Page 110 of Tell No Lies

The gentle rocking motion of the waves was surprisingly soothing. I woke up feeling refreshed, despite being crowded by Mckayla. I sat up and saw that Talia had moved over toward the center of the bed, making us all squeeze together on one side. What a hog.

I slipped out of the bed and into the bathroom, taking the opportunity of having it to myself for a few minutes. I showered and changed into my swimsuit and cover-up. We had plans to snorkel this morning, much to my chagrin, and later in the afternoon, we planned on girls’ time together to go shopping. On my way up to the main deck, I woke up Alexis so she could change next.

Mike was sitting with a few of the other guys in the main cabin, eating breakfast. I smiled at them as I poured myself a glass of orange juice.

“Good morning, early riser. We weren’t expecting you girls to get up for a few more hours.” Mike beamed at me. Apparently, he was a morning person.

“I’m used to running in the morning, but I just woke up Alexis, so they should all be up soon.”

Mike scooted over on the bench, offering me a seat.

I looked around the table and asked, “Who’s going snorkeling this morning?”

A few of the guys said they were, but most said they were waiting until it warmed up in the afternoon.

Mike put his arm around my shoulder and leaned in. “Do I get you to myself today, or do I have to share with Tucker?”

I elbowed him and laughed. “Why is everyone making such a big deal about that? It was one time!”

Andy, Tucker’s friend from the basketball team, must have overheard us. “Because you’re too good for him.”

I was shocked he would say that about his friend.

Mike laughed and nodded in agreement.

“You guys! He’s not that bad.” I’d seen a different side of him last night.

“He didn’t come back last night. I got a text saying he was keeping one of the girls company for the night.”

“Ew.”

“So, you see it now?” Andy laughed and stood to throw away his plate.

“Whatever. I’m hanging out with you guys today. Okay, Mike?”

He squeezed me closer to him and agreed.

Mike and I were some of the first to head out to the island after everyone was changed and ready. We were going to spend the morning together snorkeling, at his request. It took me over an hour to gear up and talk myself into getting in the water. Luckily, we went out with a group, so Mike didn’t have to wait for me to get my nerves under control.

He came up as I stood at the edge of the boat, staring in the water. Sure, there were sharks out there and fish that could suck on my toes, but everyone was having so much fun. I took one more deep breath as Mike cheered me on, then sat back on the side and let myself fall backward. The cold shocked me at first, but I forgot about it when I saw in amazement what was hiding below the surface.

☼ ☼ ☼

After a few hours of heart-pumping snorkeling, everyone met together to get lunch before deciding what activity to do next. The girls were saving a place for Mike and me when we walked up to the patio outside of the restaurant. Still wet, I was jealous that they had spent the morning shopping, safe and on dry land.

“You survived! I was honestly waiting to get a call from you freaking out and begging to be taken back to land.”

I shot Mckayla a halfhearted glare and sat down next to Alexis. “Whatever. It was actually really cool, but now that I can say I’ve done it, I never have to again.”

They all laughed before breaking out in discussion of plans for the rest of the day. Mike mentioned that the guys wanted to take a buffalo tour, which sounded even less appealing than snorkeling again. Mckayla suggested relaxing and lying out for the rest of the afternoon.

Talia looked at her like she was insane. “We can do that back home. We should do something more exciting!”

Mike spoke up. “Then go snorkeling with Cassie and Caleb. There’s another group going out together after lunch.”

I was shocked when Talia simply nodded at Mike’s suggestion. Had I not just finished telling them I’d never do that again? They were all crazy.

Alexis stood up and called for Justin and Mark to come sit with us. “Hey, guys, are you planning on going on the tour, or do you want to go snorkeling?”