Are you sure hes all right? Ally Conroy, Zachs mother, asked Alex.
I know him, Alex told the woman, forcing another of those plastic smiles that threatened to break her face. He can hold his breath almost as long as the dolphins.
David surfaced at last. Macy, the staff photographer, just shrugged at Alex. They made a lot of their research funding by selling people photos of their dolphin experiences, but Alex and Macy both knew David didnt need to buy any photos.
At that point, David and John began talking quietly in the background, as Alex got the others going on their chance for dolphin hugs and smooches. She couldnt hear what the two men were saying, but she was annoyed, and became more so when Hank Adamson joined the conversation. She found them distracting, but had a feeling shed look foolish if she was to freak out and yell at the lot of them to shut up. It looked like a little testosterone party going. They were probably chatting about divingin a manly way, of course.
Why did it bother her so much? David was out of her life. No, David would never be out of her life.
The thought was galling. She had been able to see that the relationship wasnt working, that time wasnt going to change the facts about him, her or the situation. And they had split. She didnt regret the decision.
Its just that he was here again now, when she had a lovely minor flirtation going on, the most exciting thing shed experienced since the divorce. And just because the object of her current affections seemed to be getting on with David as if they were long-lost friends
Hey, Zach whispered to her, his eyes alight, Those guys arent paying any attention. The girls and I could sneak in and take their hugs, huh?
She would have loved to agree. But no matter what it looked like Hank Adamson was doing, he was a reporter. One whose writing could influence the fate of Moon Bay. She had to play fair.
Id love to give them to you and the girls, but it wouldnt be right.
Zach, you can take my place.
She hadnt known that David had broken away from his conversation.
She stared at him. The girls would want an equal opportunity.
Hey, Ill give up my time. That, amazingly, came from Hank Adamson. He grinned at Alex. Its cool watching the kids have fun. Dont worryyoure getting a good write-up.
Ill give up my hug, too, John Seymore told her, shrugging, a dimple going deep.
Another round for the youngest members of the group, then, she said.
Finally the time was up. Alex went through her spiel about returning flippers, masks, and snorkels, telling the group where they could rinse off the brine and find further information on dolphins before heading off for whatever their next adventure might be.
John gave her a special smile as he stopped to thank her. I was figuring Id do it again, maybe check out a time when the groups werent full. I dont have a thing in the world against hugs. Even from a dolphin.
She smiled in return, nodding.
I think I have an in with the dolphin keeper, he added softly.
You do, she assured him.
He turned, walking off. David had been right behind him. Hed undoubtedly heard every word. Now his dark blue eyes were on her enigmatically. She wished he wasnt even more appealing soaking wet, that thatch of impossibly dark hair over his forehead, bronzed shoulders gleaming. She wished there wasnt such an irresistibly subtle, too familiar scent about him. Soap, cologne, his natural essence, mingled with the sea and salty air.
Nice program youve got going, he said. Thanks.
Then he walked away. He didnt even shake her hand, as the others had. He didnt touch her.
She felt burned.
Thanks, she returned, though he was already too far away to hear her
You okay?
Alex whirled. Laurie was watching her worriedly.
So hunky-dory I could spit, Alex assured her, causing Laurie to smile.
Then her friend cocked her head, set her hands on her hips and sighed. Poor baby. Two of the most attractive men Ive seen in a long time angling for your attention, and you look as if youve been caught in a bees nest.
Trust me, David is not angling for my attention.
You should have seen the way he was looking at you.
You were reading it wrong, I guarantee you.
Laurie frowned. I thought the divorce went smoothly.
Very smoothly. I dont think he even noticed, Alex told her ruefully. She lifted a hand in vague explanation. He was in the Caribbean on a boat somewhere when I filed the papers. He didnt call, didnt protestjust sent his attorney with the clear message to let me do whatever I wanted, have whatever I wantedI was married, then I wasnt, and it was all so fast, my head was spinning.
Well, that certainly didnt mean he hated you.
I never said he hated me.
Wellwant my advice?
No.
Laurie grinned. Thats because youve never been to a place like Date Tournament.
What?
I told you I was going the other day, Laurie said impatiently. Its that new club in Key Largo. Theyve been doing it all over the country. You go, and you keep changing tables, chatting with different people for about ten minutes each. The idea isnt bad. I mean, there are nice guys out there, not just jerks. Some are heart-brokenlike me. And some are just looking. Imagine, the perfect person for me could walk by me in a mall, but wed never talk. We never see someone and just walk up and say, Hey, youre good-looking, the right age, are you straight? Attached? Do you have kids? Do you like the water? We wouldnt last a day if you didnt. So at Date Tournament, you at least get to meet people who are looking for people. Sexual preference and marital status are all straightened out before you start. Youre not stuck believing some jerk in a bar who says hes single, gets more out of the night than a girl set out to give, then apologizes because he has to get home before his wife catches him.
Alex stared at her blankly for a minute. Laurie was beautiful, a natural platinum blonde with a gorgeous smile, charm and spontaneity. It had never really occurred to Alex that her friend had the least difficulty dating. Living at Moon Bay seemed perfect for Alex. She had her own small but atmospheric little cottage, surrounded by subtropical growthand daily maid service. There was the Tiki Hut off the lagoons for laid-back evenings, buffets in the main house for every meal, a small but well-run bookstore and every cable channel known to man. She thought ruefully that just because she had been nursing a wounded heart all this time, shed had no reason to think the others were all as happy with celibacy as she was.
She arched an eyebrow, wishing she hadnt spent so much time being nearly oblivious to the feelings of others.
Sohow was your evening at Date Tournament?
Scary. Sad, Laurie said dryly. Want to hear about it?
Yes, but I want to get away from here first, Alex said. She could see across the lagoon, and the Tiki Hut was beginning to fill up for cocktail hour. Fishing parties returning, those whod been out on scuba and snorkeling trips coming in, and those who had lazed the day away at the beach or the pool. She could see that Hank Adamson was talking to her boss, Jay Galway, head of operations at Moon Bay, and he was pointing toward the dolphin lagoons.
Yes, but I want to get away from here first, Alex said. She could see across the lagoon, and the Tiki Hut was beginning to fill up for cocktail hour. Fishing parties returning, those whod been out on scuba and snorkeling trips coming in, and those who had lazed the day away at the beach or the pool. She could see that Hank Adamson was talking to her boss, Jay Galway, head of operations at Moon Bay, and he was pointing toward the dolphin lagoons.
She didnt want to smile anymore, or suck up to Adamsonor defend herself. They were also standing with a man named Seth Granger, a frequent visitor, a very rich retired businessman who had decided he wanted to become a salvage expert. He signed up for dives and swims, then complained that they werent adventurous enough. Alex had wished for a very long time that she could tell him not to go on the dives when he didnt enjoy the beauty of the reefs. Their dives were planned to show off the incredible color and beauty to be found on the only continental reef in the United States, not for a possible clash with modern-day pirates. Nor were they seeking treasure.
Well, if he wanted to talk about salvage or adventure, he could pin David down one night. They deserved each other.
Jay Galway seemed to be trying to get her attention. She pretended she didnt notice.
Lets go to the beach on the other side of the island, huh? Then you can tell me all about dating hell, she said to Laurie.
Mr. Galway is waving at you, Laurie said, running to catch up as Alex took off down the beach. I think he wants you.
Then move faster, Alex told her.
She turned, pretended she thought that James was just waving, waved back and took off at a walk so brisk it was nearly a run.
The dolphin lagoons were just around the bend, putting them on the westward side of the island rather than on the strip that faced the Atlantic. There were no roads out here from what wasnt even really the mainland, since they sat eastward of the Middle Keys. A motorboat regularly made the trip from the island to several of the Keys in about twenty minutes, and a small ferry traveled between several of the Keys, then stopped at the island, five times a day. Moon Bay had only existed for a few years; before its purchase by a large German-American firm, it had been nothing more than a small strip of sand and trees where locals had come to picnic and find solitude.
The western side was still magnificently barren. White-sand beaches were edged by unbelievably clear water on one side, and palms and foliage on the other. Alex loved to escape the actual lodge area, especially at night. While their visitors were certainly free to roam in this direction, mercifully, not many did once it turned to the later portion of the afternoon. Sunbathers loved the area, but by now they were baked, red and in pain.
It was close to six, but the sun was still bright and warm. Nothing like the earlier hours, but nowhere near darkness. The water was calm and lazy; little nothing waves were creating a delicate foam against the shoreline that disappeared in seconds. The palms rustled behind them as they walked, and the delightful sea breeze kept the heat at bay.
Alex glanced up at the sky. It was a beautiful day, glorious. All kinds of tempests might be brewing out in the Atlantic or down in the Gulf somewhere, but here, all was calm and perfect. The sky was a rich, powdery blue, barely touched by the clouds, with that little bit of breeze deflecting the ninety-degree temperature that had slowly begun to drop.
Alex came to a halt and sat down on the wet sand. Laurie followed suit. The identical tank tops they worethe words Moon Bay etched across black polyester in a soft off-white were light enough that Alex almost shivered when the breeze touched her damp arms. She had little concern for her matching shortsthey were made to take the sand, sun and heat with ease. It was comfortable clothing, perfect for the job, and not suggestive in the least. This was a family establishment.
A great place to run after a bad marriage, with everything she needed: a good job doing what she loved, water, boats, sand, sun, privacy.
Too much privacy.
And nowDavid was here. Damn him. She wasnt going to change a thing. She was going to do exactly what she had planned. Shower, dress nicely, blow-dry her hair, wear makeupsip piña coladas and dance at the Tiki Hut. Flirt like hell with John Seymore. And ignore the fact that every single woman in the place would be eyeing David.
Over. It was over. They had gone their separate ways
Well? Laurie said.
Im sorry. What?
Do you want to hear about Date Tournament? Or do you just want to sit here, me quietly at your side, while you damn yourself for divorcing such a hunk?
Never, Alex protested.
Never as in, you never want to hear about Date Tournament, or never as inwhat, exactly? You are divorced, right?
Of course. I meant, Ill never regret what I did. It was necessary.
Why?
Alex was silent. Why? We were going different ways? We didnt know one another to begin with? It was as simple asAlicia Farr? No, that was ridiculous. It was complex, as most such matters were. It was his needing adventure at all costs, her needing to be a real trainer. It was
Oh my God! Laurie gasped suddenly, staring at her. Was hehe was abusive?
No! Dont be ridiculous.
Then?
We just went different ways.
Hmph. Laurie toed a little crab back toward the water. Whatever way he was going, Id have followed him. But then, Ive had the experience of Date Tournament, which you haventand which I thought you wanted to hear about.
Im sorry. Im being a horrible friend. Im in shock, I think. Having this lovely time with John Seymore, and thenup pops David.
So what?
Its uncomfortable.
But you and David are divorced, so what are you worried about? Enjoy John Seymore. Hes a hunk, too. Not like anyone I met at Date Tournament.
There must have been some nice guys.
If there were, I didnt happen to meet them. Now lets get back to your love triangle.
Alex grinned. There is no love triangle. Lets get back to you. Youre gorgeous, bright, sweet and intelligent. The right guy is going to come along.
Doesnt seem to be too much wrong with Mr. John Seymore. Did you know hes an ex-navy SEAL? But there you go. Apparently, when my right guy comes along, he wants to date you.
Alex arched an eyebrow, surprised. I hadnt realized thatthat
You hadnt realized that because there was no that to realize. I hadnt even talked to the guy until today. Then theres your ex-husband.
Hes certainly a free agent.
Hes your ex. Thats a no-no.
I repeathes a free agent.
One who sends you into a spiral, Laurie noted.
Im not in a spiral. Its just thatI was married to him. That makes meI dont know what that makes me. Yes, I do. It makes me uncomfortable.
You never fell out of love with him.
Trust meI did. Its just that
All youve had for company since your divorce has been a bunch of sea animals? Laurie suggested, amused.
Neither one of us has dated ina very, very long time, Alex agreed.
Laurie sighed glumly, setting her hands on her knees and cupping her chin in them. Think it might be due to the fact that weve chosen to live on a remote island where the tourists are usually married, and the staff are usually in college?