Free Ladyfish by Andrea Bramhall Page B

walk in barefoot. I’ve been using the Mares ocean fins for the last couple of years. I like ’em. Plus they have lots of colors. It makes it harder for people to pick yours up by accident, and you can coordinate with your wet suit.” That’s better, Zuckerman. Keep it professional.
    “So what else do I need now?”
    “Mask and computer. I pulled these masks out because I think they may work, but we’ll have to try them on you for fit. What you need to do is fit it to your face and pull your breath in. If you can make the seal, then the mask fits. If it falls off easily, then it will leak.” She handed one to Finn. “Go ahead. Give it a try.”
    Finn placed the tempered glass mask over her eyes and nose and sucked her breath in. She let her hands down from her face and raised her head only to have the mask slip before she was standing straight.
    “The technique was right. It’s the fit that isn’t. Here, try this on.” They went through the process with six masks before Oz walked back to the shelves.
    “I think my face is shaped wrong.”
    “There’s nothing wrong with your face.” Believe me, there is absolutely nothing wrong with your face. It’s perfect. “Give this one a try.” Finn repeated the process only to find that this time the mask stayed attached to her face however much she shook her head around. “Perfect fit. So what’s different about this one?”
    Oz inclined her head toward the shelf where she had retrieved the mask. “It’s from the children’s section.” Her laughter brought a look of outrage to Finn’s face. “I’m sorry, but it’s true. Look.”
    Finn laughed and shrugged. “Oh well, at least I didn’t have to get a children’s wet suit.”
    Oz grinned and turned away. Finn’s body in the tight wet suit was anything but childlike. It was all woman, and Oz wanted to run her hands over every seam of the wet suit. “I think that’s everything,” she said, looking at the mound of gear on the counter. Do you want me to get that zipper for you?”
    Finn quickly turned around and pulled her hair out of the way. “Please. Is there anything else I need?”
    Oz’s mouth went even dryer as she unzipped the wet suit to reveal the long expanse of bare skin beneath. Smooth, pale skin begging to be kissed. “I’ll grab them while you get changed.”
    “Okay, thank you, Oz.” She disappeared into the changing room again while Oz grabbed the rest of the small gear: a flashlight, a weight belt and weights, some pouches and lanyards, and a mesh bag. By the time Finn returned and plopped the wet suit on the counter, Oz had packed most of the equipment in the bag and started folding the wet suit to add to the stock of goodies.
    “Wow. I think there’s more in there than I brought with me from England.”
    “Good. That’ll make moving to the house much easier.”
    “I haven’t even met the owner yet. She might not like me.”
    “I’m sure it’s just a formality. When would you want to move? Would you do it right away or wait until Pete goes back to England?”
    “Pete really wants to get back as soon as he can so he can start the job he has in the works before my dad knows and makes things more difficult for him. He said he’d stay until I found somewhere to live, and then stay a couple of weeks while I get settled. So I guess the sooner I move the better it will be for him too. So if she’ll have me, I guess I’ll move as soon as she wants.”
    “Well, that’s good because I’m pretty sure Mrs. Richmond said she’s looking for it to start right away. Sounds like the perfect setup for everyone. Will you miss him?”
    “Pete? Yeah. Like I said, he’s been my best friend for pretty much as long as I can remember. He’s been the most constant and stable part of my life. A part of me wishes I could just marry him and be happy. But neither of us would be, so we have to let things change and be happy for what we had.” Finn handed her credit card to Oz. “I don’t