Coralina Routledge, twin sister of John Booker Routledge, needs a distraction from the chaos of her life. Her father, Big John, known throughout the North Carolina island of Kildaire as a crazy treasure hunter is always running off and leaving his...
"I mean I don't really need to be," Coral muttered.
"Hey, how's it going?" Topper asked, walking up to their table.
"Good. How are you?" Sarah responded, glancing at the girls as they both turned their backs to her and Topper.
"Good," he replied, "Um, I'm..Well, I don't wanna blow your cover or anything, so I'll just keep it low key. I know we're not public or anything."
Making a face at Kie, Coral leaned closer whispering, "What does that even mean?" she questioned as Kie shrugged.
"Hey Kie! Hey Coral! How are you?" Topper asked.
Turning, both girls gave Topper their fake smiles, "Oh, hey. I didn't even see you, bro," Kie raised her glass at him.
"What's up bestie? How's the family?" Coral responded, "My brother's doing well, thanks for asking."
Blinking, Topper glanced at Sarah, "Uh, yeah, okay, did you, uh, do these decorations here? It's beautiful."
"Yep, party city," Coral responded.
"It's a great selection," Sarah added.
"Cool. Well, um, cheers," he said, holding his glass up to Sarah.
"Cheers," she responded, clinking glasses.
"I'll see you later."
"Yeah, see you around."
"Just take it easy on those," he said, pointing at her wine glass, "Pace it."
"Yeah," Sarah responded, taking a swallow from her glass.
"Bye Kie, Coral," he said, before turning around and disappearing into the crowd.
"At least he kept it short."
"Hang on. Please, excuse me," Mike called over the crowd from where he stood on the dock, "Thank you," he said as the crowd quieted down, "Um, I just want to say a few words, and I'm not much into giving speeches, but I do want to say thank you for coming out and thank you for your support after a rough few months. I want to say thank you to our daughter for being here," he said, finding Kie in the crowd.
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"Embarrass me anymore," Kie whispered to Coral making the other girl giggle.
"Hey, we love you," Mike said, saluting her with his glass.
"Love you too," Kie called, raising her own glass.
"But most of all," Mike continued, smiling down at Anna, "Come here," he said holding out his hand for her, "Thank you Anna," he told her as the crowd cheered, "For fifteen years, for making this restaurant a symbol of our life. I love you."
"I love you," Anna responded, smiling.
"Figure eight, the Cut. Everyone's together here. As one island," Mike said "So, thank you for putting up with us. Cheers," he said, raising his glass as the crowd echoed his sentiments.
