Ingrid Ch. 04

"It won't be a problem. Maurice knows the boating set, just like he knows the skiing set and golf set. We won't stand out. In fact we probably would if we dressed up," he replied confidently.

"Sounds fine. Actually, I could use a nibble now, I'm hungry again," she said

"No problem, just grab the helm, keep her headed where we are now and I'll be right back."

She marveled at his energy. He was obviously fit and she admired his resilience. She was thinking about how that would translate to his performance in bed when she caught herself.

"For Christ's sake Ingrid, is that the only thing you think about, getting laid?" The answer was of course, "Lately, Yes!"

Steve had already called Maurice's on his cell phone and made the reservation with Jean for between six thirty and seven. He reappeared through the companionway with the tray and some cheese and small cakes and placed it on the dashboard in front of her. He turned and disappeared down the companionway again and returned with two half-glasses of red wine. He placed those on the 'dash' as well, but well away from the instruments. Ingrid tried the cakes and smiled and grunted her approval. Steve had a couple of pieces of cheese and walked over and picked up a wine glass. He took the helm back from Ingrid and stood watching her as she savored the cheese and sipped the wine.

"This is pretty elegant stuff for a boat, don't you think?"

"Nothing but the best for my lady friend," he replied happily.

"Is this what I can look forward to next weekend?" she asked.

"Why not? Would you prefer we had baked beans on a paper plate and a can of Chateau Labatt's?" he said cheekily. "Maybe this time I'll bring a full bottle of champagne," he laughed.

"You don't have to convince me, but if I lived this way all the time, I'd weigh three hundred pounds," she said ruefully.

"I'm very careful with calories, young lady, even if it doesn't seem like it. I make sure of serving sizes and I emphasize flavor over volume. There are no Big Macs on my table," he said with an arched eyebrow and a haughty look.

"OK, you win. How can I complain when it's all so lovely," she said happily.

She thought back to the last two hours after they had left the small bay. He had asked her to come with him for the Victoria Day long weekend. They would leave on Friday afternoon and return on Monday afternoon. As usual, he would look after all the food and supplies for the trip. All she had to do was say yes and bring her special t-shirt.

The message in the invitation was crystal clear and her heart raced as she remembered it. A lost weekend together. She didn't have to think for a second to say yes. If it was anything like today, it would be paradise, with the exception of the anchor incident.

Ingrid was certain that would never happen to him again. She had seen the look of fear on his face and that was enough to convince her. For her part, she couldn't understand the danger, but she was sure he would teach her the significance.

Then he broke the bad news. He had to go to San Francisco tomorrow and wouldn't be back until Thursday afternoon. Her heart sank when he told her. He assured her that these trips were infrequent, but necessary. He promised he would phone her every night at eight sharp, beginning with Sunday. Four nights without him! I've only known him for five days and already I'm missing him. She was surprised to realize that they had been together for at least a few minutes each day since they had met.

"I'm flattered that you'll miss me," he said, looking at her lovingly. "I promise to phone every night, no matter what."

"I'll drive you to the airport tomorrow and pick you up on Thursday," she volunteered.

"No, Ingrid, don't bother. I normally just catch a cab. I don't want you putting yourself out."

"It's no bother and I won't take no for an answer," she stated with finality. "Besides, I'm better looking than any cab driver you've ever seen."

"OK, I surrender," he said in a lighthearted but resigned voice. "My plane leaves at two, so if you'll take me out at noon, that should be plenty of time. That's assuming you'll be able to walk by then," he laughed.

She was disappointed he was going away, but happy with his promise to call her and more excited about what might happen on Thursday when she picked him up at the airport. She would have to think of something special to welcome him home.

As Steve had predicted, they were back at the dock at just after six. When Ingrid stepped off the boat and started to walk up the float, she immediately began to feel dizzy. She stopped and turned back to the 'Matron', gradually gaining her balance, but still feeling uncoordinated.

"A bit woozy, Ingrid?" Steve asked.

"Yeah, a bit. What's happening?" she asked, looking at him questioningly

"Your brain thinks you are still on the boat and wants to compensate for the movement. It'll pass shortly when it figures out you're on terra firma. Just have a seat on the steps and I will get the cart for this stuff and walk you up to the parking lot.

He had been gone a couple of minutes when she heard the squeaking wheels of the cart. He pushed it up to the side of the boat and loaded the gear. He put Ingrid's coat on the top and they headed off towards the incline ramp and the parking lot. It was nearing six thirty when Steve pulled his Volvo up to the ramp. He quickly loaded the gear while Ingrid sat in the passenger seat. He put the cart back in the shed and returned to the car. He got in, leaned over to a quiet, tired Ingrid and kissed her. They drove out of the lot and onto Marine Drive, eastward to the Village.

"That didn't take long. Tying up, I mean," Ingrid offered.

"No, but I arranged to have one of the 'boat boys' wash down the 'Matron' when I got back. I guessed you'd be tired and I didn't want you waiting thirty or forty minutes while I washed the salt off and scrubbed the deck. Sometimes, it even takes longer if there's a line-up waiting for a hose."

"Oh thanks," she said gratefully. "You'd have probably come back and found me asleep. You were right about it being physically demanding. Is it always this way?"

"No, in fact, you'll find that next weekend will be much easier. You didn't know what to expect today, so there was much more stress. Plus, our little adventure at Keates added more tension. No, next weekend will seem like a 'walk in the park.' We will be stopping more often to give ourselves some shore time. We won't be pressed for time. All in all, it will be much more comfortable for you," he said confidently.

"Mmmm, good. I'm already looking forward to it."

Steve drove in silence and arrived at Maurice's just before seven. Ingrid had changed back into her turtleneck on the boat, citing his beer company t-shirt as just a bit too casual for her taste. The air temperature had dropped as it usually did near the water in the spring, and she wasn't uncomfortably warm in the cotton sweater. They held hands as they walked into the restaurant and waited to be seated by Georges, another of the senior staff.

Steve gave a small wave to Maurice and then Jean as they headed toward their booth near the west window. "Trust Maurice and his guys, always looking out for their customers," he said quietly.

Their booth was one of the most sought after, especially when there were romantic sunsets. They were a little early for that tonight, but the next seating would be welcomed by what would most likely be a blazing, orange glow.

They slid into the booth as Georges informed them that Jean had already placed their order and would they like a glass of wine? Ingrid nodded and Steve ordered two glasses of the Pinot Grigio they had shared the first night they had been here.

The food arrived within ten minutes. Ingrid ate slowly, but obviously with pleasure at the light salad and Tourtiére. The pastry was light and flaky, the ground meats were exquisitely seasoned, while a dark brown sauce enhanced the wonderful flavors.

"When I walked in here, Steve, I had no appetite," she said slowly. "Their food is irresistible. I feel ten times better."

"Yes, they have never let me down. They know their customers and they spoil them."

"Just think, these are the people who taught you," she said enthusiastically. "Are you going to spoil me?" she said, batting her eyelids in 1930's movie star style.

"In every way I can," he smiled.

"Right answer," she laughed.

They finished their meal, declined a dessert, left a half glass of Ingrid's wine, paid the bill and got up to leave. Steve helped her out of the booth and continued holding her hand as they walked out the door and into the gathering dark.

Ingrid stopped as they reached the Volvo, tilted her head back and took a deep breath. She put her arms around Steve's neck and kissed him lightly on the lips. She might be giving some of the patrons at the restaurant a bit of a show, but she didn't care.

For that matter, neither did Steve. He was proud to be in the company of such a fabulous woman and he didn't mind who knew it. He secretly hoped the men inside were jealous of him.

"I'm tired, Mr. Inhalt. It's time for me to go home," she said sleepily.

"Yes, miss, home it is," he agreed.

The drive to her house was less than ten minutes but out of the corner of his eye, Steve could see Ingrid was having a hard time keeping her eyes open. He pulled up in front of her house and she waited until he walked around the car and opened her door. He took her hand and the ski jacket she was carrying and walked with her slowly up the inclined front walk and the six steps to her front door.

She pulled her keys out of pocket, unlocked the door and stepped in. Steve followed her and she pushed the door shut after him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him as passionately as her remaining energy would allow. She could feel him respond and his arms pulled her close to him.

"Normally, this is where I would go directly to seduction mode, but I have to confess, I haven't got the go-power tonight," she said apologetically.

"I know, but I'll be back for an encore soon. In the meantime, I'll call you about ten tomorrow morning. You might be up by then. We'll see how you're feeling, OK?"

"Very OK," she said sleepily. She kissed him again. "It was a fabulous day, Steve. I want lots more just like it."

"So do I, Ingrid, so do I. Now go get some sleep. You're dead on your feet."

"I think I'll treat myself to a bath," she said. "The perfect ending to the perfect day. Call me?"

"Ten a.m.," he replied. "Good night, love." He kissed her tenderly once more, turned and opened the front door. He turned back as he stepped onto the top of the stairs, gently ran the fingers of his right hand down her face.

"Tomorrow."

He turned and walked slowly down the stairs and the walkway to his car. He got in started it and looked up the walkway to her front door. She was leaning against the partly open door and made a small wave to go with her smile. He waved back, put the car in gear and drove off.

As he drove away, Ingrid closed and locked the front door and sat for a few minutes on her sofa. She put her head back and said to no one in particular, "We've come a long way today. It wasn't all smooth sailing to use a bad pun, but we've come a long way." She had a deeply satisfying feeling inside as she rose and went into the bathroom. She turned the water on in the tub and began to undress.

"Yes, a very long way."