Geoducks Are for Lovers Read Online Free Page B

Ivar's Clam Bar before the next ferry loads. It's tradition to get a drink, a cup of chowder, or soft serve ice cream at Ivar’s, depending on the time of day and the ferry wait. Today might be both a cocktail and ice cream day given Quinn’s revelation about the unexpected guest.
    Quinn excuses himself to the bathroom, leaving her at the bar with her thoughts. She stares at the water and ferry dock, not seeing either as her mind and heart try to wrap themselves around his revelation.
    Gil's coming to the island.  
    Of all the friends in the group from college, Gil and Maggie have been the worst at keeping in touch. Neither one believes in Facebook, so they don't get the constant updates, snarky online cards, and pictures of children and pets of each other’s lives. Forced to rely on the old school methods of leading questions to mutual friends, vague and infrequent updates disappoint. Because Selah and Gil both live in Portland, she’s the best source of information. Selah’s the one who told Maggie Gil and Judith got divorced three years ago. She also told Gil when Maggie’s mom died and he sent a card. Maggie wonders if she should have sent a card when he got divorced. Do they make cards for divorces? She makes a mental note to ask Pam at Island Hallmark. She'd know. 
    Quinn comes back and eyes the shrimp in his Bloody Mary. 
    “Shrimp for your thoughts.” He waves the speared prawn at her.
    “Just wondering what it’ll be like to have everyone together again. It's been, what? Five years? Since we've all been together? I see you and Selah often, and Ben when he comes through Vancouver on business, but Lizzy’s funeral was the last time we were all together.”
    “So you haven’t seen Gil since he had the Judithectomy?”
    Maggie laughs. “Judithectomy? She wasn’t that bad.” 
    He gives her a look. “Yes she was and you know it.” 
    “Okay, okay. Judith was horrible. How did he ever marry her?”
    “Maybe she was a conciliation prize because the one he wanted got away.”
    “Ha! Well, at least he came to his senses.” She sighs. “Gil is coming.” The disbelief in her voice matches the look on her face.
    “You’re overthinking. We're going to have a blast. It will be like The Big Chill without Kevin Costner and with better music.”
    “Did you make your ‘Lost Youth’ playlist? Lots of Hole and music inspired by boys in flannel?”
    “I did. I also made an old skool with a ‘k’ Hip Hop mix. Cause we used to own that shit.”
    Maggie laughs at his statement. Quinn never owned Hip Hop back in the day. His long hair and hippie style in college earned him the nickname Aslan from The Narnia Chronicles .
    “Listen, Aslan, you were never going back to Cali, so don't even start. You were much more Bryan Ferry than LL Cool J.”
    “True. Remember Lizzy dragging us all on that road trip to see Bryan Ferry at the Greek in Berkeley?” That road trip was the beginning of her closest friendships.
    “I do. I found my old vinyl copy of Avalon the other night.” 
    “Maybe it’s a good sign. Happy memories then, happy times now.”
    She quirks an eyebrow at him. 
    “Hey, I know you’re freaking out about seeing Gil. I can see it and that poor napkin can feel it… what’s left of it.”
    She looks down at the shreds of what used to be a cocktail napkin. 
    “You’re both adults and old friends. Don't let the what-ifs of the past get in the way of enjoying this weekend. We could all use a little fun in our lives.”
    He's right. Quinn is her conscience—a pervy, gay, conscience.
    “Speaking of lives, how's Ryan? Still in the honeymoon phase?”
    “Dr. Gooding is dandy. Who would’ve thought I'd be the one to marry the dreamy dermatologist? I mean, did you ever think? Dr. and Mr.?”
    “I am happy for you, but there are plenty of women doctors out there—lots of doctors and their misters. However, I never thought we'd see the day we'd have Mr. and Mr. in this country.”
    “Right you