12. Galvin

galvin

. . .

T he next morning, she stood at the coffee maker, staring at the black appliance that brought an insurmountable of joy to people but in a daze. Pots, pans, and other metal objects banged together, while Andy and whoever had the early morning busing shift chatted about something. Their voices were muffled or at least they sounded as such because her thoughts were elsewhere and not where they needed to be. Even when the chime on the door sounded and more lights flickered on, Galvin stood there lost in thought.

Only, she wasn’t exactly lost. Her thoughts were rampant, her mind running rapidly over the events from the day prior. Never mind the sudden and completely unexpected, albeit brief, kiss Sail planted on her lips. No, she could easily chalk that up to him shocking the crap out of her because the reality of the situation was, he parked them at the top of a freaking bridge. Not just any bridge, but an expansive one. One that was over two hundred feet above the bay.

No, her thoughts were on the day they spent together.

Sail had shown her exactly what it felt like to be a local in Seaport. He didn’t treat her like a visitor or someone who was there to collect a paycheck and then bail. Sail showed her what it was like to live on the island, to be one with the community, and how he couldn’t go anywhere without running into people he knew or knew his family. The Carter’s were Seaport royalty, and everyone loved them.

Before Sail guided her from the car and to the railing of the bridge, she’d never been so scared in her life. Galvin fully expected her anxiety to spike, for her body to shut down or for the fight or flight mode to kick in. She’d never been in such a dangerous situation before, and yet Sail was calm. Clearly, he’d done this before and probably many times.

Now, as she stood there remembering the moment she wondered how many times. How many other women had he taken to the top of the bridge?

No, they weren’t at the top, they were in the clouds. At least, that’s what it felt like being so high in the air. The pure thrill and exhilaration of the wind, the cars driving by, and knowing there was nothing to stop you from falling over the edge if you let go. Below, the water wouldn’t break your fall, but break you, and still, she went with Sail, willingly.

And it had been so worth it.

He’d held her. Protected her. Pressed himself into her back to keep her safe. And then he told her to look, to really see what Seaport had to offer. The place she currently called home wasn’t just some small town nestled along the coastline but had magically turned into a quaint village with homes built in the seventeen and eighteen hundreds. The shops lined the original cobblestone road, and no one seemed to mind. The town she’d moved to suddenly felt like home and she wanted to explore every square inch of it.

Back in the car, Sail said, “If you ever find yourself lost follow the evacuation route. It’ll get you back to the main road.” One of the things about Seaport, there were two main roads, and everything intersected with them.

“Earth to Galvin.”

Penny’s hand waved in front of Galvin’s face, startling her. She jumped.

“Sorry.”

“Let me guess, my cousin rocked your world last night.” Penny rolled her eyes.

It took Galvin a second to register the comment and once she had, she squinted and shook her head. “What? No. We’re friends.” Even though he snuck a kiss in. It was for a good cause.

“You look . . .” Penny waved her hand frantically. “Stupefied by a Carter boy.”

“Is that a thing?”

Penny nodded. “Unfortunately. But they normally don’t date employees.”

“Well, that’s good because Sail and I aren’t dating. He gave me a tour of Seaport.”

“A tour, huh? Is that what you kids are calling it today?” Penny laughed.

“When it’s a tour, yes. He showed me around. Introduced me to people. And after work he’s taking me to the art gallery.”

Galvin wasn’t sure Penny believed her. She inhaled deeply. “My job if far too important to me. I’m not going to mess it up by dating the owner’s son.”

Penny rolled her eyes and filled a tray with salt and pepper shakers. “I’m not judging you, Galvin. Except for the dazed and confused look you have going on. Did you have a good time?”

“The best,” she said quietly as she began filling a tray with napkin dispensers. “I’m not sure I would’ve left this area had I Sail not taken me around. We ate at the other restaurant.”

“Pearl’s?”

“Yeah. And he took me to the beach. None of the shops were open on the boardwalk, but it was nice. I can see myself going there more than the one across the street.”

“Did you go sailing?” Penny picked her tray up and walked toward the tables. Galvin followed.

“No. He’s offered, but I’ve never been on a boat before. They make me nervous.” Although, after standing on the walkway of the bridge, she thought nothing should make her nervous anymore.

“Oh, don’t be. Sail’s an excellent boat captain.”

“That’s what he said.”

After they set each of the tables, Penny turned on the open sign and greeted the first wave of customers. Galvin had to fight for every ounce of concentration. Her thoughts drifted back to the day before more often than she cared to admit. Sail had done exactly as he promised. He gave her the tour of Seaport, but there was more. He’d made her feel welcome. Because of him, she smiled, laughed, and enjoyed her day off.

By the time her shift ended her feet were sore her legs ached and she had a raging headache. She thought about canceling her non-date with Sail but figured he would never let her live it down nor did she want to disappoint him. Galvin liked the idea of having a friend in Seaport and Sail was willing to take her to the museums, the theater, and the art gallery. She’d be foolish to pass up the opportunity. Friends were hard to come by. Friends who liked the same things she did, were near impossible.

When Galvin opened her front door, Sail stood there with a bouquet. He caught her off guard, but in a good way, and she found herself smiling at him while her heart skipped a beat.

“These are for you.” He extended the flowers toward her.

“Really? I thought they were for my roommate.”

Sail leaned in but didn’t step over the threshold. “I mean, if this imaginary roommate of yours needs flowers, I’ll gladly bring a bouquet for them as well. Are they coming to the art gallery with us this evening?”

Galvin stood there, stunned. He’d picked up on her humor without missing a beat. She worked to maintain a stoic face. Sail gave her the same deadpan expression.

They stared at each other, waiting to see who would crack first.

It was Sail. The corner of his mouth lifted first and then Galvin smiled.

“I’m going to put these in some water,” she said, bringing the bouquet to her nose. She didn’t have to go far since her kitchen and door were in the same space. While she filled a large jar, Galvin eyed Sail still standing outside the door. Every so often he’d look inside. The polite thing would be to invite him in, but she didn’t want him to get the wrong impression.

She didn’t want to give herself the wrong impression either. Her thoughts and feelings were giving her whiplash. While Galvin liked Sail, she didn’t want to. Law school was her priority and making money so she didn’t have to stress during what was surely going to be a very stressful three years of school.

“These are really beautiful. Thank you.”

“My pleasure.”

Galvin set the jar on the counter, right in the middle, where she’d be able to see them from the other room as well. The bouquet of carnations, daisies, and a couple roses brightened her space and made it feel happy. She liked being happy.

“You ready?”

“Oh, yeah. Sorry. I was admiring the flowers.” And maybe stalling.

“They look nice there,” he said as he leaned in again and looked around. “It’s good to see my parents painted in here.”

Galvin grabbed her purse and jacket. “What color was it before?”

“Not necessarily a color, but floor to ceiling wood paneling. My mom had painted it all a couple of times, but after a while it would flake. I’m glad to see she got rid of the paneling is all.”

Was Sail rambling? Was he nervous?

Galvin thought maybe she was too, and she had no reason to be. They were friends. She walked toward the door, reached for the knob, but Sail beat her to it and motioned for her to walk ahead of him.

“I need to lock it.”

“Oh, yes of course.” Sail stepped aside so Galvin could lock and shut the door. She followed him down the stairs and out the gate. He set his hand on the small of her back and directed her up the street.

“We’re walking?”

“I’m not sure if you’ve noticed but Seaport lacks parking. It’s easier for us to walk. Besides, there are a couple of bars near the gallery. We can stop in for a drink after. If you’d like.”

Galvin liked that he left the rest of their night up to her.

Luckily for her aching feet, the walk wasn’t horrible. Sail held the door open for her and they stepped in. Soft music played from the speakers and people milled around, looking at the paintings displayed on the walls.

“Margaux is one of Seaport’s most popular and famous residents. At the end of the summer, she has this huge exhibition for artists?—”

“Not this year.” A woman came up to Sail and kissed him on each cheek. “Your mother told me you were home. How are you, Sail?”

“I’m doing okay,” he said. “Margaux this is Galvin Winters. She’s recently moved here from California.”

Margaux reached for Galvin’s hand and shook it. “Yes, I’ve seen you at the diner. How do you like Seaport?”

“I love it,” Galvin said. “It’s really starting to feel like home.”

“Great to hear it,” Margaux said.

“What’s this you said about not have the exhibition?” Sail asked.

Margaux spread her arm around. “This is Eloise’s work,” she said. “I gave her the showcase.”

“Wow,” Sail said.

“Who’s Eloise?”

Sail smiled. “Eloise is Margaux’s niece. We grew up together and then she moved away because her parents divorced.”

Galvin acknowledged what Sail said and wondered if Eloise meant something more to Sail. He walked toward the artwork and then turned to Margaux.

“She’s so talented.”

“That she is.” Margaux came toward him. “This is her boyfriend, Kiel. They live in my father’s old studio on my property.”

“Eloise is here?”

Sail’s question made Galvin feel invisible even though she’d told him on more than one occasion they would only be friends. Even though Margaux mentioned a boyfriend, the excitement was still in Sail’s voice.

“She is.” Margaux beamed.

Sail turned at looked at Galvin. “I think you’d like her,” he said. “Maybe we can meet up with her and . . .” he glanced at Margaux. “What’s his name? Her boyfriend?”

“Kiel. He’s a lovely young man. Grad student.”

Galvin felt a rush of relief wash over her. She smiled at Sail and then reminded herself he could like anyone he wanted because they were friends. Galvin needed to keep that mantra running in her head.

Sail reached for her hand and linked their fingers. He started them at the first painting. They talked about each one, what they thought they meant, and Galvin pointed out the different strokes Eloise had used.

After their tour, they stood out in front of the gallery, and Galvin pulled her coat tighter. “Thank you for bringing me.”

Sail once again linked his hand with hers. “The gallery is one of our hidden gems. I’m happy we did this. Now, how about we head across the street to the Irish pub and grab a bite to eat. I’m not sure if you’re a beer drinker, but they have some Irish beers on tap.”

“I don’t really drink.”

“At all?” he asked and then added. “I’m only curious because if drinking bothers you, we can go someplace else and knowing will help me plan other excursions with you.”

Galvin gave Sail a half-shrug. “It’s not something I seek out. Like I don’t decide at four in the afternoon I need wine. But I also don’t always have wine or a cocktail at dinner. I have to be in the mood. And right now, I’m not really in the mood.”

“Me, neither. But we do need to eat, and they have soda. Come on, let’s go get rowdy with the Irish. They’re a lot of fun.” Sail winked and directed them across the street.