Stupid,stupid,stupid!
Riley berated herself as she swam alongside Phoenix, the dolphin's playful antics breaking through her frustration.A reluctant smile tugged at her lips.When she glanced back toward the dock, she caught sight of Shelley awkwardly attempting to link arms with Gray, only to pull back when the dock wobbled beneath them.
Oh, if only Gray had let her fall in and ruin that perfectly styled hair and makeup!The thought amused her, and she couldn't help but laugh, the sound light and bitter in the salty air.But Gray was too kind to do something like that, even if it would have been satisfying to watch.
As she laughed, Riley noticed Gray turning to face her, concern etched across his features.Even from across the lagoon, she could feel the weight of his worry.
Well, I'm upset too, Gray Whittal!
Determined to escape her thoughts, Riley signalled to Phoenix, and they continued across the lagoon to the far platform.She loved his dark grey patches around his eyes.Cam's idea to install the platforms last year had been a stroke of genius.They were perfect for stashing extra gear, and Riley had taken full advantage of them more than once.
As they approached the platform, Phoenix swam closer, nudging Riley gently.Phoenix knew Riley was down by the way she moved, as he continued to nudge her, he became more urgent and pushed himself right into her arms, smooshing his face against hers so there was no space between them as they floated vertically in the water.
"I know, I know, sweet friend," Riley murmured, her hand brushing up and down the dolphin's sleek side."Gray's a good guy, but that woman—I don't trust her one bit."They both looked back across the lagoon, where the dock and its occupants had become distant, indistinct specks.
"Let's go for a dive and leave all this crap behind."As soon as Riley swam towards the dive platform, Phoenix swam right beside her, one pec fin on her side, comforting her just like Nemo used to comfort him.Riley loved Phoenix so much and was grateful he was with her.Some days they'd just float together in the lagoon, her lying on her back, face to the sky and his head resting on her chest.Heart to heart and just enjoying the peace of it all.
Riley headed to the gear shed on the platform, checking the first tank in the rack.Perfect -2,500 PSI, a full tank meant plenty of time underwater, enough to clear her mind.She knew she'd have to resurface eventually to help close up the lab and give Phoenix his final snack of the day.But an hour underwater would give her the break she needed.She could race through her closing duties afterward, avoiding Gray, Shelley, and everyone else, and slip away with minimal questions.
"Let's go, my guy.Just you, me, for a while."
Chapter 51
Diversion
Ciciresistedtheurgeto sprint along the gravel pathway, her focus directed towards Declan and Shelley's journey back to the lab.This is bad,she thought.I need to turn them around before Shelley sees Gray and Cam leaving.
Declan spotted Cici and instantly understood.He stopped mid-step, pivoting to Shelley with a casual smile."If you look into the trees back here, you'll see our secret hammock spot."
Shelley blinked, surprised."Oh.Okay," her confusion mounting.She wasn't buying this detour.Declan was stalling, but she couldn't figure out why.
Frustration simmered as Shelley fought the urge to push past him.I need to get back to the lab,she thought, anxiety gnawing at her.If I don't leave with Gray, I'll lose my chance to settle in at his house.The carefully constructed image she wanted to present—a coworker with nowhere else to go—was crumbling.
Her mind flashed back to the morning's stroke of luck: checking out of her hotel after overhearing the perfect snippet of conversation in the lobby.The smile that tugged at her lips was fleeting, quickly replaced by a frown when she saw Cici approaching.
Cici joined them, her expression warm but her energy sharp."Well, I'm so glad I caught you two before you made it all the way back to the lab!"slipping an arm around Shelley like they were old friends.
Shelley stiffened, her suspicion rising.
"Cam realized he might have been gruff earlier," Cici continued, her tone overly cheerful, "so we're heading to the Square for a welcome drink.The entire team's closing up shop early, and we're grabbing some tables.Come on, it'll be fun!"
Cici's forced smile was almost convincing, and Declan, ever the professional, played along flawlessly.
"Great idea!"Declan exaggerated his enthusiasm."You're going to love the Square, Shelley.It's the heart of the island.Great food, live music, the works.Cici and I carpooled, so let's drive over together."
Shelley hesitated, her mind racing."That sounds wonderful, but I couldn't leave Gray, and my pack is still back at the lab--"
"Oh, don't worry about a thing," Cici interrupted with a bright laugh, cutting off Shelley's excuse."I got your bag!Gray's just finishing up, making sure the team can join us."She handed over Shelley's bag with a serene smile, her eyes daring Shelley to protest.
Shelley's jaw tightened, but there was nothing she could say without looking ungrateful.Her lips curved into a reluctant smile."That's very kind," with saccharine sweetness, she followed Declan.
Despite the cheery camaraderie, Shelley's unease lingered.She didn't know what they were planning, but if it meant Cam might wait to call the lab, she'd play along.Gray just needs to see me differently.He needs to see me as someone who belongs with him.
Chapter 52
Helpful avoidance
MartaandDanielstoodwatching, waiting for the signal.The moment Cici and Declan shuffled Shelley off to the parking lot, Marta nudged Daniel, and they motioned to Gray and Cam that the coast was clear.
