21C sunny
Hot day yesterday. Did the tournament at Tsawwassen. Everyone showed up - 27 of us. Overall we lost the day but all apparently had a good time.

“The right moment will come, we can wait.”

(vi)

A few minutes later they did a ‘walk around together and decided that everything was in order. Bob left the door unlocked. It was unlikely that anyone would find his small cove but if someone did and they needed shelter, it would save have the door broken down.

On the way back to Tofino they stopped and jigged for cod and caught two large ones, which Alicia filleted as Bob steered onward for Tofino.

As they pulled the boat out of the water, Alicia asked, “What are you going to do with your boat?”

“I guess I’ll take it home with me, it’s expensive storing it here and the security could be better.”

“Won’t that be a hindrance if your hose sells?”

“Yeah, but I can deal with it when it happens.”

“Why not leave it at my place? It will be safe there and if you are coming over here, it’s hardly out of your way.”

“Are you sure Alicia? That would be great!”

“Of course I’m sure, we can flush your motors and wash her down in the morning. There’s enough room in my yard. One catch though.”

“Yeah, what’s that?”

“After all my hard labor and using up my yard it’ll cost you a dinner.”

Bob laughed, “You’re on!”

They got the boat backed in and parked by seven o’clock; both had a hurried wash and a quick change of clothes and before eight they were ordering their dinner at the same restaurant that they had gone to with Bob’s brother and family.

When they got home, the long day, fresh sea air and a big meal had them both ready to go to bed.

After a quick embrace at Alicia’s bedroom door they both tumbled into bed and slept until after seven the next morning.

They breakfasted on bacon and eggs and several cups of Alicia’s coffee. Finally Bob said, “I guess I better go, maybe I’ve had a phone call about the house.”

Alicia nodded, “Yes, maybe.” Then she said, “Bob, it’s almost the end of the month, would you like to come here for Christmas?”

“Well I had thought about seeing if we could go to Jim’s but I think I like your idea better. Sure thing.”

“Okay, come a couple of days early. We’ll talk on the phone I’m sure and you have to let me know how your contract bid goes.”

Bob snapped his fingers, “That reminds me, I was going to ask earlier but somehow it slipped my mind. Uh you remember when I asked about your contracts if you were tied up or busy?”

“Yes, I do. Why?”

“Well this one and it is a big one, requires that I have a trained wildlife person involved because of the interaction of streams, the ocean, fish and wildlife. I was wondering, uh hoping, uh, you know. Crap, would you consider working with me on it?”

Alicia stared at him for a long moment, her mind racing. “It sounds interesting, can you send me the particulars?”

“Well I happen to have a spare copy of those with me, I’ll leave them with you.” He went and got his bag and pulled out a large manila envelope and passed it to her.

“You are a sly dog, Bob Anson. Is it my brains that brought you over here?”

He grinned at her, “Of course what else would I be interested in?”

They both laughed and a few minutes later, they kissed good bye and Bob headed back to Parksville.