His face paled as the thought hit him."You don't think..."His voice wavered."You don't think Riley believes I was just using her as some kind of...'local hookup,' do you?"
He could barely get the words out.His heart was entirely with Riley, and with how hard he'd worked to win her trust, the idea of losing it over this was gut-wrenching.
Cam, Daniel, and Marta exchanged concerned glances.Gray looked visibly ill.
"Let's just find Cici and Declan," Gray muttered."I'll drive myself crazy thinking about all the 'what ifs' until we get some answers."
They all nodded, knowing how much Riley meant to him.Gray had become part of their found family, and they'd stand by him no matter what.
"Let's go and hopefully we'll find all three of them together," Cam said, getting into his vehicle.
Gray climbed into the passenger seat, while Daniel and Marta exchanged worried looks before getting into their own vehicles to head home.
Chapter 69
No vacancy
Declandidn'thavetowait long in the parking lot before Cam and Gray pulled up.As they waved to the security guard, Declan's exhaustion was clear.He was ready to call it a night, and they could see it.
"Hey, Declan!"Cam called, striding over."Man, you look beat!Everything alright?"
"Not really," Declan sighed."Shelley found us, but the Square is chaos.I didn't know there'd be an extra cruise ship in port, and I'm knackered.I left Cici with Shelley at the corner bar.They were on the patio when I left them.But I've gotta go.I'm on the early shift tomorrow, and there's nothing more I can do to help."He shook Cam's hand, patted Gray on the shoulder, and walked off.
"Is he okay?"Gray asked.
"I don't think so," Cam said, glancing back."There's something else going on besides this Shelley business, but it's been a long day.And he's right, nothing more he can do tonight."
As Cam spoke, a loud bang sounded from the Square.The main stage show was in full swing.How had it gotten so late?
"Alright, Gray," Cam said, turning to him."Here's the plan: we find the ladies, bring them back here.Let's see if we can get Shelley a hotel room, though it sounds like that might not be possible.Either way, we all head home.Tomorrow, we'll send her on the boat to the Lagoon while we call your lab."
Gray nodded, appreciating the calm in Cam's voice."Let's get this over with," he muttered, and they headed toward the corner bar.
From a distance, they could see Shelley completely engrossed in the show.Gray had to admit that once he figured out everyone met at the Square at night, he'd gone to see it three times in a row.The performers were outstanding; complicated dance routines and steel drum musicians.It was a lot to take in.
He didn't want to be cruel in asking Shelley to leave.He understood how captivating the show was for a first-timer.
Gray touched Cam's arm before they got too close."Hey, how about you take Cici home, and I'll handle Shelley?She seems really into the show, and I don't want Cici to have to stay longer than she already has.This place is chaos tonight!"
Cam raised an eyebrow but nodded."Works for me.I'm with Declan, I need some sleep."He clapped Gray on the back, laughing.Everyone knew Cam loved his sleep, and no one disturbed him on his day off unless it was a serious emergency.
Gray approached the patio with a smile."Hey, ladies."
Cici turned, giving a small, tired smile.She looked ready to leave the crowded Square.Shelley, however, lit up like she'd won the lottery.
"Gray, finally!I was thinking you were avoiding me!"she exclaimed."And Cam!So good to see you.Shall we scoot over so you can sit with us?"
At that, Cici had had enough."Yeah, I'm out.Big day tomorrow, and it's way too crowded for me."She pushed past Shelley without caring about the pout forming on her face.
"Yeah, I'm heading out too," Cam said."Shelley, stay and enjoy the show.Gray is going to help you find a hotel tonight.We'll pick you up from your hotel tomorrow morning at 10 a.m.and take you to the Lagoon."
When Shelley didn't respond, Gray glanced up.She was staring at them, wide-eyed."Gray sweetie, I told you, I'm staying with you.I even got all my luggage unpacked at your place.Didn't you hear me earlier?"
Gray froze."Yeah, I saw your stuff at my place, but I'd feel more comfortable if you stayed at a hotel.Obviously, you saw how small it is."
"Oh, love," Shelley said sweetly, gesturing to the packed Square, "there's not a room to be had.Where do you think all these people are staying?"
Gray blinked, realizing for the first time how overcrowded the Square was with tourists.
