Page 90 of Ship Happens

“Are they all rescued from the area?” Owen asks.

“Mm-hmm.” Dani nods. “There’s a lab at the University of Alaska, just up the way. But they were taking on so much that their teams couldn’t keep up. We usually end up employing a lot of them during their final year of school.”

Owen watches Jacob as he focuses on a clubhook squid that seems docile in the water. There’s something so empathetic in his expression, so understanding.

It’s always amazed Owen, the reverence that Jacob holds for these slippery, slimy things. Sure, the man loves all animals. More than once, Owen’s had to drag Jacob away from adoption events in the park they’d stumbled upon or keep him from rescuing stray dogs that they saw on the street.

He’d even been strongly opposed to hiring pest control to get rid of the raccoons that took up residence inside their walls once, only agreeing when Owen informed him that the contractor was humane. But squid, they’ve always been above the rest.

“That’s Sheldon,” Dani tells him. “He washed up in the bay a few weeks ago; we think a rough tide carried him in, knocked him around pretty bad on the rocks. He’s responsive most of the time, but he has his moments.”

Jacob squats down to get a better look at Sheldon. “Hey, dude, how are you doing in there?” He presses a hand gently against the glass, Sheldon’s tentacle coming up to meet the gesture. The two souls stand there, studying each other. Owen’s not sure what “knocked around” entails exactly, but for a second, there seems to be a light behind the creature’s eyes as Jacob crouches there, smiling at him.

“How’s your migration research going?” Dani asks.

“Good, we’re moving to Belgium soon,” Jacob says with a weariness to his voice. “Been spending the last few weeks getting the lab packed up and ready to move.”

“You sound excited,” Dani mimics his monotone voice.

“I am, it’s been amazing, but sometimes I get jealous of everyone who’s gotten to settle down.” Jacob straightens, turning back to Dani. “It’d be nice to have something consistent.”

“Well, you get older, your back starts to hurt a little bit more. And it’s not like there’s anything wrong with settling somewhere.”

“I’ve tried to tell him the same thing,” Owen cuts in.

Jacob eyes him, but Dani chuckles. They hang around for a few more hours, following Dani through all of the labs before they’re led back through the front doors as the center closes for the day, Jacob promising Dani that he’ll reach out soon so they can keep in touch.

“That was really amazing,” Owen tells him as their cab pulls away from the research center.

“Yeah, I’m really proud of her. Dani always talked about wanting to open her own lab,” he says fondly. “I loved seeing her again too. It’s been too long.”

Owen reaches over to place his hand on Jacob’s thigh. “Have we gotten texts from anyone?” he asks as Jacob pulls out his phone.

“They’re getting dinner already,” Jacob says, showing Owen a photo he’s been sent. Abigail looks perfectly happy. Kaitlyn and Kevin, however? Their foreheads are shiny with sweat as they hold huge burgers, faces streaked with dirt, and it looks like they’ve been crying as they both stare at their food like they’re disassociating. “Guess that means we’re on our own.”

“Want to grab a bite?” Owen offers.

And Jacob smiles at him. “Is this dinner dinner? Or just dinner?”

“It’s whatever we want it to be.” Owen squeezes Jacob’s hand. “Remember?”

“This is it, right?” Jacob asks, looking at his phone and then back to the front door of the restaurant.

At least, it’s what they’re guessing is the place they were recommended by the cab driver.

“Are you sure?” Owen asks, peering further down the alleyway. There’s nothing to indicate that this is a real place of business.

Nothing.

The building is completely nondescript, warm brown brick with a few dimly lit windows, and a very bare door. No signage, no outdoor seating, no music.

No anything.

“It says this is it.” Jacob double-checks the address on his phone, Owen pressing his cheek against Jacob’s arm and watching him click on the Google profile of the business and go to the reviews.

“Oh, yeah . . .” Owen says, taking the phone and finding the information he’s looking for among the top-liked reviews. “‘Place is really good, hard to find. They should put a sign out, but there’s just a door,’” he recites, barely holding back his smile.

“Well.” Jacob takes back his phone, sliding it into his pocket. “Shall we?”