No sooner had the words left her mouth than the boys raced to join one of the three lines. Normally, ticket stubs were drawn to determine which guests would feed various animals at the aquarium. But on slow days the policy was first come, first served.
Cosby wanted to grab Monica and hug her. “They’ll love you forever. You know that, right?”
“It’s nice to be somebody’s hero for a change,” she replied, her tone wistful. He looked at her with a question in his eyes. “It’s a long story,” she added.
“Maybe you’ll tell it to me sometime.”
“Maybe I will. But right now you’ll want to get your camera ready.”
He forced himself to drag his gaze away from hers.
“Hey, would you handle it for me?” Cosby requested. “It’s just a point-and-shoot. I need to video them on my phone and send it to my brother. We’ll compile all the footage from today on a CD for the kids to show to their classmates.”
“That’s a great idea.”
With no Scout, school, or day care groups in the building, Adam and Teddy reached the front of their respective lines relatively fast. Cosby would’ve waited for hours just to see the excitement on their faces.
When they finished, Monica suggested heading to Turtle Lagoon and then back to Shark Pier to pet the sharks once they’d settled down and staffers removed any stray food from their tank. As her group approached the turtle habitat, Monica excused herself and Dani walked over to say hello.
“Hey, Cosby. Who’ve you got here?”
“These are my nephews, Teddy and Adam. Guys, this is Dani Davidson. She works here as an education specialist. Would you explain what you do?”
“Sure. Basically, I teach people about our animals and other stuff that lives in the ocean and in freshwater and brackish water, too.”
“What’s brackish mean?” Teddy wanted to know.
“Slightly salty, like when rivers and streams mix with seawater in coastal areas called estuaries.” Dani smiled when she noticed Adam filming her on his uncle’s phone.
“I lead aquarium tours,” she continued, “talk to people at our various exhibits, speak to school and community groups, help with eco tours—those are our kayak trips—create educational materials and games, stuff like that. Are you boys interested in marine science?”
“We love sharks,” Teddy informed her. “What’s your favorite animal?”
“Dolphins. I’ve loved them since I was a kid.”
“When I grow up I want to work someplace like this,” Adam told her. “That’d be the lick. That means the best,” he responded at Dani’s puzzled expression.
“The lick. Okay, learned a new expression today. We offer a free thing for kids called the Aquarium Careers Tour. You’ll learn about different jobs, like animal trainers, nutritionists, curators, veterinary staff, exhibit designers, and water quality specialists. You’ll watch them work, ask questions, even help with certain tasks. If you’re interested and your parents say it’s okay, I’ll sign you up for one sometime.”
“I think they’d both enjoy that,” Cosby answered for them. The boys nodded like bobbleheads.
Just then, Monica returned carrying two canisters. “Want to help feed the turtles?”
“Hells to the yes,” they shouted, and their uncle shot them a disapproving look as Teddy started bouncing again. Cosby clamped his big hand onto the boy’s slender shoulder to hold him still.
“Definitely no more sugary cereal.”
They followed the biologist into the turtle habitat, and the kids delighted in petting the animals’ shells.
“They can feel you touching them,” Monica said.
Adam narrowed his eyes. “Are you messing with us?”
“Nope. Under their shells is a series of nerves that’s sensitive to your touch.”
“I didn’t know that,” Cosby replied.
“See, you’re learning something today, too.”
He smiled, trying to appear innocent while his thoughts were anything but. He imagined Monica in a sleeveless, body-hugging mini dress with a plunging neckline. She stood at the front of a classroom in which he was the only student. He looked forward to staying after school.
“Hello?” Her voice interrupted his fantasy. “Anybody in there?”
“What? Oh, sorry. Work stuff again.”
“Mm hmm.” Monica looked skeptical. Teddy’s voice pulled her attention away from Cosby.
“What are we feeding them?” He and his brother knelt on the ledge just above the water, watching the turtles mill about.
“The green sea turtles—Holly, Molly, Polly, Jolly, and Dolly—get lettuce and kale because they’re herbivorous now that they’re adults,” Monica explained. “Do you know what that word means?”
“They only eat plants,” Adam replied.
“You really know your stuff. Chester, he’s a loggerhead, likes to eat bottom-dwelling sea creatures because he’s carnivorous. He gets clam, crab, and conch meat.” She handed each boy a canister. “There’s a mix of stuff in there so you both can get a chance to feed Chester and the girls.”
“Hey, lunkheads, what do you say?” Cosby prompted.
“Thank you,” they replied in tandem.
“You’re welcome. Just hold the food in front of them like this.” Monica fed one of the turtles to demonstrate. “Make sure you use the tongs. Green sea turtles have sharp beaks, and loggerheads have really strong jaws. I don’t want you to lose any fingers.”
She kept a close eye on them while the turtles swam up and accepted their dinner. Afterward, she pointed to a large square made of PVC pipes with a wool fishing net stretched between them, lashed to the frame with twine.
“See that thing over there, leaning against the rocks? That’s another way we feed our green sea turtles. It’s called a lettuce bed.”
“How does it work?” Adam asked.
“We put lettuce, kale, and other greens in the open spaces of the net. Rocks inside the pipes anchor the feeder to the bottom. It’s simulates a sea grass bed, which is one place turtles in the wild graze for food. Go check it out if you want.”
The boys moved closer to inspect it.
“Did you invent that?” Cosby asked her.
“No, the idea came from the turtle staff at another aquarium. But I made ours with help from one of our other marine biologists.”
“I’m impressed. You’re a woman of many talents.”
“I am. And I think you’re trying to flatter me.”
“How am I doing so far? I’m a little out of practice.”
“I find that hard to believe. I’m sure you get plenty of attention from women.”
“I haven’t lately, that’s for sure. I’ve been too busy getting my business up and running.”
Monica snapped her fingers as if remembering something.
“Wait a minute, you guys had a big event there recently, didn’t you?”
“Yes. Our grand reopening,” Cosby confirmed.
“That’s right. You told me about it at Barb’s. How’d it go?”
“Great. We attracted a sizable crowd and one of the radio stations did a live remote broadcast, so we got valuable exposure. Stop by sometime. I’ll show you around and take you out on a Jet Ski.”
“You mean ride on the back with you?” He nodded. “But what if I want to be at the controls? I like being in charge. It’s more fun.”
Cosby’s man parts stirred yet again. “Have you ever driven one?” he asked.
“No, but you could teach me.”
Is she flirting with me because she’s interested, or just toying with me to score a free day on the water? Can’t tell. She wasn’t as transparent as the women he’d politely but firmly turned down without a second thought. But he’d be crushed if Monica was just after a freebie. Might as well see what happens.
“I’d be happy to give you a lesson. When do you want to do it?”
“I’m off Sundays and Mondays. Either one of those work for you next week?”<
br />
“Monday’s good. That’s a fairly slow day for us.”
“Okay, how about late morning? Around eleven?”
“Works for me. I’ll look forward to it.”
“Me, too.”
“Are you guys hooking up?” Teddy interjected, and Monica blushed. Isn’t that interesting? Cosby whirled to find his nephews wearing goofy smiles.
“It’s not polite to eavesdrop,” he scolded.
“I wasn’t. We just walked up and heard you talking,” Teddy said in self-defense. “It didn’t sound like a secret or anything. Besides, it’s not like I can turn my ears off.”
“Oh no? Maybe if I do this”—Cosby grabbed him and tugged on his ear—“it might flip a switch inside your giant hard head.”
“Twist them off, Uncle Cosby,” Adam encouraged. “He deserves it for being so nosy.”
Holding Teddy in a loose headlock, Cosby wrapped his other arm around Adam.
“How about I take you both over to the swamp and toss you in for the gators?”
“You’ve got alligators here?” Adam asked Monica. She looked amused by their antics despite her initial embarrassment.
“Sure do. They’re in the Florida’s Freshwater Wilderness exhibit. We also have turtles, snakes, and fish native to rivers, lakes, and ponds around the state.”
That set Teddy to bouncing yet again. “Ooooo. Can we see them next?”
“Absolutely. Let’s stop by the sea turtle office first so I can drop off these canisters and tongs. Then after we visit the freshwater habitat, we’ll pet the sharks. Sound good?”
“Money!” Monica’s three guests shouted.
Chapter 5
When the boys finally had their temporary fill of creatures that crawl, swim, and slither, it was well past lunchtime and everyone was wilted and dragging.
“We’re starving,” Adam whined. “Can we get burgers and fries?”
“Will you come eat with us?” Teddy grabbed Monica’s hand and pinned her with pleading eyes.
She looked at Cosby, who smiled and nodded. She found the three of them impossible to resist, and that scared her more than a little. But now wasn’t the time to say no. She was having too much fun.
“Why don’t you guys head over to our Gulf Breeze Café while I change out of this wet suit,” Monica suggested. “I’ll meet you there shortly.”
“If you want, I’ll order your food so it’s ready when you are,” Cosby offered.
“An Asian chicken salad and a lemonade would hit the spot.”
While the guys set off for the restaurant, Monica hurried into the women’s locker room, stripped, and showered. As she toweled off, Dani strolled in and stopped at her locker.
“Hey, Monica. How’d it go with Cosby and his nephews? They’re adorable.”
“Aren’t they? Their interest in sharks is insane. The gators and snakes were a big hit as well.”
“What about the biggest Williams boy? He’s awfully cute, too, don’t you think?”
“Doing a little fishing there, Dani?”
She grinned. “Just thinking you two look good together. I don’t know him well but he seems like a terrific guy.”
“He does, but I don’t need a boyfriend right now.” Monica retrieved her uniform and a lacy pink bra and panties from her locker and began to dress.
“Are they still here?”
“Yes, they’re waiting for me at the Gulf Breeze.”
“Great!” Monica flashed her an “it’s no big deal” look, but Dani ignored it. “Evan and I went to the Nauti-Toys reopening, Flipper and Tyler, too. Cosby and his brother have done a great job with the place. It’s worth a visit if you’re interested.”
“Actually, he’s teaching me Monday to drive a Jet Ski. I’ve always wanted to try it.”
“Didn’t you grow up on the water?”
“I did but my mother wouldn’t let me near one. She thought they were too dangerous. She’d have pitched a fit if she’d known my dad let me drive our boat when she wasn’t around.”
“Well, it sounds like you’ll have fun Monday. I’m glad you’re spending more time with Cosby.” Monica opened her mouth to protest but Dani kept talking. “I know, I know, you’re just friends. That’s what I used to say about Evan, remember?”
Dani smiled and Monica thought yet again how much things had changed between them. Their once-bitter rivalry had been entirely her fault, but Dani hadn’t held a grudge. Instead, here she was, encouraging Monica to move past her dating disasters and find her own special guy. They’d probably never be president of each other’s fan club, and that was okay. Perhaps one day they might even be friends.
What the hell is this, Monica berated herself, a Disney Channel show? Mean Girl Goes Soft?
She applied face powder and lipstick and choked back a smart-ass response when Dani smiled like she thought the makeup was for Cosby’s benefit. When Monica walked into the café twenty minutes after she’d left them, the boys had gobbled down all of their fries and half of their burgers.
“I had to go ahead and let them eat,” their uncle explained. “They were ready to devour the table and gnaw the legs off the chairs.”
She laughed. “I didn’t expect you to wait for me. Where’s your food?”
“It’s coming, along with yours. I ordered one of those salads, too, with a side of fries we can share.”
“Thanks.” Monica leaned back, sipped her lemonade, and sighed.
“Feel better?” Cosby asked.
“Yes, much. That wet suit nearly roasted me. I couldn’t wait to shower and put on clean, dry clothes. Although I got sweaty again just walking over here.” She saw Cosby’s gaze heat and chose to disregard it. “I sure wish fall would get here.”
Seconds ticked by before she saw his eyes refocus on her.
“What?” he asked.
Her lips quirked. “I said I wish fall would hurry up and get here.”
“Uh, yeah. It’s the middle of September. Shouldn’t it start to cool off soon?”
“This is Florida, land of perpetual heat and humidity. We have our cold snaps, of course, but last year we wore shorts on Christmas.”
“We were buried under a foot of snow in Ohio.”
“I take it that’s where you’re from?”
Just then, the server brought their order and Cosby and Monica dug in.
“I’m a Buckeye born and bred,” he replied after tasting his first mouthful. “Toledo. Bet you didn’t know it’s the Water Recreation Capital of the Midwest.”
“I had no idea.” She stabbed a forkful of lettuce and mandarin oranges.
“Yup. The city’s on the banks of Lake Erie and the Maumee River. I began working at a scuba and snorkeling center when I was in high school and ended up there full time after graduation. I sold equipment, taught dive classes, pretty much did it all. Fun job.”
“What about during the winter?”
“We had a heated, indoor pool and a healthy mail-order business.”
“I’m a certified diver, too, and really enjoy it. Why’d you leave Ohio?”
“I wanted to live someplace where I could be out on the water nearly year-round. My family took Florida vacations when I was a kid, and we always had a blast.” He paused to sip his iced tea. “Gavin worked at a couple marinas and then managed a boating equipment store back home, and he was ready for a change, too.
“I’d saved some money and we looked for a business we could run together that involved water sports. My parents helped us buy Nauti-Toys. Dad likes to pretend he’s some sort of venture capitalist. We’re trying to convince them to move here eventually. They’re getting so they can’t handle the snow.”
“I doubt my family will ever move here,” Monica shared. “They love San Diego. That’s where I’m from.”
“You have a sister, right? No other siblings?”
“You’ve got a good memory. Janene’s five years older, married, has a daughter and a son. Despite the age difference we’ve always been close. Bu
t I don’t get to see her much since I left California.”
“What about your parents?”
“I haven’t visited them in a while, either. I miss having them around. They totally spoiled me when I was a kid. I’m ‘the baby’ and the youngest grandchild, too. I’m still spoiled, I guess, but nowhere near as badly as I used to be.”
“Grandpa Williams says we’re spoiled rotten, too,” Teddy announced through ketchup-stained lips.
“The rotten part’s definitely true.” Cosby ruffled his nephew’s hair. “That’s the first thing either of you has said since Monica sat down. Usually you’re talking over each other. What gives?”
“Just eating,” Adam replied, “and listening.”
Cosby narrowed his eyes. “You two hoodlums want dessert?”
“Ice cream!” Teddy enthused.
“With apple pie,” Adam added.
Cosby looked at Monica. “They have that here, don’t they?”
“I’m usually too full for dessert, but I imagine so.” She waved their server over. Once their sweets arrived, the boys dived in while the adults finished their salads. Then Monica suggested a visit to Dolphin Inlet.
* * * *
They arrived to see Flipper and Tyler working with two of the resident animals. Flipper waved the group inside the gate and seemed surprised to see Monica.
“I didn’t know you and Cosby were…friends,” he remarked.
“I have lots of friends these days.” She gave him a pointed look. “Cosby and his nephews, Adam and Teddy, are three of the newest ones.”
Cosby wondered what that exchange was all about, filing it away for later.
Flipper turned to the boys. “You like dolphins?”
“They’re straight,” Adam acknowledged, “but sharks are way cooler.”
“Ever seen a shark do this?” At the head trainer’s hand motion, one of the dolphins sliced through the water like a torpedo, spinning as he went. Tyler signaled to the other dolphin, who slapped his tail on the surface while swimming in a wide circle.
“Off the hook!” Adam cheered as his little brother clapped.
“Would you boys like to help us train them on a new behavior?” Flipper asked.
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