked him and came around to give Jo a hug. She knew he was leaving to give her, Dad, and Chris some time to talk, and she realized she appreciated that. “Good luck tomorrow, you,” she smiled. “I know you’ll be flat out tomorrow night but let me know how the day goes.”
“Will do. Thanks again, Chris, and Mr. Leonard, hope to see you back on the island again sometime soon.” As he made for the door, Mike suddenly jumped up and said, “Hold on, Dare, I need to talk to you about something.”
Even Chris saw through that ruse, and as Mike and Dare disappeared outside, he looked over at Jo. She was sitting with an expression of mild amusement. “Well, here we are,” she said. “I promise, no fainting this time.”
“Glad to hear it,” said Chris. “Look, Jo, I do appreciate your honesty with me the other night. Hell, if I hadn’t heard it from you, I would have eventually heard it from someone else but without knowing Susan’s side of the story. I understand from your dad that your mom and grandmother have spent the day together. Do you think either one of them will want to meet me? I know it’s going to be really strange, but honestly, I would love to see Susan again. And I don’t know your mom, but knowing you, I’m sure she’s a wonderful woman.”
“They both are,” said Jo. “But Gran took it really hard about the testing. She feels like you think there was someone else, you know, after you left. It’s like you don’t believe her and that hurt her more than you showing up here again, I think.”
Chris sat silently for a moment. “It’s not that I don’t believe her, Jo. I do. But before we all rush headlong into creating a new family dynamic, isn’t it best to have no doubts? I guess I shouldn’t have pushed that issue now that I think of it. Really stupid on my part. I’d love to apologize.”
Jo shook her head sadly. “I just don’t know, Chris. I haven’t spoken to her at all since we had dinner last night and this all blew up. She kind of locked herself in her room. I have no idea what she and Mom discussed today, but they had their own issues to work on and this just compounds it all. I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting on a positive answer to your question.”
Chris sat back. “I don’t know what to say, but as I told your dad earlier, I guess we all need to wait. Time has a way of working things out for us, even if we can’t see it right now. I would like for you and me to keep in touch if that’s OK. You know, texting, I guess. That seems to be the MO these days.”
“Well, I’ll be here probably for another ten days or so before I head back to Wilmington. We can meet here for a meal now and then, that’s probably better than at the motel because Gran will be up and about really soon and she’ll definitely be at the office.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Chris caught Mike returning. “That’s fine, Jo. Thanks for being a good sport and joining us this evening. By the way, Dare is one bright fellow. I have no doubt he’ll get that captain’s license. Does he have the means to get a boat? He kind of told me that was not in the cards.”
Again, Jo shook her head. “Dare’s family gets by, but that’s about it. They all work hard but I doubt there’s a big nest egg hidden away somewhere. But he’ll save and even if it’s a skiff, he’ll get a boat someday.”
Mike had arrived at the table. “Hate to break this up, but SeaAnna just texted me and she’s ready to go back to the motel.”
“Any idea ….?” Jo began.
“None,” said Mike. “But I’ll find out shortly. Jo, I probably need to get you home. You’ve got a full day tomorrow and I expect you’ve got work lined up too, Chris.”
Chris motioned to Marcie for the check and indicated to Mike and Jo the dinners were on him. He stood and shook Mike’s hand. “Hope to see you again sometime, Mike. Have a safe trip back.”
