The Ride

Peter walked down the wharf one beautiful Tuesday afternoon. On this day the breeze was gentle, the sea was a vibrant blue, and the clouds were bright white, some puffy. It was an excellent day for sailing.

In his left hand he held Susan's, and they marveled at the boats docked against the wooden boardwalk. Some were small with a single sail. Others were catamarans. Still others were enormous with cabins and sprawling decks. Susan's imagination got the best of her...

"Ya know Peter, let's sail away. Wanna sail with me?"

Peter smiled and looked up at the most puffy cloud. They continued to walk, enjoying the flocks of seagulls and the sound of waves which lapped against the breakwater.

They turned to walk down a long pier. Susan held an ice cream cone. It was black raspberry. Peter had a bite and decided it was the best sample of ice cream he had ever tasted. It was turning out to be an fine day.

Peter saw a middle aged man dressed in a Hawaiian shirt tying up his large sailboat. It was a Ranger, and reminded him of the one he had learned to sail years ago when he was in high school. Peter never talked about his experience sailing. Those trips were years ago with his uncle Eddie, who had some unfortunate habits. So unfortunate, in fact, the judge denied any possibility of parole.

But Peter was fond of Eddie, despite his flaws. Before the military raided his boat, Eddie had an endless supply of stories to share with Peter. Out among the whitecaps Eddie would explain how easy drug trafficking was for a well-spoken corporate executive. He would describe his most extravagant plots, the offshore accounts, the fraud, the tax evasion schemes. He trusted Peter, especially over a bottle or two of Canadian whiskey. He always said: "lie big enough, and no one can stop you."

Peter learned a lot about the folks at the yacht club while he held that large wooden wheel. He learned quite a lot indeed. He thought about Susan's comment and then remembered a conversation he once had with Eddie...

Peter told Susan to wait for him on a bench at the end of the pier while he approached the man in the Hawaiian shirt.

"A nice breeze today, wouldn't you say?"
"I certainly would, young man, now what can I do for you?"

His wife and three children walked out of the boat and smacked inflatable objects against each other's heads while they scurried back to the parking lot.

"Well, sir, I was just admiring your boat. It's a nice rig. I sailed one just like it years ago."
"That so?"

Peter continued to describe details about sailing this particular boat. He was surprised himself to discover how much he remembered. They had a cordial chat about mast height. Peter got back on task...

"So, mind if I take this one out for a spin this afternoon?"
"What was your name? Peter? I'm sorry Peter, I don't loan the boat to strangers."
"Well, we aren't strangers any more. You know I can sail it. What do you say?"
"Sorry mate, start saving and one day you might be able to afford one of these all for yourself. Until then, I suggest you go have some more ice cream."
"Well, mate, I don't mean to be rude, but this boat is simply begging to be sailed this afternoon. Let's make a deal...I take the boat, and your wife stays completely oblivious."
"Oblivious?"
"Completely."

The man paused and looked down at Peter from the bow. Peter looked back with a casual grin. He walked down the stairs and onto the pier, looking at Peter sternly.

"So, you'll tell my wife about my affair unless I lend you the boat?"
"That's right."
"Hm, that sounds like a pretty good deal."
"You won't regret it."
"Peter, like I said, just start saving. You're a good kid. See you around."

The man tipped his hat and walked back toward the parking lot.

Peter walked back to Susan and had another bite of ice cream. They held hands and walked along the pier having the most enjoyable time.

Such things sounded so easy when Eddie described them. Peter decided the ride might not have been all he expected anyway.