When Molly arrived home she suddenly realized that she had no clue what to wear that evening. While it was a casual dinner, she was starting to feel it was more like a date, and became a little panicked. How long had it been since she had been on a date? Her entire life had been so involved with the sail shop that she never really thought about it. Since her friends had given up on trying to set her up, it had been months since she had the opportunity to have dinner with someone.
Oh, of course, there were the lads she would sit and chat with at the pub when she stopped by for a pint after a long day on the water. But they all knew her, and most were spoken for anyway. She felt very comfortable around them and could have a laugh or two while she washed away the salt water feel from being out with customers. This was the first time one of her customers asked her to join them.
Eventually she changed into a pair of black slacks, and a lightweight blue knit sweater with a silk scarf around her neck. Kehoe's was as casual as you could get in Kilmore, so, other than the fact that she didn't have jeans on, she was considered dressed up. She pulled her long dark hair back at the base of her neck, which was pretty much the way she wore it from day to day. There was going to be no major fussing for this lad. One last glimpse in the mirror, and she headed off for the pub.
As Molly entered Kehoe's she spotted Kevin at the bar. He was deep in conversation with several of the locals, and seemed to fit right in. Molly had to remind herself that Kevin was a salesman and blessed with that gift of gab, so this was his forte. She strolled up quietly behind him to see if she could catch the gist of the chat.
Before she had a chance to listen in, Billy Malloy, who was seated sideways on a bar stool listening to Kevin caught sight of her and winked. Kevin caught this and quickly turned around. He was wearing a light blue Polo with the collar up and navy chinos. You would have thought the two of them had coordinated their outfits. The looked at each other and began to laugh along with Billy and Eoin (pronounced Owen) Mahaffey who sat on the other side of Kevin.
“Two minds thinking alike!” Kevin kidded as he smiled at Molly.
“At least I wore a scarf,” responded Molly smiling with a slight blush.
By the time Kevin turned around to order a drink for Molly, there was one sitting on the bar for her. Sean, the bartender, knew that Molly liked to sip on a shot of Tullamore Dew with just a touch of water. It would last her hours if she was busy in conversation. Molly was a careful drinker. She had watched too many of her friends over imbibe and carry on. This was not her style. She always wondered why she never relaxed enough to let herself go like they did. Just not her way.
After some short chat with Billy and Eoin, Molly and Kevin headed for a table where they could sit and order dinner. They found a quiet snug and settled in. Dinner would be today's catch, fresh and tasty, with some spuds and a root vegetable. Nothing fancy for Molly. This was regular fare for her. Kevin seemed to enjoy this hearty meal as he also totally consumed the homemade brown bread put on the table for them as they ate.
“I guess I worked up a pretty big appetite after today's sail,” he explained as he cleaned his plate.
“Nothing like the fresh sea air to do that,” agreed Molly as she sipped her whiskey and nodded across the room to Sean that she'd like another. She knew well that her friends at the bar would be looking out for her with this stranger they knew very little about. It was a small fishing village and they all looked out for each other. Kevin was surprised as Sean stopped by the snug to drop off both a drink for Molly and a refill for Kevin.
Molly explained to Kevin, “My friends know me well and they do look after me.”
“Something I guess I should remember,” Kevin acknowledged as he raised his glass in a toast to Molly. “Slainte.”
Kevin and Molly sat and talked for quite a while after they had finished dinner. This gave Molly the chance to learn more about Kevin and his strong ties to the Dublin area. In exchange, Kevin was able to learn the same about Molly. With the time slipping away, Molly reminded Kevin that they did have a sailing lesson the next morning and needed to get plenty of rest as she was going to expand his experiences well out into the open sea the next day. Kevin offered to walk Molly home, but she explained that she was quite capable of getting there herself, and bid a casual good night leaving Kevin leaning on the doorway of Kehoe's watching her walk down the road.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Sunday, March 4, 2012
#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.
“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.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
#5 The Quay
Molly was not one to turn away business and if this was THE Kevin O'Brien that she had met previously, there was no reason not to do the lessons. She had enjoyed his company when they first met, and knew he would be a good student. The reservations were made for two weeks later for the weekend. Molly set the date in her calendar and went on about her regular business for the next two weeks.
Friday arrived and as Molly walked up from the dock when she finished her afternoon lesson and waiting on the bench next to the shop door holding her note was Kevin O'Brien. He was relaxed, reading the local paper, as he looked over the top edge to greet her as she arrived at the door.
“Bet you never thought you'd see me again,” he chuckled.
“I never bet on whether clients will be back or not. I just hope they have learned what I have taught them and put it to good use. So did you impress your boss?” Molly was curious.
“Oh, that. Actually I did fine. He was very impressed. I didn't get the promotion and ended up leaving that firm and got another job. But I never forgot how much I enjoyed my time sailing and told everyone about it every chance I had,” Kevin explained.
“I'm so glad you enjoyed yourself. It's a shame you didn't get that promotion,” Molly was still wondering about Kevin's motives.
“Yeah, I guess I was talking about it so much that when my birthday came my sister called you and purchased more lessons for me!” he laughed.
It was at this point that Molly was finally putting it all together. A great birthday gift. She would have to add that to her website as an idea to build up some business during slower times.
“But you are early,” Molly queried.
“Oh, I know. I wanted to just stop by and ask if you had any ideas of places that I could look to let on a regular basis on the weekends. I'm thinking I might like to extend my sister's gift and start taking more lessons on weekends until I become more proficient,” Kevin smiled at Molly as he said the word “proficient”.
“Kevin, the only problem with that is most of the cottages down here let by the week only. If you were planning on only the weekends you might be better with the local hotel, The Saltee Hotel (http://www.hotelsaltees.ie/), or the Quay House B&B (http://www.quayhouse.net/),” Molly explained.
“Well then, I'm off to check both of those locations to see what I can set up, and I'll be back in the morning for my lesson,” Kevin acknowledged Molly's suggestion and turned and was off.
Molly took the time she had to grab a snack and take care of some business in the sail shop. Besides lessons, she also had to make sure she had adequate supplies for sailing and for others who came into the area to sail. She also carried a small inventory of hats and shirts that had the Callahan Sail Shop logo and were given to customers who booked a week's worth of lessons, or those who just wanted to purchase the items.
Molly was a business woman and knew how important it was to keep her business in the forefront and continue to bring customers in for sailing lessons and for purchasing supplies at the shop. Even thinking about the fact that Kevin was so pleased with his new sailing acumen that he wanted to come back for more lessons was a testament to Molly's skills.
Friday arrived and as Molly walked up from the dock when she finished her afternoon lesson and waiting on the bench next to the shop door holding her note was Kevin O'Brien. He was relaxed, reading the local paper, as he looked over the top edge to greet her as she arrived at the door.
“Bet you never thought you'd see me again,” he chuckled.
“I never bet on whether clients will be back or not. I just hope they have learned what I have taught them and put it to good use. So did you impress your boss?” Molly was curious.
“Oh, that. Actually I did fine. He was very impressed. I didn't get the promotion and ended up leaving that firm and got another job. But I never forgot how much I enjoyed my time sailing and told everyone about it every chance I had,” Kevin explained.
“I'm so glad you enjoyed yourself. It's a shame you didn't get that promotion,” Molly was still wondering about Kevin's motives.
“Yeah, I guess I was talking about it so much that when my birthday came my sister called you and purchased more lessons for me!” he laughed.
It was at this point that Molly was finally putting it all together. A great birthday gift. She would have to add that to her website as an idea to build up some business during slower times.
“But you are early,” Molly queried.
“Oh, I know. I wanted to just stop by and ask if you had any ideas of places that I could look to let on a regular basis on the weekends. I'm thinking I might like to extend my sister's gift and start taking more lessons on weekends until I become more proficient,” Kevin smiled at Molly as he said the word “proficient”.
“Kevin, the only problem with that is most of the cottages down here let by the week only. If you were planning on only the weekends you might be better with the local hotel, The Saltee Hotel (http://www.hotelsaltees.ie/), or the Quay House B&B (http://www.quayhouse.net/),” Molly explained.
“Well then, I'm off to check both of those locations to see what I can set up, and I'll be back in the morning for my lesson,” Kevin acknowledged Molly's suggestion and turned and was off.
Molly took the time she had to grab a snack and take care of some business in the sail shop. Besides lessons, she also had to make sure she had adequate supplies for sailing and for others who came into the area to sail. She also carried a small inventory of hats and shirts that had the Callahan Sail Shop logo and were given to customers who booked a week's worth of lessons, or those who just wanted to purchase the items.
Molly was a business woman and knew how important it was to keep her business in the forefront and continue to bring customers in for sailing lessons and for purchasing supplies at the shop. Even thinking about the fact that Kevin was so pleased with his new sailing acumen that he wanted to come back for more lessons was a testament to Molly's skills.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
#4 The Quay
As one o'clock arrived so did Molly's new customer full of enthusiasm. He was much more cordial since their earlier meeting and ready for his lesson.
“I guess it might be nice if we knew each other's names,” Molly started. “I'm Molly Callahan.”
“Oh I know who you are,” the man responded. “You came very highly recommended as a sailing instructor. I'm Kevin O'Brien. Nice to meet you.”
“Alright then, let's get a move on, time won't wait for us,” Molly chirped to Keven and they set out for the dock.
Once out on the water Molly started Kevin with some sailing vocabulary to help him gain some confidence. Kevin was a quick study and took to the sloop like a natural. It was not long before Molly gave him some control of the boat and he was beaming with his new found skills. He still had a lot to learn, but she was sure with this lesson and another one the next day, he would do well with his boss.
As they docked the boat a few hours later Molly had to admit that she actually enjoyed this day. Besides the instruction she gave Kevin, they had a few moments to share some general chat about sailing and he was full of questions as to her sailing experience. This was the first time she had met someone who genuinely wanted to talk about sailing. She chalked this up to him being a salesman and knowing how to talk to people.
As they arrived back at the Sail Shop Kevin checked his phone and realized he had missed an important message. He stepped outside to take the call, but even at that separation Molly could tell in his voice he was quite concerned about something. At one point she could hear him say, “I'm on my way”.
“I'm really sorry I can't stay for a lesson tomorrow, Molly. Something has come up and I have to head back to Dublin immediately,” Kevin explained. “I do want to tell you that I really appreciate all you have done and that I had a great time today.”
“I'm sorry you won't have time to catch up for another lesson to make sure you can deal sailing with your boss next week. I enjoyed the day out also.” Molly replied a little sad that she would not have a customer the next afternoon.
Molly watched as Kevin drove off thinking that once she got to know him a little this was a very interesting man. Other than that she really didn't have another thought about him except to hope that she helped him so he did well with his boss and got his promotion.
As the days went by Molly was busy with her summer customers. Old and new, experienced and novices alike, she tried to make sure they all enjoyed themselves and learned about sailing by the Quay. On a slow day her dad would stop by and they might go out for a few hours. Peter missed sailing and when he got a chance he did not let it slip by. Molly loved going out with her dad. It was a time that when either of them were down in the dumps they could share, and sail to their heart's content.
As summer weather started to cool a bit Molly was surprised to get a call from a young woman one day asking about setting up a weekend sail lesson for someone named Kevin O'Brien. Molly had all but forgotten about Kevin until then and thought it odd for a woman to be calling and setting up the lessons. She specified that he wanted to go out on a sloop and take a two day weekend lesson. Of course this would not be the Kevin she had met. There were so many Kevin O'Brien's in Ireland.
Was he coming back?
“I guess it might be nice if we knew each other's names,” Molly started. “I'm Molly Callahan.”
“Oh I know who you are,” the man responded. “You came very highly recommended as a sailing instructor. I'm Kevin O'Brien. Nice to meet you.”
“Alright then, let's get a move on, time won't wait for us,” Molly chirped to Keven and they set out for the dock.
Once out on the water Molly started Kevin with some sailing vocabulary to help him gain some confidence. Kevin was a quick study and took to the sloop like a natural. It was not long before Molly gave him some control of the boat and he was beaming with his new found skills. He still had a lot to learn, but she was sure with this lesson and another one the next day, he would do well with his boss.
As they docked the boat a few hours later Molly had to admit that she actually enjoyed this day. Besides the instruction she gave Kevin, they had a few moments to share some general chat about sailing and he was full of questions as to her sailing experience. This was the first time she had met someone who genuinely wanted to talk about sailing. She chalked this up to him being a salesman and knowing how to talk to people.
As they arrived back at the Sail Shop Kevin checked his phone and realized he had missed an important message. He stepped outside to take the call, but even at that separation Molly could tell in his voice he was quite concerned about something. At one point she could hear him say, “I'm on my way”.
“I'm really sorry I can't stay for a lesson tomorrow, Molly. Something has come up and I have to head back to Dublin immediately,” Kevin explained. “I do want to tell you that I really appreciate all you have done and that I had a great time today.”
“I'm sorry you won't have time to catch up for another lesson to make sure you can deal sailing with your boss next week. I enjoyed the day out also.” Molly replied a little sad that she would not have a customer the next afternoon.
Molly watched as Kevin drove off thinking that once she got to know him a little this was a very interesting man. Other than that she really didn't have another thought about him except to hope that she helped him so he did well with his boss and got his promotion.
As the days went by Molly was busy with her summer customers. Old and new, experienced and novices alike, she tried to make sure they all enjoyed themselves and learned about sailing by the Quay. On a slow day her dad would stop by and they might go out for a few hours. Peter missed sailing and when he got a chance he did not let it slip by. Molly loved going out with her dad. It was a time that when either of them were down in the dumps they could share, and sail to their heart's content.
As summer weather started to cool a bit Molly was surprised to get a call from a young woman one day asking about setting up a weekend sail lesson for someone named Kevin O'Brien. Molly had all but forgotten about Kevin until then and thought it odd for a woman to be calling and setting up the lessons. She specified that he wanted to go out on a sloop and take a two day weekend lesson. Of course this would not be the Kevin she had met. There were so many Kevin O'Brien's in Ireland.
Was he coming back?
Saturday, February 18, 2012
#3 The Quay
#3
Molly had been booked up for sailing lessons during most of the summer. Tourist and vacationers came to Kilmore Quay to get away from the city and spend time at the beach and relax. The Quay was a sleepy little place that lacked the hurry and rush of the bigger cities and many of the cottages were rented up full every summer. Some visitors just sat by the water and enjoyed the view, some took boat trips out to the Saltee Islands to view the many species of birds, some came for fishing trips, and some just sat outside enjoying the atmosphere that Kilmore Quay had to offer. Come dinner time the local restaurants would be packed serving the day's catch, as fresh as it could be. The area had tons to offer with sailing lessons and diving among the choices.
Molly set her lessons mostly as weekly rates where she would take someone out for three hours of training and experience four days a week on Monday through Thursday. On the weekends, she would take people out for the three days and they would have more of a feel for sailing than actually be able to sail. This meant for the most part Molly didn't have any days off. With this kind of schedule she could do two lessons a day during the week, and two a day on weekends. She always explained to her students that one week of lessons would not qualify them for the open sea, but they would be able to sail around a harbour. Safety was always her first concern.
With the two three hour sessions, Molly was able to keep the Sail Shop open when she was not out training. Since the town was so small, all she did was leave a note on the shop door that she was out training and when she would be back. This had worked for many years as she never had any complaints.
When she arrived back from a morning training session at noon with a student on this particular Friday afternoon she found a disgruntled customer sitting outside the Sail Shop.
“Where have you been? I've been waiting for hours.” the disgruntled man complained.
Molly immediately became defensive as she hated this impulsive tone. “Did you see the note on the door? Do you have an appointment for a lesson? Do you need something for your boat?”
Molly was organized enough to know that she had not scheduled a lesson for that afternoon and was puzzled with this man's attitude.
“No, I don't have a lesson, but there should be someone here to help. I did see the note, but it made no sense. You don't close up just because you're out sailing!” he retorted.
“So what is it you want?” Molly was trying to stay calm.
“Sailing lessons, I need sailing lessons and I need them right away. I hear you are the best around, so I came here,” he explained.
At this point Molly was annoyed at his demands and general attitude. Obviously this city dweller had no manners and had come to expect that he would get everything he wanted when he demanded it. This would not happen with Molly.
“Look, you do realize this is the busy summer season and I'm booked full through the middle of September. You can always try the Wexford Yacht Club up the coast some. I'm sure they have some openings this summer. Although they are a bit more pricey.” Molly was trying to extricate this person from her shop. She really didn't want to have anything to do with him.
“No, no, I heard you are the best. I need to learn this weekend. Don't you have an opening?” Now it seemed like he was pleading.
Molly knew she had this afternoon open, but was hesitant to offer it to this stranger. He was so annoying with his attitude and demanding tone, too.
“Okay, first let's chat a bit about this big rush to learn to sail. You don't seem like the seafaring type to me. And not the usual vacationer just wanting to learn something new. What's the big rush?” Molly was trying to get to the heart of this.
The man looked down to the ground as if it could talk for him. “It's my boss. I'm up for a promotion and he's taking me sailing next week. I guess I alluded to him that I knew how to sail and since he's an expert he thought it would be a great way to see if we would work well together. But I've never been sailing a day in my life. The most I've done is taken the ferry across to Holyhead, and there's no sails on a ferry. He just sprung this on me yesterday, so I'm desperate to learn and quickly.”
Molly understood the implication of this man's situation. Many a hire or promotion could be conducted outside of an office. It could have been in a pub, fancy restaurant, or in this case, out on the open sea. She actually felt sorry for this man. He put himself in a tenuous position and now he was trying to fix it fast.
“I can't train you to be an expert sailor in one weekend,” she explained. “But I might be able to give you enough knowledge to pass yourself off as having some sailing experience.”
“Anything would be helpful at this point. He just needs to know that I know how to sail,” the man explained. “I'm not really going to be asking him to let me sail his yacht.”
“Knowing that he has a yacht is good. You could always tell him that all your sailing has been done in a sloop. There's a big difference in the two. Besides he'll have all kinds of technology gadgets to help with the sailing. Most importantly a GPS and a radio.” Molly was trying to help with this information.
“Alright,” Molly sighed as she said this, “I have an opening this afternoon for a weekend training. We can start in an hour, and if you can remember the names of all the important parts of the boat, you might just have him fooled. I'll be taking you out on a sloop, so you know what I'm talking about. Will that work for you?”
Suddenly the man's tone changed to excited, “That would be wonderful! So we start in an hour?”
“Yes, you'll have just enough time for some light lunch. Don't eat too much in case you get seasick,” Molly chuckled. “Oh, and we need to settle payment.”
“It's okay, I'll pay extra if need be just for you taking me this weekend. I don't care how much it costs if this helps me get the promotion,” the man was almost dancing in his excitement at this point.
Molly explained that the standard rate for a weekend training was two hundred euros, and the man agreed and made his payment before heading off for lunch agreeing to meet back at the Sail Shop in an hour.
Molly had been booked up for sailing lessons during most of the summer. Tourist and vacationers came to Kilmore Quay to get away from the city and spend time at the beach and relax. The Quay was a sleepy little place that lacked the hurry and rush of the bigger cities and many of the cottages were rented up full every summer. Some visitors just sat by the water and enjoyed the view, some took boat trips out to the Saltee Islands to view the many species of birds, some came for fishing trips, and some just sat outside enjoying the atmosphere that Kilmore Quay had to offer. Come dinner time the local restaurants would be packed serving the day's catch, as fresh as it could be. The area had tons to offer with sailing lessons and diving among the choices.
Molly set her lessons mostly as weekly rates where she would take someone out for three hours of training and experience four days a week on Monday through Thursday. On the weekends, she would take people out for the three days and they would have more of a feel for sailing than actually be able to sail. This meant for the most part Molly didn't have any days off. With this kind of schedule she could do two lessons a day during the week, and two a day on weekends. She always explained to her students that one week of lessons would not qualify them for the open sea, but they would be able to sail around a harbour. Safety was always her first concern.
With the two three hour sessions, Molly was able to keep the Sail Shop open when she was not out training. Since the town was so small, all she did was leave a note on the shop door that she was out training and when she would be back. This had worked for many years as she never had any complaints.
When she arrived back from a morning training session at noon with a student on this particular Friday afternoon she found a disgruntled customer sitting outside the Sail Shop.
“Where have you been? I've been waiting for hours.” the disgruntled man complained.
Molly immediately became defensive as she hated this impulsive tone. “Did you see the note on the door? Do you have an appointment for a lesson? Do you need something for your boat?”
Molly was organized enough to know that she had not scheduled a lesson for that afternoon and was puzzled with this man's attitude.
“No, I don't have a lesson, but there should be someone here to help. I did see the note, but it made no sense. You don't close up just because you're out sailing!” he retorted.
“So what is it you want?” Molly was trying to stay calm.
“Sailing lessons, I need sailing lessons and I need them right away. I hear you are the best around, so I came here,” he explained.
At this point Molly was annoyed at his demands and general attitude. Obviously this city dweller had no manners and had come to expect that he would get everything he wanted when he demanded it. This would not happen with Molly.
“Look, you do realize this is the busy summer season and I'm booked full through the middle of September. You can always try the Wexford Yacht Club up the coast some. I'm sure they have some openings this summer. Although they are a bit more pricey.” Molly was trying to extricate this person from her shop. She really didn't want to have anything to do with him.
“No, no, I heard you are the best. I need to learn this weekend. Don't you have an opening?” Now it seemed like he was pleading.
Molly knew she had this afternoon open, but was hesitant to offer it to this stranger. He was so annoying with his attitude and demanding tone, too.
“Okay, first let's chat a bit about this big rush to learn to sail. You don't seem like the seafaring type to me. And not the usual vacationer just wanting to learn something new. What's the big rush?” Molly was trying to get to the heart of this.
The man looked down to the ground as if it could talk for him. “It's my boss. I'm up for a promotion and he's taking me sailing next week. I guess I alluded to him that I knew how to sail and since he's an expert he thought it would be a great way to see if we would work well together. But I've never been sailing a day in my life. The most I've done is taken the ferry across to Holyhead, and there's no sails on a ferry. He just sprung this on me yesterday, so I'm desperate to learn and quickly.”
Molly understood the implication of this man's situation. Many a hire or promotion could be conducted outside of an office. It could have been in a pub, fancy restaurant, or in this case, out on the open sea. She actually felt sorry for this man. He put himself in a tenuous position and now he was trying to fix it fast.
“I can't train you to be an expert sailor in one weekend,” she explained. “But I might be able to give you enough knowledge to pass yourself off as having some sailing experience.”
“Anything would be helpful at this point. He just needs to know that I know how to sail,” the man explained. “I'm not really going to be asking him to let me sail his yacht.”
“Knowing that he has a yacht is good. You could always tell him that all your sailing has been done in a sloop. There's a big difference in the two. Besides he'll have all kinds of technology gadgets to help with the sailing. Most importantly a GPS and a radio.” Molly was trying to help with this information.
“Alright,” Molly sighed as she said this, “I have an opening this afternoon for a weekend training. We can start in an hour, and if you can remember the names of all the important parts of the boat, you might just have him fooled. I'll be taking you out on a sloop, so you know what I'm talking about. Will that work for you?”
Suddenly the man's tone changed to excited, “That would be wonderful! So we start in an hour?”
“Yes, you'll have just enough time for some light lunch. Don't eat too much in case you get seasick,” Molly chuckled. “Oh, and we need to settle payment.”
“It's okay, I'll pay extra if need be just for you taking me this weekend. I don't care how much it costs if this helps me get the promotion,” the man was almost dancing in his excitement at this point.
Molly explained that the standard rate for a weekend training was two hundred euros, and the man agreed and made his payment before heading off for lunch agreeing to meet back at the Sail Shop in an hour.
Monday, February 13, 2012
The Quay - 30 years earlier
30 years earlier...
Callahan's Sail shop was well known in Kilmore Quay. Pete Callahan had been an All Ireland Sailing Champion through the junior and senior competition, so it was only natural that when he retired from competition that he opened a sailing business. Mostly he took tourists out sailing and on occasion he taught sailing lessons. Along the way one of his students was a beautiful lass his own age. She took to the sea like a natural and over time made regular visits to Kilmore and Pete's shop.
Eventually Pete and Kara started dating and after about a year, they became engaged and got married. Together they ran the successful sail shop with both taking out tourists and giving lessons. That was until Kara became pregnant with their first child, Molly.
Molly grew up on the water with her mother and father, and eventually took over the business when they decided to retire and turn the business over to her. She lived to be out on the water and even when times were slow she would take a small boat out and sail around the Saltee Islands to listen to all the birds. She never did enter any sailing competitions like her father, even though she was encouraged to do so, but always had in her mind that she would make a long distance sail at some point in her life.
Molly was so focused on the business she rarely had time for relationships. Oh, she had friends and would visit the local pub and spend some weekend evenings, or rainy winter days out of the water, but come a good day to sail, Molly could be found setting out with a customer, or on her own.
Everyone in Kilmore knew about Molly. She was a striking lass. Tall and lean like her father, with the long dark hair like her mother and lightly tanned skin from being out in the sun so much. She was very careful to protect her skin as her father had to be treated several times for skin cancers that popped up as a result or not protecting himself. Anyone in town could distinguish her sailing out on the water and point her out. And they did this as a compliment to any tourists who asked about sailing lessons.
Molly was happy with her life at the time. She had all she needed. The Sailing shop was busy enough to provide a decent income and she had plenty of time on the water between sailing classes and down time when she could sail to her heart's delight. Parties with friends and family, and an occasional date when a friend would try and fix her up with a potential husband. So far none of these dates ever worked out as most of the lads she dated didn't have much of an interest in sailing or know enough about it to keep her interested.
After a while her friends gave up and just invited her over to dinner once in a while. Molly kept herself busy in the shop and visiting her parents. It was one summer when things were a little quiet down on the harbour that all this changed.
Callahan's Sail shop was well known in Kilmore Quay. Pete Callahan had been an All Ireland Sailing Champion through the junior and senior competition, so it was only natural that when he retired from competition that he opened a sailing business. Mostly he took tourists out sailing and on occasion he taught sailing lessons. Along the way one of his students was a beautiful lass his own age. She took to the sea like a natural and over time made regular visits to Kilmore and Pete's shop.
Eventually Pete and Kara started dating and after about a year, they became engaged and got married. Together they ran the successful sail shop with both taking out tourists and giving lessons. That was until Kara became pregnant with their first child, Molly.
Molly grew up on the water with her mother and father, and eventually took over the business when they decided to retire and turn the business over to her. She lived to be out on the water and even when times were slow she would take a small boat out and sail around the Saltee Islands to listen to all the birds. She never did enter any sailing competitions like her father, even though she was encouraged to do so, but always had in her mind that she would make a long distance sail at some point in her life.
Molly was so focused on the business she rarely had time for relationships. Oh, she had friends and would visit the local pub and spend some weekend evenings, or rainy winter days out of the water, but come a good day to sail, Molly could be found setting out with a customer, or on her own.
Everyone in Kilmore knew about Molly. She was a striking lass. Tall and lean like her father, with the long dark hair like her mother and lightly tanned skin from being out in the sun so much. She was very careful to protect her skin as her father had to be treated several times for skin cancers that popped up as a result or not protecting himself. Anyone in town could distinguish her sailing out on the water and point her out. And they did this as a compliment to any tourists who asked about sailing lessons.
Molly was happy with her life at the time. She had all she needed. The Sailing shop was busy enough to provide a decent income and she had plenty of time on the water between sailing classes and down time when she could sail to her heart's delight. Parties with friends and family, and an occasional date when a friend would try and fix her up with a potential husband. So far none of these dates ever worked out as most of the lads she dated didn't have much of an interest in sailing or know enough about it to keep her interested.
After a while her friends gave up and just invited her over to dinner once in a while. Molly kept herself busy in the shop and visiting her parents. It was one summer when things were a little quiet down on the harbour that all this changed.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
The Quay
Summer, 2009
The cool breeze blew in off the quay rustling the sheer curtains of the open windows. Summer was beautiful here along the water. She would not live anywhere else. The water was part of who she was, and would always be. Where she was born, and where she grew up.
The beaches were pristine and just a short walk down the path from the whitewashed cottages. In the morning the gulls created the morning music as the fishing boats returned to the harbour with their catch of the day.
The years had passed by quickly and this once vibrant lifestyle had become a solitary choice for her. Quiet days turned into years. Life became a pause before more quite lonely times. She didn't mind, as long as she could hear the lull of the water and smell the fresh ocean air.
As she sat listening to the call of the gull, there was a knock at the door. Little did she know how answering the door would change her life once again....
The cool breeze blew in off the quay rustling the sheer curtains of the open windows. Summer was beautiful here along the water. She would not live anywhere else. The water was part of who she was, and would always be. Where she was born, and where she grew up.
The beaches were pristine and just a short walk down the path from the whitewashed cottages. In the morning the gulls created the morning music as the fishing boats returned to the harbour with their catch of the day.
The years had passed by quickly and this once vibrant lifestyle had become a solitary choice for her. Quiet days turned into years. Life became a pause before more quite lonely times. She didn't mind, as long as she could hear the lull of the water and smell the fresh ocean air.
As she sat listening to the call of the gull, there was a knock at the door. Little did she know how answering the door would change her life once again....
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