Page 45 of We're One

“The most important part of fishing is how to tell the tales. It’s not about how many fish you catch, it’s about who has the greatest story,” Zach says.

Nikki gives him a huge grin. “Exactly! I’m going to make a great vlog about this entire adventure. From Sea to Table. Be ready to record when I get a fish hooked,” she tells me.

“I won’t fail you,” I promise. “This will be your best vlog ever.”

“I don’t want this day to end. This is the perfect life right here and now. No worries. Only good friends and the open sea,” Emily says.

“And hopefully some fish or we’re going to be starving when we get home. Your aunt Eileen says that when you fish you’re not allowed to eat anything else. It’s either feast or famine,” Jess says. “As soon as Nikki catches a fish, Sasha will have to fish so she can catch a bigger one because she doesn’t care but knows it will drive Nikki crazy.”

“That’s not true,” I say.

“It’s so true. Remember at the fair a few years ago when you two were here? You had a basketball competition and for some strange reason Nikki was totally off her game and kept missing. You only made two shots, but you beat her. She still gets mad over that one because you remind her all the time how lady beat the tramp, I mean how you beat the all-star,” Emily says.

“Oh, that was a good day indeed,” I say. “I might have to fish now just to gloat some more.” I give Nikki a cocky smile. She sends me a mock glare.

“I so didn’t lose. That was a carnival game and doesn’t count. You didn’t even own tennis shoes until high school,” she points out.

“Carnival games count,” I tell her. “I’m glad our friends are here to remind me of my great triumph. I played softball and was pretty good at it.”

“Once you got tennis shoes,” she says. “And I’m so not amused.” Nikki’s rod dips down and she squeals in delight as she begins reeling in her line.

I start recording as Nikki reels in a really big ling cod. She beams with excitement as she does a little dance, and I record it all. Her reaction isn’t for her vlog, she truly loves doing anything active like this, and when it involves food, it’s all the better. Her joy is one-hundred-percent real.

I decide I better put my rod in the water now. Nikki shoots me a look when I do, which makes me laugh. We continue fishing and Zach continues kissing me as we laugh, talk, tell stories, drink, and have an amazing day on the ocean.

When it’s time to come in, relief is on Nikki’s face, because she not only ends up with the biggest fish, but the most fish caught. Of course, that’s because she’s had her line in the water the whole time, while the rest of us mostly sunbathed. It doesn’t matter, though. We have plenty to do a fish fry and the day is only half over. I might not be able to leave Seaville this time. I’m loving it so much.

Our poles are all in the boat, when I lean over as we hit a small swell. Before I know what’s happening, I lose my balance and with a surprised yelp, topple over the side of the boat, quickly sinking below the water. I hear Zach shout out my name before I see a huge splash next to me as he comes to my rescue.

I reach the surface and take in a gasp of air as his arms wrap around me. I can’t help but laugh at the raw panic on his face. It takes me a moment to talk. In between giggles I assure him I’m okay, it’s only water and I’ve known how to swim since I was two.

“My parents weren’t raising me next to the ocean without teaching me how to swim. I even know how to get out of currents,” I assure him. He still looks worried, and his hand isn’t letting go of my side. I tread water as I stay in place.

“You scared the hell out of me,” he says, still looking like he’s about to launch me over the side of the boat to safety. The water is cool, but it feels good after being in the sun all afternoon. I want a few minutes in the water.

I lean back, then splash him. His shocked expression makes me do it again. “Since we’re in here, we might as well have a little fun.” He refuses to splash me back. I think he’s still worried I’m going to drown.

“The ocean’s dangerous. And no matter how much I tried to get you to wear the life jacket you’ve refused.” He sends a glare my way as I lie on my back and float for a while.

“You aren’t wearing one either,” I point out.

“I don’t need one.”

“Neither do I. In fact, I’d guarantee I’m a stronger swimmer than you. Plus, I’m so relaxed I can literally lie here and float for hours.”

“What if you hit your head?”

“I can ask you the same.” I’m not giving in.

If he could cross his arms right now, that’s exactly what he’d be doing. It’s funny, but I also love that he’s worried about me. It’s really nice actually. I’m sure I could out swim him. I’m not that good at sports, but maybe I was supposed to be born a mermaid because I can swim for hours on end.

I decide to quit stressing Zach out and move to the ladder on the boat. Callan comes over and gives me his hand, practically throwing me into the boat like a rag doll. Zach climbs in right behind me. Sasha hands us both towels.

“Did you two have fun?” she asks.

“That was refreshing. You should try it,” I say.

“Nope, I’m good. I’m not losing any toes to sharks,” Sasha informs us.

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