“Sounds perfect,” Luke said, handing over his menu. “The rum here is famous, isn’t it?”
“It is,” the waiter said. “We have many that are world-class, along with our cuisine.”
After taking their orders and filling their glasses with juice while they waited for their coffee, the waiter moved on to the next table, leaving Sylvie and Luke alone once again.
“So…” Luke said. “What are your plans for the day? Jet skiing and bungee jumping?”
Sylvie laughed. “Oh sure, but not before I shave my head and get a tattoo on my face.”
“Then it’s a good thing you didn’t get the rum waffles,” he replied quickly, laughing along with her. “I think I’ll have to try them before I go.”
“I’m glad they warn people. It sounds like they’re potent.”
Luke made a small coughing sound in the back of his throat. “They probably just don’t want to get sued. Which, hey, even if that’s the only reason, at least it gets people warned.”
“True,” she replied, not really wanting to get into a discussion about it. “What are your plans, anyway?”
“Well, I’ve got some business stuff to deal with this morning. But this afternoon, I’m free as a bird. Maybe you’d like to embark on another excursion with me?”
Did he sound nervous? Or was she projecting?
“That’d be great,” she said, trying to keep her voice even. “What did you have in mind?”
“Well, there’s a great sightseeing and snorkeling trip, since you didn’t get to swim yesterday,” he said, smiling warmly.
“I’ll be honest…” she started, knowing full well she was about to be anything but. “I’m just not that taken with the idea of swimming in the sea. I did have my eye on the cooking class, though.”
Luke shrugged. “How about we split the difference? There’s a sightseeing tour that focuses on food, and all the stops are at restaurants and cafés.”
She would have preferred the class, but a walking food and culture tour actually sounded great. Just as she was about to agree, their coffee arrived, and Luke asked the waiter if they could be booked into the afternoon session.
“So, what’s the business that can’t wait a few days? Mr. VIP?” she asked teasingly, although immediately regretting it. She remembered how he’d told her the first day that much of his work was confidential.
“Oh, it’s just a slightly painful meeting with the higher-ups, finishing a somewhat painful report, and then an extremely painful conversation I donotwant to have,” he replied, smiling. “Let’s just say that no matter what happens on this tour today—even if we have the worst possible time—my afternoon will be way better than my morning.”
He was smiling at her with a mischievous glint in his eye, but she was sure there was something serious behind it, something she simultaneously wanted to pry loose and completely ignore.
“Even if we’re kidnapped and held hostage, and the US Government refuses to negotiate?” she asked, adopting a faux high-pitched voice like an early Hollywood starlet.
“Even then, I think,” he said. “Put it this way…I’m leaving the report until last, as a kind of reward after I’ve had the others.”
“Oh dear,” Sylvie replied, dropping her voice. “Well, let’s hope good food and better company will make up for it.”
“I’m sure it will.” Luke’s smile widened, making Sylvie’s heart flutter.
His watch lit up with a notification, causing him to jump, and a faint buzzing sound emanated from his shirt pocket. Sylvie was surprised to see all the joy fade from his face as he read the message and stood.
“I’m so sorry. I guess the very painful conversation’s been brought forward,” he said. “Could you ask them to send my breakfast up to my room? I’m so sorry…”
“Yes, of course. You go,” she replied. “Good luck!”
He flashed her a quick smile before dashing off through the dining room doors.
Now, all she had to do was enjoy breakfast—and find something to do for the next six hours.
Chapter 19
The tour guide for this outing was very different from the funny woman who had led the dolphin spotting the previous day. The way this woman delivered information about the island and the places they visited made Sylvie want to take notes. Of course, she didn’t have a notepad, and she couldn’t be typing away on her phone without it looking like she was texting. It was the last stop of the tour, and she was eager to get a chance to ask some follow-up questions, just so she could at least feel like she’d learned something during the four hours they had been walking around town.
