Chapter 50
Underwater escape
Stupid, stupid, stupid!
Riley berated herself as she swam alongside Phoenix, the dolphin's playful antics breaking through her frustration.
A reluctant smile tugged at her lips. When she glanced back toward the dock, she caught sight of Shelley awkwardly attempting to link arms with Gray, only to pull back when the dock wobbled beneath them.
Oh, if only Gray had let her fall in and ruin that perfectly styled hair and makeup! The thought amused her, and she couldn't help but laugh, the sound light and bitter in the salty air. But Gray was too kind to do something like that, even if it would have been satisfying to watch.
As she laughed, Riley noticed Gray turning to face her, concern etched across his features. Even from across the lagoon, she could feel the weight of his worry.
Well, I'm upset too, Gray Whittal!
Determined to escape her thoughts, Riley signalled to Phoenix, and they continued across the lagoon to the far platform.
She loved his dark grey patches around his eyes.
Cam's idea to install the platforms last year had been a stroke of genius.
They were perfect for stashing extra gear, and Riley had taken full advantage of them more than once.
As they approached the platform, Phoenix swam closer, nudging Riley gently.
Phoenix knew Riley was down by the way she moved, as he continued to nudge her, he became more urgent and pushed himself right into her arms, smooshing his face against hers so there was no space between them as they floated vertically in the water.
"I know, I know, sweet friend," Riley murmured, her hand brushing up and down the dolphin's sleek side. "Gray's a good guy, but that woman—I don't trust her one bit." They both looked back across the lagoon, where the dock and its occupants had become distant, indistinct specks.
"Let's go for a dive and leave all this crap behind.
" As soon as Riley swam towards the dive platform, Phoenix swam right beside her, one pec fin on her side, comforting her just like Nemo used to comfort him.
Riley loved Phoenix so much and was grateful he was with her.
Some days they'd just float together in the lagoon, her lying on her back, face to the sky and his head resting on her chest. Heart to heart and just enjoying the peace of it all.
Riley headed to the gear shed on the platform, checking the first tank in the rack.
Perfect -2,500 PSI, a full tank meant plenty of time underwater, enough to clear her mind.
She knew she'd have to resurface eventually to help close up the lab and give Phoenix his final snack of the day.
But an hour underwater would give her the break she needed.
She could race through her closing duties afterward, avoiding Gray, Shelley, and everyone else, and slip away with minimal questions.
"Let's go, my guy. Just you, me, for a while."