#6 The Quay

Saturday morning arrived and Kevin was waiting outside the sail shop as Molly arrived.

“I know, I'm early. But I can't wait to get out on the water. It's been too long and I'm afraid that I've forgotten everything I learned,” Kevin looked like a child ready to open gifts on Christmas morning.

“Well then as soon as I grab my gear and put my note on the door, I'll be ready to go too,” Molly chuckled as she let herself in the shop.

The morning was clear and cool, Fall had not started to bite into the air yet and autumn was the season for the best sailing around Kilmore Quay. The two headed out and set a course to sail around the Saltee Islands. With comfortable conversation sprinkled with instruction on Molly's part, the morning passed quickly. Once again Molly was how surprised she enjoyed sailing with Kevin along. He had plenty of questions about things he should be doing, but took to the instructions quickly, and Molly was pleased that she could actually allow Kevin to take control and watch as he maneuvered the sloop around the islands.

Since this was a whole day lesson, Molly had packed sandwiches for lunch with some lemonade for the two of them. They ate and talked about sailing as they sailed into a small cove to take some time for lunch. Kevin devoured his sandwich and could not wait to get to the cookies that Molly brought for dessert. Once they were done they headed out of the cove with the light breeze into the open water.

All was fine until they were suddenly dead in the water with no breeze to catch their sails. It had been a while since Molly had been around this side of the islands and she had forgotten how the wind would suddenly disappear. This was a good lesson for Kevin as he was stymied when the sails dropped like sheets out to dry on a calm day.

“Molly, I think I'm in trouble here. What ever do I do when there is no wind for the sails?” Kevin looked a little panicked.

Molly laughed as she moved from where she was seated at the back of the sloop, “Did you forget the motor located back here?”

Molly started the motor and positioned the sloop back in line to catch the wind. Within a few minutes they were out of the dead area with the sails full and the motor cut.

“Somehow I get the feeling that you set me up for this?” Kevin turned questioning Molly.

“Kevin, it's been a while since I've been round this side of the islands. Most of my lessons never get this far. I hate to admit it, but I totally forgot about that dead zone until it happened. I don't know if you realized it, or not, but I always make sure there is petrol in the engine just in case. A good lesson to learn,” Molly smiled as she finished her explanation.

The two of them laughed as they headed back to shore. Now is where Kevin's lessons took a turn as usually at this point students say good-bye to Molly and they are done. Since Kevin wanted to learn more, Molly decided that he need to understand the implications of taking care of a sloop, so she had him help with the clean up and storing of the equipment for the day. She was waiting for a groan of complaint, but none came. Like her, he treated this as part of his instruction and worked beside her continuing their friendly banter.

As they walked back toward the shop Kevin seemed to want to say something, but hesitated in his conversation.

“I know this is.... I wanted to ask you....”

“Is there something wrong, Kevin?” Molly was confused as to what Kevin was trying to ask.

“Oh, hell..would you like to to out to dinner with me?” he blurted out almost shouting.

Molly was flustered with his question. She didn't have a policy about not dating her students, but she had never needed one.

Kevin continued, “I was just thinking that since I don't really know anyone here, and that since we seemed to get along so well together today, that it might be nice to have some good company for dinner.”

“Kevin, I'm very flattered that you would ask. I have enjoyed our time together today and I think having some dinner together would be a nice change,” Molly surprised herself with her response.

“I was thinking the Silver Fox might be a good place. I passed it when I was making my reservations at The Quay House. Or do you know of a better place in town?” Kevin seemed very open to suggestions.

“There is a pub that has pretty good seafood, if that's what you'd like. It's called Kehoe's. A little more friendly and casual than the Silver Fox. How does that sound to you?” Molly was hoping to make this a very casual dinner rather than something dressy.

“That sounds perfect!” Kevin was delighted to hear that Molly would prefer the pub. It would have been his first suggestion, but he didn't want to seem crude after asking Molly to dinner.

Molly wanted to go home and changed into some fresh clothes, so they both agreed to meet at the bar in Kehoe's.