"You'd better sit down for this.It's so crazy, even I'd say it's a lie if I didn't know it was true."
As Gray recounted the events, Riley's eyes widened in disbelief.
After Shelley fled, she had headed east, unaware of the reef.She'd run the boat aground, high-centreing it on the coral.The coast guard already knew about her escape, and they found her quickly.
"And here's the wild part — she was swimming!She ditched the boat and tried to swim to shore.I don't know how she thought she'd leave the island.Every way off: plane, boat, catamaran knew not to let her board.Plus, she had no ID, no wallet and her luggage is still at my house!"
Gray shook his head, continuing the story.The coast guard had taken Shelley to the police, and Cam had pressed charges for stealing the boat and the research, as well as impersonating someone, among other things.With Riley in a coma, the police had been waiting to see if they would add more serious charges.
"Your waking up is a relief for Shelley.They'll reduce the charges related to endangering you.She lawyered up immediately, but we're not on the mainland.There's not much her lawyer can do, and the island isn't letting her go.She'll face the charges here."
Riley felt a wave of nausea.She had never liked Shelley, and Shelley had proven to be dangerous and unhinged.But the thought of this ruining her life weighed heavily on Riley's heart.Shelley needed to face justice, but she also felt that sending her back to the mainland might be a better fate.The prison on the island was much harsher than anything Shelley would face back home.
"Oh, I know that look.You don't want her to go to prison, do you?"
Deep down, he didn't want that either.Shelley had to face the consequences, but was prison the right punishment for her?
Gray held her close, burying his face in her freshly washed hair.Shanti had returned as promised, and together, she and Gray had restored the shine to Riley's hair, which had grown dull during her time in the coma.Shanti had even given Gray tips on how to make the head massage more relaxing—minus the bubbles.Riley had sighed contentedly throughout, and Gray had been grateful to bring her that small comfort.
"The doctor says only a few more days and we'll get you home," he spoke into her hair."Bear's been unbearable, honestly!He keeps side-eyeing us like we stole you, sighing at the door.We're working on training him to be gentle when he sees you.Marta's doing a great job.You'll be proud!"
Gray kissed the top of her head, and Riley felt a sense of peace wash over her.
"Gray?"she rasped, her voice weak.He looked down at her, waiting.
She swallowed and whispered, "Will you stay?"
He took her face in his hands, kissed her gently, and murmured against her lips, "Riles, there's nowhere I'd rather be.."
And he knew she wasn't just talking about staying that night at the hospital.She wanted him to stay on the island with her, and he knew it would be the easiest decision he would ever make.
Chapter 93
2 weeks later
"Doyouwantthebig blue cooler or the small orange one?"Gray motioned to each cooler; unsure how much food Riley was packing.The woman loved her snacks.
"Big blue, please!"she called from the other room.
It had been two weeks since Riley had left the hospital.Riley expected an earlier release, but the staff, concerned about her oxygen levels, extended her stay by a few days.
Her parents went home a week after she was discharged.Though they all loved each other, Riley needed less hovering and more routine.
Even though she still wasn't cleared to return to work, the day she was released, she insisted Gray take her to the Lagoon.
"It'll be too hard to walk with your ribs still healing," he had winced as he said it, still feeling guilty for being the one to break them.
She had grasped his hands, locking eyes with him."I need to see the dolphins.Please just take me there.I promise I won't stay long."
What could he do?There was no refusing her.
He drove as close as he could get to the walkway, then helped her navigate the rocky path slowly.As soon as Riley came into view, Phoenix spotted her and began chirping and leaping out of the water repeatedly, practically bursting with joy.Riley cried."I'm coming, my sweet friend, just give me a minute."
The walkway was too treacherous for Riley to navigate, but Marta had gone to the floating dock to sit with him, whispering quietly to Phoenix, who kept his eyes fixed on Riley.She missed him so much.
Knowing it would be weeks before Cam even considered letting her back to work, Gray had suggested they escape to the tiny island with Bear for two nights.It wasn't a luxury resort, but Riley would appreciate the simplicity, and the privacy.
"You okay in there?"Gray called out, wanting desperately to help her but knowing she needed to manage on her own.Part of her occupational rehab was being able to take care of herself.
