A Mermaid Under The Mistletoe

by Jessica L. Elliott

  “Maybe we can have Christmas together. You and Jinx could come to my apartment and this time I’ll cook.”

  Leilani’s head tilted to the side. “Really? I thought you didn’t cook.”

  “I don’t like to, but I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve. Being a bachelor who likes food means I had to do something.”

  Giggling, Leilani said, “I can understand that. Well, as long as Jinx is okay with it, I think that would be great. What can I bring?”

  “Just you.” She shivered as he brushed her cheek gently. “This meal’s on me.”

  “Thank you, Butch. I’ll let you know.”

  “All right. Have a good night, Leilani,” Butch said.

  “You too.” She watched Butch leave before going to her worktable. A half-hour of losing herself in the feel of sand and her own imagination was just what her busy mind needed. She decided on a nearly finished piece of dolphins dancing in waves bathed by the colors of sunset. She carefully put down layers of colored sand over the canvas. When she felt she had just the right blend, she tilted the canvas with one corner pouring into a waste jar. Hundreds of grains of sand fell into the jar. This leftover sand would be used in bottled projects so that none of it was truly wasted. A glance at the clock told her she’d been working longer than planned. Leilani carefully put away all of her supplies before double checking that she’d locked the apartment door. Certain everything was secure, she glanced silently into Jinx’s room, glad to see her new friend slept peacefully. A smile touched her lips as she continued into her own room, ready to rest.

  Chapter 11

  Leilani woke early the next morning and packed her swim bag. After putting in her spare practice tail, she checked her performance tail. The iridescent teal fabric glimmered in the light. Sequins and rhinestones sparkled in the light. She gently placed it in its carrying bag before putting that in the duffel bag with her other gym necessities. Then she walked to the small kitchen and packed herself a light breakfast to have before going to rehearsal. The Ocean Christmas show she was part of would be performed each night for the next three days and she would spend all day at the arena. It made for a long day, but Leilani looked forward to performing. She loved each moment in the water, and especially enjoyed meeting with her fans before and after the performance. She heard movement and looked up to see Jinx coming into the kitchen. “Good morning,” she said with a smile.

  “Meh,” Jinx grumbled. “Do we have to be up so early?”

  “I do. You could sleep in if you really wanted. The cafe is just down the street, you could easily get there on your own.”

  Jinx shook her head. “I’d rather not, if it’s all the same to you.”

  “Fair enough.” She finished packing some snacks for the day. “Anything you need?”

  “Not really sure. Yolanda just said to come in and we’d figure things out from there.”

  Leilani nodded. “Okay. Well, I’m going to have ask Jane if I can leave around lunchtime to check in with the landlord so he knows you’re here.”

  “Is this going to mess things up for you?” Jinx asked.

  “Not at all. But we do need to make sure you can get a key to the apartment so you can let yourself in and out. With you working, I can’t always be there to pick you up and bring you home, especially since I’ll be at the various arenas and theaters three to four days a week.”

  “You’re not just performing in one spot?”

  Leilani shrugged. “While that would make my job easier, no. We’ll be traveling to several different venues which will certainly make things interesting. But, I’ll have my cell phone and as soon as you’ve been paid, we’ll get one for you. Might get you one sooner than that, just for peace of mind.”

  “Nah, I can wait,” Jinx said. “Anyway, I’m curious, how are you even doing your performances? You’re a mermaid, right?”

  Leilani’s eyes sparkled as she laughed. “We have a special tank which is placed on stage. When we can, it’s put on a lower part of the stage and then lifted up when it’s time for my performance. Not all venues have that option. In those cases I’m sitting in a dark pool waiting for the lights to come on. Then it’s like an underwater ballet.”

  “So you dance, in the water.”

  “Something like that, yeah. It’s more like dancing and swimming put together.” Leilani shrugged again. “I enjoy it and it let’s me live out my dream of being a mermaid, so I can’t really complain. Since you don’t want to go to work two hours early, you can watch me at the pool this morning. Then I’ll drop you off at the Mermaid Tail before I go to work myself.”

  Jinx hesitated. “You wouldn’t be back in the evening?”

  “Not until late. I’ve got a performance tonight. But I promise, I’ll be back as soon after that as I can be. And I know you’re nervous around him, but Butch lives only two doors down. If you needed something, I’m sure he’d help you.”

  “Couldn’t I come see your show?”

  Leilani paused. “I suppose so. I’m not sure how you’d get there, though. I really don’t have a lot of time available to leave the arena. And I would definitely lose my parking spot if I did.” Jinx nodded and looked at the floor. Leilani’s heart broke for her. “I’m sure we can figure something out. You want to see the show? We’ll find a way to get you there.”

  “Really?” Jinx asked with a tiny smile.

  “Really. Now, come on. I’ve got to get to the pool if I’m going to get in a good workout session before rehearsal.”

  “Okay.” Jinx left the room to get the things she needed for the day.

  Leilani checked her cell phone. During their conversation the day before, Butch had given her his number and told her to call if she needed anything. Considering how early it was, she should probably text rather than call. How do you feel about watching mermaids perform?

  She was surprised when her phone dinged a moment later. You’re kidding, right?

  Nope, she typed, Jinx is really nervous about staying at the apartment alone. So for tonight, I thought she could come to the show. Unfortunately, I can’t bring her with me because she’ll be working and I won’t be able to pick her up before the show without giving up my parking spot. I was hoping you could bring her. I’ve got vouchers for free tickets.

  A long pause followed while Leilani and Jinx walked down to the car. Sure Butch was turning her down, Leilani resigned herself to looking for another option. A ding sounded as she turned the car on. What time is the show?

  Leilani sighed in relief. Show starts at 7. You’ll want to get there early.

  How do I get the vouchers from you?

  She considered her options. I’ll be at The Mermaid Tale for lunch. Can you meet us there?

  You owe me.

  Leilani laughed as she set the phone down and Jinx said, “So, what’s going on?”

  “Butch is going to take you to the show tonight. You’re going to have to get used to being on your own, but for tonight we can make it work.”

  “I suppose I can handle a few hours with Mr. Frowny-Pants.”

  Giggling, Leilani said, “Is that how you see him?”

  “The guy rarely smiles, in case you didn’t notice,” Jinx retorted.

  “Neither do you,” Leilani pointed out.

  Jinx shrugged. “Meh. So, what time should I expect him?”

  “He’ll be joining us for lunch at The Mermaid Tail so I can give him the ticket vouchers. You two can coordinate from there.”

  “I’m so thrilled.”

  Leilani raised an eyebrow at her companion. “Hey, drop the sarcasm. Butch is doing us both a favor. And he’s really not that bad. We had a good time last night, didn’t we?”

  “When you’ve been through all the crap I have, you stop trusting anyone. Sorry, Leilani, but I’m not ready to start singing Kumbayaa around the campfire just yet.”

  With a sigh, Leilani said, “Eventually, you’re going to have to learn to trust people again, ipo. Life is too long to go it alone forever.” />
  Jinx quirked an eyebrow. “Most people say it’s too short.”

  “Perspective,” Leilani replied. “It’s all about perspective.”

  Chapter 12

  Butch couldn’t believe his terrible luck. Not only did he not get to spend the evening watching classic war movies, he was stuck babysitting a miscreant. When he arrived at The Mermaid Tail at closing time, Jinx stood waiting just inside the doorway. “You ready?” he asked.

  “Yeah.” She smirked at him. “Do you even know how to smile.”

  His scowl deepened. “Let’s just go.”

  The owner of the cafe stopped them and handed Jinx some paperwork. “Have that filled out for me tomorrow, okay?”

  “Okay, thanks.”

  “My pleasure, sugar. Now go enjoy the show! I’ve heard it’s wonderful.”

  Butch rolled his eyes. Like the kindly woman would say any differently. He led Jinx to his car and opened the passenger door for her. “There’s no one out there,” he said as he saw Jinx check over her shoulder.

  “What?”

  “I said, there’s no one out there. I already checked it out.”

  Jinx frowned at him. “Easy for you to say. You don’t know Clint.”

  “I’ve known enough like him,” Butch retorted, though he stored the name away in his memory, just in case. He walked to his own door and started the car. Carefully tucked into his pocket were the tickets for the show. Silence enveloped them as he drove down the streets toward the Target Center. His thoughts wandered aimlessly between disappointment at the loss of his evening and annoyance that Leilani couldn’t figure out a better way to get Jinx to the stupid show. Somewhere from the deep caverns of his heart, he felt honored that Leilani trusted him with the young woman she’d taken in. But she wasn’t supposed to get that cozy with him. His offer had been made more out of a neighborly sense of duty than any real desire to help out again. He wanted to be left alone.

  His thoughts scattered as Jinx asked, “Where did you get the scars?”

  Butch turned to her. “What?”

  “The scars on your face. What happened?”

  “A war happened,” Butch said, turning his attention back to the road.

  “That’s not much of a story,” Jinx replied.

  “You couldn’t handle the full story, kid,” he retorted.

  “I’ve spent the last two and half years on the street,” she said. “Try me.”

  Butch shook his head, muttering under his breath. “You don’t want to know what happened. War is ugly and I don’t talk about it with anyone.”

  “I bet Leilani would say that’s not healthy.”

  “Well, I don’t care what Leilani thinks.”

  Jinx snorted. “Yeah, you do. Otherwise you wouldn’t be driving me across town to see a show you have absolutely no interest in seeing.”

  Butch growled. “I could always turn around and take you home.”

  “Yeah, you could. But you won’t.” Jinx smirked at him.

  He cursed mentally. The girl was right and she knew it. Worse, he knew it. Butch wasn’t going to turn around and take her home, no matter how much the notion tempted him. In fact, he’d already planned on getting her dinner at the concession area since he was fairly certain Jinx probably hadn’t eaten and neither had he. Hidden in the back under a blanket was a small bouquet of roses for the performer. Words his mother would have washed his mouth for flit through his mind. That mermaid woman had gotten under his skin in a matter of hours. How had that happened?

  “Isn’t that our turn?” Jinx asked.

  Butch slammed the brakes and flipped his blinker before taking a skidding turn toward the parking center. “Sorry about that,” he muttered.

  Jinx giggled. “Does Leilani know she’s got you this distracted?”

  “I am not distracted.”

  “Whatever you say, Romeo.”

  Butch glowered at her. “Don’t call me that, ever.”

  “Don’t much appreciate Mr. Shakespeare, huh?”

  “None of your business,” he snapped. “And how does a street urchin like you know about Shakespeare anyway?”

  Jinx scowled at him. “Hey, I may have lived on the streets, but that doesn’t mean I’m an idiot. I went to high school.”

  “And what does that prove?”

  Smirking, Jinx asked, “Can anyone get through public education without hearing about Romeo and Juliet? Hmmm?”

  Butch nodded, chiding himself for snapping at her. It wasn’t her fault one of his buddies from his Marine days was named Romeo. And it certainly wasn’t her fault that he hadn’t come home. He took a deep breath as he found a parking space and pulled in. It occurred to him as they walked toward the arena that an apology was probably in order. He swallowed down his pride. “Look, I’m sorry I snapped at you. Romeo was one of the guys in my unit.”

  “He didn’t make it, did he?” Jinx asked, compassion in her tone.

  “No, he didn’t. Died three days before our tour was up.”

  “I’m sorry,” she said gently. “I know it’s tough to lose someone. Maybe not the exact same way, but I get it.”

  Butch forced down the lump of emotion clogging his throat. “Let’s just get in and see if these are decent seats.”

  A wry smile pulled at Jinx’s lips. “After you.”

  As they walked into the building, Butch tried to turn off his mental radar. He didn’t like big crowds and Leilani’s show appeared to be extremely popular as people swarmed around him. Jinx looked uncomfortable as well and he cursed the woman who’d brought them there. “Look, if at any time you want to leave,” Butch said, turning to Jinx, “just say the word. I’ll even sit with you at the apartment until Leilani gets home.”

  “Sometimes, Butch, the key to winning the game is a good bluff. I’m not running away scared now,” Jinx replied. “But, if the crowds are too much for you, we can go.”

  I am not going to get shown up by a little snip of a girl, Butch thought as he said, “No, I’m fine.”

  “Great. Let’s go find our seats.”

  “Would you like some dinner before we go in?”

  Jinx stared at him for a moment. “Um, no, I’m good.” Her stomach growled loudly.

  “Right, and I’m Santa Claus. Come on, let’s get something to eat.”

  “No, really, I’m good.”

  Butch frowned. “Jinx, I’m not going in until I have some food and I’m not going to eat in front of you while you’re staring longingly at my meal. Come on.” Not waiting for her to protest, he led the way to the concessions. He ordered two hamburger platters with large drinks. Handing Jinx her meal, he said, “Now we can find our seats.”

  Jinx tilted her head, brown eyes narrowed. “You’re something else, Butch.”

  “Yeah, well, don’t let word spread around. People might actually start to think I’m a nice guy.”

  “Your secret’s safe here,” she replied.

  Once seated, Butch looked around. He took in each exit, mentally calculating which ones would be easiest to get to. It was a habit he’d picked up after his last tour of duty. His therapist warned him of becoming paranoid, but no matter how much he tried to fight it, he couldn’t help feeling under attack. His shoulders tensed as people laughed loudly around him.The noise, the smell of thousands of people. Lights flashing as people took selfies with their friends. Every little thing made him jump. Then he’d feel a wave of guilt. More than likely the people around him were good, upstanding citizens. They came to the show for a good time, not to hurt anyone. And yet, he still couldn’t turn off the feeling of being stalked. A predator could be out in the crowd. He watched Jinx from the corner of his eye. A frown settled over his mouth as he realized she was doing exactly the same thing he was. Counting exits, jumping at laughter too near, eyes darting at every flash of a camera. Compassion flared to life within him. No one should have to live their life in fear, especially not someone with their whole life ahead of them. “Don’t worry, kid, we’ll be safe ton
ight.”

  Jinx shook her head. “My brain knows it, but I can’t get the rest of me to believe it.”

  “I understand.”

  “Do you ever wonder,” Jinx began, her voice a tiny whisper in the din of the crowd, “if you’ll ever be normal again?”

  He sighed as he turned away from her. “Every day, kid,” Butch admitted, once again turning his gaze to meet hers. “Every day.”

  Chapter 13

  Jinx watched the show in fascination. Leilani, or Talori as the program indicated, was one of six mermaid performers. Leilani took the lead with her grace and agility. Jinx would never admit to it out loud, but she wished for a moment that she could be so talented. The world and its dangers were forgotten in the performance. Even Butch’s snoring couldn’t spoil the wonder she felt. At intermission she clapped louder than anyone, jostling Butch in her enthusiasm.

  “It is over?” he mumbled.

  “Halfway,” Jinx replied. “Have you seen any of it?”

  Butch stretched. “First five minutes or so.”

  “Your loss,” Jinx said. “This is incredible!”

  “I suppose next you’ll be asking Lailani to teach you how to do it.”

  “Do you think she would?”

  Butch snorted. “Probably. That girl is too nice for her own good.”

  Jinx frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “She’s just too nice, that’s all. I bet there’s not a selfish bone in her whole body.”

  “Isn’t that a good thing? Imagine how much nicer the world would be if more people were like her.”

  Butch shook his head. “Everyone would have to be like that. Otherwise the bad guys would scam even more people.”

  “Leilani’s not stupid,” Jinx said, feeling a protective surge toward her friend. “She’s been really brave taking me in.”

  “I guess that’s one way to put it.”

  “You’re just mad because she actually did something to help me.”

  “Butch turned to her. “Tell me, Jinx, would you have given yourself a second chance in Leilani’s shoes?”