After Finding You (PUBLISHED ON AMAZON)

Chapter 1

"Are mermaids real?" Arthur's voice cuts through the chatter, amplified by the speakers mounted in every corner of the restaurant, each word rippling like a wave through the air. The question hangs, quieting the room and daring diners to believe in the impossible.

I run my hands over my blue-and-green-swirled silicone tail, ensuring the fit is snug before sinking into the water. With a deep breath, I dive under, the water muffling what Arthur says next. "We searched all the oceans, and you're in luck! We managed to find a mermaid right here in Los Angeles, and after negotiating payment...in sand dollars, of course..." He pauses for the audience's laughter.

I use the extra seconds to sneak a breath from my oxygen mask hanging discreetly by some fake seaweed.

The rescue diver, hiding in the corner where the audience can't see him, gives me a thumbs up to show everything is safe and ready for the performance. I nod my thanks as Arthur wraps up his big speech. "She's agreed to show you some of her mermazing skills right here at The Pearl Kingdom! Without further ado...here's Mermaid Veronica!"

As Arthur's voice fades, the deep crimson curtains around the water tank part, and the warm light chases away the darkness. I inhale one last deep breath, push my oxygen mask into the seaweed, and swim toward the center of the glass.

My usual routine is swimming from one side to the other before mixing in some spins and twirls. People stop eating to watch me whirl and wave.

Children of all ages rush to press their cute faces against the glass. I smile and blow them bubble kisses and form hearts with my hands. They giggle and point at me like I'm something exotic they found in a zoo.

A man stands up from his table and takes a photo using the flash. For a moment, I'm dazed but shake it off. Blinking away the red spots. Security darts toward the man and asks him to turn off the flash. I nod my thanks and continue the show.

The cheers and applause never fail to lift my spirits. As the curtain closes, I glide to the surface, breaking through with a deep, refreshing inhale. Hauling myself onto the platform, I settle in, my tail shimmering in front of me.

Arthur walks up the stairs and steps onto the platform to join me. He cracks the knuckles in his massive hands and swipes at his nose. "You ready to meet those grubby little kids?" he asks with a smirk.

"Isn't one of those monsters yours?" I mock, craning my neck to look up at him. His dark beard is growing back in, giving his jaw a sharper edge. His arms are toned and scarred from his days in the armed forces.

His dimples deepen as his smirk turns into a cheesy grin. Arthur raises a shoulder and drops it. "What's a man to do?"

I laugh, rolling my eyes. Arthur gently lifts me, placing his left hand behind my tail, which is actually behind my knees, and his right hand on my back. I wrap my arm around his shoulders to keep myself balanced. "You're my favorite mer-handler, you know that?"

His hazel eyes cut me a look. "I'm the only one you got."

I pucker my lips in an exaggerated pout and toss an overly dramatic air kiss at him. "Just makes you even more special."

He playfully smacks my scale-covered thigh. "Yeah, yeah."

"Do you ever want to get out of here?" The question slips through my lips as I trace the tip of the eagle wing tattoo on his neck with my finger. It's a bit faded from age, but it still stands out against his tanned skin. His reply is a confused glance like I lost my mind, so I add, "You know. Start a new life. Do something different."

He swallows, and his Adam's apple bobs. His hold on my legs stiffens. "I like it here. It's peaceful, and I always feel better when my life runs like clockwork. Plus, my wife and daughter are from here." As soon as he says that, we turn the corner, and ten children scream in unison, killing the conversation.