"Are you serious?"Riley shrieked, giddy with excitement.She had heard stories about the eagle rays out west, but the idea of seeing them herself?It was too good to be true.
Malcolm laughed."Oh, this is going to be great!"He started the boat, and they were off.
Riley smiled at the memory.That day, they had found the eagle rays, just as he'd promised, and it had been magical.
Eagle rays were one of her favourite ocean creatures.Their faces were oddly human, with a snout that they used to dig for all the delicious shellfish they loved to dine on.Like many ocean dwellers, they used counter-shading as camouflage, dark on the top and light on the belly just like the dolphins.And spots that almost seemed to glow covered their backs.Plus, they loved to leap out of the water.There was nothing quite like speeding across the ocean and suddenly seeing dozens of eagle rays bursting out of the surrounding waves.Pure magic.
Bear had seen them once before and whined the whole time.To him, they must have looked like terrifying, winged creatures emerging from the depths.But to Riley, they were otherworldly.Her favourite thing to do was glide along in the water with them while dragging the boat with Bear securely inside.Eagle rays were beautiful, and along with that beauty came six venomous spines, which they used for defence.She left Bear where he was safe because a dog flailing around could be perceived as a threat.
"Are you done with breakfast yet?"she asked, watching Bear lick his bowl as if something more might magically appear.She grabbed the PB&J sandwich she had packed for herself and finished gathering their gear into the boat.She always over-packed, but her philosophy was simple: if there was room, why not bring extra?
After securing the last of their things, she untied the boat, pressing down the bow so Bear could jump in before she pushed them out into the water.A quick glance around to make sure she had forgotten nothing, and then they were off, heading toward the old Grand Waterway.
Her original plan had been to explore the west end, but a few locals had mentioned spotting eagle rays in the waterway recently.She figured it would be fun to start with the canal and then work her way west.It had been a while since she'd travelled the full length of the waterway, though she'd recently visited the canal's edge with Gray.
Whoops.She hadn't thought about him since yesterday, but now he was in her head again.She hoped he was okay.And what was that colleague of his talking about, saying the funding committee wasn't happy with Gray?She knew for a fact that they were ahead of schedule.Best to put it out of her mind for now so she could enjoy her day.Besides, if she found some eagle rays in the canal today, it would be another adventure for her, Gray, and Bear to share.
"Let's go, my furry friend!We've got some adventuring to do!"Riley grinned at Bear, who flashed her his goofy smile, tongue lolling out of his mouth.Life was good.She didn't want to dwell on work, but she couldn't help but worry when she thought about Gray.
Chapter 72
Bedmates
Graywokeupfeelinganything but refreshed.His body ached, his mind was foggy, and there was an unfamiliar weight draped over him.Slowly, he realized it wasn't the blanket.
"Shelley!"he yelled, bolting upright, only to get tangled in the twisted mess of sheets.His attempt to leap out of bed turned into an ungraceful tumble onto the floor, landing with a thud.
"Ouch!What are you doing?"Shelley's groggy voice sounded from the bed as she rubbed her eyes, startled but not nearly as alarmed as Gray.
Scrambling to untangle himself, Gray crawled backward across the floor, his heart racing.He'd been dreaming of Riley, imagining her warm body curled up behind him.Now he was staring at Shelley, dishevelled and half-asleep, as she blinked herself awake.
"Oh dear," she said, sitting up and clutching the sheet to her chest."Now, Gray, don't go assuming anything.It was an honest mistake!I got up at 2am to use the washroom, and I wasn't thinking.I saw the bed, looked at that awful couch, and saw you squished against the wall.Half the bed was empty, so I thought I'd just..."
Her voice trailed off as Gray glared at her, his mouth agape.
"You thought I wouldn't notice?"he said, his tone ice-cold."And you climbed into bed with me?Shelley, if you tell anyone, especially Riley, that this happened, I will get you on a plane back home.Do you understand me?"
Shelley flinched at his words, her earlier bravado gone."Please, Gray, it wasn't like that.I meant nothing by it!It was a minor mistake.Can't you forgive me?"
Gray tried to control his fury and breathing.He wasn't sure if she was remorseful or putting on an act, but he didn't have the energy to figure it out.
"Let's get ready to go," he muttered, rubbing a hand over his face."I can't deal with this right now."
Without another word, he stormed into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him.
Shelley sat frozen for a moment before letting out a frustrated sigh."Damnit," she muttered under her breath.She hadn't meant to oversleep, but that couch was unbearable.Stretching her back with a grimace, she stood and made a silent vow.
This couch-surfing thing has to end.Tonight, she'd come up with a new plan, one that didn't end with Gray storming off.For now, she'd have to work extra hard to smooth things over and get him to see her in a different light.
Chapter 73
The extras
"Readytogo?"Grayasked as he grabbed his keys and opened the front door.He glanced back at Shelley, who was slipping on her flip-flops.
"You bet!I'm ready for an exciting day!You and I are doing research.Pinch me, how is this even real?"Shelley cried with enthusiasm.
For Gray, he felt like he was the one who needed a pinch, hoping someone would wake him up from this strange reality.But soon, he'd get a hold of his boss and find out what was really happening.
