How to Date a Mermaid

by Rose Pressey

  “Hey, don’t talk about me like that. I’m not full of drama. You’re the one who causes drama all the time. With your “fixing up” people that never works out.” Lily used air quotes.

  “I have a good track record,” I snapped.

  “Ladies, ladies. Please don’t argue,” Jack said.

  Jack was probably sick of being the go-between with Lily and me. We rode in silence for a minute which was nice. Shelby flicked on the turn signal to make a right into the parking lot. A large signed announced that we’d reached the Miami Mermaid Club. The large stucco building was surrounded by palm trees.

  Shelby pulled into a parking spot and said, “Well, this is it. What do you think?”

  “It looks nice for a building, I guess,” I said as I unbuckled my seatbelt.

  “I’m not impressed,” Lily said.

  “That doesn’t mean much,” I said. “Lily’s not impressed with anything.”

  “I’m impressed with a lot of things,” Lily said. “Just not you, Rylie.”

  I rolled my eyes so that Lily wouldn’t see me. No need to continue the argument.

  “Well, let’s go inside,” Shelby said, taking the key from the ignition.

  We all got out and headed toward the front entrance.

  “I’ll just have to sign us in,” Shelby said. “I can bring guests once a month. Luckily, I hadn’t brought anyone this month.”

  Shelby led us inside the building. There was a desk at the front where we had to check in. One the right was a sitting area with palm plants, chairs, and refreshments. Shelby guided us over to the desk.

  “I’d like to check my friends in,” she said, pointing at us.

  The woman behind the desk peered over the top of her cat eyeglasses. She looked us up and down.

  “Four of them?” she asked. “That’s your quota for the month, I hope you know.”

  Shelby shook her head. “I understand and I’m willing to do that.”

  The woman shrugged. “Fine. I need identification.”

  We showed our IDs while Shelby signed her name to a waiver that she was responsible for anything that happened while we were there. I wasn’t so sure she should do that with Lily. However, it was too late now. She’d already done it.

  Now that that was all settled Shelby turned to us and clapped her hands. “Okay, what do you guys want to do first?”

  “You have to tell us what there is to do first before we can decide,” Lily said with her usual snippy tone.

  Shelby raised an eyebrow like she didn’t want to answer Lily, but she remained calm and said, “Would you like to see the pool first? Maybe we can get something to drink.”

  “Sounds fantastic,“ Jennifer said.

  “Yes, that sounds great,” I said.

  As I took in the surroundings, I also watched the people walking to and from different locations in the building. It looked like there was tennis or racquetball, and of course an indoor pool. It appeared as if Shelby was leading us outdoors.

  Shelby walked ahead of us and motioned over her shoulder. “Just follow me this way.”

  After following Shelby down a long hallway, she pushed on the glass door and we exited into the pool area. The large shimmering pool was surrounded by lounge chairs, cabanas and palm trees. Various staff walked around with trays full of delicious looking cocktails. People lounged on the chairs and others splashed in the pool. Music pumped from speakers somewhere in the distance.

  “We can take one of the cabanas over there,” Shelby said, pointing across the way.

  “Sounds like a good idea to me,” Lily said.

  This place was extremely nice and now I was glad that we’d come. I couldn’t wait to relax by the pool and enjoy a cold beverage. Once again, we followed Shelby over to the covered area. Jack and I picked chairs next to each other. While Jennifer tried to distance herself from Lily.

  A waiter came over and we grabbed a couple colorful drinks. I just wanted anything with a little umbrella in it and a pineapple garnish.

  “I think I’ll get in the water,” Shelby said. “Would you like to join me, Jennifer?”

  “Sure, I’ll go.” Jennifer jumped up.

  “I think Jack and I will just relax here with our drinks,” I said, taking another sip from my straw.

  I looked around and noticed that Lily had already disappeared somewhere. I was a little bit apprehensive about what she might get into.

  “Where is Lily?” Shelby asked.

  I could’ve warned her that this might happen. Maybe I should have warned her. Too late now.

  “I’m sure she’ll be right back. She probably went to the ladies’ room,” I said.

  Shelby scanned the area and then said, “Yeah, I guess you’re right. I hope.”

  She wasn’t the only one. I hoped too. I leaned back, closed my eyes, and tried to relax. I hoped that I didn’t hear commotion soon because I would know it was from Lily.

  Soon we had our drinks and were lounging by the pool sipping on our refreshing beverages, soaking in the warmth of the day. I was beginning to feel all the stress slip from my mind. Maybe this wasn’t so bad after all. I could kind of get used to this. Though I knew it couldn’t be a regular occurrence.

  Every once in a while it was good to relax, unwind, and forget about all the problems. Problems like if I would make enough money to pay the bills. If I didn’t I wouldn’t have a place to live and enough food. Then I’d have to ask Lily if I could be her roommate. I shivered at the thought.

  As I lounged on the chaise with my eyes closed I felt as if someone was staring at me. I opened my eyes and saw that Shelby was standing right next to me. Shelby was staring down at me. Standing over me like that was kind of giving me a creepy vibe. Her eyes were a little glazed over and her face expressionless. Until she realized that I was staring at her. It was almost as if she had snapped out of her daze and a huge smile spread across her face.

  “Are you enjoying yourself?” she asked.

  She caught me off guard, but I answered, and said, “Yes, we’re having a nice time. Thank you again for inviting us.”

  “I’m glad you’re having an enjoyable time and I hate to disturb you, but I wondered if Jack could help me for just a moment. A woman is having trouble starting her car. I know Jack knows a little bit about these things and I thought he could help.”

  “Lily is also really great with cars,” I said.

  I’d much rather Lily had something to do and keep her out of trouble.

  Shelby looked as about excited about the prospect of that as she would if she had a gynecological examine and colonoscopy scheduled for the same day.

  “Well, since Lily’s not around and I’m not sure where she went…” Shelby scanned the area.

  Lily hadn’t come back. That was probably a bad sign.

  “The woman is kind of in a hurry,” Shelby said.

  “I’ll be happy to help,” Jack said as he got up from the chair.

  “Thank you so much for the help.” Shelby looped her arm through Jack’s. “I’m sure the woman will really appreciate it. We’ll be back in a jiffy.”

  Jack managed to break free from Shelby long enough to lean down and kiss me. “I’ll be back soon. Enjoy your drink and don’t meet any handsome mermen while I’m gone.”

  I laughed. “I promise.”

  I watched as Shelby and Jack headed back to the building. Now it was just me. Jennifer was in the pool. I took another sip of my drink, closed my eyes, and leaned back once again. The scent of coconut sunscreen tickled my nose and the sound of the pool’s waterfall almost sent me into a trance. I wasn’t sure if I dozed off or what, but I opened my eyes and looked to the left. Jack wasn’t there. How long had it been? I checked the time on my phone. Okay, so it had only been fifteen minutes. That wasn’t so bad.

  Regardless, I didn’t know why, but I just had a strange feeling. I decided that maybe I should check on him. When I looked for Jennifer she wasn’t in the water either. Where had she gone? Why hadn’t
anyone said anything to me? Were they just going to leave me sleeping? I didn’t want to sleep my time at the club away. Everyone had said they wanted to enjoy the club, but nobody was here at the pool, only me and I was asleep. It was just all a little too odd.

  I grabbed my towel and headed for the building. As soon as I stepped back inside I realized I had no idea where I was going. I assumed that the car in question had been out front in the parking, so I walked in that direction. I kept my eyes out for any sign of Lily, Jennifer, Jack or Shelby. They could possibly have stopped by the restaurant for a bite to eat or another drink. Lily had said she was going to the ladies’ room. I had a feeling she’d gotten into trouble along the way.

  As I traveled down the hallway, a banging noise came from my right. That was strange. Was someone locked in there? Maybe I should just mind my own business, but if someone was locked in there and needed out, I couldn’t just ignore it. I stopped in front of the door.

  There was a small window at the top of the door, but unfortunately, I was too short to see in there. If only I’d worn high heels. Who wears heels to the pool? Oh yeah, Lily had. She said that it made her legs look longer and better in the swimsuit. But as far as I was concerned this wasn’t a beauty pageant and I wasn’t concerned about making my legs look longer. I just wanted to relax, but I digress.

  The banging continued. It was becoming more frantic now. Was there a fire in there? They might be running out of oxygen. When I heard somebody call for help I thought for sure it sounded like Jennifer’s voice.

  “We’re locked in here.”

  I knew for sure it was Jack’s voice. Oh my gosh. How had they gotten locked in that room? How would I get them out? Should I go get someone to find a key to the door? I suppose that was the only way to get them out. Unless I took something and beat the door down. A key would be much easier.

  “I’ll be right back,” I said, yelling and hoping that they heard me.

  “Rylie, is that you?” Jack asked.

  “I’m here,” I said.

  “Yes, it’s me. I’m going find someone who has a key for the door,” I yelled.

  “I don’t think that’s such a good idea,” Jack said. “I’m pretty sure someone who works here is the one who locked us in.”

  A shiver ran down my spine. What was going on here?

  “Where is Shelby? Is she in there with you?” I asked.

  “No, she’s not in here. We don’t know what happened to her. But we’re afraid something bad might’ve happened,” Jack said.

  “What about Lily? Is she in there with you too?” I asked.

  “Yes, she’s in here with us,” Jennifer said. “Why do you think we’re so desperate to get out?”

  Lily said something, but she talked so fast that I couldn’t quite make it out completely. It had something to do with Jennifer’s eyebrows. No doubt an insult of some kind. When Lily got mad she started talking fast and I always had a tough time understanding her. That was probably a good thing considering the amount of insults that spewed from her mouth.

  “If I don’t find someone with a key then how will I get you all out?”

  “Stand back, Jack and Jennifer, I’ll break the door down,” Lily said. “I have to get out of here. I’m claustrophobic and I don’t want to be stuck with these two either. They’re not exactly great conversationalists.”

  “Oh, listen to Lily using those big words now,” Jennifer said.

  Lily growled.

  “You might want to get out your razor, Lily. You’re getting a five o’clock shadow on your face,” Jennifer said.

  I hoped Lily didn’t have any sharp objects.

  “Ladies, ladies, please no arguing when I’m locked in the room with you,” Jack said.

  Since the hinges opened from my side it would be easier if I tried to knock the door down. My height and weight made that an impossible feat unless I shifted into werewolf form. Wouldn’t that be an impressive sight—a werewolf in a pink and white bikini.

  “I’ll try to knock the door down,” I said.

  “Wait, Rylie, I have an idea,” Jack said. “Just a second.”

  Noise sounded from the other side of the door.

  “What’s going on in there?” I asked.

  More scuffling sounds.

  “Oh my gosh. Is Lily killing you all?”

  “Shut up, Rylie. You’re not funny,” Lily said.

  “Jack’s standing on a chair checking the ledge above the door,” Jennifer said.

  “Got it,” Jack yelled.

  “Oh, thank goodness,” Jennifer said.

  The doorknob rattled and a second later the three raced out of the room as if evacuating a contaminated area. Jennifer dashed behind me to get away from Lily.

  Jack hugged me. “Thank goodness you came along. I wasn’t sure how long I could keep those two from recreating an MMA fight.”

  “What happened? How did you get in there?” I asked.

  “Did you hear the announcement?” Jack asked.

  “No,” I said with a frown.

  “First my name was called over the speaker to come to room sixteen. After that I heard Jennifer’s name.”

  “Lily followed me in there,” Jennifer said.

  “Once we were in there the door slammed shut. I can only assume that we were lured there on purpose,” Jack said.

  “That doesn’t make any sense. Just the same though, let’s get out of here. I wouldn’t be surprised if the bad mermaids are here and played this little stunt.” I said.

  Ignoring the strange looks from the other mermaids, we hurried out the front entrance.

  “What about Shelby?” Jennifer asked.

  “I’ll call her once we get to the car. I’m definitely not going back in there,” I said.

  We’d just reached the car when I spotted Shelby rushing toward us. “What happened? Where are you all going?”

  I placed my hands on my hips. “Jack, Jennifer, and Lily were locked in a room. I think it was a set up by the three mermaids to scare us.”

  “Or even worse,” Jennifer said.

  Shelby frowned. “That’s terrible. I’m sorry that happened.”

  “Well, it wasn’t your fault. Can you just take us back to the hotel? We want to get out of here.”

  “Sure,” she said, pressing the key fob and unlocking the car doors.

  As we pulled out of the parking lot I looked back at the clubs’ entrance. The mermaids were standing outside the door watching the car drive away. They’d have to try harder than that to get to us.

  Chapter 25

  Early the next day, I was at my new office trying to get everything in order. There was so much to do and little time to get it finished. I had a flight back to New Orleans soon, but it looked as if I might have to extend my time here in Miami after all.

  I had no additional information about the murder or kidnapping. I supposed it would just have to go unsolved. I would go back to New Orleans and continue with business as usual. But I had a feeling that this would always be in the back of my mind, wondering what had happened. I would wonder what if I had tried just a little bit harder to solve the case. I supposed I had done all that I could. I certainly would try harder if I thought of anything that would help. The more I tried to think of something the worse it got.

  Shelby was working at the other desk close by. Silence filled the office. She’d been quiet the entire morning. It seemed as if something was on her mind. However, she acted as if she didn’t want to discuss anything.

  Shelby grabbed her bag and pushed her feet. “Well, I’m hungry, so I guess I’ll take off and get something to eat.”

  I was surprised she hadn’t asked me to come along. After all, I was hungry too. I guess she was worried that I would continue to ask questions about her boyfriend. Or talk when she just wanted to be quiet. I happened pestered her all morning, only discussing business. She was probably right about though. Over lunch the topic would be broached. Therefore, I couldn’t blame her for not wanting me
around. Maybe she just needed some time to herself. I would try my best not to ask any more questions for the rest of the day.

  “Okay, I’ll see you back here in about an hour,” I said.

  Shelby was headed to the door when she dropped her purse. Everything fell out onto the floor. I hurried over to help pick up the things.

  She quickly grabbed things and stuffed them into the bag. “That’s okay, I got it.”

  She moved fast, but not before I spotted a couple things in particular that caught my attention. There was a book. I only caught one word of the title, but that one word caught my attention. The word vampire was in the title. Yeah, I was curious as to what the book was about. Was it a novel? Or a nonfiction book about vampires? Should I ask about this now? Or let it go? Maybe I’d better let it go for now but ask later. I’d already asked quite a few questions lately. Shelby stuffed the remainder of the items into her purse and then hurried the rest of the way to the door.

  “I’ll see you in about an hour,” she said as she rushed out.

  And with that she was out the door.

  After seeing the items in Shelby‘s purse, I was naturally curious. I decided I was going to follow her. It probably was a bad idea and I shouldn’t do it, but now that I’d seen the book I was curious and wanted to know more about what she was up to.

  I eased open the door. Shelby had left the area. I hurried out and around the corner down to the boardwalk toward the restaurant. I spotted her up ahead. Thank goodness she hadn’t noticed that I was behind her. At least not yet. If she said anything about seeing me then I would just have to act as if I was going to eat too. Naturally, I wouldn’t go into the same restaurant as her. I would just kind of hang around and see what happened. It was probably all just innocent and there was nothing to worry about. I was probably worrying for nothing.

  If I followed Shelby and saw that it was nothing, then I could just let it go. Although I would probably still ask her about the book. Maybe I’d casually bring it up later on after I asked my questions about her boyfriend of course. I would just have to be subtle about it.

  She stopped at the Blue Water Café. The one where I’d gotten all this information. She said she went there a lot. Yes, it would be no surprise that people working there would know about her if she was a regular customer.