Ladyfish Read Online Free PDF Page A

totally deserve that, but I have something else in mind. Let me take you out to dinner. Show you some of the sights. Maybe a drink after? You are over twenty-one, right?”
    Finn splashed some of the water at her. “Of course I am. You were doing well till then. Don’t blow it.”
    “Hey, it’s a compliment.”
    “Yeah, right.”
    “Seriously. Most women would have loved that comment.”
    Finn sighed and punched at the material in the water. “I’m sure. The only problem is that I know I look about twelve. Even with ID, sometimes I can’t get served. So yes, in twenty years I’ll be very grateful for my youthful looks. Right now, I’d love to be taken for a grown-up.”
    Finn watched as Oz stood back and looked at her, taking in the forest green T-shirt, at least three sizes too large and the baggy black cargo shorts. Finn found herself hoping Oz liked what she saw, but she doubted it. A messy ponytail kept her hair off her face, and her sunglasses hid her eyes, which she considered her best feature.
    “Can I make a small suggestion?” Oz asked, her head tilted slightly as she continued to look Finn up and down.
    “And what would that be?”
    “Maybe, if you do want people to see you as a grown-up, and I’m not saying that you should, but you know, if you do, and don’t be offended or anything, but maybe you should…”
    “Not dress in clothes that are too big and look like I’m wearing my mother’s, father’s, and older brother’s all at the same time?”
    Oz blew out a relieved breath. “Yeah. That’s it.”
    “I’m in disguise.”
    Oz laughed. “Disguise?”
    “Yup.”
    “Like Superman and Clark Kent type disguise?”
    “I think more like Supergirl and whoever the chick was without the blue tights.”
    “Really? And what are you disguised as?”
    Finn shook her head. “It’s not what I’m disguised as, but what I’m trying not to be.”
    “And what is it that you’re trying not to be?”
    “My father’s daughter.”
    “And looking like a little girl playing dress-up helps?”
    “At the moment. My new disguise is going to be as a diving instructor. Working woman of the world, able to make a living for myself, and not dependent on anyone.” Finn looked away, trying to figure out how to move the conversation away from her family issues.
    “What other changes does this disguise include?”
    “Well, let me see. New place to live, new car, new career. Everything, really.”
    “What about Pete?”
    “What about him?” Finn frowned as she began rinsing the snorkels.
    “Does he have a place as your boyfriend in this new disguise you’re making?”
    “My boyfriend?”
    Oz nodded.
    “Pete?”
    “Yeah, Pete. The guy from the airport last night.”
    Finn burst out laughing, enjoying the look of confusion on Oz’s face.
    “What’s so funny?”
    “Pete isn’t…” She was laughing again before she could finish her sentence. “Oh God, that’s funny. Pete isn’t my boyfriend. Never has been, never will be.” She stretched tight back muscles, noting the way Oz’s eyes strayed briefly to the tight material pulled across her breasts. “Trust me, I’m soooo not his type, even if he were mine. Did you miss the part earlier where I told you that he was chatting up the bartender at the hotel? Male bartender.”
    “I guess I did.” Oz was smiling again. “Sorry.”
    “No need to be sorry. I haven’t laughed like that in ages. Pete and I have been friends for as long as I can remember.” She turned back to the water vats. “My father has decided that he’d like us to get married. We both object to this. Strenuously. Pete will most likely lose the job he has at my dad’s company when he gets back to the UK for helping me get away.”
    “That doesn’t sound like a good thing. What about you?”
    “What about me?”
    “Well, if your dad will do that to your friend for helping you, what will he do to you?”
    “Well, if I’m lucky, he’ll disown me.”
    “And if you’re