Chapter 23
23
M aileah thought she was dreaming about popcorn until she realized the insistent noise was coming from her phone. She groaned and ran her hands over her face. She’d forgotten to turn off the notification sounds last night.
Ping, ping, ping.
Her phone was lighting up like a slot machine with notifications. Groggily, she reached for her device, but when she glanced at the screen, she bolted upright with a scream.
Outside, a concerned voice rang out. “Maileah, are you okay in there?”
Maileah kicked off the covers and tore out of the cottage in the threadbare, pink cotton T-shirt and shorts she slept in.
“Look at this,” she cried, hopping in delight. She held out her phone.
After listening in wonder, Babe said, “That’s Sailor and Adrian. What a beautiful song.” Then her eyes widened. “You have more than a thousand comments. And they’re coming in so fast.”
“I have to tell Sailor.” Maileah started on the path to his house.
Babe laughed and pulled her back. “You should change and put on some shoes first. And we’ll upgrade your sleepwear next.”
Maileah glanced down at her sad urchin outfit. “You’re right. I’ll call him first.”
She rushed back into her cottage.
While she dragged a brush through her hair and brushed her teeth, she scrolled through the barrage of likes, shares, and comments. Almost all were good, but there were always a few grouches. That didn’t matter.
She pulled on some fresh clothes and called Sailor.
He answered, sounding a little out of breath. The ocean roared in the background. “Hey, you’re up early.”
She was so excited she could hardly contain herself. “Your video is going viral! It has thousands of responses so far. This is big, really big.”
“We’ve got to tell Dad. I’ll pick you up so we can do this together. Wait outside for me.”
While she waited, she checked the online donation page she had set up. To her surprise, people were contributing and leaving sweet, encouraging comments.
Sailor arrived wearing board shorts and an old T-shirt. His hair was still damp. “Dad will love this. Come on, let’s go.”
Once inside the vehicle, Maileah showed him her phone with the social media results. “People love you and your dad. Look at these numbers. And you both have a few marriage proposals.”
“I’ll pass on those.” Sailor blinked and ran a hand over his jaw. “The numbers and comments are incredible. How did you do this?”
“It’s you two. And that amazing song your father wrote.” She’d helped it along with some optimization, but everything else was simply a heartfelt response to them. And it was thrilling to see it. She’d experienced this kind of response at her old job, but that was just business.
This was personal .
And she couldn’t be happier about it.
When Maileah and Sailor reached Regal Bikes, Adrian had just turned over the Open sign. They burst through the front door.
“Dad,” Sailor called out. “You need to see this.”
Adrian looked up, surprised. “What’s going on?”
Elated, Maileah thrust her phone at him. “Look, I posted your video last night, and it’s blowing up. People love your song.”
Adrian’s eyes widened as he scrolled through the stats. “Thousands of views already?”
Sailor clapped his father on the back. “You’re a hit, Dad.”
Adrian’s phone rang, and he held up a finger. “Hi, Skeeter. I’ll put you on speaker. Have you heard the news?”
“No, but I’m calling because I think your music site got hacked. There were so many orders when I woke up, but they’re probably bogus.”
“Hey, Skeets,” Sailor said. “Dad’s video with his song for charity went viral on social media.”
Adrian looked incredulous. “Do you think that’s it?”
“Probably,” Maileah said, happy that music lovers were finding him now. “They’re also asking if you’re single.”
Adrian chuckled. “I’m a little old for groupies.”
“That’s awesome,” Skeeter said. “And they all want a song called ‘Unbroken.’ I don’t see that in your catalog. Is it new?”
“Sure is,” Adrian said. “I haven’t even recorded it yet, but I will. I’ll send you the audio files. All profits from that one should go to the charity.”
Maileah quickly explained, “We’ll send you the video so you can hear the song. It’s special.”
They talked more and figured out how they could take preorders for the new song and mark those for charity.
Skeeter laughed with glee. “I’m watching the sales and downloads now. I can hardly believe it. Dad, this is what we’ve all dreamed of for you. I’ll catch the ferry later today to help you sort this out. ”
“Good idea,” Sailor said. “But only if you can afford the time away from school.”
“I can finish my paper there, so no worries,” Skeeter replied.
“This is a real win-win for your father and the charity.” Maileah was ecstatic over the double success. “And it’s only the beginning.”
Still looking shocked, Adrian tapped off the phone. “Let’s not get ahead ourselves.”
Maileah shook her head. “Now is not the time to be modest. You’ll raise a lot of money for the charity, and I can shoot more videos of you playing other songs.”
When Adrian looked hesitant, Sailor put an arm around him. “Do it, Dad. You’re hot now, so capitalize on that while you can. Isn’t that what you told me about surfing?”
Adrian grinned. “So you do listen to me.”
Just then, the business phone rang. Adrian answered, “Regal Bikes, Adrian here.” While he listened, his eyebrows shot up. His expression grew more surprised by the second.
“An interview about my music?” Adrian looked at Maileah and Sailor in disbelief. “I’ll have to call you back.” He took the number, but as soon as he hung up, the phone rang again. This time, it was a record label executive. He took another message.
Maileah bounced on her toes with excitement. “You’re going to benefit so much from this exposure. This could be huge for you.”
“I’m glad Skeeter’s coming back. She can help me with all this.” Adrian sat on a nearby stool, looking overwhelmed but thrilled. “All these years of playing in diners and bars, and now this happens.”
Sailor grinned at Maileah. “Thanks to Maileah’s idea.”
Maileah shook her head but couldn’t contain her smile. “I just gave it a little push. Adrian is the real star.”
He stood up, pulling both Maileah and Sailor into a bear hug. “I don’t know how to thank you. This was beyond my wildest dreams at this stage in my life.”
Maileah hugged him back. This was why she loved what she did; it allowed her to make a difference and help people’s dreams come true.
First Junie, and now Adrian and the charity. That was the best part of it all.
As they broke apart, all laughing and talking about what to do next, a couple of locals walked into the store, asking about the commotion. While Adrian told them what had happened, Sailor took Maileah’s hand and pressed the other to his heart.
With a sincere look of gratitude, Sailor said, “I don’t know how to thank you for this. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen my father this happy.”
“He’s so talented.” Maileah touched his cheek. “It was only a matter of time.”
Sailor took her hand and kissed her fingers. “Timing is everything, I’ve found. Whether you’re waiting for the perfect wave—or the perfect woman.”
Heat gathered around Maileah’s neck. The emotion in Sailor’s eyes matched what she felt, though neither could voice that yet.
Instead, she said, “I’m far from perfect.”
“No one is, but we’re perfectly imperfect together.” Tucking his arm through hers, he added, “We should go. We’ve got a lot of work to do.”
Maileah shook her head. “You don’t have to help. I’ve got this.”
“And miss out on all the fun? No way. Think of me as a volunteer. I heard you were looking for some.”
“Who told you that?” Maileah asked. It was true, but she hadn’t mentioned that.
“Your grandmother,” he replied, his eyes dancing.
Maileah laughed. “You seem to have Ella on your side. I’ll warn you, though—I can be a tough boss. I’m driven to win. ”
He kissed her cheek and took her hand. “Then we’re two of a kind.”
Maileah inclined her head. She hadn’t thought of it that way, but he had a point. When she didn’t do her best, she could be grumpy. She knew that about herself now, but she was trying to change that.
It was much easier to shift her perspective here on Crown Island, where the sun was warm, the water cool, and the man beside her extremely hot. She smiled to herself. “Let’s get to work. We haven’t much time before the event.”
“Enough time for a shower?” Grinning, Sailor had a hand through his damp hair, making it stick up at weird angles.
She laughed. “I need one, too.”
After returning to her cottage and showering, Maileah felt renewed and exhilarated. This day had already exceeded her expectations, and she was only getting started. Sharing this win with Sailor and his family made it all the sweeter.
Just then, she thought of Junie and her mother. She could hardly wait to share the good news with them. She called Junie at the gift shop, but the call went straight to voice mail, so she left a message.
Her next call was to her mother, who picked up right away. “I just heard the news and was going to call you.”
“How did—” Maileah stopped. This was a small town, and the couple at Regal Bikes that Adrian spoke to probably shared the news. “We’re all pretty excited over it.”
“You’re not alone,” April said. “Ryan is visiting me at the Historical Society. Do you have a moment to speak to him?”
When Maileah agreed, Ryan got on the phone. “I’m impressed with the speed at which you work,” he said. “You seem to know more about gaining publicity than the company I hired for publicity of the Majestic does. I’d like to talk to you more about how you do this.”
She was surprised that Ryan wanted to speak to her. “I’d like to, but I’m busy with clients right now.”
“I’m afraid I didn’t make that clear. I’m interested in engaging you, not picking your brain for free. We could use your younger perspective.”
“And younger clientele?”
“The Majestic is unique. We offer an experience unlike any other branded hotel chain delivers. Deb’s interiors are giving the Majestic a much-needed facelift. When we’re ready to unveil the new guest rooms, I’d like to bring in influencers who can share their experiences here. Could you manage that?”
“That’s what I do. I’d be happy to work up a proposal for you.” Maileah tried to remain calm and upbeat, though she felt like screaming with joy.
“Call my office so we can find time on my schedule for after the surfing event.”
“Thank you, Ryan. I’ll be sure to do that.”
After saying goodbye, Ryan returned the phone to her mother.
“I had a feeling things would work out well for you here on the island, dear.”
Maileah let out a little squeal of joy. “That was amazing. I’ll call you later, Mom.”
Quickly, she finished getting ready. She and Sailor had a lot of work ahead of them. She hadn’t expected his help, but she sure wasn’t going to turn down the chance to spend more time with him, even if they were working.