Something about June's candor unnerves me. It challenges the illusion I've built around myself over the years.
June munches on her kale salad. “You're good at hiding,” she says, her voice soft so only I can hear it over the clattering of silverware and plates. "But you don't have to hide from me."
I don’t react.
I’ve learned to stay unfazed even when questioned. Even when threatened.
She thinks I’m hiding.
She’s right, but aren't we all?
I force a laugh. “Well, June, aren't we all hiding something? Even vegetarians who eat jerk chicken?”
Her eyes widen slightly, and for a moment she says nothing. Then she smiles. “I suppose we are,” she replies coolly. “Some of us just hide it better than others.”
“So this new guy,” Darby interjects, holding a mimosa to her lips. “Can I call dibs?”
I turn and meet her green-eyed gaze. “You’re not here for the billionaires, are you? I mean, Evangeline hired you to be our physician on the island.”
She laughs. “Look but don’t touch? Is that what you’re saying?”
I tilt my head and smile—the same smile I give a client who’s convinced a certain hairstyle will flatter her, but it won’t. “I’m only saying that the billionaires are here for us. Not for you.”
Darby lifts one perfectly waxed brow. “So protective. Do you have a stake in the newcomer, Heather?”
Across the table, June is watching us. Always listening. Always cataloging.
I take another sip of my drink. “Not at all.”
Darby smirks behind her mimosa. “I’m a doctor, not a nun.”
“Well, if you’re planning to play doctor with anyone here, I’d suggest brushing up on ethics. Or at least brushing your hair. Some layers would help. I’m happy to assist.”
June snorts into her salad. Darby’s smile tightens, but she doesn’t fire back. Not yet.
I know her type. Charming. Polished. Thinks a medical license makes her untouchable. Thinks I’m just some hairdresser who grew up in a trailer park. Thinks my blue tips make me silly and stupid.
That’s fine. She’ll learn.
June leans forward. “So this Jake guy. Has anyone actually spoken to him yet?”
I shake my head. “I don’t think so. Sienna and Emily, maybe. They were there when he got here.”
Darby stirs her drink. “I’m intrigued.”
June raises an eyebrow. “Why? None of us even know him.”
Darby shrugs. “Mystery’s hot. That’s all I’m saying.”
I’m getting the feeling there’s much more to Dr. Darby than meets the eyes. Still, I’m good at reading people, and she’s an amateur compared to June.
Time to change the subject. “Where are Ariel and Misty, I wonder?”
“Wedding stuff, no doubt,” June says.
“Hey,” I say, “we should give Ariel a shower tonight.”
“A shower?” June raises her eyebrows. “And where exactly would we buy gifts? And why should we? She’s marrying a billionaire. She’ll have whatever her heart desires from now on.”
