“Hey, you don’t have to hold my hand or anything when people aren’t around,” I say. “I know this is fake and all, and I appreciate you getting so into playing the part, but doing things like this”—I gently lift my fingers underneath Ross’s—“seems like we’re kind of laying it on thick, right?” Why do I feel so awkward? “If I’m being truthful about this.” Truthful?

Ross looks down at our hands, then back up to me. “I didn’t even realize I was doing it,” they say. “Mer are affectionate in general. Swimming down a current brushing fins is a pretty regular thing. I guess without a fin, my body doesn’t know what to do with itself.”

“Oh.” I know that this shouldn’t bother me, but it does.

I think they can sense that their words threw me off, because Ross tilts their head to the side and frowns. “We only do it with people we’re comfortable with.” They pat my hand. “But if you don’t like it, I’ll totally stop.”

“No!” Then, quieter, with burning cheeks: “I mean, sorry, if it makes you feel more at home, you don’t have to stop. I don’t mind.” I guess it’s a compliment that Ross feels comfortable around me. It doesn’t mean their feelings aren’t genuine, just that maybe this affection is more friendly than it is romantic. So it’s not a betrayal to Dominic either. I know so many guys on the swim team who drape themselves around each other, but there’s nothing sexual about it. It’s just a bromance. Maybe that’s more in line with what Ross and I have going on.

Ross keeps their hand on mine and asks, “Can I tell you something I don’t like?”

“Proceed.” Ugh. “I mean, yes.”

“You doubt yourself too much,” Ross says. “You’ve let Dominic get to you, which I’m not saying isn’t understandable, but you’ve got a lot going for you that is not defined by him. It’s what drew him to you in the first place, I bet. So focus on your strengths and I’m sure he’ll be back even faster.”

“What, are merpeople all therapists too?”

“Ha, no, but we’re pretty in tune with feelings. Jellyfish can’t exactly smile or frown, so we’ve got to have other skills to figure out what they need.”