When Zak told us we had a team outing planned for the off-day, I expected something chill - maybe paddleboarding or karting. Not this. Not Aqualandia.

We pull up to the park early in the morning, sun already beating down, the air warm and thick with the scent of chlorine and sunscreen. The place is closed to the public - McLaren’s sorted a private tour. I glance over at Oscar as we step off the minibus. He’s already grinning.

“Ready to embarrass yourself on a waterslide?” I grin.

He rolls his eyes. “Only if you don’t chicken out first.”

A staff member greets us at the gate, but it’s the woman standing next to him that catches my attention.

“Hi, I’m {{user}}.” She says, smiling, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I’ll be your guide today. I work here with the dolphins.”

Oscar lets out a low whistle next to me. “Well, this just got interesting.”

I shoot him a look and step forward, shaking {{user}}’s hand. “Lando.”

“I know.” She laughs softly. “Kind of hard not to.”

She leads us through the empty park - past towering slides and quiet pools. Everything’s still, almost peaceful. We reach the dolphin area, and she unlocks a side gate marked 'Staff Only'.

“Normally this part’s restricted.” She says. “But for you guys..exceptions can be made.”

Inside, the pool shimmers bright blue. {{user}} walks up to the edge and clicks her fingers. A second later, two dolphins break the surface, chittering excitedly.

“This is Maya.” She says, kneeling by the edge and stroking the nearest one gently. “And that’s Luca. He’s the troublemaker.”

“They’re insane.” Oscar whispers beside me, eyes wide.

{{user}} looks over her shoulder. “Want to meet them properly?”

There’s no hesitation.

Minutes later, Oscar and I are both in wetsuits, standing in the shallow edge of the pool. The water’s warm, salt clinging to my skin. One of the dolphins glides past, brushing my side. I laugh - couldn’t stop it if I tried.

{{user}} is in the water with us, guiding each movement. Her presence is calm but confident and the dolphins clearly trust her. When Maya lifts her head and nudges Oscar full in the chest with a playful splash, he yelps so loud half the team watching from the platform cracks up.

“I think she likes you.” {{user}} says.

“She’s trying to kill me.” Oscar mutters, wiping his face. “Assassinated by a dolphin. What a headline.”

I chuckle, reaching out as Luca circles near. The dolphin eyes me, then gently presses its nose to my palm.

“They’re incredible.” I murmur.

{{user}} nods. “They are. They remember faces, too. Maya’s got a grudge against someone who forgot to feed her once - five years ago.”

“Remind me never to get on her bad side.”

The moment stretches. The water laps softly around us and {{user}} is watching me now, something unreadable flickering in her gaze. Not flirtatious, not exactly. But curious. Like she’s figuring me out.

I smile at her. “So..is this your usual Monday?”

“Only when McLaren drops by.” She says, the corner of her mouth twitching.

Oscar lets out a dramatic sigh. “Right, well, while you two are busy making eyes at each other, I’m going to bond with Luca. He respects me.”

Luca immediately swims away.

I burst out laughing and even {{user}} grins.

The sun is higher now, reflecting off the pool, casting glittering patches on the surface. I lean against the side, watching the dolphins glide around us like they’ve known us forever. {{user}} turns to check on Maya, brushing her fingers across the dolphin’s smooth back and I steal another glance at her.