𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚 // 𝐉𝐉 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐤

07

It's early in the morning and we're testing out the drone's camera, John B and Kiara are in the water, making faces while they show up on our screen. Pope is handling the tech while I stand back, hair down, wearing a sports bra and pajama shorts. Rubbing my eyes and yawning every now and then. JJ is trying to touch things and I have to keep pulling him away before he messes something up.

"God bless geeks Pope, truly man. What would we do without you to control the drones?" "Technically it's not a drone it's a-" I yawn. "Too early for this Pope."

"Hey look." JB says. "Once we get footage from the wreck we'll bring it to a lawyer in town and file a formal claim." "That's bullshit why do we have to do that?" "Well there is a maritime salvage law. You can't just go to the ocean floor and scoop a bunch of stuff up."

"That's fucking stupid." I point out from my spot on the railing.

"I know, I know it's just lawyers aren't cheap bro." "Well once they see the footage they'll work for a comp." "How do you know all of that?" "Cause my dad said it like a million times.

"This tether is like really long." Pope says while Kie gets out of the water and I toss her a towel. "In the wrong weather this could get pushed around." "Then we'll go at dead calm." "A slack tide?" "So now, we just gotta wait around for the right weather." I groan, feeling impatient. "And today is not that day." Pope says, as thunder rolls in the sky.

I walk out of the chateau, freshly showered and dressed, ready to help Heyward with some stuff. John B is sitting alone, maps sprawled out on the table in front of him. "Hey JB! The boys and I are gonna be gone for a bit." I say, snatching the bag of Skinny Pop out of his grip, opening it and taking a handful. "Mmm, holy shit I love this stuff. Where'd you get it?"  John B stutters, his mouth open like he's searching his brain for an answer. "Yo Jack, you ready to go?" "Coming!" I call out, tossing back the popcorn. "Later Johnny!"

We pile in my truck. JJ in the passengers and Pope in the back. I turn on the truck and we make our way to Heyward's. I grab a pair of JJ's sunglasses that have been left on the dash and put them on. He turns up the radio before resting his hand on my thigh comfortably, nodding his head along to the music.

"You guys get these groceries over to Figure Eight. Get straight back here when you're done. No fishing." The older man says, passing us groceries to load onto the boat. "I promised delivery by this afternoon. Rich folks don't want to wait for you lazy sons of-" Heyward turns around to JJ holding his arms out ready to be handed bags. "Oh, JJ thank you." I laugh at Heyward's surprised but grateful tone. "Sons of bitches." He continues. "Jackie." He says pointing at me. "Don't let them do anything stupid." I give him a thumbs up and jog over to the boys, putting my arms around both of their shoulders. "Let's get this show on the road."

JJ and I are sitting up on the dash of the boat while Pope is driving next to us. "It doesn't even look like the storm hit there." The brunette says with an angry tone. "That's because they've got generators bro. Get used to it." J says from next to me, spinning a knife in between his fingers. "And then they say  power will be out all summer in the cut." I mention. "Lucky bastards."

Pope and I are carrying bags down the dirt path of the golf courses. Hot rays of sun beating down on us while we make light conversation. "Who even eats this many carrots?" I question peering down into one of the bags I have in hand. "I bet they have pet bunnies. Oh maybe a bunny farm, that would be cute." I continue and Pope laughs.

"Hey what's up." I look over to my left and there he is. My worst nightmare. Rafe Cameron. There's no hiding now. "Hey how much for one of those beers?" He asks, walking over with his golf club. "They're not for sale asshole." I spit. "Oh, wait, wait, wait Jackie. You can just give us one, then, right?" "Or you can order one like everyone else." "Listen. Wait, wait, wait. You're not listening to me. Um.. You've got so many bro and we've got nothing." I scoff. "They're not even ours Cameron. Just go back to your game. Someone already paid for them." "Already paid for? Then you probably stole them right?"