22. Galvin

galvin

. . .

G alvin paced in her studio. The space was small, making the back-and-forth trips from the kitchen to the living room short. She’d showered, did her hair and make-up, and then changed her clothes a million and one times. It didn’t matter what she put on, nothing seemed right. Her jeans were too tight, her shirt not flattering. This dinner was beyond the scope of meeting someone’s parents or trying to make a good first impression. They were her bosses, and she was doing the no-no with their son.

When she finally found the right shirt, to complement her jeans, Caroline’s more than perfect outfit from the night before popped into her mind. That was one of the first things she noticed after meeting her—her attire was Rodeo Drive rich—with the second being how stunning she was. It wasn’t even the pregnancy glow. Dune’s fiancée was drop dead gorgeous. And she made Galvin feel a bit like a freak show.

Her clothing consisted of a few sundresses, shorts, tanks, jeans, yoga pants, and the must have bulky sweatshirts to go with copious amounts of T-shirts. She’d never been the dress up type but had always admired women who did it on a daily basis.

Diego’s—the restaurant they’d gone too—definitely didn’t require a Chanel bag and Gucci sunglasses. Galvin didn’t think Caroline cared one iota, which was how she wanted to feel. Yet, the thought of hanging out with Sail’s family tonight made her nerves feel like they were on fire, and no matter what she did, nothing would extinguish the flames.

Galvin looked at her phone for the time. Sail would pick her up at six, and then they’d stop at every restaurant on the list his mother needed him to. Tonight, was takeout night at the Carter’s. This was one of the ways the family supported all other businesses.

Sunday’s dinner would be a whole different ball game. While not exactly formal, they would sit around their ornate family table in their dining room, with nice plates, silverware, the whole nine yards, and enjoy each other’s company.

She wasn’t sure which night was going to cause her the most anxiety. Tonight, she could easily pass as Sail’s friend or charity case since she’s new in town. On Sunday, she’d sit next to him as his whatever they were to each other, while people at the table stared at her.

Yep, tonight is definitely the easier of the two.

Looking at the time on her phone again, she continued to pace and make up conversations in her head, so she was prepared to respond. It wasn’t like she hadn’t met parents before, this just felt different.

It’s because you like him a lot.

Her thoughts made her stop. A smile formed on her lips as she accepted the fact that Sail was everything, she didn’t know she was looking for. For the most part, she didn’t care he hadn’t finished college. According to him, he’d go back to Miami and work his ass off to finish so he could still graduate on time.

But where did that leave them?

Law school was in Boston. She’d already applied, paid the fee, and deferred a semester to save money. And Sail had a life in Miami. One she wouldn’t ask him to give up for her.

“Ugh,” she said, as her hands came to the top of her head and squeezed. “You’re way over thinking everything, Galvin. Get it together.”

Once January came, they’d go their separate ways, making no promises to each other. If and when Sail returned, they’d see how things were between them.

“If he comes back,” she said into the open space. She fully expected him to stay in Miami and become some tropical tour guide, like he said he wanted to be.

The knock came before Galvin could text Sail and give him some lousy excuse as to why she couldn’t go tonight. She opened the door in a rush, startling Sail.

“Shit, I almost fell.”

She eyed him suspiciously. “The platform is big enough that you’re not on the edge, teetering toward your death.”

“Touché,” he said as he rested his arm on the door jamb. He eyed her, causing her insides to play topsy-turvy. And if she wasn’t mistaken, the button on her jeans began to loosen by itself. She took a deep, shuddering breath, which only made things worse because he never took his eyes off her.

“You okay?”

Galvin nodded. “Just thinking.”

“About last night?”

She hadn’t been but was now. The things he’d done to her body and the way he made her feel . . . another shudder ripped through her.

“Can I come in?” His tone changed and he stepped forward without missing a beat. Galvin backed up into the kitchen, and it was like her body moved on autopilot until they were near her bed.

“Do you have an itch you want me to scratch?”

Galvin giggled at the metaphor.

“Do you think I’m funny?” he asked as he pulled out his wallet. The shiny square package rested between his fingers.

“Sail . . .” She wiggled her legs together which didn’t escape is notice. He smirked and shook his head.

“We don’t have time for this.” She motioned between them.

“I can be fast.” He winked. “Besides, now that I’ve been in that sweet pussy of yours, I’ve craved it all day.”

Her cheeks flushed. Fiery hot and undoubtedly red.

Sail palmed her breast, tweaking her nipples. Her head fell back and moaned. “Sail . . .”

“You can keep saying my name all you want. In fact, I love hearing it escape breathlessly between your lips. But it’s not going to change the fact that I want to bend you over right now.”

“Oh, sweet . . .” Sail swallowed whatever she was about to say when he kissed her. On their own accord, she worked the button and zipper on her jeans and shimmied them down her legs. And then she helped Sail with his.

As soon as he had the condom on, he spun her around and bent her forward. “I promise, we won’t be late for anything.” He thrusted and then groaned. “Holy fuck me, Galvin. How are you so ready for me?”

Words failed her.

“What in the hell took you so long?” Tidal said as Sail and Galvin climbed the porch stairs with their arms full of takeout. They’d made stops for pizza, fried chicken, tacos, and subs. Galvin supposed this was a common occurrence with a big family, especially when they exercised takeout night. Not everyone would agree on one thing.

“Shut the hell up,” Sail said as he handed Tidal the bags in his hands. He turned, winked at Galvin, and took the boxes from her. She tried not to blush but was fairly certain her cheeks reddened.

Sail motioned for her to walk ahead of him, but she paused at the doorway. “It’s okay,” he whispered. “You know everyone but my mom, and she’s as sweet as pie.”

“But she’s your mom.”

Instead of answering her, Sail kissed the exposed part of her neck. “Please go in,” he said quietly into her ear.

With a deep inhale, she stepped over the threshold—the point of no return—and waited for Sail to direct her where to go.

“Where’s Sail?” a female voice rang out.

“Right here, Mom.” He walked into the kitchen, with Galvin a couple of steps behind him. She stood by the refrigerator and bit her lower lip. “Mom, this Galvin.” Sail reached for her hand and tugged her forward. Without taking his eyes off her, he said, “Galvin, this is my mom, Pearl.”

Galvin extended her hand, but Pearl wanted none of that and pulled her into her arms. The hug was tight, warm, and loving. She found herself hugging Pearl back with the same amount of affection.

When they parted, Pearl cupped Galvin’s face. “You look just like her.”

“Who?”

“Your mother.”

“You knew my mom?” Try as she might, there was no way she could push away the threatening tears. Her eyes welled up instantly.

Pearl smiled. “I met her years ago, back when Jack and your father were in college. She was the sweetest. My biggest regret will always be losing touch with her. But now, you’re here, and one of us.”

“Great, that means I’m out,” Sail said, breaking the emotional vibe hovering over everyone. Galvin turned to him and smiled.

“Did you know?”

He shook his head. “I had no idea. I was just told to bring you home, and I’m a good boy and do what I’m told.”

Tidal and Pearl busted out laughing, with Pearl heaving and bending over at her waist.

“Oh boy, that was the best thing I’ve heard all day,” Pearl said, much to Sail’s displeasure.

“Why are we all laughing?” Jack came into the kitchen. He greeted Galvin, patted two of his sons on their shoulders, and asked if Galvin had met Crew yet.

“Yes, we met at the diner.”

“Oh, honey. Sail told Galvin he’s a good boy and does what he’s told.”

Hearing it come from Pearl was even funnier, especially when Jack started laughing.

Sail rolled his eyes. “All right, I’m going to take Galvin on a tour.”

He linked his hand with hers and all but yanked her out of the house.

“I’m sorry your mom teased you,” she said as they went down the stairs.

“It’s fine. I knew they would.” They started walking toward the back of the property. The sound of the ocean sang, and the scent of sea salt air settled over them.

“I wish it wasn’t so dark,” Sail said as they reached the rock wall. “This place is magical.”

“Hearing the ocean like this is so calming.”

“It is,” he agreed. “Come on, we’ll go down there.” He directed her to the lit staircase. Sail went first, with her one step behind him.

The bottom step led to a small sandy beach, with a dock not far away. “It’s enough for a couple of people. Mostly, my mom comes down here to wait for us when we’ve gone to get their boat, or she’ll come down here to read.”

“Does she ever go to the beach you took me too on our tour?”

Sail nodded. “Or my dad will motor her to Nantucket for the day.”

“Wow. Can you sail there?”

“Of course, but not in the type of sailboat I’ll compete in.” Sail bumped his shoulder with hers. “Wanna sail to Nantucket?”

She shook her head. “But maybe around Seaport?”

“That’s probably for the best until you get your sea legs. Yacking over the side of a boat isn’t fun.”

“Puking in general isn’t fun.”

“Nope, but when you’re in the water, fish think you’re feeding them.”

“Yeah, okay, I’m never going on a boat.”

Sail laughed and pulled her into his arms. He cupped her cheek and kissed her lightly. “Are we moving too fast?”

Galvin wrapped her arms around his waist and started swaying, almost in tune with the ebb and flow of the waves.

“Part of me wants to say yes. We barely know each other, but in the same vein, I feel like I’ve known you for many months. I tried to fight this thing between us, but we feel natural.”

“I just want you to be sure.”

Galvin studied his features. “How are you so mature?”

Sail shrugged and shook his head. “In September, I wasn’t. I was hungover, still drunk and had no idea where I was supposed to be. And then, I got suspended. Facing my dad with that news was the scariest thing in my life. But before I could tell him, I met you and figured you were my second chance at getting my life right before I really fucked it up.”

“I’m glad I was there the night you came in.”

Sail smiled and kissed her. “You have no idea how happy that makes me.”

“Uh, I can feel how happy that makes you.”

He laughed and groaned a bit. “Wanna go see my room?”

Galvin shook her head. “No, but I’d like to eat.”

Sail slapped his forehead. “Shit, I totally forgot. Come on, everyone should be here by now. We eat and then I gotta get to work planning shit.”

“And what will I do?” she asked as they climbed the stairs.

“Sit on my lap?”

Galvin pinched his ass. He yelped and pulled her into a run.