Shore to Please Read online

  “Does it work?”

  “Sometimes. But just as often they find it and spit it out. It’s a lot like trying to get a dog to take a pill by wrapping it in cheese.”

  “Food prep around here must be an enormous job.”

  “It is. And a messy one, too. You should come in some morning and bring a photographer. We’ll even put you to work.”

  “What time do you get started?”

  “It depends on the department, but we have people here as early as six a.m.”

  Helen made a face as if she’d bitten into a rotten apple. “Six a.m.?”

  “I take it you’re not a morning person.”

  “Not in the least. I only get up early when I absolutely have to. But you’re right. I need to observe all aspects of the daily routine around here.”

  “Let’s go to my office and draw up a schedule of what you want to see at Dolphin Inlet, and then I can point you in the direction of other folks you should spend time with.”

  “That would be a great help. Thanks, Flipper.”

  * * * *

  After he finished with Helen, Flipper went in search of Kenshin, who wasn’t in his office and hadn’t been seen at the aquarium since Wesley summoned him for a one-on-one after the meeting with the reporter. Flipper wanted to clear the air with his boss but figured it would have to wait. No sooner had he started reviewing training calendars for each of the dolphins when his cell phone rang. It was Kenshin, and he lit into Flipper as soon as he said hello.

  “I swear, if you don’t sever all contact with Tara Langley I’m going to write you up for insubordination. Maybe I’ll even suspend your ass.”

  “What are you talking about? And what’s all that noise I hear in the background. Where are you?”

  “At Barb’s.”

  Flipper looked at the clock on the wall. It featured pictures of dolphins where the numbers ordinarily would be.

  “What are you doing there this time of day?” he asked.

  “Having a drink.”

  “Isn’t it early for happy hour?”

  “If you had to endure the tongue-lashing Wesley gave me a little while ago, you’d be sitting here doing shots, too.”

  “Kenshin, what’s going on?”

  “Wesley demanded I explain my comment about Tara being your girlfriend, and he wasn’t happy to hear you’ve been showing her around and eating lunch with her.”

  “I did that one time! And I only did it because every supervisor above my level hasn’t seen fit to deal with her.”

  “Maybe that’s the way we’ve chosen to handle her. Did you ever think of that?”

  Flipper felt his anger mounting and took a moment to calm himself before answering.

  “If that’s the case, why didn’t you tell me? You’ve given me very little direction on this whole SWADS debacle. You should be keeping me in the loop so I can pass down pertinent instructions to my assistant trainers. And you have nobody to blame but yourself if your ass is in a wringer with Wesley. Why would you say something like that about Tara in front of a reporter and the director of the aquarium? You know how careful he is—some might even say he’s paranoid—about GSA’s image in the community.”

  “Pete, bring me another shot,” Kenshin hollered at the bartender.

  “Hey man, slow down with those drinks,” Flipper advised. “The last thing you need is a DUI. Are you there alone?”

  “Yeah, although I might just get lucky later on. There are a few lovely ladies here who’ve been giving me the eye.”

  “They’re probably wondering what kind of loser sits in a bar and gets hammered at three in the afternoon.”

  “I’m not hammered, but I could be soon.”

  “Damn it, Ken, what’s gotten into you? I’m still waiting for an explanation about why you told everyone Tara’s my girlfriend. Are you trying to get me fired?”

  “I’m just sick and tired of the way we give these animal activists the power to dictate what we can and can’t do. Who gives a shit that some group we’ve never heard of until recently thinks we shouldn’t keep dolphins, whales, or manatees? It’s obvious from our robust attendance, the favorable comments on social media, letters to the editor, and the positive publicity from local media that people support what we’re doing. Somebody should run Tara Langley out of town on a rail the next time she dares to show her face around here.

  “Speaking of Miss Troublemaker,” Kenshin continued, “if you see or hear from her again, I expect you to tell her in no uncertain terms that she’s not to contact you again, and that if we see her on the property we’ll have security escort her out.”

  “You’re overreacting. If she behaves herself, I don’t see any reason she can’t come to the aquarium like anyone else. If you ban her or any other activist, it’ll look like we have something to hide.”

  “I don’t want her here, and I don’t want you having anything more to do with her, or else.”

  “Or else what?”

  “You’ll face disciplinary action.”

  “Are you kidding me?”

  “Son of a flipping bitch, do I sound like I’m joking?” Kenshin thundered.

  “You sound like you’re losing your mind. Did Wesley tell you to give me an ultimatum?”

  “What difference does it make?”

  “He didn’t, did he?”

  “He told me he didn’t want to hear your name linked to Tara’s again, period. He left it up to my discretion how to make this go away.”

  “Uh-huh, I see what’s going on here. Wesley chewed your ass, and now you’re going to make me pay for it, even though you had it coming. Why don’t you take your lumps like a man and move on instead of trying to punish me, too?”

  “I’ve had about as much backtalk from you as I’m going to take. Either you toe the line or there will be hell to pay. Got that?”

  Kenshin ended the call before Flipper could reply, and he let out a string of choice curse words. The trainer fumed as he stalked back to Dolphin Inlet, ignoring the admiring glances and flirtatious smiles from a group of sorority sisters gathered along the railing overlooking the main pool. He went into his office and briefly considered changing out of his wet suit and driving over to Barb’s but then thought better of it. Kenshin didn’t get drunk often, but when he did he wouldn’t listen to reason.

  Flipper decided he’d poked the beast enough for one day. No sense making things worse by putting himself within striking range.

  He thought back to the days before Kenshin’s promotion to marine mammals supervisor, when he was head dolphin trainer and Flipper was his senior assistant. They’d worked together as a tight team and had been close friends away from work as well. In fact, Flipper owed his job to Kenshin, who’d talked management into giving Flipper a chance even though he had little experience working with dolphins at the time.

  He didn’t know what was eating at his boss, but Flipper intended to find out. Right now, though, he needed to make sure Kenshin’s drinking didn’t get out of hand. Flipper called Barb’s and asked to speak to Pete.

  “I’m glad you called,” the bartender said. “One of your buddies is in here making a fool of himself with two women from a local TV station who’re here having a late lunch, early dinner, whatever. I’ll have to go rescue them in a minute if he doesn’t get the message they’re not interested.”

  “Listen, do me a favor and cut him off, will you? And then if you think he’s not fit to drive, please call a cab and make sure he gets in it. Do you have any idea if he’s carrying enough cash to pay the fare?” Flipper asked.

  “Judging from the roll of bills he keeps flashing, I’d say yes.”

  “All right. Think you can handle him? Or do I need to drive over and drag his ass out of there?”

  “You still at work?”

  “Yeah.”

  “You busy?”

  “Yup. Evan’s coming over in about ten minutes to film something for the Web site that we’ve rescheduled twice already. But I can postpone it
again if necessary.”

  “Nah. I’ll take care of it, don’t worry.”

  “Thanks, Pete. I owe you one.”

  “No you don’t. Kenshin does.”

  Once they’d completed the call, Flipper scrolled through his contacts and stared at his phone, debating with himself. He wanted to talk to Tara; to hell with Kenshin’s warning. Who does that jackass think he is telling me who I can associate with? She has every right to know about this latest fiasco so she’s not blindsided. Oh, who am I kidding? I just want to hear her voice. Besides, if I tell her what happened, she’ll get fired up for nothing.

  His decision made, Flipper touched the display screen and listened as the phone rang. Just when he thought the call would go to voice mail, Tara answered. She sounded reserved, but he refused to believe she wasn’t happy to hear from him. They talked for a bit about this and that, and then she asked him something that made him wonder whether she was that perceptive or he was just transparent.

  “Flipper, did something happen?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “It’s seems like every time you call me there’s bad news. Is everything okay there?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Are you sure?”

  He sighed. “Have you by chance heard from anyone at the Gulf Shore Messenger or Gulf News 9?”

  “No. Should I have?”

  “You will, eventually. A reporter from the paper is doing a blowout story on SWADS, the aquarium, and the marine mammal controversy, and the TV station wants to do an on-air debate between you and a GSA representative.”

  Tara didn’t respond right away, and Flipper was afraid he’d made a mistake giving her that information. But then she sighed. “I don’t know whether to cheer or cry.”

  “I don’t suppose there’s any chance you’d pass up the opportunity to speak against us.”

  “Please don’t ask me to do that. It’s what we work for: a chance to spread our message. And I’d love nothing more than to take on Wesley, Kenshin, or someone of their ilk.”

  “What about me?”

  “Don’t even tempt fate by saying that.”

  “You don’t think I could hold my own?”

  “Of course you could. You’d be wonderful. The camera would love you, and your groupies would salivate and hang on your every word.”

  “You know, if I’d said something like that you would’ve accused me of being sexist and not taking you seriously because of the way you look.”

  “What? For heaven’s sake, that’s not what I meant. You have so much charisma, a real presence, not to mention your knowledge about dolphins, your passion for your work, and your nimble mind. You’d be a formidable debate opponent.”

  “You’re not just saying that to make me feel better, are you? Because I seem to recall you harboring the impression I’m an intellectual lightweight who gets by on my charm and looks.”

  “When did I ever say that?”

  “You told one of my assistants I had ‘a certain beach bum air’ about me, remember?”

  “Yes, and I regret it. Rest assured, Flipper O’Riley, that despite your ridiculous nickname, I have no doubt you’re a man of substance. The problem is, you have a way of getting under my skin, and I yours. Sparks certainly would fly between us, but we both know it’s in large part a byproduct of sexual tension. I’d rather not advertise that fact to an entire viewing audience.”

  How did she expect him to react to a statement like that? Was it a come on, or was she simply being honest and finally acknowledging an obvious fact?

  “Are you admitting what I think you are?” he asked.

  “It depends on what you think I’m admitting.”

  “Let’s cut to the chase for once. Are you saying you have the hots for me?”

  “That sounds so…common.”

  He laughed. “Okay, let me rephrase that for you, princess. Are you saying you’d like to take me for a bumpy ride? That there’s a party in your pants and I’m the guest of honor?”

  “Don’t be so crass.”

  “I’ve got plenty of other colorful descriptions if you want me to keep going.”

  “That won’t be necessary. I get the picture.”

  “I’m just teasing you, Tara. If it’s the last thing I do, I’ll get you to lighten up. Take chances, enjoy life, stop fretting about rules, and break out of the box you’ve wedged yourself into so tight it’s a wonder you can even breathe.”

  “I did that with Steven, and we both know how that turned out.”

  “Damn it, I’m not Steven. I’d never do to any woman what he did to you. And I wouldn’t be so stupid that I’d blow it if I was lucky enough to have you in my life. And in my bed.”

  Flipper heard her quick intake of breath and waited for her to scold him for being too forward or too improper or too…something. Instead, she sounded like a woman whose confidence had been shaken and stirred by the careless actions of a self-centered man.

  “My mistrust isn’t a reflection on you, so please don’t take it personally. I’ve always been a very deliberate person, and now I’m even more cautious. Letting go and getting out of my own head would be immensely freeing, but I’m not sure I know how.”

  “I’ll help you.”

  “I don’t think—”

  “Don’t think. Just feel. You can do it if you’re willing to try.”

  Several long moments passed in silence as he held his breath. Why did her answer hold such importance for him? It didn’t make sense. But he’d come to accept that some things, like matters of the heart, couldn’t be explained in rational terms.

  “Okay,” she finally replied. “I’ll do it.”

  “You…you will?”

  “Yes. I’m counting on you to be true to your word.”

  “Wow. That’s…unexpected. I hardly know what to say.”

  “Don’t say. Just do.”

  If she’d been standing in front of him, he would’ve grabbed her and kissed her like she’d never been kissed before. This situation, though, called for finesse. He knew if he messed up he wouldn’t get another opportunity.

  “What are you doing later this week?” Flipper asked.

  “Nothing special, why?”

  “I actually have three days off together, which almost never happens outside of vacation, and I’d like to drive to Orlando to see you. I can leave Thursday morning.”

  “Where would you stay?”

  “I’ll get a room somewhere.”

  “Oh.”

  “Unless you have a better idea.”

  “No, I think that would be best. I just thought…never mind.”

  He smiled, picturing her expression as her head spun with possibilities.

  “The whole point of this visit is to relax and have fun,” Flipper assured her. “No pressure, no worries, all right?”

  “All right. See you Thursday.”

  Chapter 12

  Tara spent the next few days in a whirl of activity, finishing the graphic arts projects she’d been working on so she could have three days off to spend with Flipper. She also cleaned her condo top to bottom and picked up a few groceries so she could cook him at least one dinner. And perhaps even breakfast. And, just in case, she also bought condoms in two sizes and threw in a bottle of massage oil. Just the thought of using her purchases made her body tingle in a way it hadn’t in a very long time.

  When her doorbell rang around mid-morning Thursday, she took one last look in the mirror, frowned at the riot of ginger curls framing her face, and, her insides buzzing with nervous anticipation, answered the door. And then just stared. The man who stood before her had neatly trimmed hair and not a hint of beard stubble. He wore what appeared to be deck shoes just out of the box, tailored khaki slacks, and a plaid, long-sleeved, button-down shirt.

  Just like the way Steven dressed.

  “Is something the matter?” Flipper asked.

  “You look…different, that’s all. Where are my manners? Please, come in.”


  He stepped inside and gave her a brief but firm kiss on the lips. Then he surveyed her living room with obvious appreciation.

  “Nice place. Classy, just like you.”

  “Thank you. Why don’t you have a seat while I get you something to drink? What would you like?”

  “Nothing right now, thanks.” He held out a lovely wrapped box with an elaborate gold bow. “I saw this and thought of you.”

  “Oh, Flipper, thank you. This wasn’t necessary.”

  “Who said giving a gift had to be ‘necessary?’”

  She sat on the couch next to him and unwrapped her present, careful not to tear the paper. He flashed her an indulgent grin.

  “What?”

  “That’s exactly how I expected you to unwrap that.”

  “I’m being predictable already, aren’t I?”

  He shrugged. “One step at a time.”

  She treated him to a brilliant smile—and then balled up the paper and yanked open the box, making him laugh. Inside was a metal votive candleholder with an enameled dolphin design. Her eyes shone with delight as she looked it over from every angle.

  “It’s perfect. I love it. You deserve another kiss for being so thoughtful.”

  He met her halfway as she moved toward him, and this time they lingered. She slid one arm around his neck while he spread his palm on her back to keep her close. When Flipper deepened the kiss, she let out a sigh and reveled in the sensations drifting through her. When he finally pulled back, she felt dazed and more than a little unsettled.

  “Do you like miniature golf?” he asked.

  And just like that the spell was broken.

  “What?”

  “Mini golf,” he repeated. “There’s a course on International Drive with caves, waterfalls, tropical plants, and even live alligators.”

  “I’ve never played miniature golf.”

  “You’re kidding. Not even when you were a kid?”

  “I’m afraid not. My parents preferred educational activities.”

  “No offense, but they did you a disservice.”

  “I’ve often thought that myself, especially when other people reminisce fondly about going to parties, amusement parks, state fairs, the circus, sporting events…you get the picture.”