"Oh, it's so good to see you both again!And no, silly, it's not all mine.There's equipment in there for Gray, and I wanted to be prepared for any weather!"Shelley beamed as she held out her hand for help off the boat.
Daniel stepped forward, offering his hand.He may not like her, but he'd take the high road and stay respectful.Shelley stepped onto the dock, looking around as she breathed in the salty air.
"I like these docks, much more stable.I didn't get to see much yesterday--" She glanced at Declan as she said this, clearly blaming him for keeping her away from Gray the day before.Still, she would forgive him.
"Why don't you head up to the lab, Shelley?We'll leave your bags here on the dive tank rack.Honestly, I don't want to haul these bags up to the lab, and they'll be safe here.Tourists aren't allowed past that point."Gray pointed to the sign marking the staff-only area.
"Whatever you think is best!"Shelley crooned, her voice dripping with sweetness.She had no plans to stir up more friction this morning; that would come later.
As Shelley walked toward the lab, Cam stepped out to greet her.Once she was out of earshot, Declan and Daniel crowded close to Gray under the guise of unloading supplies.
"You okay, man?You looked wrecked when you pulled in.How'd last night go?Did she try anything funny?"Declan asked, concerned.
"Funny doesn't even begin to cover it.She thought I'd sleep on the couch, or that we'd share the bed!What was she thinking?We do not, nor have we ever, had that kind of relationship.When I told her it was the couch or the floor, she pouted like a child.And then she put on not pajamas!"
"What the hell are not pajamas?"Daniel asked, grabbing some items from the boat to make it look like they were busy.
"Something tiny and inappropriate.I couldn't even look at her!She acted all innocent, like it was normal nighttime wear."
Declan frowned."Wow, she's got some confidence in her skills of persuasion.But seriously, what's in those giant bags?"
"Stuff for me, oh get this, it's more videotapes and three more TDRs!"Gray said, his voice rising with frustration.
The two men exchanged stunned looks.They both knew Gray didn't need more videotapes or extra Time Depth Recorders; it made no sense.Gray had three with him, and they could only record with two dolphins at a time; otherwise, it was total chaos.
"Dude, this is bad.She can't stay with you.I hate to say it, but she's trouble.If Riley sees her dressed like that around you, she's going to assume you're okay with it.Riley's like a sister to me, and I know she'll feel hurt.Even if you swear nothing's happening, Shelley's going to make it look like there is.Be careful."Daniel clapped a hand on Gray's shoulder, giving him a pointed look.
Gray sighed, rubbing his temple."You think I don't know that?I'm trying."
The three men grabbed the supplies needed for the lab.
"Oh, good!"Shelley greeted them brightly as they entered."Cam and I were just talking about your research.We were going to review the tapes so I could see the parameters you're measuring.Then I'll be the most helpful in creating the stats and diagrams for the amazing papers you'll be publishing!"
Gray clenched his jaw but managed a nod."The sessions with Shiloh.Cam, maybe we could show Shelley some data we've already gathered?"
"Sure, we can even run a session with Abaco and Anejo this afternoon," Cam replied, glancing at Gray with a knowing look.
"Oh, how exciting!I can't wait to see it all in action!"Shelley beamed.
Cam cleared his throat."Gray, I need to drag you away at lunch.Lady Thatcher asked to see you this afternoon."
"Lady Thatcher!Doesn't that sound positively posh!I'd love to come along," Shelley said with a flutter of her lashes.
"Sorry, Shelley.Lady Thatcher is very particular about her guests.She specifically asked for Gray," Cam said firmly.
"Well, that is a disappointment!Hopefully, she'll meet me soon and be absolutely delighted to have me over.Now, let's look at your method, and then I'll be ready to get Gray back on track.I'm excited to make sure his findings are shown in the best way possible."Shelley's tone was sugary-sweet, but underneath, she was seething.She didn't want Gray out of her sight, and she certainly hadn't expected him to be this difficult.Still, her plan relied on patience and timing.Once Gray realized what wasn't on the tapes, he'd come around.
She glanced down as Cam slid the first tape into the recorder.A self-satisfied smile curled on her lips.This was too easy.
"Alright," Cam said, leaning back slightly as he pressed play."This is a session tape from Shiloh's data.We filmed it two weeks ago.She's been our best dolphin for the project, probably because she was the least scared of the Velcro."
At this, everyone but Shelley chuckled.
"What's so funny?"Shelley's eyes darted around; her irritation was clear.
Gray smirked, arms crossed."It was ridiculous, honestly.I didn't include it in the official report because, well, it's embarrassing.But apparently, dolphins find Velcro terrifying.We had a bit of a setback until they got used to it."
The team laughed again, the camaraderie clear in their easy smiles and shared glances.
