Page 21 of Beauty and the Beach

“You want to do charters?”

“I could do that. I’d rather contract with a couple of restaurants like this and provide their fish for them.”

“Sounds like hard work.”

Makoa shrugged. “So’s slinging luggage. At least, I’d be my own boss. Not that the kahunas at Palekaiko are ball busters. They’re not. Amelia is also my best friend. She’s married to Dude who is a co-owner.”

“Wait, a guy named Dude owns the resort?” Ana leaned back as the waitress put two huge plates in front of them. “This smells amazing.”

“With his brother, Marcus.”

"Is this the same dude with the yacht."

Makoa's mouth was full, so he just nodded.

They ate in silence for a few minutes. Makoa tried to remember his manners, but he was so hungry and the grindz was so ono. He leaned back to give himself a chance to digest.

“I can’t wait to meet them. They’re going to be at the wedding, right?”

Makoa nodded. “Yeah, I’m the best man.”

“When is it?”

“Next Monday because that’s our slowest day. We’re going to cordon off an area just for the wedding guests and party. But some of us will still be on duty.” Mako looked down at the table. “They don’t know you’re a mermaid.”

“Good,” she said around a mouthful of food. Swallowing, she patted her lips. “I’ve got to keep it a secret. Otherwise Don will kill me.”

Makoa straightened in his chair. “Literally?”

Ana blinked. “No, not literally. But he’ll be super mad.”

Grunting, Makoa eased back. He didn’t like that either, but it didn’t sound like Ana was in any danger. Still, Zarafina was seldom wrong and Makoa wanted to be prepared to protect her if the situation turned ugly. He wondered if Don had a trident.

“Will you be in too much pain from your legs,” he asked. He remembered reading somewhere that it was like walking on swords for mermaids when they used legs instead of their tailfin.

“I’ll wear flats.” Ana smiled.

“You have a bit of gravy on your cheek.” Makoa thought she looked adorable.

She scrubbed at it. “Better?”

He shrugged. “I like you no matter what you look like, whether you have legs or a tailfin.”

“Thanks.”

“Although I have to admit, not having the tail today was a great experience.”

Ana laughed. “I had a good time too.”

They spent the rest of the time they had enjoying dinner and then they held hands until her Uber showed up.

“You sure you’re going to be all right? This Don character bothers me,” Makoa said, walking her to the car.

“I’ll text you if something comes up.”

“Right.” He beamed down at his phone. They were connected now. As long as she didn’t swim out of cell range. “Call me when you can.”

She waved as the car pulled away.

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