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Estrella stood in the kitchen with a water bottle as everyone moved around her to start their day.
"I barely slept last night." Charlotte groans
"Why?" Sarah asks
"The rain."
"You don't like the rain?" Pope asks
"Not a huge fan."
"I love the rain." Estrella says, "Probably the best sleep I've had in a while."
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure there was drool on her pillow this morning." JJ jokes
"Shut up." Estrella says as Sarah giggles. The teens look over as John B walks in, "Morning John B."
"Morning." He says, "Uh, have you guys been out to the shop?"
"No, not yet." JJ says. He notices John B's worried expression, "Why?"
"I'm pretty sure it was struck last night during the storm." He says
"Shit." JJ says as the teens jump up
•••
"Anyone want fried fish?" John B says. Estrella sighs as he lifts up the damaged bait.
"What's the damage, Pope?" JJ asks
"Fuse box is busted. Without the live bait, the fishermen won't come, and there goes half of our business right there. We have enough profit to cover it, but barely, just barely. All right?" Pope says walking over and grabbing the jar with the last of their gold, "This is it. The last of our Au."
"Uh, what?" John B says
"What?" Sarah mutters
"Gold. It's the periodic symbol for gold." Pope clarifies
"Why not just say gold?" Kie says
"Because it doesn't matter. This is all our savings, and it's a no-go. This is for property taxes. So, we're gonna have to tighten up..." Pope says, "which means no more $600 in gas chasing tarpon up the Gulf."
"Pope, that's my job." JJ says
"We were chasing a bait board." John B says
Pope turns to Kie, "No more $200 in heirloom tomato seeds."
Kie's head jerks back offended as Cleo sits up, "What about my imported peppers?"
"Peppers gotta go too, baby." Pope says before turning to Estrella, "And no more $300 on paint supplies."
