Fish Perfume (Cozy Harbor Marina Series) (9 page)

I didn’t know quite what to think, let alone what to say. I finally said, “Is my Gram there?”

“Yes, my dear, I’ll go get her for you.”

Gram came on the line and said, “Hi, Meggie. Is everything okay?”

I told her, “Yes everything is fine here. Mac had a little angina and was in the hospital overnight, but he seems to be bouncing back.”

“Oh, honey, I’m sorry to hear that. You give Mac my love. How’s the marina?”

“The marina is fine, Gram. I just called to see how you were. What have you been doing? Most of all, who’s Cal?”

She laughed and said, “Are we sure I’m the grandmother and you’re the granddaughter? I thought I was supposed to ask all the questions. Well, Cal is my old friend, Meggie. We’ve been having a lovely time. Last week we went to Santa Barbara for a few days and we visited Hearst Castle. I thought the mansions in Newport were spectacular, but Hearst Castle is something else.”

“Mom e-mailed and asked about you, so I thought I’d call and check on you.”

“I’m fine, darling. Couldn’t be better.”

I smiled to myself and said, “Well, Gram, you keep having fun, and I’ll let Mom know you’re okay.”

“Please do that, honey, and again, give Mac my love.”

“I will, Gram. Love you.”

“Love you too. Goodbye.”

I hung up in shock. I wanted to ask her more about Cal, but how do you ask your grandmother if she has a boyfriend. Hey, Gram, are you sleeping with Cal? Are you doing the rumba between the sheets? I just couldn’t do it. I’ve never heard her sound so happy. Whoever Cal is, if he can make my Gram sound that happy, he’s okay in my book.

I quickly e-mailed my mother back.

Hi Mom:

Just talked to Gram and she’s doing well and having a great time. I miss you and I’ll keep you posted on Gram.

Love, Meggie

CHAPTER SIX

The next morning after Journey arrived, I went over to the Snack Shack for a late breakfast. Mo stood behind the counter, hands on hips, looking at the four large tubs of chicken wings in front of her.

I asked her, “What’s with the chicken wings?”

She leaned on the counter and said, “Oh, my God. I’ve got a gazillion orders for these wings. Every fisherman in Cozy Harbor wants at least two orders for the weekend.”

“They must be really good. I don’t think I’ve ever had them.”

“Well, most of them haven’t either. I’m gonna put them in the fridge and I’ll be cookin’ them tomorrow afternoon. I’ll be lucky if I get out of here by midnight.”

I asked, “Why the run on chicken wings all of a sudden?”

“Well, the warm water has moved into the canyon. It’s about eighty miles offshore and a prime fishing area for tuna and mahi. The Murphy brothers went out to the canyon fishin’ the other day on the
Tuna Kahuna
. I guess there were quite a few boats out there and no one was catchin’ a thing. The boys bought some wings from me before they went out fishing. Don was chompin’ down some wings and tossing them in the water. Next thing you know, all their rods were bent over and they caught six yellowfin tuna and a couple mahi. None of the other boats got so much as a nibble. When they filleted the fish, guess what was inside?”

“Your chicken wings?”

“You got it. Now every fisherman around thinks my wings are the best bait goin’. I’m thinkin’ of raisin’ my prices.”

I laughed and said, “That’s unbelievable.”

Mo shook her head and said, “Believe me, it was just a fluky thing. These fishermen will try anythin’ to catch a fish. They’d throw their own mother overboard if they thought she’d make good bait.”

“If you want, Mo, I’ll be happy to help you after work tomorrow.”

“Oh, Meggie, you’re a lifesaver.”

“No problem. Can I get a cup of coffee and a bagel?”

“Sure, just let me get these wings in the fridge.”

Mo put the wings away and made my bagel for me.

She asked, “What’s the latest on Mac?”

“Ian and I went over to see him last night and he’s doing much better. He said to thank you for the meals.”

“Good. So, you and Ian went together?”

“Yes, and afterward we went for dinner and a walk at the sea wall.”

“A walk at the sea wall sounds pretty romantic to me. I’m so happy for you, honey.” She raised her eyebrows and asked, “Any action afterward?”

“He kissed me goodnight and left. I invited him in, but he said he had to go.”

“He must think you’re special. I know a couple of local girls who went out with Ian, and I never heard nothin’ about him bein’ a slow mover.”

“Well, I hope that’s a good sign, but he needs to speed things up. I’m only here for the summer. Gram will be back before you know it. By the way, I talked to her last night. I called her at the number she gave me and a man answered the phone.”

Mo looked shocked and said, “Get out of town!”

“Nope. The friend she went to visit is a guy named Cal.”

“Well, I’ll be damned. Good for her.”

“Yeah. She told me they just got back from Santa Barbara and had a lovely time. I couldn’t believe it. I wanted to ask her so many questions about Cal, but I felt uncomfortable.”

“Well, sure. I can see why.”

“I’ll tell you, Mo, she sounded so happy.”

“Well, honey, that little bit of info made my day. Maybe there’s hope for the rest of us lonely hearts. Who would have ever thunk it, though. Betty has a boyfriend.”

“Well, keep this info under your hat, or I guess I should say under your counter, Mo. Gram wouldn’t want everyone knowing her business.”

“My lips are sealed, sugar.”

“Thanks and thanks for breakfast.”

“Anytime.”

“See you later,” I said and left the Shack with Mo smiling and shaking her head.

I went back to work and the rest of the day went by fast. I decided that before I went home, I would check on Mac’s boat. I walked down the dock and saw Tony on Mac’s boat giving it a good cleaning.

He looked up at me and gave my body the once-over. “You look gorgeous as usual, Meggie.”

I looked down at myself. I had on a pair of old white shorts and a navy blue Harbor Marina T-shirt.

“Tony, you must have had a slow week with the ladies if you think I look good.”

“Are you kidding, Meggie? You always look smokin’ hot.”

“You always have a line, Tony. It’s so nice of you to clean Mac’s boat. You’re just a teddy bear under that macho veneer.”

“Well, the Tone has a soft spot for the old Clam Man. I’ll let you in on a little secret. When I bought my boat, I didn’t know a thing about them. I was a city kid. I’d been out on a few boats, but I basically hadn’t a clue about boating. I figured, hey, I have a business down here, I live near the water, I should have a boat.” He gave me a leer, wiggled his eyebrows, and said, “Besides, I figured the ladies would love a boat ride. So, I bought a boat and didn’t know what to do with it. I was nervous as hell to take it out. Well, Mac had my number from the get go. That old man spent that whole first summer with me. He taught me the rules of the road out there and taught me about engines and electronics. I owe him big time and I’ll never forget it.”

“That’s Mac.”

“Well, I heard you check up on him. You tell him I’m taking care of his boat and I hope to see him soon.”

“I will.”

“Hey, you want to go out this weekend?”

“I can’t. I’ve got to help Mo tomorrow night and Saturday night I have to clean the cottage. My friend is coming to visit for a week, so I have to get ready for company.”

“Is she of the female persuasion?”

“Yes.”

“Well, since my charms haven’t worked on you, maybe you could introduce me?”

“I’ll think about it. You might just meet your match. She’s a man-eater.”

He smiled, licked his lips, and said, “Well, sweetheart, I’m a tasty morsel.”

I chuckled “See you later, lover boy.”

“Night, hot stuff.”

I went home, took a quick shower, ate some dinner, and went to check up on Mac. Mike was still there and Mac was doing a lot better. I visited for a while and headed home.

* * * * *

The next morning I was in my office e-mailing some supply orders when I heard a knock. I turned around and smiled at my Gram’s best friend, Dossie Woods. They’ve been friends since they were young girls.

I stood up and said, “Mrs. Woods, what a nice surprise.”

She gave me a warm smile back and said, “You’re all grown up, Meggie. Let me have a good look at you.” She lifted up my chin to look at my face and exclaimed, “Pretty as a picture.”

I blushed and asked, “How are you?”

“Good, honey. I came by to see if you’ve heard anything from your grandmother?”

“I just talked to her. She’s with her friend in San Diego having a great time.”

“Oh, I’m so glad to hear that. I miss her, but if anybody deserved a vacation, it’s Betty.”

“Mrs. Woods, do you know an old friend of Gram’s named Cal O’Callaghan?”

She looked nervously around the room and answered, “No, don’t think I can recall anyone with that name.”

I pressed on, “Are you sure? Gram said she knew him years ago.”

She shook her head, “No, I don’t remember him. Well, I hate to run, Meggie, but I’m playing in a little nine-hole tournament at the country club. If you can believe it, I’m the ringer in my foursome.”

“Do you still play a lot of golf?”

“Every chance I get. Tell your grandmother to call me when she has a minute.”

“I will. It was nice seeing you.”

“You too, dear.”

She hightailed it out of the store. There’s no doubt in my mind that Dossie knows exactly who Cal O’Callaghan is. I can’t imagine my grandmother not telling Dossie every little detail about this big adventure of hers. I should have thought of Dossie a few weeks ago when I was up to my ears with worry. I guess I’ll have to wait a little while longer to find out more about the mysterious Mr. O’Callaghan.

Later, it got crowded in the store, so I went out to give Journey a hand. Don and Geri on the
She’s the Boss
told me they were missing a big flashlight. Since they never take it off the boat, they couldn’t imagine where it had gone. They asked around if anyone had borrowed it, but everyone said no. I told them I’d put a notice on the bulletin board and let them know if someone turned it in.

People here have never had to worry about leaving their boats open. I can’t imagine who would be stealing things. For now, I’m going to assume that the glasses and flashlight are just misplaced and will turn up eventually.

I was hoping to catch a glimpse of Ian today, but no such luck. I closed up the store and went over to the Snack Shack to help Mo with the wings. Since she starts work as early as I do, she usually closes at 2:30 after she takes care of the lunch crowd. The Shack had a Closed sign on the door, but I could see her behind the counter. She waved me in.

“How are things going?” I asked.

“I’ve been busier than a rooster in a henhouse today. Everyone is down for the weekend, so I extended lunch until 3:00, and then I had to prep for tomorrow. So, my friend, I’m just startin’ on the wings.”

“What can I do?”

“Well, the first thing we need is mood music. Why don’t you go put that oldies station on the radio. When I’m runnin’ on fumes, I need good tunes to pick me up.”

I went over and turned on the radio. According to the DJ, it was sixties night.

Mo rubbed her hands together. “Boy, we hit the jackpot. I love sixties music. It brings back good memories for me.”

We sang, danced, and worked on the wings. Mostly though, we talked. Curious, I asked, “Mo, where are you from originally?”

“I’m from the great state of Alabama,” she proclaimed with pride.

“How did you end up in Rhode Island?”

“My brother Tom got transferred up here with his job about twenty years ago. Whenever I got leave, I would come up and visit him, his wife, Mary, and the kids. The kids are grown up now. The eldest one is Amy; she’s a beautiful girl. She and her husband, Neil, live here, and they’re expectin’ their first. The next in line is Becky. She followed in Aunt Mo’s footsteps. She’s a pastry chef at one of those ritzy, glitzy restaurants up in Providence. Matt’s the baby of the family, the apple of my eye. I don’t know how much you’ve talked to him since you’ve been here, but that boy is funny as hell. Well, by the time I got out of the Corps, our parents had passed on. I wanted to live near family, so I moved up here, bought my little house, and started workin’ here.”

“Do you miss the South?”

“Sure, especially in the middle of winter. I still have friends and cousins down in Mobile that I visit every January.”

“Any more Internet dates?”

“Yeah, I went out with a good-lookin’ tall drink of water the other night. He lives in Providence so we met at a restaurant in Warwick for dinner. He was a nice guy, very mannerly, and I didn’t pick up any perv vibes, which is always a good sign. He’s a widower with two grown girls.”

“Sounds promising.”

“Yep. I’ll definitely go out with him again.”

“What happened with the other guy who took you to the theater?”

“He’s out of town. To be truthful, though, I had a great date with him but the sparks weren’t flyin’.”

“Oh, that’s too bad.”

She shook her head and said, “My big problem is I gotta get that big galoot out of my head.”

“You mean Big H?”

“Yeah. I think I’m being picky because I want every guy I meet to be him. Just when I think I’m over him, he stops by and chats with me for an hour, and then I’m all mushy about him again.”

“Guys will do that to you.”

“Any progress with Ian?”

“Nope, I haven’t seen him since the other night. I was hoping he would stop by and ask me out, but no go.”

“Hey, I’ve got a bottle of wine in the fridge here. Since we’re halfway done, let’s open it and have a few glasses. Girls have to have some fun on a Friday night.”

“Sounds good to me, Mo.”

She poured us each a big glass of wine. We were drinking and singing along with Aretha Franklin when there was a knock at the door.

I opened the door and in walked Big H.

“Evenin’, Meggie, Mo.” He looked at Mo and said, “Mo, I’m sorry I didn’t get to ask earlier, but I was wondering if I could get a couple orders of wings. I’m going fishing tomorrow along with every other boat around. I don’t believe in the chicken wing theory, but if all the boats catch fish with the wings and I don’t catch a thing without them, I’ll never hear the end of it.”

Mo said, “No problem. I planned on makin’ extra just for this reason. I figured tomorrow mornin’ a couple of extra people would show up wantin’ some.”

“Thanks, Mo. Hey, I don’t know if you girls have plans to see the fireworks on Monday night, but if you don’t, you’re welcome to come with me. I’m taking the boat out to watch the town beach fireworks. It’s fun watching them from the water. I’ve invited my sister Sue and her kids, plus I invited Terry and Deb.”

I said, “Oh, thanks, Big H, but I’ve got my friend Helen coming up for a week, and she gets here on Sunday.”

He said, “She’s welcome too, Meggie.”

I said, “Thanks. I’ll let you know.”

Big H looked at Mo and asked, “How about you?”

“Sounds good to me. What time you leavin’?”

“Come around seven, after the parade. We’re having a potluck dinner first.”

Mo told him, “I’ll bring somethin’ tasty.”

He tipped his cap. “Well, goodnight, ladies. Mo, I’ll see you in the morning for the wings.”

After Mo made sure he was halfway down the dock, she turned and said, “I can’t believe he invited me. That’s a first. See, it’s just like I said. I almost have him out of my head, and he pops right back in. He’s like a friggin’ jack-in-the-box.”

I threw my hands up. “Men! Who knows what they’re thinking.”

“You got that right, girlfriend.”

We finished off the wings and the bottle of wine. I helped Mo put everything away, said goodnight, and went home. It was 11:00; I had just put on my pajamas when there was a knock at my door. Since it was late and dark, I peeked out the door. I was hoping to see Ian, but to my shock, it was Jimmy the Rat Bastard—in the flesh.

I yanked opened the door. “What in the world are you doing here?”