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“The design is very interesting. Who designed it?” Aunt Victoria asked, sitting next to me.
“We both did, but Asher came up with most of the unique ideas,” I said, still looking at the laptop. “He’s really good at design when he tries.”
“I know he is. I just wish he knew it, too.” Aunt Victoria looked over to Asher talking with Sienna. “Come on over, Sienna.”
“What did you decide?” Sienna looked at the laptop and frowned. “That doesn’t seem to be the list I gave you to look at.”
“We found our own choices, but we did like two of your choices,” I winced, then pointed to the two in common. “What do you think, Aunt Victoria?”
Chapter 31
Jade
Allen was too nice. I would have been demanding the band-poacher pay for the loss in revenue, but he would never, ever, ask for such a thing.
“I’m gonna take off, Jade. You want me to wait for you since it’s dark out here?” Allen stood. “It’s kinda creepy.”
“It’s not creepy, it’s mystical.” I looked out over the water. “Can’t you just picture pirate ships coming into dock with their skull and crossbones flags blowing in the wind?”
“No, I can picture big giant creepy water monsters coming in and eating everyone.” Allen gave a little shiver. “Yuk, I’m out of here. You have always been weird about the water.”
“I’m not weird! I just love marine life.” I shooed him away. “Go on, get going. Do you need me to walk you to your car?”
“Har har, you have a sense of humor, now.” Allen looked in every direction and sprinted to his car.
“Watch out, Allen. Better look under the car first,” I called out as he reached the parking lot. “Hey, thanks for coming to check on me.”
“Always, Jade. Always. Don’t stay out here too long,” Allen called back.
I watched his car back out of the parking lot. It occurred to me how very alone I now was, but I’d spent days on a boat diving into these very same dark waters.
This is nothing. I sure miss being out there studying marine life.
My stomach growled a couple of times, so I turned my cell flashlight on and went in search of something to eat.
Alright, Dad, what snacks do you have hidden in here?
My cell vibrated and I nearly dropped it. “Hey Bobby, everything ok?”
“Yep, Lucy wanted to check on you to make sure you’re relaxing and to remind you we have pizza here.”
“Thanks. And…?” I prompted, knowing Allen had already called him, no doubt.
“And, did you need help over there?” Bobby asked. “Lucy said she could stay here and I could help you.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I’m fine. I’m gonna grab a few things and be back there shortly,” I assured him.
I reached around in the dark behind the desk until my hand landed on a bag of chips. I pulled the bag out, grabbed another bottle of water, and went to find a comfy spot by the water.
I’d love to just fall asleep on the boat, but Dad needs me.
I dropped into a chair in front of the office and numbly munched away on the chips.
What am I going to do? I can’t let the marina go. It’s been in the family far too long.
“Yes, Allen I’m still here. No monsters got me,” I said into my cell when it rang in my hands.
I tossed the empty chip bag in the trash and stood to leave.
