In an instant, Kavya’s energy totally changes. Even with her back turned, I can just feel it. She’s gone from wistful, nostalgic almost, to tensed up, the air seemingly sucked out of her. “She’s actually gone for a couple weeks. On a business trip. Travel writing.”

“Well, if she’s back in time, I’d really like to meet her.”

I’m finally fully clothed, so I crawl out of the car. Kavya turns around, and sure enough, there’s a furrow in her brow practically as deep as the Mariana Trench. “Sure. I’ll try,” she mutters.

“Thanks.”

Kavya gives me a weak smile. She’s hesitant, and I can’t figure out why. But if the Blue brought me into Kavya’s life, it has to be a sign. A chance to talk to her mom and see if there’s something I’m missing. Because as much as I hate to admit it, I think there might be something. Before almost being flattened by a truck, tonight was actually fun, and I can still feel phantom tingles in my legs from the way Sean made my fin flush.

Maybe I should—I don’t know—give this place a chance?

     Sean     

I couldn’t sleep the entire night. Kavya is the daughter of a mer. Ross is my fake partner merperson. I feel like my life isn’t a rom-com anymore and has taken a turn into some fantasy epic. What’s next? I’m going to find out I’m the descendant of some dark and powerful wizard and I’m the only one who can stop him?

There were so many questions running through my mind that I texted Ross the entire night. I’d had a few before, but for some reason, knowing that Ross is going to go back to sea made me not want to spend too much time on them. Like if I fully dove in and accepted the fact that the person helping me win my boyfriend back was mer, I’d feel so weird after they left knowing this whole world existed but having no one to talk to about it. But now that Kavya is a part of that world, I need to know more.

So many questions poured out of me as I lay in bed speed-texting that Ross eventually replied,

I’m making a presentation. Give it a rest tonight and you’ll have all the answers tomorrow after your shift.