Overboard!

The Basics of this Story.

An early middle aged man starts out on a relaxing overnight sail for the weekend; intentionally alone on his sailboat to enjoy some solitude. As he is motoring down channel, on his way out of the harbor, he is passed by a pontoon boat, fully loaded with college kids. A girl on the party boat sticks her head up and makes eye contact with him, moments later she jumps overboard and swims over towards him. He brings her aboard and thus starts an unexpected relationship between them which includes a rescue, an education and a romance.

* * *

Preface:

How This Story Came About.

This story is primarily told from Rob’s point of view. It was actually started by another author in August of 2013 when he wrote the first chapter. I had access to what he had written and was immediately drawn to the story, it resonated with me. I waited for him to continue the story but he had other projects he was working on and they took up his creative time, so he couldn’t return to this story, much to my chagrin and frustration. I couldn’t get this story out of my head though, and the next few chapters almost wrote themselves for me. When I couldn’t stand it anymore I wrote the chapters that were rattling round in my mind and sent them to the original author. I told him I wasn’t looking to hijack his story but felt it deserved more attention and I was trying to help him out. He read what I had written, praised me for it, and encouraged me to go on with the story, giving me the rights to this story.

I hope no one takes offense to any of the literary license I’ve taken in writing this story. It’s set in San Diego, California with other lesser locations as well. There is a lot of reference to Kansas, its agriculture, its industry and its schools. I intend no slights to that great state with any errors in the story. Those errors are due to my ignorance.

* * *

Acknowledgement:

The People Who Helped Me.

It is only right that I acknowledge and thank the people who helped me.

I must start with Dale, who encouraged me to take on this project. Without that encouragement I don’t think I would have dared to and this book would never have been written.

I also want to acknowledge both Jerry and Denny, who both served as my proof readers and editors. They helped me with my grammar and punctuation throughout this story. They also made a few suggestions when something I had written didn’t look or sound right. Without their assistance you readers would not have as enjoyable (I hope) time reading my book.

* * *

Significant Characters (in order of appearance within the story):

• Robert (Rob) Roosevelt Lister: forty-four years old at the start of this story, a bachelor, a computer specialist and an independent contractor specializing in commercial networks, he’s in good shape, with brown hair starting to get some grey and brown eyes.

• Kaitlyn (Kay) Marie Sandersen: twenty years old at the start of this story, a student in San Diego State University’s Aerospace Engineering program, she’s trim, blonde and blue eyed.

• Todd: a SDSU football jock and dirt-bag who tried to roofie Kay.

• Robert and Janice: Kay’s parents back on the family farm in Kansas.

• Junior: Kay’s older brother, just graduated with an Agronomics degree.

• Tommy: Kay’s younger brother, starting in an Animal Husbandry program.

• John: Kay’s Manager at the Outback.

• Robin: Kay’s roommate, also in the Aerospace Engineering program but failing out.

• Sammy and Sandi: Rob’s Siamese cats.

• Phillip (Phil) and Danielle (Dani): Rob’s parents retired in Florida.

• Sue: Rob’s twice a week housekeeper and cat watcher.

• Albert (Bert) Symes: Kay’s advisor on campus.

• Billy: the pizza delivery kid and Kay’s classmate.

• Kenny, Steve, Jeff, Paul, Gary, Pete and Jim: Kay’s study group members.

• William and Mary: Rob’s best friends and Florida competition.

• Garrett Johnson: the senior I.T. technician in Rob’s Colorado resort, client’s office.

• Darren Williams: the T.A. responsible for some of Kay’s classes.

• James Pietro: the I.T. Manager at the Aerospace Engineering firm that is Rob’s client.

• Marcus Peoples: the H.R. Manager at the Aerospace Engineering firm.

• Benjamin (Ben) Kramer: the Engineering Department Manager at the Aerospace Engineering firm.

• Reyna Louise Swanson: the young woman Junior starts out seriously interested in.

• Bridgette Lynn Sandersen: Kay’s still born sister; she weighs heavily on all of the Sandersen family.

• Mark Sheppard: the Sales Manager at the Honda car dealership where Kay gets her car.

• Wayne Benton, Ryan Edwards and Lincoln (Linc) Palmer: Kay’s co-interns.

• Lyndsi Shaker: the H.R. Manager’s assistant at the Aerospace Engineering firm.

• Ian Thompson: resort holding company Senior Vice President.

• Dale and Amy: junior I.T. technicians who worked with Garrett.

• Leland Olander: Justice of the Peace (J.P.) who is a family friend of Kay’s family.

• Joyce, Samantha and Andrew: Garrett’s family.

• Henry (Hank) Stein: I.T. Manager for the resort holding company (in Denver).

• Guy Portman: Production Assistant Manager at the Aerospace Engineering firm.

• Edgar (Ed) Cofield: Research Manager at the Aerospace Engineering firm.

• Betty, Russell (Russ), Lori and Cody: one of two families that shared the cove with Rob and Kay.

• Sally, Theodore (Ted), Hope, Gregory (Greg) and Lukas (Luke): the other family that shared the cove with Rob and Kay.

• Chuck and Lucy Singer: fellow cruisers who own a travel agency and became friendly with Rob and Kay on their honeymoon cruise.

• The Stuarts and the Holts: the two families with children that Rob and Kay meet on their honeymoon cruise.

• The Peters and the Ventnors: retired couples and cruisers also at the Captain’s table with Rob and Kay.

• Troy Stoddard, his wife, Alice and his two children Holly and Gary: Kay’s assigned mentor in the Engineering Department and his family.

• William Daugherty: the General Manager at the first of the Atlantic City properties.

* * *

Chapter 1:

Oh My, Look What I Caught.

The party barge pontoon boat was pretty close to overloaded when it passed me. It was tossing a large rooster tail of spray from an overworked and improperly adjusted outboard motor. It was loaded with what appeared to be, a mixed crowd of college-age students, the male contingent clad in swimming trunks, their female counterparts in bikinis, most of them were drinking beers as they passed. I don't know where they got the power for it, but a rock-crushing level of hip-hop music blared over the straining outboard's grinding whine.

I wished them past me. I wanted my solitude. I knew that soon I'd raise my sails so I could kill the little diesel engine that was motoring me along right now, and solitude would be the result. Speed? I was thundering along at a whopping six knots and I could hear the water burbling in my wake.

As the party barge passed, all too close, I saw a blonde female head pop up, her eyes on me and my thirty-six foot boat, like she was doing an assessment.

The party barge was leaving me in its wake when she grabbed a bag and jumped over the rail, into the water.

Okay, that's different, I thought. I cut the throttle, but five ton sailboats don't stop on a dime. I threw the transmission in reverse and throttled back up, coming to a full stop, and then shifting into neutral. The party barge was turning back for her when she swam up to the side of my boat.

Pull me in, please, she said. Please…

I tossed a bight of mooring line over the side to her. She put the strap of her bag between her teeth and grabbed the line. We both pulled and shortly she was standing on my gunwale.

Are you okay? I asked.

Yes, if I can stay here. I don't want back on THAT boat.

'That boat' was pulling alongside.

Kaitlyn! Come back! One beer-bearing lad hollered. I'm cool. Okay?

Forget it, Todd! I have a ride home! She turned to me. Please act like you're okay with it. Her eyes were on the cusp between asking and begging.

I nodded.

Be that way then, you frigid bitch! Mister Romance hollered, producing general laughter from his mates.

The throttle opened up on the party barge and it struggled up to speed, leaving me dead in the water.

She stepped down into the cockpit, an act that gave me a chance to assess what I'd just rescued. Tall, maybe five-ten, slender, bikini clad, so I could see that the breasts were smallish, the legs rather shapely, the hair dark because it was wet now, but this was the blonde girl I'd seen, and blue eyes.

Your friend says your name is Kaitlyn?

He's no friend, but yes, that's my name, Kaitlyn Sandersen.

I'm Robert Lister. People mostly call me Rob.

Hi, Rob. I suppose you’re wondering what's going on here, hunh?

Oh, no, I said. I pull girls out of the channel every time I go out. But if you feel you must…

I made a poor choice, she said. I should've known better. You're looking at the results of my stupidity. Are you going back to the pier today?

I can, if I need to, I said. Does it have to be right now?

I dunno. Dumbass over there spiked my drink. I don't know how much I got.

Spiked?

One of the other girls said he put a roofie in my drink. I’d already had some when she told me.

Oh, shit!

I… uh, don't panic. He was already getting touchy-feely before that, but when I found THAT out, I threw the drink at him and was trying to figure out an escape plan. That’s when I saw you, and right now, you're my escape, I hope.

In another couple of miles I was going to hoist the sail and sail around a bit. My attitude gets better then, but if you need to go ashore…

I'll be okay. I just drank a little of the stuff. Might get drowsy, but that's all.

Are you sure? I can turn around; get you to an Emergency Room and all that.

I don't think so. Unless you think I should worry… I didn't, couldn't've gotten much of a dose. She paused, gazing at me with those blue eyes. If you don’t have to have the solitude… if you can stand the company of a stranger, then I don't need to go back, right now.

Then welcome aboard, Miss Kaitlyn, I said.

She smiled, it was a pretty smile. Thank you. Uh… please tell me you have something, on this thing, to drink besides beer.

Water and Coke, in that chest right there at your feet. Help yourself.

She pulled a Coke out and popped the top. You want one?

Sure, I said. I've exerted myself already, for the day. I put the engine back in gear and pushed the throttle forward. We accelerated at a leisurely pace that was entirely in keeping with my desire for solace.

She fitted herself into a corner of the cockpit against the coaming. I noticed her eyelids getting heavy and drooping.

Kaitlyn? I said.

Juzh call me 'Kay', she responded, slurring a little.

Kay, you're getting drowsy. Why don't you go below and stretch out? You’ll be more comfortable down there.

'Kay, thankzzz.

She wobbled a bit as she navigated her way through the hatch and down the ladder. I leaned over to see her stretch out on the settee.

I knew about 'roofies' in a general sense. The 'date-rape' drug, used by the unscrupulous, a sedative that messed with a person’s memory at the same time it was putting them to sleep. It usually took about half an hour to take effect. In a normal dose, what an enterprising dirt-bag could get into a lady's drink without an offensive taste, was harmless, aside from any liberties taken on the part of the dirt-bag. Kay said she'd only had a little, so she was drowsy, not comatose.

I got the boat into a straight section of the channel and kicked the autopilot on. I scanned a quick look all around, and saw no traffic of concern, so I dropped into the cabin to check on my unexpected passenger.

She was breathing normally. I touched her lightly. Kay?

Hmmmm?

Are you alright?

Mmmm, sleepy, I'll be okay in a bit.

She was still slurring her words. Okay. I'll check on you again.

Mmmm, thanks, Rob…

* * *

Chapter 2:

Kay Introduces Herself.

I left Kay as she went back to sleep on the settee, in the main cabin and I went back up into the cockpit. I took another look around, to ensure that no one had managed to close on me during the short time I was below, checking on Kay and again found nothing to worry about.

As I prepared to raise sails, I thought about the situation: did I continue out into open waters or return to the dock? What was best for me and what was best for Kay? The minute I brought her aboard I was responsible for her and her wellbeing, especially since she was incapacitated just now. I liked to go out on my boat because once I was clear of the channel and the sails were up, I was able to relax and let go of any stress, but I could do that tomorrow as a day sail instead of the overnighter I planned to start today.

The question came down to what was best for the girl. Yes, she was asleep, more like she was passed out, but I didn’t think she was any worse off than if she had too much to drink. She looked healthy (very healthy) and sounded as if, other than taking in a little too much of a roofie laced drink, she was okay. So what to do?

The sun was shining, the sky was clear, the winds were light to moderate and it was supposed to stay this way all through the weekend, ideal sailing weather for single handing the boat. I felt the wind coming out of the northwest and figured this was as good a time as any to raise sails since I was headed almost directly west and would be, for the next two miles, or so, until I cleared the channel.

It would make for an easy sail and I’d be able to maintain the same tack until I was in open waters. Okay, out to sea it is. I would check on Kay in another half hour, and if need be, I could always turn around.

The cover was already off of the main sail, so I released the gaskets (sail ties) that held it in the stowed position, on the boom, and raised the sail; I also allowed the jib to unfurl. When both sails filled and I had them set for the tack I was on, I took the engine out of gear letting it idle while the boat settled on course. Another look around and I shut down the engine as I could see I had no more need for it. I was half an hour from the channel mouth, sailing easily.

When I reached open waters there was still no traffic to worry about, so I turned towards the North and adjusted my sails. After engaging the autopilot, I dropped into the cabin, to again check on Kay. She was still sleeping but was now on her back. I knew for safety, she really needed to be on her side in case she got sick and threw up. I hadn’t had any real experience with roofies and only knew what I’d read. I didn’t remember if throwing up was a possibility or not with roofies, but I knew it was a good possibility for someone who had drunk too much.

I didn’t want to startle or frighten her if she woke; she was still only in her bikini, so I was careful where I touched her as I rolled her onto her side. I went to the locker I used for linens and took a light cover out that I threw over her while she slept. She didn’t even twitch.

I was in the cockpit relaxing and enjoying the fine weather, the sun had warmed things up nicely and I was sitting there soaking it all in. From the position I was sitting in there was no land in sight; this is what weekends were made for. It had been a couple of hours since I left the harbor mouth. At this point I was about eight miles from buoys one and two, the beginning of the channel, when Kay stuck her head up through the cabin hatchway.

Hi there sleepy head, how are you feeling? I asked.

She looked around a little. Well, I’m a little fuzzy headed right now but I think it’s because I just woke up, she responded. Where are we?

The simple answer is we’re out to sea, but not too far out yet. I was planning on staying out overnight and you’re welcome to stay with me, but I’ll turn around and take you back this evening if you’d really like me to, I answered her.

She looked at me for a full minute before she spoke again. I don’t know you but I’m grateful to you for my rescue from the party boat and specifically from Todd. I’m a little concerned about how grateful you might expect me to be, but only a little. I’m not the suspicious type but I do try to keep myself safe. Normally I wouldn’t stay with a stranger in a situation where I can be taken advantage of but you’ve done nothing to give me any danger signals.

I should hope not. It isn’t what a civilized person does.

"You brought me aboard your boat without asking any questions and accepted the explanation I offered at face value. You’ve shown concern for me, you offered to take me back to the dock if I needed you to, and you suggested I lay down in the cabin below when I was nodding off.

I know you must have checked on me at least once while I was in the cabin because you covered me up and I never even knew you’d been there. You could’ve easily taken advantage of me because it’s obvious I took in more of that doctored drink than I thought I did and I was out of it for a while. I’m pretty sure you didn’t do anything to me or with me because this suit isn’t easy for me to get on and I doubt you or anyone else could get it off and back onto me without me realizing it afterwards. So I guess my answer is no, I don’t need to go back tonight.

I want you to know I seriously considered turning around when you went below, and to sleep, but I did check on you, as you’ve already surmised. I took into account how much you said you drank and just kept an eye on you. I did roll you onto your side while you were sleeping, for safety’s sake.

I’m a little hungry since I didn’t eat anything before we left on the party boat. We were going somewhere to tie up, swim, have a cookout and do some drinking. That was about six hours ago and my stomach is rumbling some.

If you’re hungry and you’re sure your stomach will handle it, there are fixings for cold cut sandwiches in the galley, just look in the chill box, and I have canned soup in the galley, too. Take your pick, chicken noodle or tomato. It all makes for simple meals and it’s comfort food, which is what I normally eat on my little get-a-ways. There’s more than enough for two people for two days. I think if I were you though, I’d just drink water until I was sure there’s nothing of that drug, left in my system. It’s safer that way, and water will do a better job of flushing any toxins out.

She looked to be thinking about what I said for a few moments and said, About that flushing thing, I think my eyes are turning yellow about now.

No, they’re still blue, and there’s a marine head just forward of the main compartment on the port side, that’s the left side, if you need it. My holding tank is empty so make yourself comfortable. Do you know how to use a marine head? It works just like one you find in an RV. I told her.

She went back below and after a few minutes returned to the cockpit. I feel better now, thank you, and before you ask, yes, I was able to flush it. My stomach isn’t bothering me except to let me know it’s empty. If you’re sure it won’t inconvenience you, I’ll make myself a sandwich, and I’d like to stay aboard tonight, as long as you know it doesn’t mean anything. Would you like me to fix a sandwich for you, as well?

That isn’t necessary, but thanks. In about an hour, I’m intending to head for a remote area with a nice sandy bottomed cove to drop anchor in. With this wind we’ll be there in about two hours, or so, and it will take me half an hour to drop the anchor and stow the sails. By then I’ll be sure the anchor set.

I’ve been there, to overnight, several times and have rarely had company, which is fine with me. I set the anchor and put some good music on the entertainment system. I go for a little swim, climb back aboard, let the sun dry me off, and then have my dinner. I spend the evening listening to music and reading until I sack out for the night. Why not fix yourself just a little something to quiet the rumbles in your stomach and then have your meal with me. I’d enjoy the company. If you are up for it we can talk then.

She nodded her head, Sounds good.

* * *

Chapter 3:

We Have Dinner and Start to Learn About Each Other.

With some light classical music playing for our background, we were sitting in the cockpit enjoying the sunset and the early twilight while talking after our dinner. Kaitlyn had put on a pair of shorts and a tee shirt she pulled out of the bag she was carrying when I helped her aboard.

Kay showed she was capable with the simple dinner I had the makings for. She put together the sandwiches while I made the soup. Cooking on an alcohol stove can be tricky, if you’re not used to it. We had already done our cleanup, not that there was much to it. The knife and cutting board Kay had used, the pot and stirring spoon I had used, those, and the spoons we ate with, were all that had to be washed since we used paper plates and bowls for the food.

My boat has a table that can be mounted in the cockpit, so we ate there instead of in the cabin. If I’d been alone I wouldn’t have bothered with the table, but since I had company, I broke it out and set it up. My boat is self-contained and can actually be lived aboard by up to four people (if they’re friendly) for a couple of weeks. My fresh water and holding tanks will stretch that far. My cupboards and chill box will hold more than enough food for that period.

Well I know your name and that you’re a college student but not much more. Would you care to fill in the picture I have of you?

She said, "Sure, let’s see, I turned twenty this past May and I’ve finished my sophomore year at San Diego State. I’m in the Aerospace Engineering program and have all my basic requirements done now. I was cheerleading for P.E. credits but cheer really isn’t my thing so I won’t be doing that anymore. It’s how I met that dumb jock, Todd, and without doing cheer I doubt I’ll run into him again. He was cute, on the football squad, and seemed to be an okay guy. Boy, was I wrong about that! So it’s safe to say I don’t have any current romantic connections. I’ve only had a few anyway and none that went beyond the third date.

"I’m not real big into partying; I know I need to concentrate on my education. My parents, Robert and Janice, have a farm in Kansas but I never could get into farming, it’s 24-7-365 and there’s always something going wrong. My parents were hurt that I was leaving the farm and farming but we’re still on good terms and I know I can always go home.

"It’s okay though, as I have two brothers, one older, one younger, and they’re already talking with the parental units about taking over the farm. Junior, my older brother, graduated this year with a degree in Agronomics and a minor in Soil Conservation, while Tommy, my younger brother, is starting this fall in an Animal Husbandry program. Between the two of them, the family homestead will be in good hands, and as long as they can find suitable mates, I see things going on successfully for a long time to come.

I’m not home now, in the middle of the summer, because I’m trying to sock away some money for a car and I have a job waiting tables at the Outback. The pay sucks but the tips are good, particularly now, during the tourist season, and every now and again the manager will let us take home things he would have to throw out otherwise. I live in a two bedroom apartment near the campus and the restaurant, with one roommate, Robin, but I don’t think she’ll be returning for the next semester, she was having a real hard time with the curriculum, so I see a headache coming.

It’s just the two of you in the apartment?

"Yeah, and it’s doubly a problem because she and I were the only women in our class, in the Aerospace Engineering program, and other than her, I don’t have anyone I can say I’m even near close to. I don’t know yet what I’m going to do about my living arrangements. I know I don’t want a college guy for a roommate. I’m afraid I’ll end up having to fight him off or interfering in his love life, eww.

Enough about me, what will you tell me about yourself?

"I have to say that’s a good biography to just rattle off. You do a good job, talking off the cuff, as that was the second little speech you’ve made since you came aboard. It’s a good trait to have and I’m favorably impressed.

"About myself, I told you when you first came aboard, my name is Robert Lister, and I go by Rob. I was forty-four at my last birthday, this past spring, and that makes me old enough to be your father. I’m a computer specialist and take care of both hardware and software. I work for myself and companies all across the country hire me to come in and straighten out their in-house networks, usually after their own I.T. department has screwed things up. I’ve developed a good reputation and there are several companies that keep me on retainer.

Between my regular clients and the ones who hire me to come in on a one time basis, I make a decent living. I’m not independently wealthy and I do have to work to maintain my lifestyle, but I have no complaints about what I bring in. I own, outright, my home, my car, my big SUV and this thirty-six foot sail boat, plus I have a bit put away for the future.

You said you work with software and hardware?

"Yes, the software I mostly work right from my home office, but the hardware I do on-site. I have to travel fairly frequently, mostly for new clients, or to fix hardware problems. Once I have a client up and running, I don’t usually have to visit their site, other than for P.R. but every now and again something happens. I have a real good relationship with the airlines as a result of all my travel. Of course it doesn’t hurt that one of my regular clients is the corporate parent of a major airline.

"My parents, Phillip and Danielle, are both still alive and living on the East coast. They were in New York, which is where I grew up and was a nerd, but they’ve retired to Florida. I’m trying to get them to move to Arizona so they’re closer but they have friends around them and are reluctant to leave them behind. Their health is still good but I’m concerned about them being so far away. I’m an only child.

I’m single and always have been, not even a live-in girlfriend, ever. For that matter, I’ve only had one serious ‘girlfriend’ since college. It’s not that I’m not interested; I just haven’t met anyone I’d be willing to bring home and introduce to my parents. Most of my dates end up being one-offs. The women I’ve met so far just don’t measure up to what I know would make my parents happy. The ones who haven’t previously been married seem like light weights incapable of holding up their end of an in depth conversation and the ones that have been married are mostly carrying a lot of baggage. Some with and some without children; it isn’t the children that put me off. Maybe I haven’t been looking in the right places but I don’t know where those right places might be.

I take it then you don’t bar hop or party much either.

"That’s not for me. I live alone and always have, other than my cats, Sammy and Sandi, since I moved out here. My house has four bedrooms, two on each side of the house. One side has the master suite and the bedroom closest to it is my home office. The two bedrooms, on the other side of the house, are about the same size, and I use the back one for storage. It’s amazing how much stuff I’ve accumulated, I’m sorry to say.

"The only woman who is a regular in my life is the housekeeper, who comes in twice a week to clean for me. She also watches over my two Siamese cats, making sure they have food, fresh water and a clean litter box, whether I’m there or not. When I have to travel, I don’t usually have a lot of planning time before I go. It’s more like I get a call and I have to be there yesterday because someone’s network is down and they can’t get one side of the office to talk with the other.

One other thing, you need to know and can feel confident in: you’re safe with me now, and for as long as you care to stay with me. While you’re on board my boat you’re under my protection, both by me and from me. After a moment I added, Now that the sun has gone down shall we go below?

She studied me for a moment and said That sounds good.

I went down into the cabin and turned on the interior lights. She followed me down.

I checked my electrical panel to make sure the power was on to the anchor light and said, Give me a moment. I went back on deck long enough to look at the top of the mast, to make sure the light there was lit, then went back below where Kay was sitting on the settee looking around.

When I was down here before I didn’t really look around, this is pretty nice, she said, and then continued, This is a lot like an RV isn’t it? A high end RV at that.

Yes it is, except wherever the RV would have a steel fastener or steel part this has a stainless steel fastener or part. When you have the sea to contend with, everything has to be as corrosion resistant as possible, I told her. This also has a lot more fiberglass where the RV would have sheet metal and plywood. It’s stronger, stiffer and lighter.

I bet there are a lot more similarities than there are differences between this and a high end RV. she opined. Things like storage cubby holes and efficient use of space.

Yeah, but this can’t get a flat, I joked. I put in a top end marine entertainment system with speakers in the main cabin, the forward compartment, and the cockpit. It helps with stress relief. I find the soft music and solitude I enjoy when I’m on board is very relaxing. With my antenna at the top of the mast, radio reception is excellent, but mostly I listen to music on CD’s or that I’ve downloaded onto a flash drive.

Rob, I’m sorry if this is an intrusion in your relaxation routine, but I really thought you would be happier doing your sail instead of going back in. I promise, if you want me to, I will hole up in a corner and won’t make a peep. I’ll stay out of your way. You won’t even know I’m on board.

No, no, no, you’re not an intrusion. You’re a surprise and a deviation from my routine but you are NOT an intrusion. An intrusion is disruptive to attaining my goal. Talking with you is enjoyable and is also relaxing, a different route to my goal. To put it simply, you seem to have your head screwed on straight and I’m enjoying our conversation. Now, do you play chess?

I’m not one-hundred percent sure but I think you just paid me a compliment. If you hadn’t said what you did earlier about being under your protection, I’d think you were hitting on me. Kay said this with a smirk on her face and laughter in her eyes. And yes, I do play chess. I saw the CD collection. I was kind of surprised at how much classical music you have, good stuff. A lot of the music I like as well. If we’re going to play a game I’m cool with it but I’d like to change out of what I’m wearing. Unfortunately, I don’t have anything else to wear with me.

I keep some light weight pajamas on board and I’m pretty sure I have a set you can wear. You’ll have to cinch up the draw strings to keep the pants up on your hips and you’ll probably be able to swim in the top, but I can give you a tee shirt to wear instead of the pajama top; it’d probably work better for you. Okay?

Thanks, that’ll work and I’ll be comfortable. I’ll change while you set up the board.

I got out the pajamas for her and shooed her into the forward cabin to change. By the time she came back I had the board set up and was heating water for herbal tea or hot chocolate.

Kay said, That’s a great idea, tea for me please. She then sat down at the table where the game was set up.

I set a cup in front of her along with my honey jar and then sat down with my own cup.

We played for an hour or so and I wasn’t surprised to find her to be more than competent but it had been a long day and it was getting late. I’m tired and calling it a draw. You can take the forward cabin, I’ll take the settee. When I pull off the back cushions it makes up into a single bunk, I told her.

Are you sure that’s okay? she asked, I can take the settee; I’ve already slept on it for a couple of hours today.

I told her, Don’t worry about it, and just go get comfortable up there. I wake fairly early and will be up before you but I take my coffee up into the cockpit and read for a while. I’ll try not to disturb you so sleep as late as you like. Then I gave her a pillow and linens for the bunk.

She went to the forward compartment and I made up the settee bunk for myself. I turned out the light and was asleep almost immediately.

* * *

Chapter 4:

Our Breakfast and Return to Port.

I was sitting in the cockpit, having been there for a couple of hours already, music playing softly from the cockpit speakers, and enjoying my morning coffee when Kay came up out of the cabin. She still had on the pajama bottoms and my tee shirt, her hair was mussed but not wildly, she looked pretty good. Good morning, how’d you sleep? I asked her.

A lot better and a lot longer than I thought I would. I figured the nap I took yesterday, after you rescued me, would have kept me up last night or at least caused me to get up earlier than this. I think the quiet and total darkness of the forward cabin just felt good. I didn’t even hear the water slapping against the side of the boat. What time is it? she asked as she was looking around the anchorage we were in.

It’s a little after nine. There’s coffee and fruit if you’d like. I have more than enough so please help yourself. I’m sorry but I’m not big on breakfast and don’t usually have more than that, even when I’m home.

That’s okay, she said. I like fruit in the morning. It seems peaceful here.

The quiet of this little cove is a major reason I come here. As I told you yesterday, I rarely have company here and I like it that way. It gives me a chance to relax and to think. I guess you’d say I’m multi-tasking because I also read a little and plan out my next week based on what I already know I have to do. Of course the plans all go to heck in a hand basket if I get a panic call either from one of my regulars or from some company calling me in to bail them out, as they’re up the creek without a paddle with their network crashed. I continued, I usually stay here until about noon before getting underway for home. I should have asked last night but do you have to be somewhere any time soon?

She responded, "No, and I like the quiet, too, but usually I don’t get enough of it. This is my one weekend off for the summer and I don’t know what I was thinking when I agreed to go with Todd for a party weekend. I wanted to do something, anything, so I could say I had a good time over the weekend when I returned for my lunch shift at the restaurant tomorrow.

"I should have been suspicious, Friday night, when Todd was so insistent I come along for the boat trip, he must have been planning then to drug me. I was foolish and was messing around with him some but still keeping him at bay when the party broke up about two in the morning; it’s why we got a late start heading out on the boat. He was imitating an octopus Friday night and I mistakenly thought he would behave better in the light of day. I guess I thought he wouldn’t try anything when there was enough light, so that everyone could see what he was doing. Then that girl told me he roofied my drink and I started looking for a way out.

I saw you and your boat as we were going by and I figured I couldn’t be any worse off with you and probably a lot safer. Uh… please don’t take that negatively. I went from the frying pan at night into the fire the next day, yesterday. I really thought I’d be safer with an older man. Damn, that came out wrong, too.

I interrupted her, I understand what you mean and I’m not taking it wrong. To make sure she knew I really wasn’t upset, I added with a chuckle, Woe is me; I’m headed for the rest home now.

She smiled and it lit up her face. I really did like the evening, talking with you and playing chess. I didn’t feel any pressure to do something I might not have wanted to and you proved yourself, as a gentleman, a kind and considerate host, not that you needed to. Not to mention you also babysat me while I was knocked out yesterday afternoon. As far as getting back goes; I’m fine as long as I’m back in my apartment before ten tonight so I can get everything ready for my lunch shift tomorrow.

Well, when you’ve pulled as many girls out of the channel as I have, the gentleman and host thing sort of comes with the territory.

That got her laughing and she slapped my arm lightly while saying Stop, this can’t be routine for you. Can it?

"No, it’s not routine. You’re the first woman I’ve had out on the boat with me in at least six months and I didn’t even consider making it an overnighter with the last one.

"I was set up by someone who thought I needed some female companionship. A woman in the I.T. department of one of my regular clients had convinced me to take her, her husband and her friend out for a day sail. Since I lived closer to the friend I picked her up on my way down to the marina. It was half an hour later than when I said we would be leaving and the woman and her husband still hadn’t shown up. I called her on her cell phone and she made some excuse why they wouldn’t be coming but I should go out anyway with her friend seeing as she was there and I had picked her up and all.

It was a real setup; I don’t think she ever intended to come out with us. It was all a ruse to get me together with the friend. The friend had been divorced for a few years, had teenaged kids she needed help with and had baggage out the wazoo. She was a little too eager to go out for the day with someone she had never met before and she kept hinting we could go below and make use of the forward compartment. I don’t think she was just horny; she was trying to get some hooks into me. I never saw her again and I don’t even remember her name now.

And you really think it was a setup, on purpose, to get you involved with this woman?

Of course it was. I’ve been single long enough to know that married women aren’t happy when they see single men and they just have to do something to fix that. They all have single girlfriends, never married, divorced, or widowed, they know are husband hunting and they can’t help but try to put the poor guy together with one of those girlfriends, it’s in their genes.

Kind of cynical, don’t you think?

Cynical, no, realistic, yes. It or something like it has happened to me too many times for me not to recognize it when it happens again. I don’t hold it against the I.T. woman, as I said, it’s in her genes. When a woman gets married she has a list of her unmarried friends somewhere in her mind and she wants those friends to be just as happy (or miserable) as she is, so she tries to find single men to put together with those friends. She thinks she’s doing everyone a favor and she’s also looking for bragging rights so she can claim credit for matching up the single friend and rescuing the poor, benighted single guy.

As a college student you might be going out on a regular basis with some guy and you start trying to find a date for your single friend who never seems to have one. At least, at your age, you aren’t trying to put together permanent matches, you’re just trying to alleviate some perceived loneliness, maybe just trying to get him or her over their shyness but you still can’t seem to let single people be single. You may not have thought about it that way but you know I’m right.

Hunh, you are right, I never have thought about it before but now that you mention it, I’ve seen girls at school getting fixed up by their friends who already have guys they’re exclusive with. I’ve even been approached by a couple of girls asking me if I wanted to go out on a blind date. I’ve been targeted just like you’ve been. Guys don’t do this?

"No, a guy doesn’t even think of things like hooking up a friend just because he’s single. The single guy has to ask to be setup and then the guy he asks will normally go to his own girlfriend and have her make the connection for him. If the setup works, it works, all well and good. If it doesn’t, it’s no skin off his nose and he never even thinks about it again, but I’ll bet his girlfriend does. He isn’t being callous, he just doesn’t give a damn because it isn’t him or his girlfriend and he doesn’t see how it affects him.

Now, what about you? I’d think a pretty girl like you must be beating the guys off with a stick. And what do you mean it’s your only weekend off for the summer?

Well, I’m getting to the point I really could use a car and I think by the end of this next semester it’s going to move into the 'need a car' range instead of just 'could use a car'. So I’m working as a waitress at the Outback to get some money for the car. We’re busiest there on the weekends and back at the end of last semester I talked it over with my boss, the manager. He likes my work and agreed to let me work every weekend except this one. The bottom line is this is my only weekend off because I want to work weekends so I can make the most money I can for that car.

"When it comes to dating well, yeah, I get hit on fairly frequently and asked out, both in school and at the restaurant. With most of the guys and all of the girls that ask me out I just kind of gently brush them aside, especially at the restaurant. Only once in a while do I accept an invitation from a guy. I work hard to stay focused at school and really can’t afford to be distracted. I told you I almost never have more than three dates with any one guy. They’re scared off when they learn what program I’m in and they don’t want to be with a brainiac, someone who, they think, is probably smarter than they are. Either that or by the third date they’re getting pretty demanding and I’m not cooperating so they move on.

I’m not some frightened virgin afraid of guys or physical intimacy but I’m also not out looking for a hook-up when I go out with a guy. To be truthful, when it comes to sex I can take it or leave it. The very few times I’ve tried it, both back home and out here, I wasn’t very impressed. I don’t see what the big deal is.

I was shocked when she told me that. It was way more information than I ever thought she would give me. I wasn’t expecting it and I wasn’t prepared for it. I also didn’t know how to handle it. I met her yesterday, less than twenty-four hours ago. Some of the information she gave me was of a very personal nature. I wanted to respond but before I did I needed to think about all she’d said and how to answer her. Did I risk offending her by giving her an answer that was equally as personal or did I want to give her a less than honest answer. By this time it was ten-thirty so I changed the subject to lighten things up some. I said, Let’s clean up from breakfast and go for a swim before we get ready to leave here.

Okay, she said, a short swim would be a nice way to finish up in here.

I’m going to wash out the cups and the coffeepot. You can go into the forward compartment to change back into your swim suit. After saying that, I gathered up the things needing to be washed and took them below. She followed me down and continued into the forward compartment. By the time I was done with the cleanup she was back in the main compartment wearing her bikini and I went forward to change into my baggy swim suit. When I was ready we both went back up to the cockpit where I rigged the swim ladder. We both went into the water, I dived in and she followed. I swam completely around the boat to check it out as I normally did while she was swimming between the boat and the shoreline.

Can we swim to the shore? she asked.

Sure, it’s a nice easy swim and there’s a little beach area at the shoreline. The only reason this isn’t a more popular location is there isn’t any roadway down to the beach. You can only approach it from the seaward side.

Are you coming? she asked as she started out for the shore. I followed her, letting her stay in front of me so I could enjoy the view, and it was enjoyable.

When we reached the shore we both walked up on the sandy shore. I’d been there several times before so it wasn’t anything new to me and I sat down, but Kay had never been here before and she was looking around while walking the length of the little beach and back. Every now and again she found something she was interested in and would make some comment about it. I just let her go to fulfill her curiosity.

After about twenty minutes she came back and had a sea shell, it was about as big as her hand. Do you think it’s okay if I take this with us? I’d like to keep it to remember being here.

Sure, if you give it to me I’ll carry it back to the boat in my pocket. I can see you don’t have any pockets in that suit of yours, I said.

Ha, ha, funny man, but thanks.

Are you ready to go? I still have to get the boat ready to head back home.

We swam out to the boat and I climbed up the swim ladder to get onboard, showing her how it was done. Using a rope ladder can be tricky if you haven’t done it before but she did okay.

I gave her the shell and she went below while I took down the table from the cockpit. As I was finished taking the table down and securing it in place she came back into the cabin wearing her shorts and bikini top. Is there anything I can do to help? she asked.

If you don’t mind, please put up the linens and pillows, and then just make sure there isn’t anything lying loose to shift around when we sail out. I’m going to get the sails ready and pull up short on the anchor so we’re ready to go.

I stayed in my swim suit while I got everything ready on deck. By the time she came back up I was ready to go. If you’ll sit there and just hold the wheel so it doesn’t shift, I’ll get us underway. I’m planning on not using the engine, just sailing out because the winds are good for that.

We left the cove and turned south to head for my home harbor and marina. The wind had picked up some from yesterday but was still comfortable and we were making good time. I let Kay take the helm and she was doing an okay job, keeping us on course. We chatted as we went and when we were about an hour away from the harbor mouth I started to address the issue she had opened while we were having breakfast.

You said some things while we ate breakfast this morning and I never really responded to them. I’ve been thinking about what you said and I’d like to respond now if you’re willing to listen to what I have to say.

Yeah, I thought about it earlier. I really said more than I intended to but I feel comfortable with you and it just kind of all came out. I hope that’s okay.

Absolutely! I’m glad you feel comfortable with me; I was surprised but it’s definitely okay. Do you want me to respond to what you said?

Well I dumped it on you so I think I should to be willing to hear what you have to say about it.

"I’ll start with the easy one, the car. I think it is very wise of you to think ahead and set aside money for a car. Don’t get hung up about it though. There are different ways of coming up with the money especially for a significant material thing. You can take out a loan, getting someone to co-sign for you if need be. You can talk to your parents to see if they can loan you the money to make up any shortfall you have when you’re ready to buy. You can get a smaller car or an older one.

"Since it isn’t an immediate need, you can wait and watch the ads in the local paper, Craig’s list, bulletin boards on campus and other places, keeping your eyes open for someone looking to sell their car themselves. I would look for a student selling their beater before they buy something new. Your school is big enough that I’m sure there are students selling their cars pretty frequently. What I wouldn’t do, if I were you, is go to a dealer. They have a markup they’re looking for above what they pay for the vehicle.

I would also find a classmate in your program that’s good with cars, to look over whatever vehicle you’re looking at. There’re other things you can do, too, but those are good for a start.

She spoke up at that point to say, I hadn’t thought of having a classmate look it over for me and I really wasn’t considering bulletin boards so those are good ideas, thank you.

"I said the car was the easy problem. Now let’s talk about the bigger issue, your romantic relationships. I understand what you mean about staying focused on an end goal. I, too, think maintaining focus is very important but you also need to get out some to keep from getting too stressed working. Mixing with members of the opposite sex is the way people have been doing that for as long as there have been two sexes, being discriminating is smart but should not isolate you.

I don’t mean you should jump into bed with everyone you go out with. I'm sure you realize that. When you go out with a guy, be honest with him up front, so he doesn’t get the wrong idea or think you’re leading him on.

"I’m sorry you haven’t found the real pleasure of physical intimacy. If you had, you would know what the big deal is, and trust me, it IS a big deal. In order to experience that pleasure you need to have a partner who is more concerned about you than they are about themselves. They should be trying to make the experience good for you. Their pleasure should come from giving you pleasure and should almost be proportional to your pleasure.

When you find a partner who is thinking of you first, you’ll learn what the big deal is. You’re going to have to contribute though. You’ll have to be involved with your partner’s pleasure just as they have to be involved in yours. The physical act is only part of intimacy, and I don’t think you’ll be happy with physical intimacy until you have an emotional connection with your partner and share some emotional intimacy with them. Give that all some thought.

Kay was quiet for a short while before speaking. I really am glad I opened up with you. I know I’ve dumped a lot on you this weekend but you’ve given me answers to it all and they haven’t been lightweight answers either. I’m going to have to think about what you’ve said, think about it a lot.

Do that, think it through, and find someone you can talk with about it. Discuss it as thoroughly as you can so you have some understanding before you act on it. I think you’ll be much happier and you’ll definitely have a better chance of finding the pleasure I was talking about.

I’ll do that. Thank you for talking with me about this, honestly and bluntly. No one ever spoke with me about the things you did today, for that matter they’ve never said anything to me about anything of any consequence the way you did. Not my mother, not my father, not any of my relatives, friends, or teachers. You’re a stranger, you could have blown me off and I wouldn’t have known any better. Thank you, but why?

Why not? You reached out to me in need and I could fill that need. It didn’t cost me anything other than some time and I had plenty of that. You paid me for it by talking with me, giving me some entertainment and mental exercise. I had the company of a beautiful young woman for a weekend and I was able to share with you one of my secret happiness locations. I think I’m ahead in this transaction.

I don’t know what to say. I know you aren’t hitting on me, we settled that yesterday. I’m flattered and even embarrassed by what you’ve said and besides not knowing what to say, I don’t know how to act in response to it.

Your thanks are all that are necessary and you’ve already given me those so don’t worry about anything else. I moved on. It is time to start the engine and stow the sails. Would you please come take the wheel for now? Keep us pointed up the channel while I take care of the necessaries and get us ready to dock.

We were docked and walking down the pier towards the parking lot when Kay suddenly looked horror struck. "Now I’m really embarrassed. I have no way