Mermaid For You: A Man of the Month Club Novella: Small town work place romance (Magnolia Point)

Chapter 3

The only availablejob that I’m able to slide into is with the Mermazing Adventure. I was really hoping to work in the restaurant, the bar, in lawn care… but nope, I get boats and grown women pretending to be half fish. This is going to be a nightmare. My skin is crawling thinking about it.

The pay isn’t comforting, but I’ll manage since there are housing options for employees. Once I finish getting my registration complete and then sneak back into the system to approve my application, I find the number to management and let them know they have a transfer beginning work this Monday. I set up a new bank account in Magnolia Point for my pay to be deposited, and it’s the only money I’ll be using for this month. Clean slate. No more Sullivan Hayes, billionaire, and eldest heir to the Hayes Empire.

My family is one of the oldest and wealthiest families in the entire state of South Carolina. There’s a long generation of Sullivan Hayes from Magnolia Point. The Hayes Resorts was originally our family’s mansion, and they’d open rooms to guests visiting. Then friends would ask if their family coming to visit could stay in a room. Long story short, they eventually expanded and turned it into one of the most hospitable luxury resorts in South Carolina. The Hayes family has always wanted to maintain Southern hospitality, charm, and creating memories. Hopefully, my family will be nowhere around the resort, and even if they are, it’s highly doubtful they’ll go on one of the silly boat tours. I don’t think my sister has wanted to see a mermaid since she was ten—her horrendous sweet sixteen party hosted here aside—and she despises turtles. We’ve all outgrown the foolishness of mermaids—hopefully. But it’s a gimmick that’s quite profitable.

The only ones likely to be around are my grandparents or Rosemary, my sister, who likes to pop in on occasion with friends. I think she actually likes her friends. Does that mean she has real friends? I think it does. Why don’t I have real friends instead of morons goading me into silly bets?

Deep breaths, Van. You can do this.

By June eighteenth, at the National Go Fishing Day celebration, I will not only have proved them wrong but also gained some pocket change. More than anything, I can’t wait to make those two choke on their words. If I’m being completely honest, I’d also like to prove to myself that I’m not as shallow as them and perfectly capable of standing on my own without the cushion of my name and inheritance. That’s an insecurity I don’t want to dwell on, so I order the jet to be ready tomorrow. The bet begins Monday, and I need to use my amenities while I can before I’m completely broke.

After I get everything arranged, my cell rings with a call from my father.

“Hey, Dad.”

“Son. I was going to take the Gulfstream out, but you’ve requested it for Magnolia Point.”

“Is that a problem, sir?”

“You haven’t traveled to our branch in Magnolia Point in years. Not since your sister wanted to have her sweet sixteen mermaid-themed birthday party.”

I cringe, remembering that party. A bunch of teenage girls dressed as slutty mermaids and drinking too much. They somehow made a mermaid tail and seashells even more revealing. I did not need to see my baby sister that way. My parents didn’t seem fazed. Well, Dad gritted his teeth the whole time. However, he promised his princess the ultimate sweet sixteen party. Then there was the mortifying moment of me coming in my pants while making out with the pink-haired mermaid. I’ve been scarred from the place and the whole Mermazing Adventures ever since, which is why it’s the perfect location—I’ve not been in years.

“Don’t remind me of that glittered fish-scaled circus.”

My father laughs and then clears his throat. “Any plans? Visiting? Have you alerted the staff to prepare the private floor?”

“No, sir. I don’t want that. I’d prefer nobody knows I’m there.”

Excitement fills his voice as he speaks. “Going undercover? Are you finally taking an interest in the hotel business?”

“Kind of.”

“Good for you.”

“But if you need the plane…”

“No, no. I can make other arrangements for Rosemary.”

His baby girl, Rosemary. Color me surprised that he’s still letting me take it after his princess requested it. He must be eager for me to dive into the family business.

The truth is, I’ve been in limbo on what I want to do with my future. A part of me wants to branch out and create my own empire. The other half is proud of what my family has built and wants to continue the legacy. Maybe I’m going through an identity crisis. Those morons and their bet haven’t helped matters any. This challenge could be what I need to prove I’m not a spoiled man-child who doesn’t know what he wants in life because everything’s been handed to him.

But I know I am.

And that’s what kills me. I desperately wish I could be as accepting or oblivious to my reality as the other silver-spooned people in my social circle. Rosemary told me once that my downfall will be my conscience.

“I’m proud of you, son. Have fun. But not too much, eh? Let’s not have any scandals in the headlines so close to your mother’s birthday.”

I chuckle because half the time the scandals are dramatized photos with little to no truth behind them. “Of course, Dad.”

“The resort still has their big to-do in June. We might stop in. You know how your grandpappy loves fishing. It’s been two or three years since I’ve joined him. Will you still be there?”

That’s when my bet is over. If they arrive before midnight, they could blow my cover. “Perhaps.”

“Wonderful. Safe travels. Love you, son.”

“You too, Dad.”

* * *

Margie Cash will not stop scrutinizingme. To be safe, I’ve bleached my sandy-blond hair, shaved, and lain in the tanning bed to give me some more color. Maybe I should’ve added some Clark Kent glasses.

“You look familiar.”

I shrug and maintain my poker face. “I must just have one of those faces. I’ve never been here before so not sure where we would’ve met.”

The thing is, Margie has been here since we were coming as kids. Granted, she hasn’t seen me in years, but she’s probably recognizing some of my grandfather’s features in me. I was blessed to have inherited his genes rather than his son’s. Not that my old man’s hideous or anything. He’s just… eh.

Her red lips perch together before they slowly spread into a devious smirk. “Must have.” She says it like she isn’t buying any of this. “You know what? You’re new, but something tells me you’ll be a quick learner. Our photographer is sick. I need you to double as the skipper on the Mermazing Adventures boat tours and the photographer. Ava is the featured mermaid for this afternoon, so no worries, she’ll be able to walk you through everything.”

I swallow my groan and force a grin. Of all the positions. Now I have to sit in the hot sun taking photo after photo of squirming kids and half-naked women wearing far too much makeup. I pray I don’t get one of the overactors who are wildly animated with a high-pitched, ear-piercing voice.

Margie is still eyeing me as she taps away on her phone. Impressive she can text without even looking at her phone. Feeling uncomfortable, I decide to examine her office. It’s pale gray, with plenty of room. A private bathroom. A white leather couch and chair off to the side. Bookcases along one wall filled with white binders, novels, and framed photos, along with a collection of seashells. One wall is lined with wide windows showcasing the ocean. Her desk is chic and contemporary, all white and glass. Margie has come a long way in the Hayes Corporation. I remember when she worked the front desk. She’s beautiful now, but she was stunning then.

“I’m very much looking forward to the cupcakes. I remember those are always amazing.”

They really are. They have mermaid decorated ones, palm trees, magnolia, and beach themes. They’re served after every meal and are incredible.

A knowing smirk spreads across her face. “Are you sure, Van, that you’ve never been to our lovely resort?”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I misspoke. What I meant, ma’am, was that I visited here as a kid, but I’ve never worked for this branch.”

“This branch? That sounds so formal. This location, you mean?”

Deciding not to say any more, I nod. Why did I even bring up the cupcakes? I need to get a grip.

Margie chuckles as she gives a slight headshake. “I think you’ll enjoy helping out with taking photos for our guests and social media.”

“Social media?”

“Yes. I’ll need you to get a few photos for our promotions and socials. Nothing major. Just snap a few candid pics and send them to the marketing department. The crew over in Mermazing Adventures are fun and easy to work with.”

“I bet.”

Her eyebrows rise. “Did you ever have a mermazing experience? I hope I didn’t spoil the fact that they’re actors and athletes.”

“Athletes?”

“Yes. You have to be in top physical shape to swim with a constricting tail, remain under water for long periods of time, and perform water acrobatics.”

“Of course.”

“I can see you’re skeptical. I guess I would’ve been as well if I hadn’t been a mermaid myself for years.”

Margie was a mermaid? A surprise chuckle escapes me. “When? Here?”

“Yes.” She beams with pride. The sun shining through the window reflects off her diamond earrings and the tennis bracelet on her wrist. Her blue eyes sparkle as she looks out the window with happiness. “My best years here were as a mermaid. Takes lots of work and endurance. Which is also why we’re going to start you out in photography and as a skipper. You’ll need to go through more training, especially lifeguard training, before you can become a sailor, pirate, or captain.”

The door to her office opens, and a sweet yet sultry voice calls out Margie’s name. I turn in my seat to greet the newcomer, only to realize I’m totally going to win this bet. There’s the woman who’s going to fall in love with me.

A short and curvy little thing in a hot pink retro two-piece, wearing an unbuttoned oversized white shirt, stands barefoot in the doorway. Her hair is a wintery mix of white and shiny silver, cut to shape her adorable round face. She reminds me of Marilyn Monroe with her platinum-blonde hair and seductive bright red lips. Her thick eyebrows and eyelashes are a dark blonde, almost brown, showcasing her Caribbean-colored eyes.

Please tell me this is Ava.

“Van, this is Ava.”

Yes!

Ava gives me a little wave and smiles. “Oh, you must be the new guy! Great, because all of us playing rock, paper, scissors to see who’s on camera duty has been tiring.” She scrunches her nose as she giggles. She’s too cute. This bet is going to be a breeze.

Margie chuckles and points to me. “He’s all yours, Ava.” Yes, he is. “Go show him around and ride out on the next tour. He starts tomorrow.”

Ava waves for me to come to her. “Okey doke. Hey, did you want a coffee or anything before we take off?”

“No, thank you. I’m good, doll,” I tell her.

She turns to me with a confused expression. “Um, okay. Margie, do you want a coffee or anything before we take off?”

Oh. She was talking to her the whole time. Oops.

Margie leans forward with her fingers intertwined. “No, doll, I’m good too. Have fun.” She winks at us while Ava’s lips curl slightly.

The friendly woman from earlier vanishes as soon as we close the office door. We’ve only taken three steps before she stops and spins on me.

“Never address me like that, again. No good girl, babe, doll, dollface. Zip. Nada. Big no.”

I nod. “So that’s when you turned cold on me. I noticed the shift in your attitude.”

“Good. You’re observant. Wait.” She inhales a deep breath, and I can’t help but notice the rise and fall of her plump chest. “I’m sorry. I let my emotions and hang-ups cause me to prejudge you. Not fair, and definitely not cool.” Ava extends her hand out to me. “I’m Ava Carey.”

My fingers curl around her offered hand, and I admire soft and delicate she feels. I fidget from one foot to the next, slightly uncomfortable at how I’m getting a semi-erection from holding hands. Shit. Light laughter rolls out of me to mask my embarrassment.

“Nice to meet you, Ava. I’m Van, and I look forward to working together.”

“Van…?”

What did I put as my last name on my paperwork? I can’t tell her Hayes. I guess I could. No. Maybe I did write Hayes. Shit. What’s my name? I suck at living a lie.

“Ava! It’s Tuesday!” We both turn to see a younger John Stamos grinning and waving like a loon at us.

I’m immediately forgotten as Ava waves animatedly at the sun-kissed and toned fitness model. “Alexi!” She turns to me with an apologetic smile. “Oh, sorry. Let’s run over here real quick.”

Begrudgingly, I follow Ava to this Alexi character. She leaps into his arms, and they exchange a few words about it being Tuesday and eating tacos.

Ava swats his arm. “Alexi, you goof. It’s Monday! I would never forget Taco Tuesday. Cora knows I can’t live without her fish tacos with pineapple salsa. Yum!” Again, I’m remembered as Ava turns to me and beams. “Taste of Magnolia is a food truck that comes to the resort on Tuesdays. Down by the coast. Cora makes the best tacos. Life-changing. I would marry this woman for her taco.”

Alexi bursts out laughing. “Same. I’ve been trying to get that taco myself.”

“Shut up! I didn’t mean it that way. You’re such a perv.”

“Who’s this?” Alexi nods toward me before extending his hand. “Alexi Diakos.”

“Van.” I shake his hand. “Is that Greek?”

“Yes. Third generation. I’m originally from Candy Cane Keys.”

Florida guy. I can understand why he came here to escape the Christmas town. That would have to get old quick. Ava smirks and nudges him with her shoulder.

“They kicked him out for being such a scrooge.”

Alexi throws his head back and then turns to Ava with a mischievous grin. “No, it’s because I couldn’t stay off the naughty list.” He regains some self-control and speaks to me. “I was practically raised in my family’s restaurant, Niko’s Taverna. Wanted to try something new.”

Ava makes a point to frown and tilts her head in an overly dramatic fashion. “So, he came to another tourist spot to work as a bartender. Which is basically what he was already doing? Big change.”

“Actually, my cousin Thanasis is the bartender back home.”

“And now you don’t have any competition as the hot Greek. You’re the only one here.”

“So you admit that I’m hot.”

Watching these two flirt is getting old. Looks like I’ll have a challenge if I plan to win her over by fishing day, or I can find someone who’s available.

Ava rolls her eyes and sinks her teeth into her bottom lip. “I need to show Van around before my shift.”

Yes, you do.I bet if she knew who I was, she wouldn’t—shit. This is the exact kind of behavior I swore I didn’t do. But the petty side of me is tempted to file a complaint and slide it straight up to the top of management. I hate that I’m getting jealous over a stranger, and she’s getting under my skin.

Ava hugs what’s-his-name and nods for me to follow her. And I do, like a damn puppy.