Page 4 of Paparazzi Perfect
“Cassowary,” Mitch drawled. “Gotta give way to ’em. They won’t give way to us.” He let out a throaty laugh. “Buggers can grow bigger than a full-grown man and run like hell—usually to get away from ya… if you’re lucky.”
“Right,” Dyson muttered as he eyeballed the bird. “Good to know.”
The cassowary plodded away as the car started up the road, I leaned back in my seat.Welcome to Australia.No rules. Just countless things that could take you out if you weren’t paying attention.
By the time we reached the marina, we were more than ready to get out. The second the car stopped, we flung open the doors, stepping out into the heat.
“Thanks, Mitch,” Dyson said. “That was… an experience,” he added with a straight face.
I clamped my lips together and grabbed our bags, shoving them on the sidewalk before handing Mitch a generous tip through the window.
“Enjoy Harro, boys!” he called as he zoomed off at twice the speed he’d driven us.
“Guess he wants to find the next tourist to take on his tour,” Dyson said as we stared at each other in confusion.
I looked up the street, taking in the luminescent turquoise ocean that stretched out beyond as palm trees swayed overhead. This place was something else.
We hauled our packs up the path and through the marina gate. Weaving through a maze of docks, we passed row after row of sleek cruisers and massive yachts.
And then I spotted her.
Glossy. White. Perfect.
A fifty-foot power catamaran… all mine.
My father had delivered on his graduation promise. I’d waited years for this. For once, he hadn’t let me down. As it rocked softly, I took in the gentle curves, pausing on the name on the front of the hull.
The Canoe.
A smile spread across my face.
“The Canoe?” Dyson chuckled. “Yeah, nah… more like The Cruise Ship.”
I chuckled, a rush of adrenaline hitting me as I took it in. I crossed the gap from dock to deck and landed with a thud.
My passport to the world.
One day, I’ll take her everywhere—to places far beyond my father’s reach.
Dyson cleared the gap, landing awkwardly on one foot. “Ahoy!” he said in a tragic pirate accent, rubbing his foot. “Welcome aboard, lad.”
“Good thing you’re not in the theater.” I laughed. “You’d be out of work. You alright?”
“Yeah, I was trying to make you look good. Think it worked too.”
I laughed as we stepped inside and eyed the gleaming interior—all clean lines, soft upholstery, and impossibly shiny navigation equipment.
Dyson let out a slow whistle. “Mate… this is next level.”
My smile widened as I explored the instrument panel.
“You lucky bastard.” Dyson dived onto the sofa. “I didn’t even get a graduation card from my old man, and you get this boat on steroids.”
“Maybe the card’s in the mail.” I laughed. “But yeah, I am lucky.”Even if it does come with strings attached.
“This almost makes up for your father never being around.” He grinned, leaning back, his hands behind his head.
“Please,” I scoffed. “Your parents were ghosts most of the time, bro. You were practically raised by those bloody thoroughbreds you’re so fond of showing me up on.”
