Page 12 of Below The Surface
But that’s basically my life, anyway. The difference is that I’ve done this to myself. Boxed myself into this rigid idea. This persona. Dallas with the sweet smile and the southern drawl.
The sharp cry of a child pierces the room. Everyone cringes and checks on their child.
The crying child stands a few feet away from me. Tears stream from their eyes and they clutch a stuffed dolphin. My feet move as if they have a mind of their own. Must. Help.
Thankfully, their parent hustles to them and picks them up. They try to soothe the child and it takes minutes before the cries calm. I let out a breath and my shoulders sag.
There’s a reason I tend to work with a small team. Too many people make me anxious. Why the hell did I agree to go to Influencer Con? They invited me and I couldn’t stop smiling. I was on someone’s radar. Then reality set in. Fuck, I’m on someone’s radar.
“Hey. Hey.” Hayden tugs on my hand. “Do you wanna go?”
I shake my head. “I’m fine. Everything’s fine. Just over thinking again.”
He squeezes my hand. “You’ll tell me if things got too much.”
I nod. “Thanks.”
The music changes and gets a little louder for a few measures. “Welcome guests, young and old! Just a reminder not to use flash photography, but you can take as many pictures as you like. Please do not touch the merfolk and have your questions ready for after the show!”
A spotlight shines on the huge clamshell as it turns to face us.
Kids clap and shout. “Mommy! The mermaids!”
My eyes zero in on Merrick. He’s stunning. The pale blue wig goes with his tail that has shades of blue and green. He appears to have shimmering scales along his arms, bare chest, and cheeks. I’m sure Kendra looks as beautiful, but I can’t take my eyes off Kay.
A low hum fills the space, followed by something haunting and higher. Maybe we should have looked into what the hell the show would be because I was not expecting a musical performance.
The songs talk about being kind to the ocean and the animals within her. I know for today’s performance they won’t be getting into the water. I’m almost sad about it.
I’m mesmerized as if in a trance, as if Kay really is a siren trying to lure me into a trap.
His voice is alluring, whether he’s talking or singing. The pair also sign and interact with the sign language interpreter to riotous laughs of the kids that need that. Jokes that only they would get. I’m in awe of the elaborate performance.
“Alrighty guys, gals, and pals. If you have questions for our guests today, please make your way to the two microphones.”
Dozens of kids race to find a spot until there are at least a couple dozen waiting in line. They start asking questions close to kids’s hearts. Like, what’s your favorite dinosaur? T-Rex and triceratops. Favorite color? Orange and pink. And so on and so forth until the last kid has asked the mer performers their questions.
Kay and Ken don’t even look close to annoyed, and I gotta hand it to them. They’ve been a blast to watch.
Kay and Ken wave to the crowd and blow bubbles and kisses.
“Thank you for visiting us!” Kay says. He bounces in his seat and waves as if he’s saying bye to his bestest friends.
Soon, there’s only a handful of bashful kids asking for pictures. Kay and Ken oblige, grinning wide for the kids. Finally, it’s Hayden and I and the people just here to see the fish, not the merfolk.
Hayden marches up to the pair and holds out his hand. “I’m Hayden, we talked on the phone earlier?—”
Kay and Ken watch me. Kay narrows his eyes. “Are you stalking me?” He asks through gritted teeth. “This is why?—”
“No. No. It was my idea,” Hayden holds up his hands. “He kinda maybe told me you’ve been having relations. He wasn’t entirely sure youwereMerrick, The Merman. I said let’s go investigate. I dragged him along. He didn’t even notice when I asked to talk to y’all.”
Ken slow blinks and turns her attention on Hayden. “You’rethe mastermind?”
“Yeah,” I say. “He keeps me on my toes. And we’d really appreciate it if you’d still do the segment on swimming. I know he sprung it up on you last minute. We can reschedule if you want?”
Kay shakes his head. “I was already planning on going to the pool tonight. At least this way I can do it for a good cause, too.”
Ken gives him a mischievous grin. “Don’t get into too many shenanigans.” She wiggles her brows, then faces me. “I’m sad to say my plans have changed and only Kay is available to shoot with you.”
