Mare Pacificum is located directly on the beach. Leaving the restaurant, we head down to the shore, toward the blazing bonfires scattered along the sand.
“Is Mair going to be here tonight?” I ask my cousin while we walk arm in arm.
“Nah, she has princess duties for the holiday. That’s happening more and more, now that Murphy is getting ready to ascend to the throne.”
“Wow. Can’t believe they are finally there. Seems like it was a topic of conversation for so long.”
“Yeah. I know she’s nervous, but I think she will make a kickass queen to the merpeople.”
“And Murphy. Imagine being so in love that you are willing to rule a kingdom with your wife because you just so happened to have fallen in love with the king’s only daughter.”
Artina sighs dreamily.
“What’s up?” I ask.
“Oh, nothing. Well, something. I have just come to terms with the fact that I am sick of being alone. I see what Mair and Murphy have built together, and I want that as well.” She says, while quickly adding, “Without the royal responsibilities, of course.”
“Yeah, I know what you mean. I got suckered into a blind date and it went horribly. I am wondering if I am meant to just be single. Which is fine, I guess. I like my life, you know?”
Artina squeezes my arm.
“Yeah, I know you like it. But wouldn’t you like to love it?”
Looking over at my cousin, I allow myself to nod. Seeing this, she perks up.
“Maybe this new year, we should both open ourselves to accepting love? Positive thoughts, you know? Manifest the crap out of it?”
Laughing, I pull my cousin in for a hug.
“OK, deal.”
Chapter Three
Ray
“Five mimosas, please!” my brother says to the server when we are seated.
“Oh, lord, no Trev. Come on, man, I drank so much last night,” I groan.
“Hair of the Dog or whatever,” his fiance, Dominic, teases.
“Carafe of coffee for the table, too, please,” I ask the server, who throws me a wink.
When she walks away, Trevor’s friends Ryan and Cooper break out into, “Oooooo.”
“Did you see that, Trev?”
“Your brother was hit on by that cute waitress.” Cooper teases.
I rub my bloated, tired face.
“Gentlemen, I understand that woman flirting is far, far away from your radar. But that was not flirting. Look at me. I am a hungover mess.”
Trevor nods dramatically. “Now that I can agree with.”
“Thanks, dear brother.”
My brother and his friends chat away at a level that makes zero sense to my foggy, heavy head. Yes, they are a few years younger than me, but they’re still facing 40. So why the hell do they have this much energy the morning after New Year’s Eve?
