7. Kelsey

"Hey, Kelsey." I look up from the cash register to see Mariah. Today, she's alone but has her hands full of snacks and a six-pack of her usual. I'm beginning to think she's a weekend drinker, not that I'm judging. To each their own and all of that. Plus, it keeps Captain T's flush full of money. There's a major mark-up in price for convenience, and customers are willing to pay it in order to save a trip into town.

"Hey, Mariah, off to the island today?" I ask, covering up a yawn with the back of my hand. Between yesterday and staying up entirely too late, I'm dragging ass. Even Tara looked at me this morning and told me to go home. That wasn't happening. My work ethic wouldn't allow me to leave her without help. At least I'm not opening or closing today, my shift is on the short side, and I may even be able to get in a small nap once I'm off.

"Yeah, you should come." I go to say maybe to appease her when she keeps going. "It's a celebration of sorts, you see. Spencer asked me to marry him!" She squeals happily. Damn it, I'm a horrible friend. I should be over the moon for her, and yet here I am, knowing there's no way I'll be able to get out of her party now.

"That's great! I'm so happy for you." A hug is a necessity at this point, plus I need to see her ring up close and personal.

"You see, you have to come." Before I make it to Mariah, she's holding out her hand and showing me an impressive rock.

"Wow, it's beautiful, Mariah. Spencer did a great job." I take her hand in mine, holding it this way and that, watching as the light beams through the diamond.

"Didn't he? We're going to have a small wedding and ceremony. I'm thinking the end of summer. We're not sure where it'll be held, though." I go over the logistics in my head. Maybe her and Spencer's get-together will be early. I can go over to the island, stay for an hour or so, then head back home. But there's also a part of me that"s being a completely unsupportive friend because I want to hang out with Talon before our work week gets hectic again.

I nod my head. Mariah is going over how he proposed last night on the island in front of everyone. It was everything she hoped and dreamed it would be from her high school sweetheart turned fiancé.

"That's so sweet, Mariah. Spencer really does love you." I notice more people walking into the store, which means I need to wrap this conversation up. While I get a lot of leeway between Grandpa Scott and Tara, there's no way I'd take advantage of them either.

"Please say you'll come. We can pick you up and bring you back if you don't want to drive your dad's boat." My dad may love me, but he doesn't love me that much to let me take his boat out at night. I can count on one hand how many times I've been out on it alone during the day. There's a reason why I have a paddle board and kayak. Dad's boat is his pride and joy, the son he never had. He's worked hard for what he has and I can't say that I blame him

"I'll take the ride, if you don't mind. I do have to be at work by seven o'clock in the morning, though. Is it possible to be home decently early?" God, I'm going to murder my future self. She's going to be a raging lunatic, dead on her feet, and ready to punch herself square in the eye.

"Of course, you know there are a ton of us. We'll get you home. I'm so excited you're coming. It's been so long!" Her voice goes up an octave. I wrap my arms around her, giving her another hug.

"I really am happy for you and hate to push this along, but customers are starting to get antsy."

"Oh yeah, whoops, my bad. I should have waited till you were off work. My excitement couldn't be contained." I head back to stand behind the register as she places her items on the counter.

"Honestly, I'm not sure I would be able to either." My thoughts go to Talon. My head is filled with thoughts of him. It has been for a while now, and all we've done is kiss with a side of phone sex. Then tell me why I'm wondering how he would propose to me? I'd like to think he'd know me well enough that I don't need anything flashy or a big production out of a proposal. A gold wedding band, a sunset on his boat, and I'd be happier than ever. I guess that's the difference between two people. Whereas there's nothing wrong with what Mariah received, it's the last thing I'd like.

"Your total is thirty-three dollars and twenty-six cents." Mariah swipes her card while I bag her items.

"Thanks, Kelsey. We'll pick you up around seven?"

"That works. I'll meet you at the house two doors down. They don't have a boat, so it'll be easier to get in and out." Our neighbors are snowbirds and dry store their boat at another marina in town during the summer months. They tell everyone in our area to please use not only their dock but also parking spots.

"Perfect. I'll text you when we're pulling up." Mariah takes the bag off the counter.

"See you soon." She's already on her way toward the door. My line is two deep, and I go through the motions of checking them out. Thankfully, there aren"t any more, or I'd have to call for backup, an action I've never had to take. Unless they're looking for a certain item or bait, which is a different story entirely.

"Thank you. Enjoy your day," I tell the last customer. I'm on autopilot, cussing myself out for agreeing to go out tonight. Who goes out on a Sunday to celebrate? Brunch I can see, but in the evening? Yikes. I'm going to be paying for it tomorrow.

"You too, Kels," a regular says. Once the coast is clear, I pull out my phone. Captain T's isn't strict on rules. They only ask that when we have customers to keep our devices away. Seeing as how the coast is clear, I bend down and grab it from the cubby I keep it in when I'm not on the floor. My thumb slides over the lock screen, hitting the buttons to access it without my phone being in my face. I smile when I find a couple of missed texts from the man himself.

Talon: Don't forget to eat something besides a protein bar.

Talon: Had to run and get a part for the boat. I'll be home late tonight. I'll call you when I get in.

A little bit of the guilt subsides. This way, I can be a supportive friend and make time for Talon whenever we both have a free moment. My shift at the biology center tomorrow should make it easier to see Talon, if he doesn't have a long charter to run.

Me: I'm about to take a break now. You'll be happy to know I packed a sandwich, fruit, and chips. No protein bar today.

I don't have to wait long for a response. Just as my thumbs were hovering over the screen, another text comes through.

Talon: Good. Tomorrow after work. You and me at my place.

Me: I guess that answers if I'll be seeing you tonight. Bummer. But I get it.

Talon: Yeah, fuckin' blows. I'll call you when I get back in.

Me: Sounds good. Be safe. Talk soon.

Talon: Later, siren.

"Hey, Kels, you ready to take your break?" Tara walks in right as our conversation ends.

"Hiya, yep. I won't be too long." I woke up this morning to my lunch already packed. I'd like to know what kind of superpower my mom has to roll in past midnight, prepare my lunch, and leave with Dad before I wake up.

"Take your time, honey. I appreciate you coming in after yesterday's fiasco." I'm pretty sure she's going to feel guilt for leaving Talon and me here, when in all honesty, I'd pull a double any day of the week if I received yesterday's result.

"Seriously, it wasn't that bad, promise." Tara lifts an eyebrow at me. She doesn't believe me, not for a single second. I'd say it's probably the shoes clueing her in. Gone are my cute sneakers, and in their place are my work sneakers. They have a cushioned sole and lots of support, along with making my feet happy.

"I know what it's like, Kelsey. It's hard work. You don't go unappreciated. Take your time, put your feet up and rest." She's giving me the stern mom voice, plus she's pointing her finger at me. I'm unsure if I should laugh or say yes ma'am.

"Fine, I will. Maybe I'll watch a soap opera, too?" I joke instead.

"Oh, god help us all." We trade places. Tara moves behind the counter and I toward the break room. Maybe the weekend is catching up with me. Hunger isn't even hitting me. A nap would be better at this point.