Chapter 1
Kaelin
The heavens sent earth a deity that no others can compare. Perfect in every way. I love admiring my fisherman as he wields his craft on the open water. His sculpted muscles flex under the strain of the rapid jerking movements of his jigging. I’m mesmerized by the rapid, skilled movements of that golden hook dipping fluidly into the water. The sun glistens off his dark skin. He wipes away beads of sweat from his brow with a free, calloused hand. Suddenly, the God’s concentration is broken for a moment when his stare travels in my general direction. I duck behind the rock which served as my daily perch that I use to gaze fondly at my sea prince. My heart thunders in my chest. I hope that he didn't see me, for I might die of shame. Thankfully, he returns to his task.
I first noticed the stunning fisher known as Seamus O’Toole at this same spot, on a warm, summer’s day. He was where he was standing now with one foot braced on the side of the boat while finding his fortune at the end of a hook. It was love, at first sight.
My painful shyness prevented me from approaching the object of my desire, but it didn’t stop me from learning what I could about him. My only friend works at the fish plant where Seamus sells his wares. David Yeong socializes with Seamus’s inner circle, so he is a wealth of information.
“Kaelin, for God’s sake, get out from behind that rock and let Seamus see you.”
“Christ, David, you startled me.”
“Okay, sorry. Next time I’ll wear a cowbell.”
“Hah, funny. Don’t quit your day job. What brings you here? Spying on me?"
"No, I want to see if you want to go out to supper."
I peek through the grass and resume my voyeurism and discover my dream disappeared.
“Thanks for distracting me. I missed my chance.”
“For what? To approach the gorgeous sea miner and ask him out? We both know that wasn't going to happen.”
“Fine. Where are we going to eat?”
“Come me lady, I escort you.”
Ocean waves lap at the pier below the cafe’s patio. I gaze out across the water and yearn for what’s mine and what I can never have. The heat of David’s stare pulls me from the cocoon of self-pity. He studies me with a cold, hurt expression which quickly evaporates.
“You can’t stay away, can you?”
“No, David. There’s something inside of me that keeps calling me back. I can’t escape the pull.”
His grip on my shoulders both comfort and alienate me. As my friend, he can comfort me, but as a city dweller, he doesn’t understand why I love the home I left behind.
“I have the perfect way to distract you and put a smile on that beautiful face.”
“What possibly could you do to produce those results?”
“I have two tickets to the hockey game. Seamus and I were going to go, but I have to babysit for my niece that night.”
“Y-you want me to go with Seamus? I rather babysit for you.”
“Come on, Kaelin, I thought you’d be thrilled.”
“I’m shit baked. I can’t go out with Seamus.”
“I thought you were in love with him.”
“I adore him from afar. I’m not ready to meet him up close, especially with you not around.”
“I can’t always be around. Attending a public event is the best way to be with the man of your dreams and to eliminate any awkward alone time.”
“David, please.”
“No, Kaelin. You’re going.”
Thrusting two tickets into my pocket, the relentless office manager leads me from the patio and walks me home.
