“This is a really small job,” I assure her. “I just want to charter a ride around the harbor for one hour to take pictures. I know you guys are busy, but I was wondering if Lucky could take me? Maybe?”

“Oh?”

“Preferably the hour before twilight, because that’s when I can get the ideal light. For photography.” I plunk down my cash on the counter and get the rest of my practiced spiel out before I lose my nerve. “I checked the rates with the other charter companies in town, and this should be enough. I think?”

She stares at the money.

Heavily lashed eyes flick up to meet my gaze. One dark brow lifts.

I take a deep breath and keep going. “After the police station, my mom told me to stay out of your business, because she was worried about town gossip. She actually doesn’t know I’m here.…”

The look on her face is sharp but unreadable. Whew. This woman is tough.

Somewhere in the back of my mind, I think about Evie teasing me, and Mom calling us Bonnie and Clyde. Now I’m worried Lucky’s mom might think I’m here to ask him out on a date. “Um, in case it matters, I want to assure you that Lucky and I are still just old friends, if you could even call it that. Old acquaintances? He’s been nothing but nice to me—a perfect gentleman, really.”

She makes a surprised noise in the back of her throat. I hope I didn’t make things worse. I keep going before I either run out of adrenaline or pass out.

“Anyway, I’m working on my portfolio, like, for internships or maybe college one day, or whatever—”

“Your pictures,” she says, pointing a manicured nail at me, as if things are making sense to her now. “All the photographs of signs.”

I nod several times. “That’s right.”

“And you want Lucky to take you around the harbor?”

“Yes!” I say, relived. Maybe she’s finally understanding, and this request doesn’t sound so strange after all. “Lots of signs around the harbor.”

Her nose wrinkles. “Water level signs? Pier signs … nothing special.”

“I like all kinds,” I assure her. “And I don’t want to add to your son’s workload. I know Lucky is super busy, working here and at the department store,” I tell her. “And I’m not trying to stir up gossip, believe me. I’ve had about all the gossip I can handle. But I also have to live in this town like everyone else, and I just want to take some photos of signs, that’s all.”

She blinks at me.

I clear my throat. Is it hot in here? I think I’m starting to feel sweat run down my back.