Not because he wanted to date Megan. He had never met Megan, but because Clare had nothing to do with his decisions. He repeated that while changing shirts. At 6:15, his phone rang. Clare.
He stared at the name for two rings before answering. What broke? Why do you assume something broke? You called me. That is insulting, Clare.
The billagege pump is making the noise again. Evan checked the time. Call Patterson Marine. I did. And they can come tomorrow.
Excellent. There was a pause. Excellent. Yes, tomorrow is a day. The boat is taking on water.
Evan stopped buttoning his cuff. How much? Not a lot, Clare. Enough that I moved my shoes. He picked up his keys.
You said the pump was running. It is emotionally. What does that mean? It's making noise and contributing very little. Evan was already halfway down the stairs.
Turn off the battery switch for the pump. Use the manual pump. I'm 20 minutes away. Clare went quiet. Aren't you going somewhere?
No. You sound dressed. Evan sighed. Daniel finally got me to agree to a blind date. Clare went quiet. You're actually going?
I was. Evan opened his truck door. I was another pause. Then Clare said, "You should go. I'm already driving.
I can handle it." I know. Then why are you coming? Evan started the engine. Because apparently I make poor decisions near sailboats.
He reached the marina in 18 minutes. Clare was kneeling beside the open BGE compartment with a flashlight between her teeth. She removed it when she saw him. You changed shirts. Evan set down his toolbox.
Focus. You did. Clare. You skipped a date for a woman you're not dating. I skipped it for a bill pump.
Clare looked down into the compartment. She's very attractive. Evan tried not to smile. Move. The problem was a loose connection and a float switch that had chosen Friday evening to become temperamental.
Clare held the flashlight while Evan worked. "You could still make dinner," she said. "No, it's only 7:15. I'm covered in billagege water. That could be mysterious."
"It is not mysterious." Clare was quieter after that. Evan noticed. "You wanted me to go?" She adjusted the flashlight.
"I said you should. That's not what I asked." Clare looked at him for a second. Neither moved. Then the pump kicked on with an ugly mechanical cough.
Clare looked down. She's jealous. Evan laughed. By the time they finished, it was nearly 9. Megan had received an apologetic text.
Daniel had received a less apologetic one. Clare ordered takeout from a place near the marina. They ate noodles from cardboard containers on Blue Heron's deck under the dock lights. Evan looked at the paper carton in his hand. This is more like a date than the date.
Clare nearly dropped her fork. What? Said the noodles are overcooked. No, you didn't. I thought it.