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He takes a brief pause, searching for the right words. “I don’t condone Egghead’s behavior, not by a long fucking shot, but can you say you’d honestly have believed me if Ididtell you?”
I shake my head slowly. He’s got me there. I’d have taken it as an act of jealousy and totally disregarded him, it’s true.
“No,” I admit. “Definitely not.”
“That’s why I thought it best to just keep my mouth shut.”
“For once, right?”
He smirks at me and lets out a low chuckle. “You’ve still got some sass. You’ll be alright.”
I know I will. But that doesn’t exactly stop the hurt that I’m feeling right now in this moment. I feel like I’ve had the rug pulled out from under me.
The one by my side isn’t Eggbert but Lock. And you know what?
It feels just right.
I don’t ever remember feeling this at ease with that two-timing jerk. Either way, Eggbert’s nothing but a man-whore.
“Besides, you’re a strong, intelligent woman, Sammi. You don’t need him, and you don’t deserve that. I’m glad you found out.”
“Before I made the biggest mistake of my life, right?” I shrug.
I’m still lost in my thoughts and idle conversation with Lock when the tuk tuk comes to a stop outside of an aquarium.
This is where he wanted to take me?
A little confused, I get out of our ride and follow him inside. He softly takes my hand in his, and I’m not in the mental state to resist.
What awaits me inside the aquarium is nothing like I would’ve expected.
The interior is dim, but the construction of the tanks gives off an ethereal experience. I’m in awe as I look around.
Not only are there sharks swimming around me, they’re swimmingoverme too. The reflection of the lights glimmers off the glass as I gape.
Colorful jellyfish are dancing gracefully through the water. They look so beautiful, it’s nearly impossible to believe how painful a sting from one feels.
We wander through the glass hallways, still holding hands. Lock glances at me from time to time, but he remains silent.
I’m particularly enthralled when I come upon several stingrays surrounded by blue, red, and silver fish. The mish-mash of colors is entrancing and peaceful all at once.
I feel at home. I’m in my element.
Suddenly, it dawns on me that I’m not exactly sure why Lock thought to bring me here.
“Hey, Lock,” I squeeze his hand a little. “You said you wanted to bring me here, but why? We’re marine biologists. This is nothing we haven’t seen before.”
“No, it’s not work-related,” he replies. Lock turns to face me and takes my other hand so he’s holding them both and interlaces our fingers.
“Sammi, this is where we made love the very first time. Three years ago.”
Three years ago? Here? He must be mistaking me for some other girl.
I remember being here for a conference, for sure. But having sex here?
I turn my head around to either side, staring at the aquatic life, squinting hard, trying to process it all.
But then, I look up to see the hammerheads swimming above us. Like I’m watching it all happen all over again, the memory comes rushing into my head before I can even finish my thoughts.
