Page 12 of Tides of Love

A date.

Antonio rinsed his face, clearing away shaving cream. He ran wet fingers through his hair. The brown strands weren’t difficult to style, but they could use another clipping soon.

Beach walks meant a linen shirt and knee-length shorts. He fished out a necklace with a gold feather pendant and a bracelet made from black and white nylon cord. When he stopped in the foyer to check himself in the mirror, he was glad to find someone that didn’t look dead on their feet.

He texted Lucky that he was on his way as he slipped on his sandals.

The drive into Esmeralda was a scenic one that took him around the Azure Forest and past Melody Resort. He slowed down as he pulled up to the bus stop settled right in the middle of the bustling city.

It was impossible to miss Lucky. His red curls were sectioned into two loose braids along his scalp and tied off into small buns just behind his ears. He was wearing a pair of green shorts and a white tank top with the marine center’s logo on the front – a seal in the center of a sun symbol. Over his outfit, he wore a knee length crocheted beach wrap in an ombre from dark purple to lavender.

Antonio pulled up, leaning across the seats to pop the door. “Ready for a beach adventure?”

“Always!” Lucky pulled himself into the Jeep and flashed him a wide smile that made Antonio’s heart knock against his ribs. “Thanks for agreeing to meet so early.”

It was half past seven in the morning, and he was running on three hours of sleep. “Of course. I couldn’t possibly miss a chance to search for sea turtle nests with you.” He hoped he wasn’t coming on too strong, but Lucky reached over to squeeze his arm and all worry vanished out the open windows.

“I placed some cameras on the beach last week. We’ll replace batteries, download the footage, and then comb the beach just in case we’re able to see anything. Then maybe we could find a place to get lunch? I thought about a picnic, but I didn’t know what to pack.” Lucky laid out his plans with a hopeful tone that had Antonio nodding along quickly.

“Lunch sounds great. As for a picnic, maybe we could talk more and plan one in the future? I’d love to spend a day on the beach with you, and I’m happy to contribute to the meal.” Maybe he was hopeful too.

“I’d like that.” Lucky squeezed his arm again before settling more comfortably into the passenger seat. He rested an arm in the open window and closed his eyes to enjoy the wind.

Antonio was certain no one had ever looked prettier sitting in his car.

The packed sands of Rubi Beach rushed by as Esmeralda’s store fronts and shaved ice stands gave way to dunes and verdant forests that refused to be pushed aside. Playa del Tesoro wasn’t a tourist destination despite its proximity and perfect location.

“The Marine center is up by La Perla, right? I could have picked you up over there if you wanted.” Antonio assumed the Wilde family lived near the center though he supposed he could be wrong.

“I had to pick up the battery packs from the University. While the Marine Center was responsible for the reintroduction of the Paradise Leatherback sea turtles to their historical nesting grounds in Tesoro, this project is a part of my own studies on the efficacy of manual reintroduction and prolonged wildlife management. The footage isn’t just to help me monitor the beach; it’s also a part of what I’ll supply when I present my research.” Antonio hung on every word, once more enamored.

“Well then, I’m eager to be put to work.” He smiled, slowing the vehicle as they approached.

Coming from the southern edge as they were, the best place to stop was near the lookout for Sirena Reef. That was the nearest tourist point. A rock outcropping cut Playa del Tesoro off from the beach that bloomed out towards the reef. The familiar rose gold sands of Paradise glittered under the morning sun.

Antonio slipped on his sunglasses and took one of the packs containing the batteries for the cameras. Together, they picked their way down across the rocks and down onto the sand.

“I hope you won’t need to do much work.” Lucky huffed, “Wouldn’t be much of a date otherwise.”

The confirmation of this absolutely being a date made Antonio smile. He hadn’t even realized he needed the assurance until it was freely offered. “So far, I’m enjoying myself immensely. I think that means the date is going well. So, please, put me to work, Lucky.”

He must have said something right because Lucky caught his hand and squeezed it. “Alright, alright… Since you seem so genuinely interested.”

“Good.” Antonio squeezed Lucky’s hand back. “Now, tell me what I need to look for.”

That got the exact reaction he wanted. Lucky began to explain the signs of a turtle crawl, how disturbed sand could look, and which dunes were best suited for turtle nests. Every word came with confidence and a genuine excitement. He could feel Lucky’s love for these creatures and for the island. “These turtles are incredibly important to the greater ecosystem. I just want to see them thrive.”

They stopped by a thin pole stuck deep into the dune as unobtrusively as possible. Antonio watched as Lucky replaced the battery pack and pulled the SD card from the camera.

“Your dedication is truly admirable. What made you so interested in this project in particular? Is it your love of turtles or something specific you intend to do with your research?” It wasn’t the typical dating conversation. Normally, he’d ask about music, tv shows, or favorite vacations… But none of those seemed like they would help him know Lucky more than learning about the work he was so passionate about.

It was the same for him, he realized as he knelt to help stowaway the dead battery in the pack he was carrying. Being asked about his favorite film never seemed to help his partners understand him when his true passion existed within his work.

“I’ve always loved sea turtles. The first time my parents took me and my brother snorkeling, we went to look at the shipwreck in Pirata Bay. While it wasn’t leatherbacks, there is a gorgeous group of green sea turtles that live over there. They were so cute and curious. My mother was a researcher as well, and she was the one who obsessed over the turtles living around Paradise.” Lucky explained, checking the angles of the camera.

Antonio could have listened forever.

“Your father studies sharks, doesn’t he? I would think those were clashing interests.” Everyone on the island knew of the shark documentaries. Their island’s very own shark celebrity, Teague Wilde.