Page 25 of Iowa Intellect
The uplifting words normally serve to calm me, but they do little to help my nerves tonight. This is my first official show in the brand-new tank, and the uncertainty about what the team will think of my mermaid persona makes my stomach churn uncomfortably.
As if he can sense my worries, Brock says, “Everyone is going to love Sparkles. She’s almost as amazing as you are, Caro.”
“Caro.” I smile after I repeat the beautiful nickname.
“Is it okay if I call you that?”
“I love it,” I assure him before adding, “And I love you.”
“I love you more,” he says sweetly.
I rub my hands together and say, “This is the largest crowd I’ve ever performed for. I hope there aren’t any merverts in the audience.”
“Any what?!?” Brock half-shouts, already clearly fired up.
I hadn’t meant to mention the men who have fetishes for mermaids. Brock has enough on his mind without me giving him one more thing to worry about. Evidently, my jitters are making my lips loose.
“Don’t worry about it. I can handle myself,” I assure him.
“I’m sure you can, and I’ll be right here to take care of anyone who gets out of line. I’m your male goose, Caro.”
At my confused expression, he clarifies. “Geese mate for life, remember? Plus, the male fights for the female and protects his family at all costs. It may be an outdated, archaic notion, but I want to be your protector for the rest of my days.”
It’s almost as if he can read my mind. I don’t care if it is old-fashioned. I’ve always wanted to feel cherished and protected. When I reach up my arms, he stoops down so I can hug him from my seated position.
Whispering near his ear, I say, “I’ve never felt as secure and loved as I do in your arms.”
He groans and says, “There’s nothing I want more than to hold you tight for the rest of my days. I wish we could get out of here right now, but your show is too important to miss.”
His mention of the show brings my attention to the countdown timer on the game’s scoreboard. Deciding it’s time, I ask him, “Ready to help me into the tank?”
“Absolutely,” he answers.
The man lifts me and climbs the steps to the top of my rolling water tank as if it’s the easiest thing he’s done all day.
After he gently eases me down into the chilly water, I flap my sparkly tail and say, “A mermaid could get used to this type of first-class treatment.”
“That’s a good thing because I plan on always being here. I never want to miss one of your shows.”
Even if I wanted to, I wouldn’t be able to wipe the wide, happy grin off my face. I love it that Brock is so supportive and enthusiastic about my quirky hobby.
Although I’d been worried about being the sole entertainment for both intermissions, the shows go off without a hitch. I twirl, spin, wave, smile, somersault, and completely morph into Sparkly Pacifica while I’m in the water.
The crowd claps and cheers, feeding me more energy. By the time Brock walks out on the ice to roll my tank away after the second intermission, I’m riding a high I’ve never before experienced after a performance.
As the familiar voice of Boomer, the announcer, comes over the loudspeaker to signal the end of my show, I blow kisses to the audience. To my utter surprise and delight they give me a standing ovation. They are still upright when the man reveals, “And the team’s very own Brick Man, Brock Mann, is escorting Sparkles off the ice tonight.”
The cheering escalates and Brock pauses to wave at the crowd.
“Brock has just agreed to take over as the official announcer for the Iowa Gray Hawks next season, since I’m retiring after the playoffs. Let’s all give him a warm welcome.”
The team’s mascot begins flailing his wings to encourage the crowd as they make loud hawk screeches. Brock is smiling ear-to-ear as the entire arena is filled with high-pitched squawks to help welcome him to his new gig.
After the noise begins to die down, he finishes wheeling me out of the arena.
Once we’re in the privacy of the medical room, he helps me out of the water and sets me down on a bench.
Just as I’m getting ready to ask him about the big announcer news, a group of rowdy players comes in to congratulate him. They engulf him in a hug and shuffle him towards the locker room with them.
