Chapter Thirteen
After their fun ride on the Ferris wheel, Reed and Kellie continued their lazy stroll along the waterfront with no real destination in mind.
They walked almost to the point where the cruise ships docked.
Come May and June there would be as many as nine cruise ships anchored in Seattle, most heading to the pristine waters of Alaska.
Reed was enjoying himself. Spending what would have been a long, boring afternoon with Kellie had made this one of the best days he could remember in a long while.
She was everything he’d imagined. Friendly, warm, charming, funny, and caring.
Even from the brief interaction they’d shared months earlier, he’d found himself attracted to her.
After one afternoon, he knew beyond a doubt he really wanted to spend more time with her.
As they continued walking, he checked his phone to make sure he hadn’t missed a text from Avery.
Nothing yet. Whatever the problem was with the engine, it must have been major.
Earlier Avery had assured him that once the part arrived the ferry should be on its way in short order.
Although he was warm in his thick wool jacket, Kellie hadn’t dressed properly for spending a long period of time in the elements.
“My condo is close by,” he said, thinking on his feet.
The idea had come to him, and while it appealed strongly, he was unsure how Kellie would feel.
“The building is off Cherry Street with a great view of Puget Sound. It’s only about a ten-minute, maybe a twelve-minute walk from here.
Would you like to head over there, warm up, and share some wine while we wait? ”
His spirits rose at her quick nod.
“That sounds lovely.”
“Great. I’ll get the fireplace going and we’ll be warm as toast in only a few minutes.”
Her smile was infectious, and he had a hard time looking away.
“That sounds even better.”
“I’ll check to see if there’s any news from my sister,” he said, and reached for his phone again.
“Anything?” Kellie asked after he scanned through several texts.
“Not yet.” This was unbelievable. In all his years of living in Seattle, not once had he heard about a ferry breaking down and passengers required to wait for hours before being rescued. While it might have been miserable for Avery, he was having a great time.
“I don’t understand why they don’t simply bring out another ferry and transfer everyone to that instead of all this rigmarole,” Kellie said.
Reed understood her frustration. “It isn’t that simple. That would be next to impossible with all the vehicles on board. The only solution is to get the repairs done while on the water.”
“I feel so bad for those trapped. It’s been hours.”
“I know; I feel terrible, too.” He could only imagine the frustration.
“I mean, it’s going to be dark before they arrive,” Kellie mentioned, looking up. Dusk had settled over the dimming sky. Within a few minutes it would be completely dark. In the winter months, especially this close to the solstice, night started at around 4:00 or 4:30.
Just then, Reed heard a ping, letting him know he’d received a text. He reached for his phone again and saw that it was from his sister.
Wahoo, the fix is in. If all goes well, we should dock within the next thirty minutes.
Reed shared the text with Kellie.
“At last,” she said with a sigh.
“Did you hear anything from your brother?” Avery was far better at sharing updates than Kellie’s brother was, he noticed.
“Not yet,” she said, glancing down at her phone to be sure.
Tucking Kellie’s arm in his elbow, he said, “It looks like this nightmare is about over. Let’s head to the ferry terminal.”
Kellie’s eagerness matched his. They hadn’t gone more than a few steps when Kellie paused, slowing her gait. “You mentioned the lunch reservation was for you and your sister, right?”
“Yes.” He wasn’t sure where this was leading.
“I wonder if your sister was able to get anything to eat on the ferry.”
Reed had assumed Avery would have been smart enough to read the situation and buy her lunch. Then again, no one expected the repairs to take as long as they had.
“I don’t know if she did or not.” Kellie had a good point. He decided to ask Avery. His fingers moved rapidly over the phone keys.
By chance were you able to buy something for lunch? he asked.
Her reply came back within seconds. No! Everything was sold out before I could. I had a bit of popcorn, but that was it. I’m starving. Hope you have early dinner plans for us.
Reed shared Avery’s response with Kellie.
“I bet my brother didn’t have anything to eat, either,” she said.
“I didn’t make any dinner plans,” Reed said. “Did you?”
She shrugged. “Not really. The reason I asked is because I was thinking it would be great, once they arrive, if the four of us went out to eat.”
“That would be great, except . . .”
“Except?” she prompted.
“Two things,” he said. “We’re unlikely to get a reservation so late in the afternoon, especially this close to Christmas. And,” he added, “if by some miracle we did, we wouldn’t be able to give the restaurant a time.”
“Good point,” she agreed, sounding discouraged. “I guess we can wait and see how things shake out. I think it would be fun for your sister to meet my brother. Harrison is a terrific guy, and from everything you’ve said about your sister, I think they’d get along famously.”
They continued their walk toward the ferry terminal, their pace slowing as if they realized their fun, adventurous day was about to come to an end.
The inside of the terminal was packed with people milling about, most disgruntled by the delays and making their feelings known.
A camera crew from a local television station was interviewing those waiting for the stalled ferry.
News had spread quickly that the Yakima was sure to arrive soon.
Thirty minutes passed before Reed heard someone mention that the disabled ferry wouldn’t be arriving anytime soon after all.
He checked his phone and saw that he’d missed a text from Avery.
You won’t believe this, Avery wrote. The engine still isn’t working, even after the repair. Everyone is upset. As soon as I know anything, I’ll send you word.
Kellie had her phone in her hand, too, as she’d gotten a text from Harrison. She shared a look with Reed. “It looks like the nightmare will continue.”
“What would you like to do?” Reed asked, suggesting a couple options. “We can walk up to my place to wait or remain here.”
The madhouse inside the terminal didn’t hold any appeal, especially when most everyone was in a cranky mood. It was Kellie’s choice, though. He’d stay if it meant he’d be able to spend more time with her.
“Your condo for sure,” she said without hesitation. They started to exit when she paused. “We aren’t likely to get a dinner reservation, right?”
“Right,” he agreed. He hadn’t even tried, knowing it was a lost cause.
“Your sister said she was starving, and my guess is that my brother is, too. Let’s cook them dinner. We can have it ready by the time they arrive.”
Reed loved the idea, although there was a minor complication to her plan. “The problem is all I have for dinner is in the freezer.”
Kellie smiled. “Reed, did we not recently walk through the most amazing market filled with everything we would ever want, need, or imagine? How about roasting a salmon filet?”
“The sourdough bread smelled heavenly,” he added, favoring the idea.
“And I believe I saw some white asparagus. That would be a real treat.”
“Perfect.” With a goal in mind, they headed back up the Pike Street Hill Climb to Pike Place Market.
Within ten minutes they had everything they needed. The trip from the market to his condo was a brisk seven-minute walk uphill.
The doorman greeted Reed and sent an appreciative smile at Kellie. “Welcome back, Mr. Bond.”
“Thanks, Charley.”
“I thought you were collecting your sister? Don’t tell me she’s one of those unfortunate souls trapped on that Bremerton ferry.”
“Unfortunately, she is,” he said, as he pushed the button to the elevator.
Reed was having second thoughts as the elevator welcomed them inside, their arms loaded with packages. They’d bought the salmon, found the white asparagus, and added salad fixings and baby potatoes.
Reed enjoyed living in his condo but had never gotten around to adding any homey touches. It was bare bones. He’d gotten a Christmas tree but hadn’t taken the time to decorate it, thinking it would be something for him and Avery to do together.
Once inside the door, Kellie paused, looked around, and then smiled.
“I haven’t done much decorating,” he said self-consciously.
“It’s fine, and so you.”
“So me?”
“The brown leather couch with the large-screen television.” She motioned to the room he used for his office.
“And of course a workstation. The problem is we’re both too absorbed in our jobs and other responsibilities.
I’ve lived in my home for three years and there’s little more decoration than a few throw pillows on the sofa and a family photo here and there. ”
“Avery offered to help me,” he said as he set the items they’d purchased on the kitchen counter.
They both immediately went to work, standing side by side. He turned on the fireplace and put on some Christmas music. While Kellie prepared the salmon for the oven, he washed the potatoes and, per Kellie’s instructions, peeled the asparagus.
Once the fish was ready to roast, Reed opened a bottle of sauvignon blanc he had chilled in the under-counter wine cooler. “Listen, if we get word the ferry is docking, you should stay here where it’s warm and cozy. I’ll walk down to the terminal to collect Avery and your brother.”
She nodded and looked grateful. “You sure you don’t mind?”
“Of course. There’s no reason for both of us to go out in the cold. Besides, we don’t want the fish to overcook.”
The only roadblock in his plan would be finding Kellie’s brother. He’d need Avery to scout him out before they docked. The solution was simple, if his sister agreed. Reaching for his phone, he called Avery.
She answered almost immediately. “Reed, this waiting is horrible. Everyone is upset and no one knows how much longer this is going to take.”
“How are you doing, kiddo?”
“About as well as can be expected. We got word from the captain a few minutes ago that it doesn’t look like the ferry can be fixed. He’s calling for a tugboat, but no one knows how long that’s going to take.”
Reed felt awful for Avery and all those who’d been trapped for hours on end.
“If that isn’t bad enough, one of the men waiting with us is having a panic attack. Literally. People are helping as best they can. His wife is in labor and at the hospital and he’s missing the birth of his first child.”
Reed closed his eyes in sympathy.
“On a positive note,” Avery added.
His sister always saw the positive side of things.
“His wife isn’t on the ferry.”
“That’s a blessing for sure,” Reed said.
“I’m sorry you’ve had such a miserable day.
Did I mention earlier that I’d met someone from work, and we spent the afternoon together?
” He didn’t add that the time with Kellie was one of the most delightful days he’d had in months, not after everything Avery had been through.
“You did, and I’m glad you didn’t wait long at the terminal.”
“Her brother is on the ferry, and Kellie—that’s her name, by the way—was waiting for him at the terminal at the same time I was.” Now came the hard part. “When Kellie learned you hadn’t been able to eat lunch, she suggested that the two of us prepare a meal for you and her brother.”
“What a thoughtful idea.”
He quickly added, knowing what was coming, “The thing is, I need you to connect with her brother.”
“Connect? What do you mean?”
“You need to find him, introduce yourself, and explain that I’ll be waiting for the two of you at the dock. From there, the three of us will walk to my condo. Kellie will be waiting here.”
“Okay, I think.”
Avery sounded less enthusiastic now.
“From what she said, her brother is about your age.”
The hesitation was longer this time. “Reed,” she said, her tone deep and suspicious. “Are you arranging another blind date for me?”
“I knew that was what you’d think,” he said quickly, “but I swear this is legit. All you need to do is locate Kellie’s brother and tell him the plan.”
She huffed a bit. “And how am I supposed to do that?”
Reed hadn’t given that part much thought.
“I think it would be a much better idea if Kellie phoned her brother and told him to look for me. You can explain that I’m in the front of the vessel, sitting next to the expectant father.”
“But . . .”
“I am not about to go in search of a stranger and tell him that he’s joining me for dinner. If Kellie wants me to meet her brother, then she should connect with him and have him find me.”
“You’re being unreasonable,” Reed said, growing irritated.
“I am not going to look for some guy I’ve never met and invite him to dinner. You’re being ridiculous. Let him find me.”
“It shouldn’t be that hard,” he argued.
“I don’t mean to be rude,” Avery returned with growing impatience. “I’m tired and cranky and the last thing I want to do is play nice with some guy I’ve never met. All I can think about is getting off this blasted ferry, eating dinner, and then taking a long, hot bubble bath.”
Kellie stood close enough to Reed for her to overhear the conversation. “Reed, hold up a minute.”
Avery kept arguing, but his attention was on Kellie.
“Avery is right. Harrison should be the one to find her. I’ll have him look for her.”
Avery’s chatter stopped abruptly. “What was that?” she demanded.
“That was Kellie. She said she’d call her brother and have him locate you.”
“Yes, yes, I got that part. What did she say his name was?”
“Harrison. Why?”
To his surprise, Avery started to laugh.
“What’s so funny?”
“You won’t believe this.”
“Believe what?”
“Harrison is sitting next to me. We’ve been talking . . .”
“You mean to say you’ve already met Harrison? Maybe there’s more than one.” It seemed too much of a coincidence that his sister and Kellie’s brother had found each other all on their own.
“Ask Kellie if her brother is in the Navy and was recently stationed at Bangor?”
Reed didn’t need to ask, he already knew the answer. “You’ve got to be kidding me . . .”
“I’m not,” she said, clearly amused.
“Then you won’t mind having dinner with me, Kellie, and Harrison?”
She hesitated now. “Harrison is in the Navy, and you know how I feel about . . . Never mind. I’m being ridiculous. Of course I don’t object to us joining you and Kellie for dinner.”