Page 10
Once the last couple has boarded, the ticket girl lets me follow. I’ve just stepped onto the ramp when I hear someone shout, “Wait.”
My body seizes as six college-age boys in Vuori polos scramble toward the boat.
“We’re here. We’re here.”
The ticket girl simpers at me apologetically. She tells the boys that they need to sign in inside first. One of the guys checks his watch.
“Do we have time?”
“I won’t let this boat leave without you,” she promises, blushing. My heart sinks. She’s bending the rules because she’s got a little crush.
“Sorry,” the ticket girl says to me. “You can try again tomorrow morning.”
My mind swirls, ready to beg, steal, or borrow for a spot on that boat. I can see, though, that whatever interest she had in helping me is now directed at these preppy go-getters.
“Hey, guys,” I coo. I’m sure at least a few of them would classify me as a MILF, and I’m not above using their youthful horniness to my advantage. “I have a huge favor to ask. You see, I missed my earlier boat, and my kids are already on the island.” No sense in mentioning Brady. “I have my son’s inhaler, and I just . . . I really need to get to him.” They eye each other, conflicted. “I’ll pay any of you a hundred bucks to give me your pass for the boat.”
They scoff at my lowball offer.
“Two hundred?” I say, and they continue to stare at me, practically disgusted. “One thousand?” I can’t afford a thousand-dollar boat ride, but it works well with my cover, a mother who will stop at nothing to get to her children. It’s not a cover. I am a mother who will not be dissuaded.
Two hands shoot up. I pick the one that’s the cuter to piss off the ticket girl.
“How’s Venmo?” I ask.
I wave goodbye to the cute boy as the boat pulls away from the dock. He watches his friends take off with surprising disappointment considering he’s now a thousand dollars richer. Over the loudspeaker, the captain says it’s going to be a bumpy ride. I pat my pockets for my Dramamine, realizing it’s on its way to the other side of the island with my family. All I have in my backpack is my wallet, a hairbrush, sunscreen, the fleece coat Cassie had made for us, and the folder that’s going to change everything. I hate how much I love the jacket. The shades of blue really bring out the olive tones of my skin. And let’s face it, Cassie has impeccable style.
Inside the cabin, I’m relieved to see a big box of Dramamine on the café counter. I buy a packet and a bottle of water to wash it down. Before my cell service disappears, I download a map and blog entries about the hike across the island. People list it as strenuous, but trail instructions always overestimate difficulty. Besides, I’m in excellent shape. I cardio box twice a week, weight train, spin on my days off. And I was born to do hard things, even in my trail runners. Still, I heed the advice of the blogs and buy an extra bottle of water, two energy bars. I put back one of the energy bars and buy a Snickers instead. If I’m going to eat something so processed, it may as well taste good. As we head into open waters, SOS replaces the bars of cell service on my phone.
There’s no turning back now.
This weekend, I will make Cassie retreat from her plan to take over PO. While I’ll try playing nice first, I’m willing to use threats if necessary. Because I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my family.
