Overboard Too!
Copyright© 2013 by Friar Tuck
Chapter 2
I'm a fan of Oyster50, and was disappointed when after only one very interesting chapter, Overboard languished for too long. I understand busy, though, so I just kept checking and hoping. But then it was opened up, so to speak, and I'd already formed some idea of where I thought it might go. So I decided to see if I was up to the task. So the first chapter is Oyster's, and what follows is my own version. And the whole thing is now "Overboard Too." Hope I'm up to the task!
--brertuck
I tended to the necessary boating details, and as we were already nearing the buoy where I'd make my next course change, decided to wait until then to raise sail. Kay had said she thought she'd be okay, so I went with that. The party barge, by that time, had turned off towards a fairly private cove, where their obvious intended activities were a well-known occurrence. We wouldn't see them again, and that was alright with me, and I was certain Kaitlyn (did she say to call her "Kay?") would be fine with that as well.
When it was safe to do so, I checked again for any close traffic (there was none) trimmed the sails and set the autopilot to maintain course in the light offshore wind, and burbled out into the Gulf. I think that's what I like most about sailing – the abrupt change when you cut the power and let the quiet of the wind take over. I think it's something one has to experience. Mere words don't begin to describe it.
Then I went below to check on my unexpected passenger.
I found her sleeping soundly, even snoring a little, as she lay sprawled on her back. Could have been enticing in other circumstances, but I'm not that kind of a guy, after all, so I managed to turn her onto her side and covered her with a light blanket. She grumbled a little in her sleep, but her breathing evened out, so I left her to rest and went back topside.
Oh, by the way, as I told Kaitlyn, I'm Rob Lister. Single, 35, no significant debts, and I figured to stay that way. I'm a freelance network and web designer, and make a pretty decent living, which, along with a modest inheritance from my grandparents, allows me to be rather selective about my work habits. Not that I'm lazy, mind you, just fortunate. Hobbies are sailing, of course, and music (mostly listening, but I play a couple of instruments too), reading, and a bit of writing. Work out regularly to keep in shape, and even fish and snorkel a bit when I'm out on one of these jaunts. Didn't have my SCUBA gear with me this time, but my fishing tackle is always handy in the locker. Sometimes I and a buddy or two shoot some skeet way out in the Gulf.