“Don’t mock me, Eli.”
“Wasn’t mocking. Just calling it like I see it. You, an adventurer? You’re more like a… what’s the term?” His eyes lit up with victory as he leaned in, his face insufferably smug. “A safety net enthusiast.”
“Excuse me for wanting to ensure financial stability!” I nearly shouted, my hands clenching into fists. “This resort is barely afloat!”
“Right. Because investing in better dive gear is such a wild risk.” His tone shifted, frustration creeping into his words as he rose to his feet. “It’s not like I want to provide the best experience for our guests or anything. Perish the thought.”
“Experience doesn’t come before budget!” I snapped, reeling from the heat rising in my chest. I couldn’t believe I was getting worked up like this. This ridiculously handsome guy standing in front of me—the same one who made everyone laugh—was a complete ass when it came to serious matters. And only I seemed to notice that. It wasn’t like I was intentionally denying his request. As much as I despised Eli Coleridge, the dive operation was actually helping our bottom line. But people seemed to have the idea that I could conjure money out of thin air, and it didn’t work like that. I took a deep breath and composed myself. “I can’t approve your request at this time.”
“Fine.” He crossed his arms and squarely faced me. “So when exactly will you work this expense into my budget? When hell freezes over?”
“That’s not fair.”
“Yeah, but?—”
“Look, Eli,” I interrupted, forcing calmness into my voice. “We can’t afford new dive computers right now. Not ever if things keep going like this.”
“Whatever you say, Julianne.” His face was icy, his eyes narrowed. “Guess I’ll just make do with what we’ve got. Freaking gauges. Perfect.”
“Thank you.” I nodded, feeling both victorious and frustrated. And guilty.
“Wish me luck,” he snarled before turning toward the door. It rattled in its frame after he slammed it shut behind him.
I jumped, placing a hand against my chest. Seeing it trembling, I scowled and flopped down into my chair and studied the spreadsheets before me. Each row and column was a stark black-and-white reminder of our precarious financial situation. My stomach twisted at denying him a reasonable request, but it didn’t matter. The resort’s future depended on rational decisions, not impulsive purchases.
I glanced at the clock and was relieved to find less than an hour left of my shift. Dinner with my best friend Lacey loomed on the horizon like a beacon, promising laughter and distraction from the frustration of my day. I had always appreciated her flighty nature, a refreshing contrast to my own rigid tendencies. Lacey drifted through life like a dandelion seed in the wind, while I was anchored to solid ground. With a long, extra-deep breath, I shoved Eli Coleridge from my mind and turned my attention back to the financial reports.
Two hours later,I stepped into Conch Republic Brewpub, the familiar scent of yeasty beer and French fries wafting through the air like an old friend. The place buzzed with chatter and laughter, a lively mix of locals and tourists soaking up the island vibe. Exposed ductwork and worn wooden planks enhanced the feel of the converted cannery. It felt good to be surrounded by a sense of community rather than isolation.
“Jules!” Lacey Ashworth’s voice cut through the bustling noise, drawing my attention. She beckoned from a cozy corner table, her sun-bleached blonde hair catching the light. A smile raised my lips as I made my way over, and the weight of my encounter with Eli lifted with each step. The server approached, balancing a tray with two frosted beers that Lacey had already ordered, setting them down before us.
“Hey, Lacey! After today, a drink sounds absolutely divine,” I remarked with a grateful sigh as I settled into the chair opposite her. We clinked our glasses together and took a healthy sip of the brew made on the premises. After smacking my lips, I inquired about our favorite topic—the progress of her wedding plans. As her maid of honor, I needed to keep on top of the ever-changing details.
“It’s all absolutely fabulous!” she exclaimed, her brown eyes sparkling. “Daniel has been such a sweetheart about everything. You know how he is, always looking for ways to surprise me.”
“Surprise? As in keeping you on your toes?” I tilted my head, knowing Lacey well enough to anticipate a whirlwind of ideas.
“Exactly! At first, we wanted an outdoor ceremony right on the beach at sunset.” She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “And then a receptionunder twinkling lights with tropical cocktails! Doesn’t that sound dreamy, Jules?”
“Extremely,” I replied as I pictured the admittedly lovely scene. Being a CPA, I also pictured the bill. Lacey and I had had several conversations about how to keep their big event from bleeding them dry and looked at several venues. But she needed to book something soon.
“But wait until you hear the idea he mentioned the other day.”
“Okay, I’m listening.” I braced myself for whatever wild idea was coming next.
“He was talking about wanting to learn scuba diving, and my mind just took off! How about an underwater wedding ceremony?” Her eyes widened with glee as if she’d just discovered a hidden treasure.
“Underwater?” I repeated, wanting to confirm I had heard correctly.
“Yes! On scuba. Doesn’t that sound incredible? Think of the stories we’d have.”
Diving was something I had wanted to do since moving to Dove Key but had never gotten around to. Lacey wasn’t certified either. “It’s certainly an unusual idea. How is that going to work?”
“Everyone in the wedding party would need scuba certification, which is perfect considering you work with the best dive instructor on the island!” Lacey clapped her hands, delighting in her own brilliance.
“Best dive instructor?” I repeated absently, my stomach already plummeting to the floor.
“Of course! Chase has told me over and over what an amazing teacher Eli is.”
