Captain's log: June 12th, 6:32 A.M.

Due to the tragic loss of the “Red Herring," I've had to take refuge on Vacay Island, the place where everyday is a vacay, but I plan to find a replacement and, once again, brave the open ocean. Until that time, however, one of the locals is in need of my assistance.

The plan is simple. Miss Brandy already took a second job at the hotel as a room service waitress, while today, I start my job as a barista under my new alias, Bruce. The cooking fest is in three weeks, so if we can both make enough money by then, Brandy will be able to pay the participation fee and the rest of the Islanders will be amazed by her culinary magic. Afterwards, I'll be out of her beautiful red hair and... Should probably scratch that part out.

At the coffee shop, as he brewed a latte, Spruce suddenly found himself quietly singing along to the pop-rock song on the speakers above the counter.

I don't care if Monday's blue

Tuesday's gray, and Wednesday, too

Oh, Thursday, I don't care about you

It's Friday, I'm in love

Monday, you can fall apart

Tuesday, Wednesday, break my heart

Oh, Thursday doesn't even start

It's Friday, I'm in lo–

“Wait, why am I singing this?" Spruce asked himself. “Am I cracking up?"

“It's a pretty good song," a customer said. “I remember when they played it at a party where I first met my wife. She was a terrible dancer, but I loved her anyways. Now, get me that one with all the little beads in the bottom."

“You mean, bubble tea?"

“Yeah, that," the customer confirmed, and Spruce began preparing his beverage.

“So, how long have you been married?" Spruce asked.

“To her? About thirty years," he answered. “I married someone else before her, but it only lasted five. Then, there was Rachel, but it was annulled after three days. And then—"

“Okay, I get it," Spruce interrupted. “Here's your tea."

“Thank you," the Islander said, handing him a couple sand dollars. “Is there someone in your life, my boy?"

“Well... maybe," Spruce replied. “Except I don't plan on staying for too long, and she's got her own plans here. Besides, I might be a little short."

“That doesn't mean you can't try to make it work," the customer said before leaving a tip and walking away. Afterwards, Spruce thought carefully about what he said.

Maybe he could make a try for it with Brandy. If it didn't end well, he would be leaving anyways. However, he couldn't help but think about what would happen if they did end up together. He might have to stay on the island even longer. Permanently, even. Especially if they got married. She would be a good wife, though, like her idiot ex said. She was kind, a good cook, actually listened to him. Maybe, just maybe, he could stay here and start a new life with her.

“Hey, are you gonna take my order today, sir?!" an angry customer shouted. Snapping out of his thoughts, Spruce shook his head and turned to her.

“Sorry, miss!" he apologized. After taking her order, he began brewing her cappuccino and said to himself, “What am I doing? Getting worked up over a girl I've only known for five days! A very cute girl, but still... You've barely seen her after the thing with the burger. Then again, I was job hunting, so I haven't even given her a chance yet. Wait, why did I say ‘yet?' I didn't say I would go for it. I'm just trying to help her before I leave forever, we can't be anything more than this. Besides, it would be bad for my abs."

“Hey, Bruce?" another barista interrupted, handing him a brown paper bag. “I was asked to give this to you."

“By who?" he asked, but the barista didn't answer. Spruce opened up the bag and found a small fruit salad, a tuna wrap, and a small piece of paper.

At that moment, Spruce made up his mind.

🌊🏝️🌺🍹🦩🍍🌊🏝️🌺🍹🦩🍍

“Brandy, go on one date with me, and we'll, uh... We'll see what happens," he quietly said to himself. “No, that's dumb. Um, Brandy... I understand if you have better things to do, but... Ugh! I'm in trouble. Okay. I'm just gonna do it. Like ripping off a bandaid. Here I go."

That evening, Spruce returned to the hotel, and found Brandy at the bar, removing her apron from her waist. Her shift must've ended, so this was his chance.

“Hey, uh, Brandy?" Spruce said, catching her attention.

“Oh! Hi, Spruce," she greeted, and helped him up the counter. “Did you get the lunch I made for you?"

“I did," he answered. “It was delicious. How was your first day working in room service?"

“It's a thankless job, but it'll be worth it if we can make enough to take part in the cooking fest," Brandy replied. “Do you really think we'll able to do this?"

“Trust me, Brandy," Spruce assured her, . “We'll get there. By the way... What made you want to make me lunch?"

Brandy blushed and shyly pushed her hair back. “Oh, I don't know. I guess I was trying to be nice. Since we're kinda, sorta friends now, and we're working together, I guess I thought... Did you not like it?"

“You didn't have to do it, but it was very thoughtful," Spruce answered. “And delicious."

Brandy giggled. “Well... I better get home. See you tomorrow."

Do it, you handsome idiot! Spruce's brain practically screamed at him as Brandy began walking away. “Wait!"

At that moment, Brandy turned back around to face the purple-haired Troll, who felt his stomach turn. The last time Spruce attempted to ask a girl out was Cookie Sugarloaf, whom he hadn't seen in years. Not used to being a heartthrob at the time, he was too nervous to speak to her, and John Dory's rigorous schedule took up too much of his time. So, he eventually gave up on her and because a prize for one girl each week, which seemed better than being alone.

This time, however, there was nothing to hold him back. Nor was there any turning back.

“Brandy..." Spruce began, taking a deep breath. “I know work is tight, but... is there any chance you could be free sometime this week to hang out with... with me? Possibly?"

“You mean, like a date?" she asked.

“Well, that's one way to put it," he said. “It doesn't have to be a date. It could just be the two of us... being friends! Nothing like... I'm blowing this, aren't I?"

Brandy just laughed. “I wouldn't go that far. I'll try to make time."

Once Brandy was out of his sight, Spruce sighed in relief. Now, all he had to do was try to make it work.