“Social media is huge for that,” I say, easing into the conversation. “Instagram and TikTok are ideal for tourism content. Behind-the-scenes, action shots, location highlights, they do really well when paired with the right audio or trend.”
“Exactly,” Dylan says, grinning. “See, Mason? I told you we needed someone who actually understands this stuff.”
“I never disagreed,” Mason replies, dry. “I just said I’m not filming TikToks or doing those damn dances.”
Dylan leans in closer to Mason, like he’s done this bit before. “You’re photogenic enough. You could be the face of the brand. Seem to be already popular on Instagram, Certified Snack.”
I try to hide my growing smirk.
“Absolutely fucking not,” he growls.
Dylan glances at Mason. “You know we’ll need some updated shots of the crew. Professional ones. Not the blurry ones you took with your phone last season.”
“They weren’t blurry. You just moved.”
“Because a crate of bait slid into my leg.”
“That’s called being on a boat.”
“Still your fault.”
Mason huffs out a low breath that’s almost a laugh. “Fine. We’ll schedule a shoot. Just don’t put filters on everything and call it branding.”
“I like clean visuals. You like hiding behind beanies and sunglasses. We’ll meet in the middle.”
I watch them, curious as hell. They don’t step on each other. They don’t posture. Mason keeps his tone measured, his eyes steady. Dylan leans back in his chair like he owns the space but gives Mason the floor when it counts. It’s the kind ofprofessional relationship that doesn’t happen by accident. They are more than work colleagues and really close friends.
There’s a solidness to them.
I didn’t expect that. I expected egos. Control. Maybe even a little competition.
But what I’m seeing is something else entirely. They’re a team.
And for the first time since stepping into this building, I don’t feel like I’m about to be chewed up and spit out.
Not yet, anyway.
“So what exactly will I be doing? Mostly social media?” I ask, trying to steer the conversation back to something useful. “Day to day?”
“Managing our social media accounts,” Mason says, ticking items off on his fingers. “Creating content for posts, stories, reels. We’ll need you out on the boats sometimes to get footage and photos.”
“We also need help with our newsletter,” Dylan adds. “We send one out monthly, but it’s pretty basic right now. Could use more personality.”
“And we need new promotional materials,” Mason continues. “Flyers, banners, that kind of thing. We do a booth at the local festivals, and our current setup is pretty dated.”
“Plus any event representation,” Dylan explains. “The town holds a lot of markets. We need someone to man the booth, talk to people, and hand out information.”
I’m nodding along, mentally remembering everything. “That sounds amazing. Really. I love this kind of work.”
“Good,” Mason says. “Because we need someone who’s actually excited about it. We’re better with boats than computers.”
Nina appears with my coffee, setting it down with a flourish. “Here you go, handsome.” Her fingers trail across my shoulder as she leaves, and both Mason and Dylan notice.
“Looks like you’ve already made a friend,” Dylan says, his grin turning wicked.
“She’s very tactile,” I manage.
“That’s Nina,” Mason says. “She’s sweet. Bit enthusiastic. And an incredible baker.”
