Chapter 29 #2
Thursday brings my first whale excursion assignment, and having them there makes it feel bigger than just another day at work.
The boat rocks gently beneath our feet as we head out, cold ocean spray misting my face as I slip into work mode, answering questions, explaining migration patterns, and pointing out fins breaking the surface in the distance.
We’re lucky, spotting several gray whales and even a few humpbacks, and every time one breaches, I hear my sisters gasp behind me like kids at a fireworks show.
April takes pictures of everything. The whales, the water, and me while I talk to tourists, my hands moving animatedly as I explain feeding habits and seasonal routes.
I don’t think I’ve ever felt so aware of how much I love what I do until I see it reflected on their faces.
They’ve also managed to make friends with Uncle Mike somehow, joining him on his daily walks to the harbor with Andres whenever I’m at work. Every evening, I come home with new stories about their adventures and a new story about Aiden’s childhood.
I haven’t actually seen him much myself. Our schedules keep missing each other, crossing only through small moments and messages, but my sisters seem to be collecting Aiden stories like souvenirs.
Finn, on the other hand, keeps checking in through text, asking when he can see me, and insisting he wants to meet my sisters. Eventually, I give in and invite him to Cassie’s birthday party, hoping the group setting will keep my sisters from interrogating him too hard.
Which is how I walk into my house Friday afternoon to absolute chaos.
Music plays from somewhere in the living room, and the moment I step inside, I’m hit with the sight of my sisters in full preparation mode. Clothes are everywhere. Makeup spread across the coffee table, Neptune lying on his bed, watching their every move.
Cassie had immediately demanded they come once she found out they were in town, and somehow the girls decided the eighties theme meant recreating Madonna's looks.
April is wearing a short white lace dress layered with tulle, lace gloves climbing up her arms, and enough pearls and jewelry to rattle when she moves.
June went in the opposite direction, wearing a cropped jacket with bold detailing over a fitted black dress, layered necklaces hanging across her chest, and dramatic makeup. She stands behind April now, focused and ruthless, teasing her hair higher and higher.
My own outfit waits draped over a chair, black and simple compared to theirs, a fitted top with a short jacket and a few layered accessories to make it feel eighties without going over the top. It’s just enough for the theme while still feeling like something I’d actually wear.
I stop in the doorway and sigh. “I damn the day I decided this was a good idea.”
They burst into giggles without even looking at me, sipping something pink from mismatched glasses.
“What are you drinking? That looks good,” I ask.
“A cosmo,” April says loudly, handing me her glass.
I sniff it, take a careful sip, and raise an eyebrow. “Are you planning on being wasted by the time we get there?”
“Oh no,” she says dramatically. “I don’t want to miss the casino experience. I’ve never been to a small-town casino. I just cannot wait.”
“Me either,” June adds.
“Where did you even get vodka?” I ask, dropping to the floor beside Neptune so I can scratch behind his ears.
“Aiden,” April answers casually, taking her drink back. “He came by a little while ago looking for you. Wanted to take Neptune on a hike, and we asked where to buy alcohol around here, so he offered a bottle he had at home. It all kind of worked out.”
“I see,” I murmur, as the doorbell rings.
“That’s probably him,” April says.
June takes off toward the door, and a second later, I hear her voice. “Hey, come in!”
Within moments, Aiden walks inside with Skye at his side, Nathan just behind him with Houston, and suddenly, my living room feels much smaller than it did thirty seconds ago.
I push myself up from the floor and smile when Aiden’s eyes find mine.
“Hey,” I say.
“Hey,” he answers, his smile easy, warm.
The girls wave, April still sipping her drink.
“Nathan,” I say, turning toward him, “have you met my sisters?”
“Not yet,” he says politely.
“Girls, this is Nathan, and this is his dog, Houston. He lives two doors down.”
At the sound of his name, Houston trots forward, making a beeline for the girls. April immediately drops to her knees to pet him, her dress puffing around her dramatically.
“Nathan,” I continue, “these are my sisters. The drunk one on the floor is April, and the one with the crazy blue eye shadow is June.”
He chuckles. “Nice to meet you.”
Aiden glances toward June. “June works for the Strikers.”
“The football club?” Nathan asks.
June nods, smiling. “Yeah.”
“Oh, I need you to meet my wife,” Nathan says. “She’s writing a soccer series right now. I’m sure she’d love to pick your brain.”
“Your wife writes romance?” June asks instantly, eyes lighting up.
He nods. “She does.”
“Oh my gosh, I would love to meet her. I’m a huge romance reader. You all should come with us tonight.”
Nathan shakes his head apologetically. “She’s on deadline and writing nonstop, so she won’t be up for it, but I’m sure she’d love to meet you. Maybe tomorrow if you have time?”
“Yes,” June says immediately, practically glowing. “I would love that.”
From the floor, surrounded by three dogs now, April looks up at Aiden.
“How about you?” she asks. “Why don’t you come with us?”
“I…” Aiden starts, glancing from her to me. “I wasn’t invited.”
“Well, I’m inviting you,” April declares.
I smile. “You should come. It’s at Chinook Winds in Lincoln City.”
He looks back at me, something soft passing through his expression.
“I’ll see if I can make it,” he says.
I smile, even though that’s the exact moment I realize Finn will be coming too.
Oh fuck.