Page 6 of Sharkbait
I fire back a quick text just so she knows I’m alive.
Me:Doing fine. First official day of work. Gotta go.
There’s no way I’m calling and getting into a whole thing with her. I minored in psychology in college. The fact that these nightmares came back with a vengeance right after Mom started reaching out to me again is no coincidence.
I already know what she’ll tell me. My serial monogamist mother has no doubt broken up with yet another Steve, and now she’s craving some “girl time.” Seriously, they’re all named Steve, with an occasional Frank on the side. Different guy, same story. Every single time.
After a cold shower and a yogurt, I’m out the door and powerwalking toward the waterfront.
When I was a little kid, and my dad still cared enough to do overnight visits with us, I told him once that I had a nightmare. He shrugged and said, “Next time, just tell yourself it’s a dream and wake up.” It blew my mind that he was able to do that. Still does. But hey, he was also able to leave his family behind without a second thought—another thing that shouldn’t be possible. So clearly, my dad is capable of great things.
I pick up my pace, turn a corner, and…
There she is.
The Philadelphia Aquarium.
A beautiful beacon surrounded by sparkling water.
Sunlight bounces off the glass exterior. Brightly colored flags on poles wave in the parking lot, advertising all the delights housed inside: Sea Lion Shenanigans! Penguins on Parade! Jelly Fish Jamboree!
For the past few months, I’ve been a volunteer. But today, I start my new, full-time position as an education specialist, manning the touch pools and leading “Creatures of the Coral” workshops for kids.
I take a deep breath when I realize once again how busy I’m about to be. I’m used to staying busy, but this is next level. Starting in just a few days, whenever I’m not here at the aquarium, I’ll be working my tail off as a grad student at the University of Pennsylvania in their marine biology program, where I’m on scholarship. Two years of that intensity and I’ll land my dream position at the world-renowned Coral Conservation Center in the Florida Keys.
That’s the plan, and I’m sticking to it.
The aquarium is closed to guests on Mondays, so the lot is speckled with cars belonging to the staff and volunteers only. I exhale. It’s the perfect day for me to ease into my new role without the pressure of caring for guests.
I press through the main doors with a huge smile on my face, only to feel it drop instantly when I spot Brendan Fraser beaming back at me.
No, not the guy from thatMummymovie. This Brendan Fraser works at the aquarium. His official position is Penguin Supervisor—yes, that is a real job title—but he’s also one of the senior members on the team, so he’s the one who’s going to show me the ropes today. Can’t say I’m thrilled about that. He’s always given me vibes. And irritating nicknames.
“Louisiana!” he booms and opens his arms wide.
“Oh. Are we hugging?” I ask.
“We are,” he says, then thinks better of it and retracts his arms slightly. “That is, if you consent to hugging. I am your superior, so you’re correct. It’s probably best to pause before we make any physical contact.”
He goes completely still. Doesn’t even blink.
“Brendan, what are you doing?” I ask.
“Waiting for your consent.”
“To hug?”
“Yes.”
I hesitate. “Uhhhhhhhh.”
“Excellent.” He takes my grunt as an affirmative and dives in for the embrace, smooshing my face directly into his neck stubble. “Congrats on the first day of the rest of your life, Louis CK.”
“Um… Louis CK?”
“Ha. Yeah. I heard once that giving people nicknames is a good way to show them you care,” he says into my hair.
Is it me, or is this hug endless? And sweaty. They pump the A/C in here like crazy. So why is this man so sweaty?
