If you enjoyedHead Over Eels in Laguna, you’ll probably want to readThose Nights in Nassau.
What was supposed to be a quick trip to the Bahamas turns into a wild jungle misadventure when Renee sets out to prove that a legendary creature—the Chickcharney—is more than just folklore.
But when a rival cryptid hunter sabotages her offering and stirs up something ancient in the trees, things get a little... owl-shaped. Separated from their team and tangled in vines—both literal and emotional—she and Jon stumble upon something strange in the jungle. Is it the Chickcharney? A hoax? Or a sign they’re in way over their heads?
Part romantic adventure, part cryptid caper, and 100% heart, this is the perfect escape read for anyone who believes in second chances, island sunsets, and the occasional legendary bird.
ThePorts of Callseries features plucky characters thrown into unusual circumstances in exotic locations—from Bahamian jungles to a cruise through the Panama Canal. Sunshine, sea breezes, and romance await!
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Those nights in Nassau
By Kristy Tate
2025
High on the bluffs, I stood at the railing, staring out at the endless water, waiting for my own sighting of the legendary oarfish. Of course, there was nothing but waves stretching into the horizon. A warm breeze carried the scent of salt and gardenias, mingling with the laughter, clinking glasses, and sultry music behind me.
The wedding reception was in full swing—guests in linen suits and pastel dresses twirled under string lights, while Millie and Walter shared a slow, effortless dance on the wooden deck. It was beautiful, magical even.
But I wasn’t in the mood to dance. I nursed a champagne flute that had long since lost its bubbles, my gaze locked on the darkening sea.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Ellie’s voice came soft beside me.
I turned and managed a small smile. “It really is.”
Ellie’s auburn waves lifted in the breeze, and she held them back with a practiced hand. We’d been friends for years—single moms building our careers side by side, navigating life’s ups and downs together. She studied me for a moment, then leaned against the railing. “You’ve been quiet tonight.”
I exhaled, tightening my fingers around the delicate stem of my glass. “Clare’s starting her own firm.”
Saying it aloud made the reality sharper, heavier.
Ellie’s brows lifted. “That’s big news. Are you going to rename yours? I always thought you should’ve called it Renee’s Renovations.”
I wanted to smile, but I couldn’t. “I named it after Clare. I built it for her... or at least, that’s what I told myself.”
Ellie wrapped an arm around my shoulders.
“She told me last night,” I continued, forcing a chuckle, though it sounded hollow. “I mean, I’m happy for her. She’s doing incredible work. Clients love her. And her success...” I shook my head. “It just feels so... capricious.”
Ellie frowned. “What do you mean?”
“You know how hard I’ve worked for years, how much we’ve built together. And yet, Clare’s entire firm took off because of some viral fish sighting.”
“The oarfish,” Ellie murmured.
I gave a sharp nod. “Exactly. She just happened to be here when that thing washed ashore. Next thing you know, the video goes viral, every news outlet picks it up, and suddenly she’s the ‘must-have’ renovation expert.” I let out a breath, shaking my head. “It’s like fate just handed her everything. And I...” I swallowed the lump in my throat.
Ellie squeezed my arm. “I know it hurts.”
“It’s not even the business,” I admitted, my voice thick with emotion. “It’s her. We’ve done everything together for so long. And now she’s with Ethan... I don’t know where that leaves me.”
Ellie was quiet for a moment, then she straightened. “I think it leaves you in need of a vacation.”
I blinked. “What?”
“A real vacation,” she said firmly. “Not some ‘conference with a beachside view’ or a work trip where you ‘just so happen’ to book a nice hotel. I mean a holiday where you actually step away from everything—Clare, the business, all of it.”
