Page 28 of Marriage is a Shore Thing
Haven’t I learned time and again that everyone lies—especiallymen.
“Let’s finish up,” Van says, licking sauce off his fingers even though his eyes continue crying on their own. “We’ve still got to get kitty litter, pineapple, and fake wedding rings.”
My appetite vanishes at the reminder of buying rings, but Van keeps chatting like he’s discussing the weather.
“I’d also like to take a dip in the ocean. I’ve never swam in it before. Can you believe that, before today, I’d never even seen it? What a sheltered bumpkin I am.”
It’s bait, but I don’t take it. Words of caution about rip tides, undercurrents, and wave strength bounce around my mind instead. Also, sunscreen. Van’s skin isn’t as naturally tanned as mine. He looks like he could burn in ten minutes. In fact, he should be the one in the shade right now. I make a mental note to pick up three bottles of SPF 70 at the store.
Van uses the napkins to clean his face, tidily putting his box and the dirty napkins back in the to-go bag. “I’ll start on chores a bit later so the house doesn’t heat up while I fix the door. The seed would do better if I spread and water it this evening as well.”
I don’t say anything as I stand up with my half-eaten box of wings or when Van stops to pet a golden labrador and chat up his owner. I don’t even snap at him as he hums a melody when I leave my playlist off once we’re back on the road.
All I think about is that, when Van goes to the beach later, against my better judgment, I know I’ll go with him.
eleven
Van
“It’s okay, mister. The mermaids ain’t gonna get you today.” A young girl with a tumble of blonde curls stops beside me.
I’ve been stalled on the damp, packed sand, transfixed by the dolphins swimming down the coast.
The corner of my mouth quirks as I glance down. The girl’s focus isn’t on me, though. It’s out at sea, surveying the waves as she shades her eyes with purple-painted nails. She can’t be more than eight—nine, tops.
“What do you mean the mermaids will get me?”
“If they’re swimming, you have to stay outta the water.” Her blue eyes meet mine, not a drop of mirth in them.
“Why?”
“Cuz they’ll drag you to a watery death.”
I want to snort a laugh at her deadpan delivery, but I manage to keep my expression even. “That’s a little dark, isn’t it?”
The girl settles her hands over the hips of her shiny, fish scale-patterned one piece, her eyes narrowing. “Not if it saves your life. You want to stay alive, don’t ya?”
“Lily, quit bothering him.” A woman who looks like the grown-up version of my quirky little companion jogs up to us, carrying a two-year-old boy.
“Sorry,” she says with an exasperated chuckle, brushing away blonde curls tossed wayward by the strong sea breeze. “Stranger danger is a foreign concept for this one since she already knows everyone on the island. I’m Nicole.” The woman extends a hand. “You must be Van. I couldn’t get a sitter to attend the party last night, but I heard it was a fun evening.”
“Nice to meet you,” I say, smiling as Lily bounds into the water like she’s part fish. “What’s this talk about mermaids?”
“Oh.” Nicole laughs again. It’s a light sound bouncing over the rushing of the waves. “It’s something islanders tell their kids when riptides are present.” She pauses, considering. “Do you know what a rip current looks like? No offense, but since you’re a…um…”
“Mainlander?” I offer with a chuckle.
Her smile is a bit bashful. “Yeah. Hopefully, people aren’t giving you too hard of a time. We’re trying to turn a leaf around here, but old habits die hard.”
“Actually, it’s been—”
“Hey, snugglebear. I’m ready to get into the water if you are.” Geneva’s fingers grip my bicep as she sends the fakest smile I’ve ever seen toward Nicole. “Sorry to steal him away, but it’s technically our honeymoon staycation,” she stage-whispers with a wink.
Snugglebear?And Geneva winks at people? What in the—
“Oh, of course.” Nicole smiles at us both before wadding into the water after her daughter. “No better place for it.”
Geneva drags me twenty feet down the beach before letting go. “You’re welcome.”
