Page 24 of Alice & Meg: Summer Vacation
Ten minutes later, we pulled into the duck boat parking area.Around ten other riders milled about, most families or groups of friends.Then it rolled into view, an actual WWII-era DUKW, green and white, with massive wheels and boat-like frames poking out from underneath.Pride-filled banners readFun!Adventure!On Land and Water.
I had done this ride before, but even with my familiarity, it still felt magical, especially surrounded by everyone who hadn’t ridden before.
Alice bumped my shoulder.“Are we all set, Meg?”
I nodded and scanned for Wendy, Cyn, Reva, Raven, Adley, and Greta, who were already gathering at the base of the ramp.We headed down to get in line with them.
A college kid with a huge smile and headset welcomed us aboard.“My name is Chet, and you guys can pick a seat wherever you want.”
Alice stepped forward.“Are we going to get wet?”
Chet shrugged like he was indecisive on a brand of soda.“Depends where you sit.”
Alice’s eyebrows slapped together.“Where’s best if I don’t want to get wet?”
He shrugged.“Back is safest.Frontmightbe okay, middle’s decent too.”
She huffed.“That doesn’t help me.”
Chet chuckled.“Sit anywhere.I promise to give you the ride of your life.”
Wrecker emerged behind her and draped his arm around her waist.“I already gave her that this morning, kid.”He kissed her neck.“Sit back there, babe.”
Chet’s cheeks flushed.He stepped aside like a timid boy brought back to earth by the big ol’ biker.Alice shot Wrecker a smirk and walked to the rear bench along with the rest of us.
“Wrecker,” Alice grunted from her seat, “why the caveman act with that poor kid?”
He grunted and pulled her close.“He was hitting on you, babe.”
Alice rolled her eyes.“I could be his mother.”
Hero, who sat in front of them, snorted.“Yeah, hewashitting on you.”
“I am old,” Alice declared.
Lo slid his hand onto my thigh.
“Claiming me in case the driver makes a move?”I asked teasingly.
Lo chuckled.“I saw him eyeing your ass, babe.”
I glanced back and forth between Lo and Wrecker.“You guys are losing your minds.That little boy is not interested in Alice and me.”
Clash butted in.“Sugar mama alert.He knows just between you two, he’d be set for life.”
I scoffed.“You guys are extra.”
When everyone had boarded, our group, plus about ten others, prompted Chet to climb into the driver’s seat with a mic.“Welcome aboard, folks!I’m Chet, yourOriginal Wisconsin Ducksdriver today.Buckle up!Land and water, all in one hour.Let’s have the best ride of your life!”
Wrecker muttered loudly.“Already happened today.”
Alice flushed pink and leaned into him.
Adley frowned.“Wait, Mom said you swam this morning?”
Alice shrugged.“We did.”
Hero gasped dramatically.“You did it in thepool?!”
