Page 31 of My Brother's Forbidden Friend

“I feel objectified.” I hand her the hose from the dock and turn on the water.

She starts spraying down the boat. “It’s about time you feel the way I do all day. Now that you’re a captain, you better get used to it.”

I help Chevelle clean her boat because I don’t have much else to do.

After we’re finished, Rowdy wanders over. “So, you’re goin’ into our business, huh?”

I nod. “Appears so.”

“Well, I was thinkin’ about how to make you feel like one of us, so here yah go.” He tosses a bag at me, and I catch it.

Opening the bag, I see the fish costume I’ve sometimes seen people wearing at the entrance to the marina when they’re trying to sell the fishing tours. “And?”

“Need to earn your spot, so you have to wear it.”

“I’m not wearing it.” I hold the bag out in his direction, but he doesn’t take it.

Chevelle high-fives Rowdy. “Love it.”

I set the bag on the deck. “How about a bet to see who has to wear it instead?”

No way Chevelle will back down, but I can see Rowdy throwing around his longtime status as a reason he shouldn’t have to wear the costume.

“Okay, whoever has the least pounds of fish caught after this month wears the costume for an afternoon.” Rowdy knows he’s going to win. He knows all the hot fishing spots.

I’m pretty sure the people my dad booked are probably coming aboard strictly for entertainment and not for catching fish. But I won’t turn down the bet even if I have to wear the costume. “I’m in.”

We all shake hands.

“Oh, this is going to be fun. I can’t wait.” Chevelle waves at her next charter, a foursome of men heading toward us. “Beat it, boys, my next charter is here.”

I growl even though they’re older and step out of the boat as the men approach. Rowdy heads over to his boat.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Cameron Baker, the owner of the marina. We’re happy you came to enjoy a day of fishing. My girlfriend, Chevelle, knows all the great spots.” I wave in her direction and Chevelle’s jaw drops. “I’ll see you out there, honey.” I look at all the men. “I have my own charter, so you never know when I could just pop up.”

The men get the hint quickly to not try anything with Chevelle.

“Bye, sweetie.” Chevelle pushes me when they all turn their backs to get on the boat.

I laugh and whistle for Gunner, who follows obediently. Chevelle flips me off as she starts the boat and steers it toward the bay. God, I love seeing her riled up. One day that’s gonna bite me in the ass.

10

“MISS YOU EVERY MINUTE.”

Chevelle

This bet has gotten my competitive juices flowing. I wore that fish costume all the time when I started out and it smells disgusting, which I’m pretty sure Rowdy did on purpose. I almost threw up every day and would hide behind buildings just to take it off and get some fresh air for a bit. And when I’d get home, my sisters would complain about how much I smelled and tell me to take a shower, when I’d already showered and scrubbed myself clean. So there is no way I’m losing this bet.

The problem is, Rowdy is ancient and knows every fishing corner in the area. And Cam’s supernova boat probably has killer radar that will take him directly to the fish. Which means if I don’t use some stealthy planning, my ass will be in that suit.

Friday morning, the first day of our competition, I have the morning off since I don’t have a charter booked. Most weekenders drive in on Friday morning and book for Friday afternoon or Saturday. But I saw on the log that Cam has an excursion booked with six guys.

He hasn’t shown up yet and was still in the shower when I left. The docks are quiet since most of the fishermen are still out for the week. Rowdy took his first charter out because his clientele leans toward older people who are usually up at the butt crack of dawn anyway.

Since no one is around, I lean down on the dock and grab a fish floating on the water. Whether he slipped off a boat or just floated to shore, he’s definitely dead.

I pick it up with both hands and smell it, my face jerking back. Cam’s clients are definitely not going to have the great charter they were promised. Looking around again, I’m surprised it’s so quiet out here. I step onto his new boat.

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