In Deep Water: Chapter Twelve

“Is this everything?” Xander sorts through the different memory banks set out on the computer lab’s table.

Nathan nods, popping a disk into his laptop. “I even double-checked the ROVs.”

“Good.” Xander settles into his chair.

I dump a bunch of snacks on a neighboring desk and pluck a Fruit-by-the-Foot and a bag of Skittles from the pile. “Soph and I brought the sugar. Figured we’d all need it.”

“You got any Cheez- Its, Emily?” Nathan’s eyes browse the goodies before finding his preference. “Yes!”

Sophie grabs a package of Gushers and sinks into a chair beside Nathan. “So how much footage is there to sort through?”

“About twenty-four hours’ worth.” Nathan opens his Cheez-It bag.

I hand Xander the pack of Skittles and sit down next to him.

He kisses my cheek. “Thank you.”

“Welcome.” I slide my fingers into his and squeeze, feeling my cheeks heat.

Xander winks, sending a flutter through my stomach. “I love making you blush.”

My face flames hotter as I rip open my snack with my teeth. I take a bite, hoping the distraction alleviates the burn.

Sophie coughs and I peer over to see her covering a grin under her palm.

Nathan hits the play button, and the excavation begins. The ship lies on its side. Five hundred years of ocean silt buries half of the hull while sea stars, crabs, and barnacles make the abandoned decks home.

“Most of the vessel sits buried in the sand. How are we going to learn the cause of its demise?” I worry my bottom lip between my teeth.

“You mean our demise?” Sophie chews her thumb as... continue reading Chapter Twelve at Coffee House Writers.