Page 224 of Promising You
I turn back to Arlin, holding up my wrists. “I got these so I don’t get seasick.”
He waves his hand in the air like he doesn’t want to see them. “Nonsense. You’re a Sinclair. We were meant to be on the water. We don’t get seasick. Take those silly things off.”
Grace leans over to whisper. “Just put them in my purse for now. If you feel sick you can wear them later.”
“Do you need help with anything?” I ask her. “I can load stuff on the boat or whatever else you need.”
“We don’t need anything. Everything’s ready to go. Come on, honey.” She leads me out back. I no longer mind that she and Arlin call me honey. They are my grandparents, after all.
The boat is huge. I’ve only seen sailboats on TV or in photos. I’ve never seen one up close. I wonder what these things cost. I went to a boat show with Frank and Ryan a couple years ago, but all they had were pontoon boats and speedboats. They were really expensive but not nearly as nice as this sailboat, so I know this thing cost a fortune.
Arlin helps Grace get in and I step in behind her. Then he messes with some ropes and we take off into the ocean. Crap! I’m sailing in the ocean! I could die! This suddenly seems really dangerous.
“How long has Arlin been sailing?” I ask Grace as we sit there watching him.
“Don’t worry, honey. He’s been sailing since he was a young boy.”
I feel a little better knowing that, but then we hit a wave and the boat sways and I’m sure we’re going to die. I instinctively hold on to Grace who laughs.
“These waves are nothing. Arlin and I have sailed in heavy storms and he’s always gotten us back safe and sound.” Another wave hits the boat. “See? That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
“I guess not.” I release my hold on her. “I’ve just never been on the water before.”
“Well, we’re hoping we can do this again before you leave for the summer.” She turns to me. “Speaking of summer, Arlin and I heard that you need some plane tickets and we’d like to offer to pay for them.”
“I don’t know. We’re just getting to know each other and I’m not sure if I should be accepting gifts like that.”
“Jade, you’re our granddaughter. Let us do this for you.” She puts her hand on mine.
“But—” I stop, remembering what Garret said about Arlin doing this because he wants to, not because he feels guilty for what Royce did. “All right.”
“Good. Then it’s settled. Arlin will set you up with a credit card. Use it to get the plane tickets and whatever else you need. We’ll take care of the bills. They’ll go directly to us.”
“But I just need the plane tickets.”
“We want you to have fun this summer, so use the card for whatever you need.”
“I really don’t need—”
She interrupts. “You need gas for your car, right? And groceries? Suntan lotion? Sunglasses?” She smiles. “They have great shopping in California. You might see something you like.”
The old Jade is coming back telling me there must be a catch. There’s always a catch.
Grace notices my hesitation and it’s almost like she read my mind. “All I ask in return is that you call us. Once a week would be nice, just so we know you’re okay.”
“Of course I will. I’ll call you even more than that. I’m going to miss you guys.”
“Jade, get over here,” Arlin yells from behind a giant wheel. “I want to show you how to sail.”
“I’ll see you in a couple hours,” Grace kids, patting my knee.
I make my way up to where Arlin is standing.
“Grab hold of the wheel and I’ll show how to steer.” He’s so happy out here on the sailboat. He can’t stop smiling. “I’ve taught every one of my grandkids how to sail. Usually we start a lot younger, but you can catch up.”
After he explains how to steer the boat, he takes me over to the ropes and shows me different ways to tie knots.
As he’s talking, a wave hits and I panic again. “Hey, um, shouldn’t you be steering the boat?”
