They had been spending all their time together lately and while she loved it, she also had wanted a break to sit down with her feelings for Gray and think about what an actual relationship would look like, especially if he didn't stay on the island.
Back at the house, Riley finished packing her cooler and gear, grateful for the unexpected head start."Let's hit the road, Bear!"she said, grabbing her bags.
Before leaving, she wrote two notes at the kitchen table.Gone to the island with Bear.Back tomorrow night.She shook her head, still puzzled by the staff's sudden disappearance.Did Shelley really charm everyone that fast?
Johnny moored his boat in a quiet canal, which was perfect for keeping it out of sight.Riley parked her Jeep nearby, leaving it empty and unlocked.Lessons learned after an expensive window replacement in her first year on the island.The skiff was simple but ideal: a shaded canopy over the console and just the right size to beach anywhere.
Bear jumped into the boat eagerly, his excitement contagious.They cruised through the canal and into open water, making a quick stop at a nearby beach.As Riley pulled the boat ashore, Bear watched expectantly, tail wagging.He knew this beach; his best friend Max lived here!Sure enough, Max came bounding down the sand, with Carlos following close behind.
"Riley!Bear!Great to see you two," Carlos greeted them warmly.
"Hey, Carlos!Just stopping by to say hi.Bear and I are heading to our little island for the night.I left a note at home, but I wanted you to know where we'll be."
The two dogs raced up and down the beach while Riley caught up with Carlos.He and his wife Katrina had lived on the island for decades, and they'd been instrumental in helping her settle in.
"Sounds good.When are you coming back?"
"Before sunset tomorrow.I want to return Johnny's boat on time.But, Carlos, something strange happened today.One of Gray's coworkers, Shelley, from California, showed up without any notice.I took off and went diving with Phoenix, but when I got back from diving, the entire staff was gone.No notes, no explanation.I figured they must've taken Shelley out to explore?"At this, Riley's expression sank into a frown, and Carlos reached out to hug her, but then he stopped, processing her words.
"Wait, someone from his lab in California?Have you heard of her before?"
Riley frowned."Oh, Shelley, I've heard of her, but now that I think of it, not really much more than Gray's not fond of her.She's a blonde bombshell who seems fine with being overly friendly with Gray.He acted weird around her; he definitely was not expecting her.I didn't stick around to find out more.But when I got back to the facility, everyone had disappeared.No clue what's going on."
Carlos gave her a long, serious look."Riley, you're all Gray sees.That man is head over heels in love with you.He may not have said it yet, but everyone can tell.Whoever this Shelley is, she's not on his radar."
Riley blushed, brushing off his words."Still, it's strange.And now that I think about it, how did she even get here?There aren't any flights today."
Carlos' expression darkened."Exactly.That's impossible."
Shaking off the unease, Riley called Bear back to the boat.As she lifted him aboard, Carlos laughed."You're going to need another plan when he's bigger!"
"Tell me about it," Riley said, settling him into the skiff.It was getting harder to lift him, and he didn't make it easier by trying to pull himself up when he was all gangly limbs.
With a wave and a smile, she pushed off the shore and headed for the open water.With Bear at her side, wind whipping his big floppy ears around his head as he barked wildly into the wind, saying goodbye to his best friend.
Chapter 61
Disappearing act
"She'sgone!"Cicistrodeback to the table, throwing her hands in the air.
Declan immediately stood; his brow furrowed."What do you mean, gone?Gone where?"
Cici grabbed her bag, and Declan shifted awkwardly, half-sitting, half-rising again.
"I mean exactly that; she's gone.She's not in the bathroom, and none of the staff saw her leave.Poof!Gone."Cici threw some cash on the table, caught the eye of their waitress, and marched toward the door.
Declan caught up with her outside."Okay, so...where are we going?"
"I don't know!"Cici spun toward him, exasperated."Somewhere.We need to find her.How far could she have gone?"
Declan placed a calming hand on her arm."How about we head to the harbour?Cam didn't drive today, so he'll either be arriving soon or already be there.We can meet up with him and Gray and make a plan."
Cici exhaled, nodded, and fell into step with Declan as they headed toward the harbour.
As Cici and Declan approached, Daniel and Marta arrived.
"Hey, you two!"Daniel waved as the groups converged near the docks."Where's Shelley?"
