Her mother.
Her parent was the weak link here.She’d believe Ari’s silken tales of woe, and by the time he’d finished, her mother would agree Nyree was at fault for the breakup, that her daughter had made a serious mistake.Ari possessed charm and understood how to use it with women.It was why he never had a shortage of feminine attention.Unfortunately, it had taken her too long to appreciate his charisma was only skin-deep while the place where his heart should be was full of darkness.
But how could he be here?
No, it couldn’t be Ari.
She dragged in a citrus-scented breath and forced herself to release it and repeat the process.
Perhaps Tawera was wrong, and it was Rawiri, his brother.Somehow, he’d traveled through time or extended his life.After all, this was no crazier than a curse or Tawera’s sudden appearance.
The cruise ship left around six this evening.All she needed to do was continue working and wait for everyone to leave.Whoever this stranger was, they had to depart with the ship.
Yes, she was stressing over nothing.
She and Ari were done, and once he got over his pride, he’d understand this was for the best.He’d have no trouble finding a replacement—if he hadn’t already.She’d ask Manu to check.
Between customers, she managed a quick email to Manu.To her relief, her message went through straightaway.Now all she had to do was wait for a reply, confirmation Ari was still at home in Papakura and that he was harassing another woman now.
She wished her mother or her sister were better correspondents so she’d know they were okay.It helped tremendously to know Manu and Jessalyn were nearby and watching over them.If it weren’t for that fact, her panic levels would be much higher.
Carolyn entered the store and waited until she finished serving a customer.“Take a fifteen-minute break.I’ll look after things here for you.”
“What about the tour?”
Carolyn grinned.“It starts in half an hour, so don’t be late back from your break.”
“Thanks,” Nyree said.“I’ll be at my place if you need me.”
“No problem.See you in fifteen.”Carolyn shunted her out of the way and took over serving the line of customers.
Nyree paused on the deck outside the store and surveyed her surroundings.She didn’t see anyone or thing out of place.Neither could she see Tawera, so she rushed down the stairs and jogged to her home.She unlocked the door and locked it again once she darted inside.
Her stomach rumbled, but she ignored her body’s signal to peek through the windows and scan the crowds of passengers exploring the area.When she found nothing out of place or suspicious, she retraced her footsteps to the kitchen and opened her fridge.Food.She pulled out the remains of a meaty stew and heated it in the microwave.
A tap at the door had her stiffening, and a gasp escaped before she could stop it.Her pulse raced, and she hesitated.
“Nyree, it’s me.Tawera,” came the low masculine voice.
Nyree rushed to the door and unlocked it.Tawera slipped inside, and she relocked it.
“I have less than fifteen minutes before I need to return to the store to relieve Carolyn.”
“Is that food I smell?I’m starving.”
Nyree led the way to the kitchen and arrived just as the microwave pinged.“It’s the leftover stew from last night’s dinner.There’s enough for you.”As she spoke, she pulled out two bowls and dished up the stew.
Tawera grabbed eating utensils along with butter and plates without her asking him while she heated two rolls she’d taken from the freezer.They sat together and started eating.
“I don’t have a photo of Ari.I deleted them off my phone.”
“Is there an online one you can show me?From that social media place?”
Nyree scanned her watch and stood.“I’m sure there is one, but the internet is down at present.I’ll try again later tonight.”She picked up their dirty dishes.
“Leave them,” Tawera said.“I can clean the kitchen for you.You return to work.”
Nyree smiled her thanks.“I’ll see you later.”She leaned over and kissed him on the lips.She’d intended a quick kiss, but their lips clung together, and their tongues tangled.Nyree forced herself to step back, her breathing fast and choppy.“Tonight.”
