Someone pinch me,she thinks.
Beyond the boundary stanchions, she spots her new boss, Cam, scanning the tarmac.He's one of the smartest and funniest people she's ever met, and when he sees her, he gives a wave and a big smile.
Riley never expected she'd end up on a Caribbean island, but here she is.The ocean's the limit on what she can achieve.With a Bachelor of Science degree in her backpack and seven years of training Atlantic bottlenose dolphins under her belt, had all led her here, maybe she was dreaming?
"Cam!Thanks so much for picking me up from the airport.I knew it was beautiful here, but I never imagined how beautiful.And that air—whoa!Did you arrange for the island breeze to blow the smell of salt and coconut oil for us newcomers?"
He smiles, ready for a handshake, but Riley goes for a hug.The gesture turns into an awkward mix of Cam jabbing her in the belly and her falling onto his shoulder.
"Let's try to make this more embarrassing!"Cam chuckles, moving his arm back.Riley, swept up in the moment, giggles, suggesting they chest bump to end things.Tears of joy brim, but she covers them up.
"Shoot, I didn't want to make you cry," Cam blushes, but Riley's too happy to care and gets that hug, and she's happy Cam hugs her back.She didn't grow up in a family of huggers, but since she's been on her own working away from home, she's realized how much that human contact can mean when you're homesick.
"Cam, you have no idea how much this opportunity means to me.This is my dream job!I can't wait to get started!"Riley puts a hand over her mouth to stop more nervous chatter from escaping.
"Let's settle you first, before you start at the Lagoon.I planned a quick tour of the key spots you'll need to know on the island.After that, we can check out your temporary staff housing.I've booked a few places for you to see on Friday, but you can stay in the temporary housing for a while.No new hires are coming for a few months, and no TV or movie crews need the place.It's not perfect; but it's free."
Riley looks at Cam.They met at a conference, and as soon as someone introduced them, she knew she wanted to work for him one day.His Navy career was impressive, but it was his passion for the Lagoon that sealed it for her.He was handsome in a low-key way.It seemed so cliché, but he was tall, dark, and handsome with the best tan she'd ever seen.His hazel eyes were a contrast to his dark hair that she could tell would get unruly fast if he let it grow out longer than it was.Not quite military cut but a smidge past and some waves in it that made her wonder if he had longer hair when he was younger.
"I appreciate all your help.I did not know how to find a place that would be available?"
"There's plenty available, but everything here is word of mouth.It's all about who you know, and I know everyone, so you're in excellent hands!"
"Well, I better keep you smiling then!I'm partial to bribing with baked goods.Anything you miss eating?"Riley knew from her decade in the industry that almost every dolphin trainer who moved away from home missed simple things like favourite foods, restaurants, or meals with family.Once settled, she had already asked her family to send her Nanaimo bars, her favourite sweet treat and a truly Canadian dessert.
"Oh, I haven't had a good chewy chocolate brownie in years.Can you make them with nuts?"
"Of course!Brownies without nuts are rude!"
"Sold!No one else on the team bakes, but you're going to be spoiled by Daniel and his BBQ skills.And Declan with his international cuisine.I think we're the best-fed team anywhere."
As they walk to Cam's jeep, Riley can't help but smile.She hadn't met her new co-workers yet, but any mention of food was a bonus in her books—this is going to be great.
Chapter 2
The researcher
1994,California
Dr.Gray Whittal...
It did not seem real, but it was happening.
Dr.Gray Whittal.He looked at himself in the mirror while saying it slowly.
His studies were intense these past few years as he neared the end of his PhD.program.He'd landed the top advisor in his field, Dr.Terry, and had a spot at the best marine studies program in California.The extra hours, sacrifices involving friends and family, plus extra assignments, finally proved worthwhile.In one more year, he would officially have the "Doctor."attached to his name.
Gray took in his reflection again: athletic, thick brown hair, blue eyes, a well-groomed beard.The beard had become a fixture during his first year of his Master's program.His young-looking face made him feel like an impostor at conferences and meetings.It helped him look the part—more experienced, more serious.It also helped him hide.
He quietly completed tasks, dealing with diagnostics or tidying equipment areas when others sought recognition.But he wasn't seeking recognition; he kept his focus on the goal.Deep down, he wanted to be the youngest researcher on staff—an ambitious dream, but one he was determined to achieve.He'd pushed through his Bachelor of Science degree, finishing it in three years by doing summer sessions.Now, at 24 years old, his final year would be the test.
Growing up, his parents hadn't pushed him.He'd been good at team sports, earned decent grades, and had a core group of friends.The only nudging he got was his mom's occasional comments, "When are you going to bring someone home?"But there had been no one.
With relationships, Gray knew he was a long-term kind of guy; he wanted something serious.Regardless, whenever he proposed a committed relationship or cohabitating, he received the same response: "We're young!"Oh, of course he enjoyed having fun, but he craved someone who could appreciate quiet evenings and share in adventures.Someone who understood his craft or, ideally, understood its value to him.
Within the department, dating was risky.Too often, couples who swore they'd never bring drama into the lab did exactly that.Inevitably, one or both would leave, and there'd be tension and the lingering resentment of colleagues who felt caught in the crossfire.No, Gray would steer clear of that.He had gone out with his lab coworkers a few times.And one of his coworkers had gotten tipsy, trying to convince him they should be a couple.He had cut off that notion immediately.Maybe meeting someone in his field, not too close to his everyday work life, was the answer.But a long-distance relationship wasn't his goal either; he wanted someone nearby, someone to spend time with.
He sighed, turning back to his reflection.Focus on this final year,he told himself.The rest will fall into place.
