Chapter 4 #2
“It’s been renamed Mayfield Sports Center.
Karl began working there as a teenager in high school and moved up the ladder to become manager.
He did marry Annie Willis, the boss’ daughter, but he was never shown any favoritism by his father-in-law.
Mayfields are hardworking people, Zane, and Karl deserved to be the manager of the store.
When Mr. Willis passed, Annie’s the one who suggested they rename it.
She and Karl plan to pass the business down to their kids, and they’ll be Mayfields. ”
“I used to love going in there when I was a kid.” His eyes held a faraway look. “Gramps and I would look at everything once a week. Tents. Ponchos. Snorkeling gear. I remember saving up money to buy Gran a rain slicker from there.” Beaming with pride, he added, “She still wears it to this day.”
Zane nodded. “I’m glad your brother can help out so that you’ll be free to meet with me. Who’s on tomorrow’s charter?”
“A couple in their mid-sixties. Ben and Lisa White. They’ve been vacationing in the Bay for about forty years now.
Spent their honeymoon at the Bay Breeze Inn and liked what they saw here.
They’re from Fort Worth and drive down to the coast every year.
Used to be with their kids in tow, but they’re long-grown now.
The Whites will book two or three days on the boat while they’re here.
That’s the kind of customers we have, Zane.
Not only people who have patronized Mayfield Charters for years, but new clients we add each year. ”
“If it’s just the two of them and they’re familiar with your boat, couldn’t your dad handle that charter by himself?”
He was right. Kylie wouldn’t be needed as much tomorrow as on other days when they had large groups, especially first timers who needed lots of help in baiting their hooks and learning how to work the rods.
Maybe she should stay ashore tomorrow and get to know this man a little better.
Kylie told herself it was simply to help make their business meeting run more smoothly.
Even though she was lying to herself.
She had her agenda. She knew what she would be asking for and what she had to get Wagner Enterprises to commit to. Where she could compromise.
What she did want to do is spend time with this man beside her.
She started to tell Zane that she would check with Dad to see if he could handle the charter by himself, but she didn’t want to look weak in Zane’s eyes, making it seem as if she had to run everything by her dad when she actually made most of the decisions on her own these days.
Then she came up with an idea which would allow them to have time together and allow Zane to see exactly what Mayfields were made of.
“I think the Whites wouldn’t mind sharing their trip with you, so if you’d like to come out on Rodfather for the day, you’re welcomed to do so.”
Pulling out his phone, he handed it to her. “Put your number in for me. The only one I have is for Mayfield Charters, which I got from Emily, my assistant.”
Hoping that her fingers didn’t visibly tremble, Kylie typed in her contact information.
She handed the phone back. Immediately, he began texting. Her cell chimed, and she removed it from her pocket.
“Just wanted to make sure it went through,” he said. “And now you have my number.”
Kylie looked down at the text.
What time do I need to be at the dock?
Raising her eyes, she met his gaze. “The charter leaves at seven-thirty. If you want to take a tour of the boat and speak with Dad before the Whites arrive, be there at seven. We’re slip thirty-eight.”
He nodded. “Thank you for letting me horn in on the fishing trip. I’m eager to see the charter boat. It’s been a long time since Gramps and I went fishing, and I’ve never been deep sea fishing. Maybe you can tutor me, one-on-on.”
The thought of standing close to him, guiding his hands, caused her body to grow warm. She pushed her reaction aside, thinking it would be better to spend time with him on Rodfather, with others around. Dad would be nearby, and Kylie would never do anything foolish in his presence.
Like kiss Zane Wagner.
Being on the charter would allow her to keep her head and not swoon over this Wagner scion.
“I’m glad you’ve decided to try your hand at deep sea fishing,” she said brightly. “It’ll give you a chance to experience something new. You seem like a pretty adventurous guy to me. At the same time, it would allow me to work, even as I spend some time with you.”
“Great. It’s a date.” He stopped and grinned boyishly, making her stomach turn somersaults. “I don’t mean a date date. I’m just confirming tomorrow. I’m really looking forward to spending time on Rodfather, as well as meeting your dad.”
“He’s certainly nothing like yours,” she told him.
“Dave Mayfield is blunt and gruff. He’s a no-nonsense kind of guy and doesn’t tolerate any foolishness.
No, I’m painting a false picture of him.
Dad is all-business out on the water, but on land, he’s a pussycat.
He’s a man who puts his family first, and he has a wicked sense of humor. ”
“He doesn’t sound all that different from my dad, Kylie,” Zane said quietly.
“Remember, my dad grew up in the Bay. He comes from working-class people and put in many hours working at the diner. He may have founded a company which has offices worldwide, but at heart? My dad is a fairly simple man. Hardworking. Ethical. While he wasn’t the best husband because he invested too much time getting Wagner Enterprises off the ground, he’s always been a great dad. ”
She had also done a deep dive into Alexander Wagner, learning that he had married only once.
His socialite wife, Natalie, had been breathtakingly beautiful.
They had divorced only four years into their marriage, and she had died several years later in a skiing accident in Switzerland. The elder Wagner had never remarried.
“Who’s ready for some dessert?” Layne asked, and Kylie realized she had spent a lot of the dinner talking with Zane.
Everyone at the table agreed it was time for something sweet. Keaton suggested that they take their desserts outside and watch the setting of the sun.
Kylie made sure that she grabbed a seat as far from Zane as she could. It had been interesting speaking to him, but not only did she need time to reflect on their conversation, Kylie wanted to make certain her head was in the right place.
Once she finished her negotiations with Zane, she had no intention of ever socializing with him again.