Page 14 of Sharkbait
“Are there any plans for her to be released back into the ocean?”
“We’re hopeful. But Mei-Mei has a lot of work to do here before that can happen.”
I place my palm to the glass again. Meilani lifts her flipper in response. A little laugh escapes me.
“Hah. It’s almost like we’re holding hands,” I say.
Dana tilts her head to the side. “Hmm.”
“Hmm what? What hmm?” I snap out of my sea lion-induced stupor.
“Kind of a crazy idea over here. I know you’ll be busy withthe touch pools and teaching classes for the kiddos, but maybe you’ll make a point to come up and spend time with Meilani when you can?”
“Wait. Are you serious?”
“Completely serious, yes. You interned with the CMM team in Monterey, right? So you have a little experience with pinnipeds?”
“Some pinnipeds, yeah. I assisted with our walrus exhibit, and I ran the Q & A session after the Seal Life documentary they had running. Can’t say I worked with any of the sea lions directly, though. My focus has always been more on echinoderms and coral life.”
“That’s fine. Meilani has a team of trainers dedicated to her care. There would be nothing you’d need to do other than offer her your focus and friendship.”
“Sure. Oh my gosh, I’d love that!” Tingles of excitement roll through me.
“Good. Seems she’d like that too.” Dana’s gaze toggles between Meilani and me. “She’s been slow to trust our team. Hasn’t been responding as well as we would like. But she certainly seems smitten with you. Maybe the extra time and attention would be helpful.”
As if on cue, Meilani does a flip, then nuzzles the glass right beside me again, making us both laugh.
“I’m pretty smitten with her too,” I say and press my nose briefly against hers. “I’ll see you again real soon, sweet girl. Okay?”
I blow her a kiss, then immediately feel like a doof. Because I have no idea what the appropriate signals are when working with a sea lion.
I have a lot to learn if I want to work with Meilani in any official capacity.
“Alright,” Dana says. “You ready?”
“Ready for what?”
She guides me over to the shark tank, removes a long red pole from a hook on the wall, and hands it to me.
My mouth goes dry when she gestures to the raft the other aquarist was prepping earlier.
“Time for me to feed the crew. Hop in! You can give me an assist.”
Ding!
Ding!
Ding!
I’m transported back to my dream, treading black water, my heart pounding a staccato rhythm in my chest.
“You want me to get on that raft? In the water?”
“Well, yeeeeeeah.” She stretches the words like she’s speaking to a timid creature. “I know this isn’t an official part of your role here, but I thought you might enjoy the opportunity to feed the animals with me. First up is Boris, our whale shark.”
I’m still and silent.
She softens her voice even more. “Louise, is there a problem?”
