Page 2 of Whispering Waves

“Oh, that’s good. We are going to get you certified in scuba in the first few days.”

“We?”

“Oh, sure. You are a group project. The guys have been in the background of all of our video chats.”

“Was everyone not wearing a shirt?”

“Of course. Who needs one?”

“I do. I don’t want my clothing taking a walk. So, I just cook and run supplies?”

“Yeah. That buys you a bed and some of the food you are making.”

“Nice. All I need. Don’t even need a bed. Good with the floor.”

“That’s different.”

“Yeah, so is having to listen to ocean sounds to get sleep. The world turns, and times change.”

“So, that wasn’t a joke?”

“Nope. I have different headsets and earbuds and a bunch of USB cables that let me keep everything charged with my phone.” She chuckled. “My tech is half my backpack and all in plastic baggies for safety.”

“Weirdo.”

“And yet... still your sister.”

“Yeah. That was just bad judgment on Mom and Dad’s part.”

Nina laughed, and they continued to the whale-watching station. It was connected to a stone outcropping attached to a small island. “What’s over there?”

“The guy who owns the islands. This all is private property. He lets us shelter if there are particularly bad storms.”

“Wow. How did he buy all that stuff?”

“Money would be my guess. Don’t get any ideas about snooping. If we cross the edge of the outcropping, he has the right to revoke our access. So, serious stuff.”

“Got it. Keep myself to myself.”

“Yup.”

They glided to the station, and she was boosted onto the ladder. She muttered, “They couldn’t build anything for betas?”

“Nope, you are short, weak, and useless.”

She got to the top, and he climbed up with ease. “Jerk.”

He laughed and put an arm around her while they walked to the building.

She listened to the beat of the water on stones and got sleepy.

Drake laughed. “You weren’t kidding. Are you behind on sleep?”

“I have been travelling for a few days. I am wiped out.”

“Damn. I am on the hook for dinner today.”

She elbowed him. “I can help. What do you guys normally eat?”

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