Geoducks Are for Lovers Read Online Free PDF Page A

are. How sexist of me. Lots of mister-misters now.”
    Laughing at his word play, she says, “The wedding was amazing.”
    “The wedding was perfect, wasn't it? Cape Cod in the summer. Sublime. Can’t believe it’s been two years already.” Quinn gets a dreamy look on his face. 
    “Your wedding was one of the few bright spots in my life over the past three years. Is Ryan still coming out this weekend?”
    “He'll be here Saturday morning, and he’s really been looking forward to seeing you. We have some news to share with everyone.”
    “News? Care to give me a hint?”
    “No hints for you. Everyone will hear it when we’re all together.”
    Maggie pouts and wonders what his news could be. 
    “Fine, as long as you promise it’s good news. I need more good news in my life.”
    “It’s great news. I promise. Maybe not as good as Gil crashing the weekend, but it’s right up there.” He winks at her. “You’ll just have to wait until Saturday.”
    “You are a mean one, Mr. Dayton.”
    Quinn laughs at her, ignoring her pout. 
    “I hope we have good weather this weekend. I plan to introduce Ryan to the entertainment of the geoduck hunt.”
    “Somehow I suspect he’s already acquainted with your geoduck.” She laughs at the old island euphemism.
    “The man knows a thing or two about geoducks.”
    “Strange given he’s a dermatologist and not a marine biologist.”
    “Or a urologist. Thank god.” After making a sour face, he sucks the last of his drink through his straw.
    Outside the ferry pulls into the dock. “Time to go, funny man.”
    * * *
    After getting Quinn settled in his room upstairs, they head out to the deck. The tallest buildings of Seattle sparkle to the south like the Emerald City of its nickname. The high tide is still hours away.
    “Home, sweet home,” Quinn says, taking a big inhale of salty air. “Now that’s island fresh.” He coughs, then laughs. “Yeah, tidal flat on a hot, sunny day must be an acquired taste.”
    Beyond the beach, kids are building mound of wet sand taller than a man, more mountain than castle. A game of king of the hill ensues. All of their hard work will be washed away once the tide comes back later in the day, but they don't seem to mind.
    Sitting on lounge chairs on the deck with tall glasses of iced tea, Quinn and Maggie catch up about the little things going on in their lives. They Skype, Facetime, text or chat nearly every day, but it's different talking in person. 
    What seems like minutes later, Maggie realizes the tide is in and the time is later than she thought.
    “We should eat. I have salmon to grill and a couscous salad in the fridge. Sound good? Plus, both white and red wines, and a Spanish Rosé.” She turns on the propane on the gas grill sitting in the far corner of the deck.
    “Sounds great. Especially the wine part.”
    “I'd hate for you to dehydrate.”
    “Is Rosé a fancy way of saying White Zinfandel?” 
    “Shh. Maybe. Pretty label and doesn’t give you the hangover like the stuff we drank in college.”
    “Speak for yourself. I never drank White Zin. I’m not that much of a gay stereotype.”
    “Right, you preferred ‘Mountain Rhine’. I can still see the jugs in the fridge.”
    “Mountain sounded masculine. Manly mountain men who drink wine in Germany. Kind of hot, as hot as you can be in lederhosen.”
    “Way to avoid stereotypes, Q.”
    Her phone chirps with a text. Looking at the screen she sees Selah’s name.
    *Decided to come up tonight. On the ferry now. Surprise! Don't hate me. All good. xoxo*
    Quinn's phone chirps.
    “Don't bother. It's Benedict Selah. She and Gil are on the ferry. Don't suppose you knew this?”
    “I didn't. Swear. Should I open the wine? Or do you need something stronger?”
    “Wine will be fine. Wanna keep my wits about me.” Maggie nods to herself.
    Shit.

 
     
     
     
    Five
     

     
    “White or red?” Quinn’s voice carries upstairs.
    With sunny days turning to cool summer