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With the sound of waves lapping against the dock and the warm buzz of a beer, Vinessa was in heaven. Having MacKenzie by her side, bantering as they waited for fish to bite made the date even better. She loved that uptight prick. The engineer may act all cold and stoic, but Vinessa knew just how to break that facade with a few teases and nice words. You give her a genuine compliment once and she turns into a stuttering mess. It was adorable.
But now, they sat in a comfortable silence as they breathed in the salty air. A distinct feeling of nostalgia for her childhood wafted through Vinessa, bringing memories of fishing by her dad’s side. He was absent at school events or her volleyball games, but at least he taught her when to use what kind of bait. As well as the difference between bourbon and whiskey. She grew up in Texas, after all. The short, brown haired girl gave Vinessa a flick to her sunburnt shoulder, right over her heart tattoo.
“Hey, Malarkey, your line’s moving!”
The heat of the sun and sand in your shorts wasn’t exactly MacKenzie’s vision of a relaxing date. She would’ve rejected the idea completely if it wasn’t for the way Vinessa looked at her when pitching the idea. She always used unfair manipulative tactics, like giving MacKenzie wide puppy eyes and that stupid smile with those stupid dimples. She was a master at psychological warfare, and it made MacKenzie feel weak.
Nevertheless, the brunette had made all the necessary preparations. Generous amounts of sunscreen, a cap for the sun, two large water-bottles (she had the feeling Vinessa only brought alcohol to drink), and aloe for when the careless ginger inevitably got sunburnt.
Yet, despite her careful research and acquisition of supplies, nothing could prepare her for the menace herself—Vinessa Malarkey—dressed in a hot pink, leopard print bikini top. MacKenzie was always practical and modest, she had bigger things to care about than how others perceived her. A simple tank top and shorts was all she needed to stave off unwanted looks. But Vinessa was always unabashedly herself, something MacKenzie envied at times. “Looks like your cheeks are a bit burnt already” the ginger had commented upon walking up to her. It only made her face turn redder.
Fishing was boring. Sure, MacKenzie accidentally dropped her rod into the ocean her first attempt and now she refused to touch the damned thing again— but that was beside the point! It wasn’t until Vinessa had actually got something on her line that things got interesting. Whatever it was, it wasn’t small, and Vinessa used a fair amount of strength reeling it in. Vinessa worked out quite frequently, and it showed in her biceps. Watching from the sidelines, MacKenzie felt her gaze drift to Vinessa rather than the fish.
Grabbing the line with her other hand, Vinessa pulled the fish from the water, a trail of droplets sparkling in the sun behind it. Holding the flopping trout up, she turned to MacKenzie with a proud grin, only to find her smiling back.