Page 40 of Mark Us Little Bear
“Oh, oh,” Amber utters suddenly, an idea flashing in her golden eyes. “Someone was looking for a job at Dylan’s shop. She has her number and promised to call that woman if she hears anything.”
“That can work, I’ll give Dylan a call.” Ronnie grabs his phone from his pocket and texts her. “If she is available Lisa will train her this week and then we can go.”
“I think she said she has some experience bartending,” Amber says, grabbing her ice cream.
“You hear that Teddy, we’re going on a trip,” I shake his front legs from side to side. “Yay.”
“So a trip in two weeks, how’s that sound?” Ronnie waits for our silent approval and we nod.
“If you need suitcases I have plenty.” She claps her hands together.
With a playful grin, I say, “I need to clarify something.”
“What?” Amber squints her eyes.
“I know it’s hard to hear. I’m so sorry but I say this with a heavy heart. You can’t bring Harley, she stays.”
With an unimpressed look yet mischief in her eyes, she tosses the kitchen towel on my face. “What if I bring her for a sex thing?”
Ronnie
On the ferry boat to Staten Island, I grab my Nikon camera and take pictures of the ride—the New York skyline. Manhattan. The statue of liberty. And Bradley and Amber when they aren’t looking.
I smile as I snap one picture of them chatting and smiling at each other. Another of Amber closing her eyes and enjoying the breeze. And one of Bradley rubbing the back of his neck when he gazes at me.
The wind is caressing and all of my worries are left at home. This week is for me and them. A chance to see where they came from, get to know each other more, and find our paths together and individually.
I fixate on the water slouching and creating creases and foam at its surface. I did photography a couple of years before the club was ready but it’s been ages and it feels good to hold a camera again, feel its weight in my palm.
Taking a picture of it, I suddenly feel a jolt of nausea surging up my body.
Even with the subtle motion of the boat, my stomach whisks. I did eat right before we hopped on this ride and I do get easily motion sick that is why I don’t go on Ferris wheels or anything like it.
Gulping, I focus on Amber and Bradley as they approach me.
“My dad left a car for us near the terminal,” Amber texts on her phone. “He is excited to meet you.” She rocks her body around her studded black boots, heels firmly planted against the floor but she seems nervous for some reason.
“I’m so pumped as well, I’ve missed my family.” Bradley bounces in place, he can’t keep his excitement bottled inside nor should he.
I try not to make sharp movements, but crack up my neck a little.
“Are you okay? You don’t look so good.” The concern in her voice is palpable, and then her hand cups my cheek.
“I’m a little motion sick.” I close my eyes.
A larger, rougher palm holds my other side. “Why didn’t you say so before we took it? I could’ve bought you lemon or ginger capsules.”
“I completely forgot.”
The sour taste in my mouth grows right as my eyes land on the terminal before us.
Bradley
Ronnie’s horrible retching sound tickles at my gag reflex. Poor baby had already vomited when we got off of the boat.
“Don’t be a baby,” Amber smacks my ass. “Grab him a water bottle from the bag.”
I unzip the bag, sift through it, and then he pukes again on the side of the curb where I parked the car in a hurry.
