The Summer Getaway, by Susan Mallery

About The Summer Getaway

“Having fun, Iliana?” Harlow Caldwell raised her voice over the roar of the boat’s engine.
The ten-year-old nodded, her wide grin saying more than any words. Both her small hands
were on the wheel, with Austin, Harlow’s younger brother, standing right behind her, ready to
take control.
“We’re doing great, Captain,” Austin said, giving Harlow a mock salute.
“I’m going to tell Thea we’re heading in,” Harlow said. “And get everyone ready to disembark.”
The charter had been a success. Three families had gone out for a day of sun, fun and
fishing. Eight hours later, everyone was happy and tired, which was how Harlow liked her
charters to end.
She took the stairs down from the flying bridge to where the three guys were sipping beer on
the stern deck, while two of the wives sunned on the foredeck. Only Thea sat inside, skin pale
and eyes closed.
There was always one, Harlow thought, who couldn’t handle the motion. She’d never been
seasick herself, but had seen enough of the malady.
“Hey, Thea,” she said softly.
The fortysomething’s eyes opened. “Are we heading back?” she asked, her tone both hopeful
and desperate.
“We are. In about two minutes, we’re going to get some chop. When we’re in the marina, the
boat will stop rocking. Come outside and face the wind. Stare at the horizon, or close your eyes,
and keep breathing. Five minutes and then we’re done.”
Thea struggled to her feet. “I haven’t felt this horrible since I was pregnant.”
“I know it’s been bad.” And the motion sickness medicine hadn’t helped. “Just a few more
minutes. Once we dock and you’re on steady land, your stomach will settle quickly.”
“I hope so.”
Harlow guided her guest to the rear of the boat and had her sit so she was blasted by the
wind. Right on time, they hit the chop, and the boat began to sway. Thea clutched the side, her
face going white.
“It’s okay,” Harlow told her. “Austin knows what he’s doing.”
“If you say so.”
Harlow excused herself to tell everyone else they were nearly back at the marina. She got the
lines ready, then returned to check on her queasy guest. Just then, they entered the protected
waters of the marina, and the rocking stopped. Thea relaxed her death grip on the side of the
boat.
“Better?” Harlow asked.
“A little.” Thea offered a tight smile. “I swear, I’m never getting on a boat again in my life.”
Harlow patted her arm, then went up the steep stairs to the flying bridge. Iliana was in her
seat, watching Austin worshipfully as he guided the fifty-foot boat through the marina.
When he saw Harlow, he stepped back, giving her the wheel. He winked at Iliana before
making his way to the main deck, where he would be responsible for securing the lines.
Harlow watched for other boats and the kayakers who ignored the signs that said they
weren’t allowed in this part of the marina. She went past their slip before easing the engines into
reverse, then backed into the space. She cut the engines and used the thrusters to snug up
against the finger pier. Austin stepped onto the dock and tied off the aft line, then jogged to the
bow and secured that line, as well.
Harlow checked the upper deck for any items belonging to their guests before going down the
stairs ahead of Iliana.
“Both hands,” she told the ten-year-old.