Page 10 of Mail Order Splash

“What of it? I have to keep up with the times. Even if I don’t post on social media I’m at least on there and you are avoiding the point about all the social media posts of yours.”

“Not by me, you don’t. I never post on there, either. The guys do plenty of it.”

“Come on, I see you smiling at the camera.”

“Of course I do. What would you rather I do?” I laughed when she began bouncing around me. “You know, Murph, you should be on social media more. Maybe you’d find a man.”

“Don’t start that like the others. I thought you’d be the one to believe me when I say I’m not looking.”

“Don’t wait too long.” I held my hands up in surrender. “I’m just saying it because I care.”

“I know. Now dance, boy, I’m getting bored again.” She went further onto the floor, calling for me.

We danced for another hour. Several girls came and joined us, along with Eli moments behind them as he was always wherever the girls were. Murphy continued dragging more people onto the floor with us until the band announced last call.

“No, we’re not done yet.” She booed. “Dalt, is your yacht here still?”

“Yeah, I’m staying on it like I always do.”

“Why didn’t you get a place yet?”

“Because I have my yacht, therefore I have the best water views and I don’t have to be in some condo.”

“Don’t you get sick of being on the water?”

“Not at all. I’m not sure I’d be able to sleep if I didn’t hear or feel it. Why don’t you come stay with me? Or, let’s take a trip over to the Gulf.”

“Maybe in a few weeks. I have too many meetings coming up.”

“I’m gonna hold you to that. I’m calling you tomorrow to set a date.”

“Dalton, if you can bring yourself to leave that dance floor, I want you to come meet Dr. Garcia before he leaves.” Aunt Victoria urged me over to her. “He said he’s leaving shortly.”

“Sure.” I shrugged to Murphy and followed my aunt.

As we approached, he appeared to be telling a funny story about his travels and being afraid to cross a canyon on a swinging bridge. The story was animated and terrifying at the same time. As I stood listening, he went on to explain how he became very claustrophobic, then shared a video of himself crouched down, almost crawling, across the bridge.

“Victoria, I wondered where you went.” He put his hand out to shake mine once he noticed our arrival. “You must be Victoria’s nephew, Dalton.”

“One and the same. I understand you know of dolphins and other sea life.”

“I do, I like them the most. You see, they are easier to get along with than human patients.” He smiled. “Victoria mentioned you enjoyed helping with a dolphin rescue today.”

“Yes, I was out on jet skis when we came up on them. We jumped in to help.”

“Brave of you to go into the ocean that far out. I would have done the same, though.” He nodded to people saying goodbye. “I don’t know if the dolphin you helped is the one I met today.”

“It would almost have to be. I mean, how many get rescued daily?” I joked.

“Sadly, too many. There are also turtles and manatees. The intracoastal is tough on the manatees.”

“I see the signs posted but would have to admit I’ve never seen one in person.”

“I would imagine they get moving out of the way when a yacht is coming through.”

“Perhaps, but my yacht has all the technology, it sees what’s out there. I would be upset if we hurt anything.”

“I had no idea that was something. I like that.”

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