Chapter 15 The Lagoon
The Lagoon
It was as Riley had predicted about an hour later, and as Gray stepped off the boat, he still couldn't quite believe it.
He was finally here at the Lagoon, with his project not only completely funded but also granted a full month to work on it.
Beaming, he took in his surroundings, already feeling the excitement build.
Suddenly, a massive grey shadow appeared in front of him, and—SPLASH! Cold water doused him from head to toe, leaving him sputtering as he wiped his face. What the hell happened? Looking down, he saw two grey shapes zipping back and forth in the water. Was that—
"Oh no, not the best first or second impression!" Cam's voice boomed as he strode down the dock, eyes twinkling with amusement. Gray blinked and saw them—two enormous dolphins, the culprits.
"So sorry, Gray! Meet Abaco and Anejo," Cam gestured toward the dolphins, who were now popping their heads up, staring at Gray with what seemed to be amusement.
"They like to be little shits sometimes and surprise guests by, well, doing exactly what they just did.
But don't worry, you'll dry off fast. Come on, let's head to the lab and get you introduced to everyone.
" Cam gave him a friendly slap on the back as they walked up the ramp, Gray still marvelling at the Lagoon, an endless expanse of water off the man-made canal. It felt surreal.
Cam led him into the building. "We were taking our morning coffee break." He pushed the door open.
Gray's eyes went wide, and then he burst out laughing.
"What's so funny, mate?" Declan deadpanned in an exaggerated Irish accent; arms folded across his chest.
Every single staff member, men included, was wearing a pink bikini.
"What the--" Gray got out between laughs. "Riley?" He glanced around, trying to make sense of it.
Cam, who had been confused, caught on and started laughing too. Why was his team so weird?
"Well, Gray," Riley said with a wicked grin, "you said you didn't look good in a pink bikini. We thought you hadn't tried it." She held out the tiniest bikini Gray had ever seen, winking.
"Nah, I'm good." Gray raised a hand, still chuckling. "I'm glad to see you've recognized my pretty face—without the beard." He shot Riley a playful smile, recalling how she'd ditched him at the dock.
"Daniel," Declan piped up, eyeing his colleague, "why is your bikini so much more... form-fitting than mine?"
Daniel flashed a self-satisfied grin. "Simple, Declan. This body was made to be seen in all styles. I fill things out better." He stood up to shake Gray's hand, but as he did, his bikini top popped off.
"Whoops! Sorry, man. You don't need to see that much skin.
" Daniel smirked, unfazed. "But if you haven't guessed, this is Riley's strange way of apologizing.
" He gestured to his absurd outfit. "Now, as much as I look amazing, I'm feeling exposed.
" He tugged at the bikini bottoms, which were woefully inadequate for his frame.
"I'm gonna change before I scar anyone for life. "
Everyone burst out laughing as Daniel shuffled away, trying in vain to pull the bikini down over his butt cheeks. It was a losing battle.
Declan bounced to his feet; arms thrown wide. "I dunno, I'm feelin' very free in this! Ladies, what do ya think?"
Before he could finish, Cici snapped the back of his bikini top, making Declan sputter and clutch at it like a scandalized Victorian lady.
"I can't believe this is the thanks I get for being a team player!" Declan huffed dramatically, earning more laughter. As he left the office, he gave Gray a hearty handshake. "Good to have you here, mate. We're gonna have some fun."
Gray was still laughing as he turned to the women. He only knew Riley, but they all grinned like mischievous Cheshire cats.
"Gray, meet Marta and Cici," Riley introduced, motioning toward them.
"We'll go grab your gear," Cici chimed in with a wink. "Or, you know, your "stuffff,"" she added with a teasing grin before both women disappeared out the door.
Gray stayed with Cam, who was still shaking his head, amused. "Well, I was going to do a professional introduction, but I guess we're doing... whatever that was instead."
"Honestly, it was perfect," Gray laughed, still feeling the ridiculousness of the situation.
"Welcome aboard, Gray. They wouldn't be messing with you if they didn't already like you. You're gonna fit in just fine," Cam said, clapping him on the back before leading him toward the table in the lab.
As they walked, Gray grinned, feeling lighter than ever. Yeah, this was going to be something special.