Her stuff was everywhere!Clothes neatly folded, books stacked on the table, toiletries scattered in the bathroom and kitchen.Even dive gear was by the door.She'd invaded every corner of his tiny studio.He ran a hand through his hair, sinking onto the couch, utterly defeated.How did she find this place, and who let her in?
Just then, Cam knocked on the doorframe and took in the scene.Gray's head snapped up, and he flailed his arms toward the room."What am I supposed to do with this?"
Cam stepped inside, letting out a low whistle."Dude, is this Shelley's stuff?"
"Of course it is!"Gray gestured wildly again."But how?She'd been on the island for only a few hours?How did she get in, unpack, ugh, she's everywhere!"
Cam rubbed his chin, looking around."She's a fast mover, I'll give her that.But if all her stuff's here, where is she?"
Gray groaned."Probably at the Square.I was hoping she'd have gone to a hotel."
"Okay then, we head back and meet up with everyone.Don't worry, Gray, we'll figure this out."Cam was much surer about the figuring out than Gray was, but he would just have to trust him.
They headed for the door, and Gray felt the pit in his stomach grow.What is your game, Shelley?
Chapter 66
Fish fry
"Hey,sista!How'sitgoing tonight?"Daniel greeted his younger sister with a hug and a kiss as she stepped out of her lemonade booth.
"Daniel!Brother, it is crazy tonight!This is actually the first time I haven't had a customer!"Birdie said, leaning in to his hug.Her real name was Bernadette, but as a kid, Daniel couldn't pronounce it, so "Birdie" stuck.Most islanders didn't even know it wasn't her real name.
"You need a drink?"She asked, stepping back into her booth.Daniel was so proud of Birdie.Fish Fry was twice a week, and she'd figured out that not everyone wanted alcohol.She had started the lemonade booth offering only two flavours and now had ten flavours.
"Yes, please!Limeade, if you've got it."Daniel scanned the crowd, his eyes searching for Dustin.
"Of course, I've got it.And no, I haven't seen Marta yet."She laughed as she turned to make his drink.
"What?No!I'm not--" Daniel started, but she cut him off.
"Brother, don't lie to me.You know I know you've been secretly pining for her.Why don't you just ask her out instead of stealing glances when you think no one's watching?Everyone knows you're looking!"Birdie shook her head affectionately.
Sometimes her brother was so clueless.And it wasn't just him; Marta was just as smitten.Birdie couldn't blame her, though.Objectively, Daniel was a total catch; handsome, smart, and funny.Women on the island always checked him out, and Birdie had no problem swatting them away with a protective glare.
"No, really, I just saw Marta!I'm on assignment.I need to find Dustin.Have you seen him?"Daniel said, eyes locked on Birdie to show he wasn't dodging the conversation.
She sighed, realizing he was serious."He was just here a few minutes ago.Grabbed a lemon-limeade and said he was helping his brother at the first fry station with the conch salad."They both glanced down the beach, spotting Dustin chopping ingredients at the booth.
"Perfect!You want me to grab you a salad after I chat with him?"Daniel said, reaching for his wallet to pay for the limeade.
"First off, your money's no good here!And no, I'm fine.I already grabbed one.You know they'll sell out soon."Birdie grinned.Daniel always tried to pay, but she never let him.
"Okay, sista, I'm gonna go talk to him real quick.And hey, can you do me a favour?"Daniel asked as he started to walk away.
"Yes, I'll pass Marta a note asking if she wants to go out with my hunky older brother!"Birdie teased, laughing as Daniel gaped at her.
"NO!"He took a breath.He knew she'd actually do it."You're a menace, and I'm telling Mom."
"Go ahead, tell Mom!She agrees with me.If you don't ask Marta out soon, she's going to set up blind dates for you!"
Daniel felt his face burn.Did everyone in the family know how he felt about Marta?"You're the worst.I'm leaving this family!"They both laughed, knowing that would never happen.Their family was tight-knit, always looking out for each other.
"Seriously, though," Daniel said, getting back on track, "if Marta comes here first, send her over to me.We've got a bit of a situation going on."
Birdie's playful expression shifted to concern."Everything okay?"
Daniel smiled to reassure her."Nothing to worry about, sista.I'll fill you in later.Just need to talk to Dustin real quick.Love you later!"He waved as he walked toward the conch salad booth before she could throw in another cheeky remark.
