The Cowboy and the Mermaid

The Cowboy and the Mermaid

After the last dive Dwight and Lorelei take their finds to the consignment shop. Lorelei consigns anything not needed by the science center or is edible that she would like to keep. Dwight decides to learn how to cut gems and promptly blasts everyone's ear drums with the gem cutting machine. He had several gems that he had found while snorkeling as well as a few on the ocean floor. He even found what turned out to be a rare space rock.
Lorelei has a call from Pearl who apparently got caught in a fire in the science lab caused by one of the apprentices. Pearl bravely fought the fire, but was singed in the process. She is at the hospital getting treatment for several superficial burns. Ricardo has arrived and will take her home. Lorelei is happy her friend was not injured worse and that Ricardo seems to be an attentive boyfriend.
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The next morning Lorelei and Dwight walk the beach together as she looks for any sea shells that came ashore during the night. (Don't ya just love her thought bubble! She didn't get a wish along with it so nothing will happen just yet. @CravenLestat pattern looks great on Dwight's shirt. He's not just a cowboy anymore. He's a cowboy and a surfer dude!) They split up, Lorelei going to turn her items in at the science lab and Dwight to finish his morning exercises. They will meet up later.
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Dwight calls and tells Lorelei to meet him at Overlook Park. It has opened under new management with some fun things to do. Lorelei heads straight for the gyroscopic conductor. Dwight would normally love to do it, but cannot because of his injuries. He gets aboard the cup ride and it takes him high enough he can see all the way to the ocean and the view is breathtaking.
Lorelei is starting to feel motion sick by the time the ride stops, but, she does not get sick. She sees Pearl peeking around the building and runs over to chat with her.
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Pearl tells her all about the fire and how Ricardo took such good care of her. She whispers to Lorelei that "I think he is a keeper. The more I know, the more I love him." Lorelei is happy that her friend has found someone that makes her so happy.
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Ricardo and Dwight are still getting to know each other. They have a few things in common and both love funny jokes.
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The foursome groups up and enjoy a rousing game of gnubb. Pearl sides with Dwight and Lorelei with Ricardo. Lorelei and Ricardo won knocking the king down before Dwight and Pearl could do so.
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It is dark, and they are hungry so they go together for a later supper at the diner. Dwight has invested in the diner so the meal is free for all! After they eat they stand in front of the doorways chatting about the evening and planning another group outing in the future. Ricardo and Pearl say goodnight and Lorelei asks Dwight if he would like to try night diving. "You will be amazed at the difference as the moon does not give out light like the sun does in the depths, but it is still beautiful."
"I would love to go," Dwight tells her.
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Dwight and Lorelei swim together out to the dive spot. Dwight will soon be experienced enough to go to the deeper dive spot, but for now they stick with the shallower one.
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