Page 7 of Sharkbait
“Hm. Maybe that particular nickname isn’t the best one to give me? Especially since you’re my superior and all. And we’re still touching.” I mumble that last part under my breath and try not to choke on the scent of his Axe body spray.
“Did I hear you’re into coral?”
“Can we, uh—can we be done with the hug now?” I blurt.
“Oh. Sure,” he says, seeming surprised by my request.
He finally pulls back. My nostrils sing a song of joy at being released from his cologne-soaked stubbly neck.
“And, yes, I amintocoral. I did my thesis on Coral Reef Research and Restoration. After I finish school, my goal is to head to Florida and—”
I cut myself off. I recently heard on a podcast that it’s best to keep your goals quiet if you want to accomplish them.
Don’ttellpeople your plans.Showthem your results.
“Did you know that coral reefs cover less than one percent of the ocean floor but support about twenty-five percent of marine life?” he asks.
“Yes,” I respond.
“Did you know that contrary to what many people assume, coral aren’t plants—they’re animals?”
“Yes.” Is he for real right now? I just said I did my thesis on this exact topic.
“Did you know that coral reefs play a vital role in managing the planet’s carbon dioxide levels and thus are crucial to the survival of life on Earth?”
“Dude, yes.” I exhale, not doing a great job of hiding my exasperation.
His eyes dart around, and his voice lowers. “Probably best to only call me ‘dude’ after work hours, Louise. People might get the wrong idea.” He gives me a weird wink.
Why this man thinks he will ever be seeing me outside ofwork hours is beyond me.
“Understood, Brendan. I will refrain from calling you ‘dude’ in the future.”
“I think that would be best.”
Let it go, Lou, let it go.
Nope. Can’t help myself.
“Hey, Brendan. You might not be aware of this, but I have my bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in psychology from UCLA. I also completed four summer internships during my college career: Aqua Quest, Camp Coral, The Center for Marine Mammals in Monterey and Cretaceous Mantua. And I just began a two-year marine biology graduate program at UPenn this week on full scholarship. Yes, I’m young and new to the aquarium, but
I’m well-versed in our field and not in need of lessons in Ocean Trivia 101.”
“Yeesh,” he huffs. “Was just trying to make conversation. Everyone is so touchy these days.”
He tosses a small rectangular badge at me that spells out ‘STAFF’ in big, bold letters, then stomps away without waiting for my response.
Damn, why is it so hard to walk that line between being the “go with the flow” girl and the bold girl who’s unafraid to stand up for herself?
I slip the lanyard over my head and jog after Brendan. He leans against the wall next to an unmarked steel door.
“Ready for your tour?” he says with far less enthusiasm than he had a moment ago.
“Sure.” I flash him an apologetic smile. “I don’t want to waste your time, though. I’ve been volunteering here most of the summer, so I do know my way around.”
“You know what we want you to know, Louis Vitton.”
“Hahaha another nickname,” I burst out, attempting to get back on friendly terms with him.
