Read Online Riverboat Point by Tricia Stringer - Free Book Online Page B

startled her. She stepped back inside the cabin and looked around. There were couches in one area and near the front window a table with eight chairs. She wasn’t sure whether to sit or stand. Behind Ethan there was a large swivel chair intended for the driver but he stood, his hands gripping the wheel. She opted to stand beside him. The sound of the motor changed. She put a hand on the console to steady herself as the boat reversed slowly from the bank. Ethan’s look was now one of concentration.
    Tawarri slipped past its fellow houseboats and out into the space of the river.
    â€œYou need to make sure at least one of the people hiring the boat is competent at driving it,” Ethan said.
    Savannah turned from the view through the huge front windows to look at him.
    â€œYou stay on board while they back out and make sure they can turn the boat around.”
    Savannah glanced out the window at the swirling water made by the turning boat and back at Ethan.
    â€œJaxon did this for every customer?” she asked.
    â€œHe did or I did if he wasn’t able to.”
    Savannah watched as Ethan checked the river around him, moved a lever and spun the wheel. Tawarri did a complete turn and they were facing the other direction.
    â€œThis is the throttle,” he said tapping the black levers in front of him. “This way’s forward and the other way’s reverse. Straight up and you’re in neutral.”
    He moved the throttle then the wheel and the boat did a complete turn the other way.
    Savannah watched through the glass as the scene changed from up the river to down the river.
    â€œI could never do this,” she said. She rubbed a hand across her forehead. How was she going to keep Jaxon’s business turning over and save both their homes?
    â€œI’m sure you’d learn but without your ticket it’s no good anyway,” Ethan said. “You have to be qualified to be able to supervise others in doing this.”
    Savannah gripped the back of the swivel chair.
    â€œI guess I’m sunk,” she said and grimaced at the irony of her words. “Figuratively speaking.”
    Ethan manoeuvred the boat back towards its mooring space. He cleared his throat and glanced her way.
    â€œNot on my watch. I’m throwing you a lifeline.” His lips turned up in a silly grin. “I can do this bit for you.”
    Savannah locked her gaze on his. Was he making a serious offer of ongoing help? “But there are so many other things to do besides driving the boats,” she said.
    â€œI know.”
    Savannah thought about Jaxon’s booking schedule. “Maybe it won’t matter too much. There are no more bookings until the weekend. Perhaps Jaxon will be back by then.” Her voice projected a hope she didn’t feel.
    Ethan flicked a look in her direction then forward to the water. “I’m not sure you can count on that.”
    â€œHave you heard from him?”
    She studied Ethan’s profile. He wouldn’t look at her. What was he hiding?
    â€œJaxon didn’t tell me how long he’d be gone. I just got the feeling it would be a while.”
    â€œDamn,” Savannah said.
    â€œI’ll help where I can but you’re on a steep learning curve.”
    â€œJust what I need.” Savannah had a sudden surge of self-pity.
    â€œIt depends on whether you’re up to it.”
    Nothing in her life had been easy. Why would she expect this to be any different? She straightened. “I need this to work,” she said. “I’m a quick learner.”
    â€œGood,” he said. The houseboat nudged up onto the bank. “You’re about to learn how to tie up a boat.” He moved past her to the door. “Grab the rope on that side.”
    She followed him and watched as he cast his rope towards a large gum tree at the water’s edge. She bent to pick up her rope. How hard could it be? The heavy weight of the rope was