Page 80 of The Sea Witch's Son

No words except the ones I don’t dare say out loud.

He looks like mine.

Chapter 27

MARLIN

Sebastian takes the lead during the team meeting.

“I am pleased to announce all the rookies were able to compete at the time trials last week. Welcome to the team, boys.”

Cheers break out as teammates jostle each other. It’s amusing, watching grown men celebrate the smallest of victories, but I suppose that’s what happens when your ambition goes no higher than the closest ceiling.

“Lots of best times were hit in the time trials, setting an exciting scope for the season ahead.” Sebastian glances over at me, “Would you like to discuss the upcoming meet?”

“Of course.” Stepping forward, I take over, letting my mouth spew information no one cares to know.

By the time I make it through the housekeeping, I’ve spotted the one person I was hoping to see this evening.

“And to finish off, I would like to congratulate Finley Reef for his outstanding performance last Friday.”

A stunned silence falls upon the crowd. Sebastian looks over in surprise and I offer the crowd a humble smile.

“Finley completed his rookie challenge withgreatdifficulty, and I am pleased to see such remarkable persistence bleeds into other facets of his life as well.”

Pausing, I capture the shrewd gaze at the back of the crowd, “Here’s to the rookies who know the difference between a race lost and a challenge won.”

Sebastian coughs a laugh into his hand. The rest of the team starts to clap slowly, as if they too are unsure of the rookie’s success.

Finley glowers at me from the back row. His disgruntled expression does nothing except lighten my mood. He waits until the rest of the team trickles out of the room before marching up to me.

“Was that really necessary?”

“Which part? The one where I congratulated you or insinuated you have an enviable drive?" A smirk tugs my lips, "It’s such a shame that last race was over so quickly.”

His choppy brows pinch furiously, “I know what you’re doing.”

“And what is that, exactly?”

“Trying to turn the team against me. Make me seem like a bigger competitor than I actually am.”

“If my words are enough to sway the team’s favour then perhaps you should be looking for better ways to spend your time.” I sigh heavily, “Clearly it is being used inways that are negatively impacting your influence with the team.”

His shoulders stiffen under a hideous blue and yellow dress shirt.

“I’ve attended every practice just like everyone else.”

“And yet you found the time to go behind my back and take Melody out on a date.” I shake my head solemnly, “After I specifically told you to stay away.”

Finley’s cheeks flush an alarming shade of pink, not unlike what you would expect from a sunburnt guppy.

“I avoided her the entire week leading up to the time trials.”

“But that’s not what I asked you to do, now is it? You were not to look in her direction for theentiresemester. Not just seven days.”

His brown eyes spark, “You can’t stipulate ridiculous orders and expect people to follow them.”

“As team captain, I’m afraid that’s exactly what I can do.”

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