We Must Set Sail at Once

It was a cold but sunny day. The brisk air reminding me to button my jacket. I watched as the bus moved closer to my stop. I looked down at my watch and realized I was early. I thought about stopping at Alex's Cavern for a cappuccino, it would be so good to see Tony before I went ahead to my interview. I felt nervous but also eager to get this over with. It was more than just a job, it was a dream. I could possibly be on my way to working for one of the most sought-after photographers of our time, Allen McGregory. As the bus pulled in, I let the elderly woman who stood by me on first. I then followed, thankful, for a warm seat next to the window. The ride seemed longer than usual, but it gave me an opportunity to review my approach. I never had a difficult time making a good first impression, my warmth and sincerity always came through. Finally, my stop, I got off the bus and crossed over the park to the shop.

Tony was a sweet older man, who always wore a red sox baseball cap. He took over the Cavern a few years back and was the first person I met when I moved to Boston. He became like a surrogate father to me. I'd have dinner their every night and he would always have time to sit with me and offer his many clever stories. They may have been repeated every now and then, but I welcomed the feeling of family. I went in to sit at the counter. Tony came over and placed the cup of coffee down. It was the best feeling to have someone know you, welcome you and really see you. "What's up Kel", he asked from behind the bar. "I'm on my way to the biggest interview of my life, Tony" I replied. "Hmmmm, interview huh, not that crazy photographer you mentioned last week?" Tony asked. "I know, I know, it doesn't pay much, but the opportunity will be well worth the aggravation". Allen McGregory had a reputation. One of the greatest photographers of all time, was also one of the most eccentric. "Listen carefully to me Kelly. Please. I have 3 daughters and you remind me of when they were your age. You're young and you have an innocence about you. I don't want to see you hurt." Tony showing his concern for me really tugged at my heart. "ahhh, I love you Tony. I will be extra careful and I'll even come by later to let you know how it all went". I got the impression from Tony's eyes, that's definitely not what he wanted to hear. "O.k. Kelly, you're also as stubborn as my girls, so I'll have to be satisfied with that , I suppose" . I hated leaving Tony like that, but I knew, there's some things you have to find out for yourself. I took the last sip and pushed the cup forward. Tony became busy with another customer and I saw it as my chance not to talk about this any further. "Bye Tony, I'll see you later" and before he could turn around, I was gone.

Finally, I arrived at the address I had been given. There he stood. Incredibly handsome, almost too handsome if you know what I mean. He had movie star looks, beautiful broad shoulders and nearly knocked me over with his dashing smile. "Well, you must be Kelly Marino, the lass who is willing to be taught." Mr. McGregory was holding a very expensive camera, which he quickly put down to take my hand. I tried my best to look confident, but to be honest, couldn't help but tremble at the thought of touching his hand. "Hello Mr. McGregory, I hope I'm not too early." I stammered. "You are even more beautiful than I was told." He seemed to be whispering these words. I suddenly became aware that we were alone, this quickly became eerily uncomfortable and made an instant decision that Tony definitely knew what he was talking about. All of the sudden Mr. McGregory grabbed my wrists. Instantly, his movie star looks evaporated into thin air. "Umm sir, you're hurting me" I whimpered. "Nonsense, you can't be that fragile, I'll be needing you to bored the ship at once, we set sail at midnight" he shouted. Set sail at midnight??? What the hell was this crackpot spouting? I immediately ripped my hands from his grip. I turned, to grab the door, but dared to catch one more glimpse of this psycho photographer. He seemed to be in a dream-like state and began to sit on the cement floor. Why hadn't I noticed when I walked in?? There were miniature pirate ships, old peeling steel anchors leaning against the wall and a life-size poster of Johnny Depp perched to cover the huge bare window. Oh my, this was beyond eccentric, this was sheer madness. He was one of those Pirates of the Caribbean fanatics!!! I've heard these people existed and were growing at an alarming rate but to actually witness the insanity of it was incredibly traumatic. I finally snapped back into reality and mad a dash for the stairs. I would have quite a story to tell Tony, but would I dare?? Hmmmm, I wonder if Tony could use a dishwasher??