Phineas was sitting on the beach of Sandbar Island, staring out over the water and trying to soak in the warm rays of the sun. He glanced up to see Finn looming over him, while the rest of the fishing party was at the far end of the small island casting their lines into the lake and enjoying the beautiful day.
“Do I?”
Finn’s brow furrowed. “Yes. Are you okay? Usually, you’re a lot more chatty when you’re swimming around and untangling lines and the like for my clients.”
Phineas shrugged. “I guess I am a bit distracted.”
Finn let out a huff of air. “It’s not about my sister, is it? I mean, I’ll talk about it, but don’t ask me for advice.”
“What kind of friend are you?” Phineas teased.
“A good one, but also overprotective about his sister. Like I said, I’ll listen but…it’s weird. So, is it about Pearl?”
“Sort of,” Phineas stated.
“Great,” Finn moaned, as he scrubbed a hand down his long horse face. “I don’t really want to help you with woman problems, especially given how it’s my sister but?—”
“It’s not anything like that, and there’s more to it.” How was he going to explain it to Finn? First, he was still processing the fact that he apparently had a long-lost brother he didn’t even know about, while simultaneously floating on cloud nine because the most beautiful woman in the world, as far as he was concerned, told him how she felt about him and wanted to be with him. She also was going to support him tonight. So it was like a date, but not.
It was a weird place to be, feeling absolutely over the moon and yet confused and wary about Pierre. And he wanted to talk to Finn about it, because he trusted him.
“What’s going on?” Finn asked quietly, sitting down next to him.
“Did I have a brother?” Phineas asked.
Finn frowned. “Not that I’m aware of.”
“I was hoping you might remember something as you’re older than me.”
“Only by seven years. Sorry, I don’t remember your parents ever mentioning it, but they never really talked much at all. Why are you asking whether or not you have a brother?”
“Because there’s a gill man in town with a southern accent who is claiming to be my brother.”
Finn’s eyes widened. “What?”
Phineas nodded. “I’m going to meet with him tonight.”
“I don’t think you should do that alone.” There was a hint of caution in Finn’s voice.
“I’m not. Pearl will be there.” Phineas almost hesitated to tell Finn that Pearl would be there with him tonight. He knew how protective Finn was of his little sister.
If Finn had a problem with it, he didn’t react. “Good. You need someone there.”
Phineas wanted to ask Finn for dating advice but couldn’t, as the advice he was seeking pertained to Pearl, and Finn had made it clear it would be weird. He would have to ask someone else for help.
“Do you mind if I leave early? I think I need to get ready to meet this other gill man tonight and figure it all out,” Phineas said.
“Sure. If they have tips, and they will because these guys adore you, I’ll put them aside for you.”
Phineas stood and then reached out to help Finn up, clasping his forearm. “Thanks.”
“It’s no problem. Let me know how it goes, because if this individual is up to no good, I’ll make sure he doesn’t mess with you again.” It was the brotherly support Phineas appreciated.
“That sounds kind of ominous coming from you,” Phineas remarked, shuddering slightly.
“You’re family and I protect my family.” Finn clapped him on the shoulder, giving it a squeeze. “Maybe he’s related to you by blood, but blood doesn’t define family. Remember that.”
“I know.” Phineas headed out into the cool waters of the lake before diving under the waves. At least he could be alone in the water as he swam toward the hidden inlet which led into his swamp, because he was keeping far from Harmony Glen and wouldn’t have to make small talk with the other residents who lived in and around the water like Cora, Muir and Rex.
