South of Heaven (12 page)

“I’d like a bottle of your best Riesling,” she told the man working behind the counter.

“That’s a very popular request today. Another young lady came and bought six bottles earlier today. I may need to take a bottle home to the wife.” He grinned as he led her to the selection of wines.

“This is the best.” He pulled out a bottle.

“Do you have any already chilled?”

“Let me check and see,” he answered, and walked back to a cooler.

His smile matched Kendra’s when he returned carrying a bottle.

“You’re in luck.”

Kendra paid for her purchase and drove home. She parked the Jeep in the garage and walked into the kitchen, handing Lindsey the bags of groceries as she walked to the refrigerator.

“What’s that?” she asked as Kendra placed the bottle in the refrigerator.

“I stopped off for a bottle of that Riesling that was so good last night. I thought it’d be good with dinner.”

“Good idea.” Lindsey smiled and busied herself with the groceries.

When they finished the laundry, Lindsey returned to the kitchen to begin dinner.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Kendra asked.

“Yes, you can pour us a glass of wine and keep me company.”

“At least let me make the salad.”

“Okay, you can make the salad after you pour us a glass of wine.” Lindsey grinned as she filled a pot with water.

“What time was your Dad arriving in Phoenix?” Lindsey asked as they were drinking the last of the wine.

Kendra checked her watch. “He should be there and on his way to the hospital by now. I expect him to call within the hour with an update on his brother.”

“I hope it’s good news.”

“Me too,” she answered.

“I was thinking I’d take our clean clothes down to the boat,” Lindsey said.

“Do you want some help with that?”

“No, stay in case your Dad calls. I can handle the laundry on my own.”

“Fine then, I’ll pick up the kitchen, while you’re gone.”

“Okay by me.” Lindsey agreed and left for the boat.

†

Kendra was cleaning the kitchen when her dad called. “Hey, how is Uncle Henry?”

“He’s resting now, but he looks pretty haggard.”

“How are you?”

“Tired from the travel, but glad to finally be here. Henry’s scheduled for surgery at five tomorrow morning. He made me promise to take Betty home for a few hours of sleep. She’s been here all day and looks worse than Henry.”

“You both need a good night’s rest. Tomorrow will be a long day of waiting.”

“Yes, I know. I’ll try to get her to eat something and get some sleep. The hospital is close so we can leave at four and be here to sit with him in pre-op until they take him for surgery.”

“I’ll be on the boat by five so call me there. Please try to get some rest.”

“I will. We’re going to leave in just a few minutes.”

“Okay, goodnight, and I’ll be waiting for your call in the morning.”

“Have a good night and a great week.”

“I will, Dad. I love you.”

“Love you, too.”

When she ended the call, Kendra broke down in tears, her body leaning against the kitchen counter for support. That is how Lindsey found her.

Lindsey rushed across the room when she heard Kendra crying and took her in her arms, holding her close. “Easy now,” she whispered. Her hands stroked the back of Kendra’s head.

Kendra’s sobs seemed to leave her speechless as she fought to regain her breath.

“It’s okay, you’re going to be fine.” Lindsey whispered calming words of reassurance to her friend.

After several long minutes of torture, Lindsey felt Kendra begin to relax and catch her breath. When she finally looked into Lindsey’s eyes, they were red rimmed and filled with tears.

“Are you ready to talk?” Lindsey whispered.

To Lindsey’s regret, Kendra stepped back away from her and wiped her eyes. “I’m sorry for being such a mess.”

“You have nothing to apologize for. It’s been a bitch of a day for your family.”

“Yeah it has,” she agreed. “Dad finally called.”

“Is everything okay?”

“It’s as good as can be expected, I guess. Uncle Henry goes in for open-heart surgery at five in the morning. Dad sounded very tired and worried.”

“He’s not used to traveling and that kind of stress. He’ll bounce back once he knows his brother has come through surgery tomorrow,” Lindsey soothed.

“I sure hope so. I wish I’d gone now.”

“There’s nothing you could do there and you’d be someone else for your Dad to worry about.” She saw Kendra cringe at her remark and smacked her forehead. “That sounded horrible, didn’t it?”

Kendra nodded. “I get your meaning though, so thanks, even if it did sound terrible.”

Lindsey wiped the hair out her eyes. “I never promised to be good with words.”

Kendra managed a weak smile. “No, you didn’t. Thanks for being here though.”

“That’s what friends are for. Now go take a shower and hit the sack. I’ll set the coffee and lock up.”

“I’m too drained emotionally to argue. I’ll see you at four.”

“I’ll be ready, boss.”

Finished with her shower, Lindsey was walking past Kendra’s room when she heard her crying. She knocked on the door and then stepped inside the room. Kendra was sitting on the edge of her bed with her hands covering her face. Lindsey knelt in front of her and took her hands, moving them from her face. “What’s wrong?”

Kendra sniffled as she fought her tears. “I’m just worried about Dad. Uncle Henry’s heart attack has me worried about losing Dad.”

Still holding her hands, Lindsey lifted them to her lips and kissed them. “That’s not surprising that you’re worrying about your dad. Believe it or not, you’re not a superhuman captain,” she said. “Even captains are allowed to cry.” Lindsey’s eyes were filled with tears witnessing Kendra’s heartache.

Kendra leaned forward and kissed Lindsey, her lips lingering.

Lindsey felt her heart pounding when Kendra’s soft lips touched hers, catching her completely off guard. Thankfully, her body reacted and her lips parted to invite Kendra into a deeper kiss.

Kendra took her hands and softly stroked Lindsey’s face when she ended the kiss, her eyes searching the depth of Lindsey’s eyes for a reaction. She leaned her face into her caress.

“Will you stay with me tonight?”

“Yes,” Lindsey whispered. She stood and took Kendra in her arms, feeling her body trembling as she stroked her hair. “Everything’s going to be all right.”

Kendra nodded. “Are you ready for bed?”

Lindsey answered by walking around the bed and pulling the bed covers back for them. She waited until Kendra turned off the light, and climbed into the bed and then crept in beside her. “Roll onto your side and I’ll hold you until you go to sleep.”

Kendra turned onto her side as Lindsey snuggled into her body and wrapped an arm around her waist. The warmth of Lindsey’s body was comforting and she could feel Lindsey’s heart beating against her back. She reached down, taking Lindsey’s hand in hers and tucked it beneath her chin.

Lindsey held her until Kendra stopped trembling and relaxed as she drifted off to sleep. She could feel the smile stretching her cheeks as she thought of the tender kiss they had shared and silently prayed it wouldn’t be their last.

Chapter Eleven

Kendra was surprised that she had slept the night through when she woke, and she found she had turned in Lindsey’s arms and was now facing her. Lindsey was awake, her blue eyes sparkling.

“Good morning. How long have you been awake?”

“Not long. Did you sleep well?” Lindsey asked.

“Yes I did. Thank you for staying with me.”

“You don’t need to thank me. I was here because you needed me, and I wanted to be here.”

Kendra felt a blush rise to her face. “I wanted you beside me.” She reached up to stroke Lindsey’s face. “I can’t deny any longer that I’m falling for you.”

“You don’t know how happy that makes me.” Lindsey smiled. She leaned in and kissed her sweetly.

“This will be complicated, you know. I’m still your captain on the boat.”

“I’ll be content to have you at home if you want me.”

“I want you.” Kendra smiled and rolled on top of her. “Damn, how I want you.”

Lindsey pulled her face down for a passionate kiss. “I want to make love with you, but now is not the time. We have to meet the crew soon, and I don’t want to rush our first time together.”

“It will be worth the wait,” Kendra promised.

They separated to prepare for the day and met in the kitchen. Kendra was eating a slice of toast when Lindsey arrived. “Do you want some breakfast?”

“I’ll have what you’re having, but I’ll fix it, so sit tight. You need a refill on your coffee?”

“Sure, thanks.”

Lindsey dropped two slices of bread in the toaster and poured a cup of coffee before taking the pot to refill Kendra’s cup. “Do we have apple jelly? I’m thinking it’s an apple jelly kind of day.”

“In the door of the fridge,” Kendra informed her as she stirred her coffee.

Lindsey prepared her toast and joined Kendra at the table. “Have you heard from your dad yet?”

“No, not yet, he’ll probably wait until Henry goes in the operating room to call. There’s a three-hour time difference.”

“You’re probably right, and that does make sense to wait,” Lindsey replied as she took a bite of toast.

†

When they reached the boat, Harvey was already on board, brewing a pot of coffee. “Morning, ladies,” he called out when they entered the galley.

Over a cup of coffee, Kendra brought him current on the events with her dad and uncle.

He put an arm around Kendra. “Are you sure you need to be here this week?”

“Dad didn’t want me to miss the week of fishing. I should have insisted on going with him, but you know how he is.”

“Yeah, I do. Please keep me posted. I don’t know Henry well, but I know how your dad worships his big brother.”

“That he does. I’m going to get the engine warmed up while we’re waiting on the rest of the crew.”

Harvey waited for her to enter the wheelhouse then turned to Lindsey. “How’s she really doing?”

“She had a rough night so I’m going to try to get her to nap later.”

“That’s a good idea. We’re lucky to have you with us. It’s nice having a second captain on board for times like these.”

“I just thought you liked my cooking.” Lindsey grinned.

“Well, that too,” he added with a smirk.

“Good morning, sunshine,” Charlie declared when he stepped on board the boat. “I hope everyone had a great weekend like me.”

“I’ll leave you to fill him and the rest of the crew in on what’s going on.” Lindsey poured another cup of coffee and walked out on deck.

†

Kendra took a sip of her coffee and looked up to see Lindsey sitting at the rail staring out across the water. She was glad that Lindsey was there for support and had proven herself invaluable to the boat, but there was more. She loved the way the sun kissed her blond hair and the tanned skin of her neck as the wind blew her short hair. Kendra smiled thinking of the night they had shared. She was falling in love and it felt wonderful.

Lindsey loved the way the gulls soared on the currents, diving and squawking at each other as they hunted for breakfast, or argued over scraps from a passing boat. It was hard to keep from laughing at their antics as they begged for more, swooping close to the boat hoping for a handout.

“You’re out of luck this morning,” she called to them, and they flew off in search of a different boat.

She drained her cup and turned back toward the galley. She noticed Kendra watching her from the wheelhouse, so she lifted her mug and pointed. Kendra nodded and raised her mug, indicating she’d like a refill. Smiling at their unspoken communication, Lindsey stepped inside the wheelhouse to retrieve the empty mug.

“I’ll bring it right back.”

†

After they left port and had been underway for hours, Kendra’s dad called to say that Henry had finally gone into surgery. It would be at least six hours before they were done. Kevin promised to call once Henry reached recovery and they got an update from the surgeon. Kendra filled in Harvey and Lindsey who were in the wheelhouse with her.

“Now will you take Lindsey’s advice and go get some rest?” Harvey asked.

“Yes, I’ll take a nap, but don’t let me sleep all day, and Lindsey, don’t run us ashore anywhere.”

“I’ll try my best. Other than another boat or an oil rig, I’d say we’re pretty safe.”

“Wake me for lunch then.”

As Kendra slipped inside her quarters she heard Lindsey say, “Finally, I get to drive this boat.”

“See you at lunch,” Harvey replied.

†

The morning burned on, and besides two other shrimp boats, they encountered nothing but sparkling water and clear skies. A light tap on the door alerted Lindsey to Harvey’s entrance as he brought her a tray of food.

“Grilled cheese, tomato soup, chips, and sweet tea,” he announced, setting the tray beside her on the table.

“That smells terrific.”

“A favorite from the captain’s childhood,” he shared. “I thought it would give her some comfort today.”

“That’s sweet and kind of you, Harvey.”

“She’s like the daughter I never had.”

“And she thinks of you as her second dad.”

“Now you flatter me.”

“You have to know it’s true. She values your opinion over any other on the boat, and says you’re the best first mate she’s ever worked with.”

“I should be. Her dad taught me everything I know about shrimping, as he’s done with her.”

“Are you going to wake her or let her sleep, Harvey?”

“I’m going to do just as she asked and wake her for some lunch. If she chooses to get more sleep, I’m fine with that.”

“Tell her we have everything under control if she needs more rest.”

“I will, and thanks again for being here.”

“My pleasure, Harvey.”

Lindsey started her meal and several minutes later, she heard a tap of the door to the captain’s
 
quarters, as Harvey took lunch to Kendra. She was just finishing her soup and munching on the chips when she heard Kendra enter.

“Mind if I join you?”

“Not at all.” She made a movement to forfeit the captain’s chair, but Kendra stopped her.

“Sit still.” Kendra took the extra seat, setting her tray on the table. “Harvey made us a treat today. A good one, too, very tasty, reminds me of being a little girl.”

“It was one of my favorites, too. Still is,” replied Lindsey.

“What do you plan on doing this afternoon?”

“I was thinking I’d bake us a cake unless you wanted more sleep.”

“If I sleep any longer, I won’t sleep tonight.”

“Yellow cake with chocolate icing okay with you?”

“That sounds perfect to me.”

“I think Harvey’s planning to fry chicken, and make rice and gravy to go with it.”

“Between the two of you, you’re hitting all my favorites.”

“Good to know, boss, good to know.”

 
“Are you ready to take over?” Lindsey asked when they finished lunch.

“Yes, I am, thanks for taking over for me.”

“You’re welcome.” Lindsey stood and picked up their trays. “Time for me to go see a man about a cake.”

Lindsey left the wheelhouse with the sound of Kendra’s laughter ringing in her ears.
That’s a good sound. S
he smiled as she walked to the galley.

†

Lindsey placed the cake in the oven and then joined the men at the table. “Okay, who’s ready to lose some money?”

“Hopefully you are,” Charlie replied. “I’m on a roll.”

“Time to change that. Deal me in, boys.” She sat, rubbing her hands together, ready for battle.

It took two hands for her to warm up and begin winning pots. The smell of the baking cake filled the room. She won another hand and Charlie playfully tossed his cards on the pile.

“That’s not fair, she’s cheating,” he cried.

“How exactly is she cheating?” Harvey asked.

“By distracting us with the smell of that cake.” He grinned. “I can’t focus on anything but how good it’s going to taste later tonight.”

The table broke out in laughter right on cue as the timer sounded.

“You’re saved by the bell.” Lindsey laughed, and walked to the oven to take the cake out to cool. “Go ahead without me. I’ll play catch up later tonight.”

She poured two glasses of tea. “I’m going to check on the captain. Harvey, do you think you can keep them away from the cake?”

“I’ve got your back,” he grinned, as he shuffled the cards.

†

Kendra was on the phone when Lindsey entered the wheelhouse and the look on her face was one of relief. “That’s great news, Dad. Do you think you can relax now?”

Lindsey placed the glass of tea in Kendra’s free hand.

“So when do they think he’ll be out of the woods? Really? Wow that’s amazing,” Kendra said into the phone.

Lindsey took a seat and waited for the call to end.

“Okay, call me later when you get back to Uncle Henry’s. Love you, too.” Kendra ended the call and let out a deep breath.

“Good news I take it,” Lindsey said.

“The surgery was a success. They had to unblock three chambers, but everything went well. He’s already back in his room on the cardiac floor, and Dad told me they planned to get him up and walking tomorrow afternoon.”

“That’s amazing.”

“He’ll still be in the hospital for about a week on IV antibiotics to prevent infection, but everything so far has gone like planned.”

Lindsey was about to say something, but was interrupted by an alarm on the console. She watched as the computer screen came online.

“That can’t be good.” Lindsey frowned as they watched a weather alert came on-screen.

A tropical depression was highlighted on the screen just south of Puerto Rico, and the ticker tape report projected the depression to strengthen quickly, turning into a tropical storm within the next twenty-four hours. The next screen showed the projected path, a high probability of the storm turning east and heading back out into the eastern Atlantic. Two other paths, however, with lower probability, showed the storm heading up toward the Outer Banks, or turning west and heading into the Gulf.

“Give your dad a call to make sure he’s seen this alert.” Kendra handed Lindsey the phone before turning back to the computer screen. “When you’re done, round up the crew and bring them here, please.”

“Will do, boss.” Lindsey heard the clicking of the phone as the satellite picked up the signal and then the phone began to ring. She breathed a sigh of relief when her dad answered the phone.