Page 7 of Something Real with the Sea Monster
“Good. Different is good. Really good. Besides, I’ve missed you guys. It will be good to have a reason to stick around for a while.”
“Aww, I missed you too.” We’re both tearing up, and I catch Luke’s fond smile in the rearview mirror as we hug and wipe at wet eyes.
“It’ll be good to have you around,” Luke chips in. “You can help Mia decide on her design for the nursery. She’s spent two weeks going back and forth between yellow and green.”
My eyes widen, and I squeeze Mia’s hand. “Then does this mean…?”
She gives me a huge grin as she nods. “I was waiting until you got here to tell you. We haven’t told anyone yet. I got so nervous that something would go wrong, but I’m pregnant!”
Now we really are crying and squealing and clutching each other’s hands. “Oh my god, you guys. I feel like this is a sign. I was definitely meant to come visit. Good things are on the horizon. I just feel it.”“Me too.” Mia smiles at me. “Maybe Kraken Cove will heal your broken heart too.”
I nod. “I certainly hope so. Even if I don’t find my own hot kraken.”
I can’t help that my mind darts back to Luke’s very hot older brother, but it’s only fleeting. I’m sure Jack has a lovely girlfriend, and even if he doesn’t, I’m not doing that right now. I’m officially on a break from men and monsters and everything but self-care and self-improvement. I’m in myfind myselfera and it’s time to focus on me for a change.
I’m feeling almost optimistic when we get back to Luke and Mia’s. So much so that I send a message to my mother who I avoid like the plague unless I’m on top of the world.
Tegan: hey, Mom. Things weren’t working out for me at my job so I’m taking some time off and staying in Kraken Cove with Mia. No need to worry. I’m already applying for new jobs.
It’s not technically true, but I had a tip off that my dream job at Stratos Group might be advertised soon, so I have a good feeling.
The good feeling is a little withered by morning when I still don’t have a reply from Mom.
FOUR
Jack
I’m still thinking about Tegan after she leaves with Luke and Mia. Being around Mia’s pretty friend all day every day might be more temptation that I can handle right now. It’s sure as fuck more temptation than I’ve faced in a long time.
Tegan is exactly the kind of girl who could be like kryptonite to me. Self-assured, outspoken, stunningly gorgeous, funny. I mentally check myself before I write a whole list. I can’t do that. Because I made myself a promise years ago after my one andonly failed relationship left me broken hearted: unless she’s my fated mate, I’m not going there.
But I sure could use the help at the Inlet Views.
I’m still thinking about it when I lock up and get ready to head underwater for the night. Grabbing my phone from its spot on the kitchen counter, I text Luke.
Jack: do you think Tegan was serious about wanting the job? Do you know much about her? Would she be any good?
I’m debating whether I should wait around for an answer or just check in the morning when Luke’s reply pops up.
Luke: Well, I don’t know Tegan all that well, but I do know she doesn’t say stuff she doesn’t mean. She’s a straight shooter. As for whether or not she’d be any good, you’re better off asking Mia.
Jack: thanks
I tap the phone against my lip, thinking. Like I said to Tegan, it would only be temporary.
She’s only in town for a while, and I’m sure I can keep things professional. After all, it seems like she’s not even thinking about dating right now, and it’s probably the last thing on her mind. Even if she was, she wouldn’t pick me. I should be glad about that. Instead, I can’t help the way my thoughts wander to what if? What would it feel like to find my fated mate like my younger brothers have? Will I ever find her? What if the pull I feel to Tegan is my first sign that I just might have found her?
Dangerous thoughts. That’s the trouble with life in a small town. Every new face is exciting. Every time a new guest walks in the door, I catch myself wondering. That’s all this is.
I wish there was a better cure for my loneliness than another date with online porn and my own hand.
I put my phone on charge and change, ready to shift. As soon as I feel the water on my skin, I sigh, bubbles floating to the surface of the water.
I must be really tired tonight because, for a moment, the purple of my tentacles looks different from its normal color. More vibrant.
Dismissing the thought, I drift through the inlet, unable to settle. The mangroves are in good condition these days. Ever since the council put down the boardwalk and started replanting the trees, the wildlife has started to return to this area. Not just gulls either. A startled heron squawks and flaps its wings as I surface a few meters from where she’s roosting on the low branch of a mangrove tree.
Hardly any rubbish today. I find only a single flip flop wedged into the sand and a plastic bottle floating in the water. Whereas in the past I’ve filled bags and bags, which I had to haul to shore. I like to think we can keep it that way, but it’ll take the whole community making the effort.
