Ever since Penelope Tench was in grade school, she knew there was no one living on Colony Island she was interested in choosing as a mate. There were feral boys-merfolk who lived in the ocean-but they were not a viable choice. Penelope could only spend three days at sea before wanting to return home to her warm bed and a hot meal. She wanted to find a mate and have a family someday, like most females, with or without scales, but as she grew up, her chances lessened, as there seemed to be only one option left-and mermaids were strongly advised not fall to in love with humans. After graduating with a degree in Finance, she began living a very lonely and isolated life in the city and shut out her family and friends. Even though she had a job lined up, she felt there was no future for her-anywhere. While spending a day in the ocean, Penelope lay under a dock contemplating her life. She was about to return to the city, catch a flight to the desert, and end things, when a human male walked out on the pier. Instead of hiding, she popped above the surface, gave him a scare, and then proceeded to chat with him for a bit before disappearing underwater. She'd enjoyed herself so much, she decided she would stick around a bit longer. Penelope reported for her new job the next morning, and found her temporary desk was right next to the Assistant Comptroller, Peter MacPherson. They immediately recognized each other from the previous day, and although she wanted to flee, a series of circumstances kept her at the company. Peter assured her he'd keep her secret safe, and subsequently volunteered to make her weekend swims enjoyable again by handling all the logistics-motels, meals, and safe and secure drop-offs and pick-ups. Over the next couple months, Penelope began enjoying being a mermaid again. Then, following a knock-down, drag-out debate with herself, she realized she had feelings for Peter, and decided she would go out in a blaze of glory and get into bed with a human.