Monica felt as though she’d finally steered her personal life in the right direction, and she wanted to take time to enjoy where she was now before having to worry about where she was headed next. In fact, she couldn’t wait to talk to her older sister and share her good news about her new living arrangement.
She and Cosby finished putting away his belongings, and then he left to turn in his key to his now-former landlord. Monica flopped on her bed, tucked a pillow under her head, and accessed Janene’s number in her cell phone contacts list.
But instead of the happy conversation she’d expected, Monica spent most of the call listening to her sister vent about her frequent arguments with her inconsiderate husband and their disrespectful teenagers who treated her like their housekeeper, cook, and chauffeur.
“Honestly, I wish I could just run away from home,” Janene huffed. “Maybe that would get their attention.”
Monica had never heard her sister sound so exasperated.
“What happened to your idyllic life? All you’ve ever done is brag about the joys of being a wife and mother.”
“What else did you expect me to say? You have a great career and meet all sorts of interesting people. For cripes’ sake, a billionaire wants to get in your pants! I can’t compete with that! So I had to play up the things you didn’t have.”
Monica shook her head even though Janene couldn’t see her. “Since when are you and I competing?”
“Since all I ever hear people around here say is how wonderful and accomplished my baby sister is. Do you know how old that gets? You’ve always been the golden girl, and I’ve always been the responsible one who kept my mouth shut and my head down.”
“Maybe that’s how it was when we were younger, Janene, but I’ve done plenty to tarnish my image since I’ve been on my own. Aren’t you the one who gave me a ration of crap not long ago about being a selfish bitch with a string of fizzled relationships?”
“I said that for your own good. And it woke you up, didn’t it?”
“Yes, and I’ll always be grateful to you for that. You’ve never failed to be there for me when I needed you. And now, finally, I can return the favor. How can I help you feel better?”
“Wave a magic wand and turn Travis back into the sexy, funny, thoughtful man I married and Bethany and Brett into the loving, sweet-natured children they used to be.”
“If I could do that, I’d have used that wand to fix my own life a long time ago. Maybe what you need is a vacation. Since you’ve been married, have you ever gone away by yourself and spent time doing exactly what you wanted to do?”
“Never.”
“Then it’s past time. And I know just where you should go.”
“Where?”
“Here.”
“I can’t come now, not with Cosby moving in with you. I’d be in the way.”
“No you wouldn’t, although I don’t have room for you at my apartment unless he stays at his brother’s.”
“I’m sure he’d love that.”
“He’ll do it if I ask him to, especially if it’s a family emergency.”
“Well, then, you’ve found yourself a special guy, because a lot of men would pitch a fit. Mine included.”
“He is special. I’m pretty sure I’ve finally found The One for me.”
“I’m so glad to hear you say that. Don’t let my bad mood make you wary of having a family of your own. As crazy as they make me, I still love them. But right now I just don’t like them very much, and I think the feeling’s mutual.”
“That’s not a very good endorsement for marriage and motherhood.”
“Unfortunately, it happens sometimes, Monica. Every moment can’t be bliss, although we’re conditioned to believe that a wedding gown and a ring will make all of our problems instantly disappear. When you spend so much time together, you get sick of each other now and then. Don’t worry. We’ll work it out.”
“Well, whenever you need a time-out, you know you’re always welcome here. So are Travis and the kids, of course. I miss you, and I’d love for you to meet Cosby, his brother, sister-in-law, and their two boys. They’re almost like my family already.”
“That’s wonderful, Monica. I’d love to meet them, too.”
“In the meantime, I expect you to be good to yourself. If you need ‘me’ time, take it. And if Travis balks, tell him to call me. I’ll set him straight.”
“Listen to you. Aren’t you the bossy one?”
“I’m used to getting my way, remember?”
“Oh, I remember. What does Cosby think of that side of you?”
“Well, I’ve toned it down a lot, but he likes that I’m spunky and spirited. His words, not mine.”
“I guess that’s one way to describe it.” Janene laughed. “Sounds like you two were made for each other.”
“It’s funny, you know? Not that long ago, I worried I’d never get another chance to find a great guy after the mess I made of my relationship with Evan and then the way Tanner dumped me. And now here I am, looking forward to the future. It’s almost surreal, like it’s happening to someone else. Sometimes I wonder if I really deserve it.”
“You do, honey. And it just goes to show that you shouldn’t give up. You never know what will happen, especially when you’re in the right frame of mind.”
“You always were the wise one,” Monica told her sister. “I should’ve listened to you a long time ago and saved myself a lot of grief.”
“It’s called growing up. Nobody promised it would be painless. But I think you’ll agree now that it’s been worth it.”
“I definitely do.”
Chapter 31
“So let me get this straight. Your parents”—Tiffany pointed her fork at Dani—“have been married for thirty years, they’re constantly bickering, and they’re basically living like platonic roommates.”
“Pretty much.” Dani frowned.
“And your sister”—Tiffany inclined her head at Monica—“shoots holes in her ‘happily married mama’ image and tells you it’s normal to get sick of being with the people she loves.”
“That’s right.” Monica bit into her BLT.
“And yet,” Tiffany continued, “that doesn’t make either of you the least bit hesitant to share your lives, not to mention a bathroom, with a man.”
Both Monica and Dani nodded.
“How is that possible?” Tiffany pressed. “It would scare the holy living hell out of me. I mean, you have absolutely no guarantee your prince won’t turn into a toad after you’ve been together for a while.” She slathered strawberry vinaigrette dressing on her salad and sprinkled sea salt on it.
“No,” Dani replied, pouring ketchup on her fries, “but we have faith. My parents lead a much different life than Evan and I do. They married just out of their teens. My mother has no outside interests besides the ladies’ guild at church. Her friends are married to Dad’s friends. It’s like she doesn’t have an identity beyond being a wife, mother, and daughter.”
Monica nodded. “Sounds a lot like my sister.”
“Do you think they regret the choices they’ve made?” Tiffany asked, spearing a cucumber.
“The only thing I can ever remember Janene saying she wanted to be was a wife and mother. I think I just caught her at a bad time yesterday. Still, I think it would do her a world of good to come visit so she can unwind and not worry about anybody but herself for a change.”
“Same with my mother,” Dani agreed. “But who knows if she’ll take advantage of my invitation. I sure hope she does, for her sake and my father’s.”
Trisha Day cursed under her breath as she gazed out the window of the Gulf Breeze Café. Her lunch companions’ attention shifted to the scene outside the window, too. A few families walked by, as did an elderly couple and a pretty, thirtysomething woman with red hair, vivid green eyes, and a light sprinkling of freckles across her nose. She walked with purpose in the direction of Dolphin Inlet.
“What are we looking at?�
� Tiffany asked.
“Not what, who,” Trisha replied. “I’d better let Flipper know she’s back.” The assistant dolphin trainer pulled her phone from her pocket and sent a text message.
“Who is that?” Tiffany pressed.
“Tara Langley. She’s an animal rights activist and cofounder of an anti-captivity group called SWADS. She was here the other day watching us work with the dolphins.”
“Is she dangerous?”
“Tyler doesn’t think so. But Flipper doesn’t trust her.”
“Jo’s not sure about her, either,” Kelsey noted. “She questioned Tara at the police station about a threatening letter sent anonymously to our marine mammals department.”
“Does Jo think this Langley person wrote it?” Monica asked.
“No, but she thinks it might be somebody Tara knows.”
“So she’s covering for somebody?” Tiffany questioned.
“Not necessarily,” Kelsey answered. “But Jo’s not happy that Tara won’t turn over her group’s membership list. It would make the police investigation easier, but she says it violates her members’ privacy.”
Trisha finished exchanging texts with Flipper and took in the curious expressions of the women seated around the table.
“He’s not happy. He’s headed out of his office to talk to her.”
“Do you have to go?” Dani asked.
“No. Tyler’s there if Flipper needs backup. But I am curious to know why she returned.”
* * * *
Flipper stood waiting for Tara when she arrived at Dolphin Inlet. Though he’d crossed his arms and wore an unwelcoming expression, she surprised him by appearing almost happy to see him. Flipper felt the same way, not that he wanted her or anyone else to know that. Evidently his hormones weren’t listening to reason.
“Why are you here?” he demanded. Flipper saw uncertainty in her eyes for just a moment, and then she crossed her arms and scowled right back.
“Well, hello to you, too.”
“Spare me the sarcasm. I’m in no mood to spar with you again today, Tara.”
“Then you’re in luck, because I’m not here to argue.”
“I heard you spoke to Jo.”
“I did. And I get the impression that Detective Tompkins doesn’t like me any more than you do.”
“You can change that by giving her your membership information.”
“I’ll make a deal with you. I’ll give the police my list if you’ll give me the addresses and phone numbers of everyone here who works with marine mammals, including yourself.”
Flipper laughed, but he found nothing funny in what she’d just said. “You’re insane. There’s no way I’d ever do that.”
“Then why do you think I would?”
“It’s not the same thing. We didn’t threaten anyone.”
“Neither did we.”
“Even if you’re not directly responsible, how can you be so sure somebody in your group didn’t send that letter without your authorization?”
“Because I don’t associate with violent people.”
“That you know of.”
She gave him an exasperated look, but he merely stared back at her.
“If I find any evidence it was someone in SWADS, which I highly doubt, you have my word I’ll contact the detective immediately.”
“Why should I believe you?”
“Oh, for crying out loud. Why shouldn’t you?”
“I asked you first.” Flipper knew he sounded like a petulant child, but this woman made him uneasy on so many levels. Especially when she smiled at him like she did now.
“You’re a real pain in the posterior, you know that?” Her voice bore no animosity despite her words. “I thought we’d called a truce.”
“You may have, but I didn’t.”
“Come on, Paul, I’m not a threat, and you know it.”
“I don’t know it. And nobody calls me Paul but my mother.”
“Calling a grown man Flipper is just silly.”
“I’ll bet you never had a nickname.”
“Nope, I never did.”
“That explains a lot.”
“Oh? Like what?”
“Like why you go around making other people’s lives difficult.” When she opened her mouth to answer, he cut her off. “Speaking of which, you haven’t told me why you’re here again. I can’t believe you’d want to give GSA more of your money.”
“I have an annual pass. I can come as often as I like.”
“You bought an annual pass?” Something flashed across her face too quickly for him to be sure, but he figured he had his answer. “Ah, I see. Somebody bought it for you.”
“What makes you say that?”
“Call it a hunch.” Trying to take her measure, Flipper stared into her eyes, but she’d shuttered her emotions. Time to try a different tack. “I’m curious about something. Do you work?”
“Of course I work. I’m not independently wealthy.”
“What do you do?”
“I’m a graphic artist.”
“Who’s your employer?”
“I freelance for a handful of clients.”
“Like who?” When she named a few companies he’d heard positive things about, he grudgingly acknowledged being impressed. “I guess you must be good, then.”
“I guess so. Her lips quirked. “Are you?”
“I’m very good.”
“And so modest, too.”
That brought a ghost of a grin to his face. “Just being honest.”
“I’ve found that’s always the best policy. You asked why I’m here. Actually, I came to see you.”
“Why?” And just like that his suspicions flared again.
“Because I have some questions I need to ask, and I can’t get your boss or your boss’ boss to give me the time of day.”
“You called Kenshin?”
“I did. He is your boss, correct?”
“Yes, he’s the supervisor of marine mammals. What did he say?”
“That he’s busy and would get back to me. That was three weeks ago. I called him several more times but got his voice mail, and he’s never returned any of my messages. He’s ignored my e-mails, too.”
“What about Wesley Coffey?”
“I’ve never made it past his secretary.”
Flipper sighed and shook his head. He didn’t like what he planned to say next, but he felt it was only fair.
“If I sit down with you and answer your questions, will that satisfy you?”
“It’s a start.”
“Fine. Why don’t we go to the café and grab a bite.”
She appeared as shocked as if he’d tried to kiss her.
“You want to have lunch with me?”
“Don’t make a big deal of it,” Flipper said. “I’m hungry, and you want to talk. Might as well kill two birds with one stone. Oh, wait, you probably find that saying offensive.”
“Do you think you can refrain from being a jerk for at least the next forty-five minutes or so? I’d like to be able to digest my food, at least.”
“So would I. So if you start making accusations, we’re done. Agreed?”
“Agreed.”
* * * *
Trisha and the others in her group stared as Flipper and Tara walked into the café. He waved, then led her to a table in the back.
“Looks like Flipper’s charmed another one,” Tiffany observed. “Although I never would’ve figured that would happen in a million years.”
“Yeah, but look at her. She’s gorgeous.” Kelsey gazed at Tara with open appreciation until Tiffany elbowed her.
“What?” the veterinarian protested.
“You have a girlfriend, remember?”
“Oh, for…I’m just making an observation. I don’t want to date her.”
“I can see why Flipper and any other guy, or girl, might,” Monica remarked. “Hey, check out the way he looks at her when he thinks she won’t notice. I think our boy is smitten.”<
br />
Trisha’s face soured. “Are you guys delusional? She’s against keeping marine mammals in human care. How in this or any other universe would she and Flipper, or any other employee here, for that matter, ever be a good match? Just look at their body language. They’re not comfortable with each other at all.”
“So what do you think’s going on?” Dani asked.
“I don’t know, but I plan to find out. Be right back.”
Trisha left the table and headed straight for her boss and Tara as they sat perusing the menu. When Flipper looked up at her, Trisha narrowed her eyes at him, and he responded with a slight shrug.
Flipper introduced them, and the two women exchanged guarded pleasantries. Then Trisha asked to speak to him in private. He excused himself and followed her outside.
“Why are you here with her?” Trisha demanded.
“She has questions and can’t get Wesley or Kenshin to make time to talk to her.”
“So you invited her to lunch? I thought she was the enemy.”
“I wouldn’t use that word.”
“Then what word would you use?”
“Adversary.”
“I still don’t understand why you’re dealing with her.”
“Because she’s obviously not going away until she gets to ask her questions. Maybe if I listen to her she’ll be satisfied and will quit monitoring our activities.”
“Do you trust her?”
“Not entirely, no. But I don’t think she had anything to do with that threatening note.”
“What makes you so sure?”
“She doesn’t give off a guilty vibe. Jo told me the same thing.”
“Well, I guess you know what you’re doing.”
“I appreciate your concern, Trisha, but it’ll be fine. I’ve already warned her that if she gets accusatory, we’re done. I have to say, in all my dealings with her so far, she’s never been nasty, even though she’s made it quite clear she doesn’t approve of what we do here.”
“Should I hang around after I’m finished eating? In case you need a witness or something?”
“No, actually what I need is for you to work on getting Trident acclimated to the gates. So far, he wants nothing to do with swimming from one dolphin pool to another. I’ll join you in a little while.”
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