The heat. The food. Ellie telling me about a tourist who had tried to bring a waterproof speaker on a dive because the turtles might like Beyoncé.
“Did they?”
“The turtles left.”
“Critics.”
“Harsh ones.”
My phone buzzed inside my tote.
I ignored it.
It buzzed again.
Then a third time.
Ellie raised one eyebrow.
“Someone’s persistent.”
“Work.”
“You work on vacation?”
“My job has boundary issues.”
“Relatable.”
I pulled out the phone.
Three missed calls from Rachel.
Two texts from Sophie.
One message from my mother.
Your manager called me. Should I lie or tell her you joined a scuba cult?
I smiled before I could stop myself.
Ellie tilted her head.
“Good message?”
“My mother.”
“Is she worried?”
“Usually.”
“Does she know you’re diving?”
“No.”
“Then she has excellent instincts.”
Another text from Rachel appeared.
