My Journal
By Harriman Nelson
52
It was in the wee hours when Lee’s call interrupted my sleep.
Frankly, I was a little surprised he’d actually do what I’d asked.
“We’re here,” Lee said, “the Acharavi Beach Hotel in Corfu. It’s really
nice. Joe and I will enjoy the beach early tomorrow, have breakfast and
lunch with the group, but then we’re going to rent a sailboat. I plan
on sailing to Santorini
Island and meet Melina. She lives there now. We’ll miss Athens, but frankly I’m
getting a bit bored with ancient statuary. So, are you on your way to Spain,
now?”
“Actually,” I yawned, “we’re waiting for the paint to dry. The
base let us use their dry dock."
“Good. I didn’t like the idea of her scratches open to the sea
water.”
“Same here, but,” I hesitated, “I have to tell you that the crew’s
a little upset with me. I chose Navy Gray.”
“All our subs are Navy Gray. I don’t understand.”
“The base had other assorted lead based colors. Black, green...”
“Green? Yeech.”
“And...red.”
“Red?” he asked, wistfully.
“’Fraid so. Most of the crew’s been giving me the silent treatment
for not choosing it.”
“Can’t say I blame them. She’d look awesome red, Harry....”
“She’d look ridiculous! But the crew thinks I should have chosen
red for you. For some strange reason, they want to please you.”
“Want me to talk to them? Even if I think you're wrong not to choose red?”
“No. I don’t think a scolding would do any good. They’d just shake
their heads and feel even more sorry for you in that you had to back up the old
man....so did you have a good train and ferry ride?”
“Not really. Would you believe I got seasick on the train?
The other trains didn’t wobble like that one did. I had to lie to Mrs. P. and
convince her it was indigestion. I was a bit nauseous
on the ferry too. So was Joe. So at least I had company.”
“Have you already been in touch with Miss Gounaris about your plans?"
“Well, we've kept in touch. Letters, Christmas Cards, but my visit will be a surprise. It’ll
be okay, I’m sure.”
“Well, when you rent your sailboat, make sure you register your
sailing plan with the Greek Coast Guard.”
“Yes, mother.”
“I’m only making sure we can get in touch with you if there’s an
emergency.”
“Now, why don’t I quite believe that....”
“Experience, probably,” I laughed.
“Well, I’d better let you get back to bed. Sorry I had to wake you
up but I was torn between the devil and the deep blue see, damned if I didn’t
call, damned if did.”
“I’m glad you called, even this late. By the way, we had Grilled
Cheese Sandwiches for lunch yesterday.”
“Oh, that sounds good...I’m getting a bit tired of all this
Mediterranean cuisine.”
“Well, more of it to come, but when you get to Portugal and Spain,
there will be a definite difference.”
“I’ll look forward to it.”
“Well, goodnight Lee, happy sailing.”
“You, too. And tell Seaview that I’m still hoping to change your
mind about the red paint someday.”
“You can tell her yourself when we meet offshore Spain. ‘Nite.”
I’m glad he took the news so well. My fear is that one day he’ll
wear me down so much that I’ll cave in and let him have his
red boat.
Of course, he’d have to be in command first. No way Chip would
command a scarlet lady.
