Page 26 of The Awful Truth

Travis turned back. “Below deck. That probably means he went out partying all night.”

Ted offered him an easy smile. “He was here all evening feeding us drinks.”

“You’ve forgotten what it’s like to be young and horny, Ted,” Travis said. “When you were drifting off to sleep last night, he was probably just getting started.” Turning back to Indira, he said, “Is that right, Indira? Did Oliver go clubbin’?”

She nodded, although the look on her face said she preferred not to answer. “I believe Miss Charlotte wanted to see the sights of Split.”

Antonia glanced up from her food in time to see Ted’s jaw clench. He ran his tongue over his teeth, which was what he did when he was furious but didn’t want to show it. “Perhaps I should go check on her. Make sure she made it back okay.”

“I’m sure she’s fine,” Mercy said. “Oliver likes to have a good time, but he’d definitely take care of her.”

Antonia wiped her mouth, setting her napkin next to her plate. In an attempt to be the good guy for once, she stood up and put her hand on Ted’s forearm. “I’m sure she’s working in her room. I’ll go and bring her some breakfast.”

Mercy shook her head. “You’ll do no such thing. You’re an honored guest. You stay put, or better yet, go stretch out on a lounger by the pool and rest. You two work far too hard to be serving your staff.”

“Now darlin’, don’t be saying things like that,” Travis said. “Not when we’ve got a big negotiation coming up.”

Mercy got up and put a hand on his shoulder. “Oh, Mr. Tough guy.” She turned to Miguel. “Don’t let him fool you. He’s a total pussy cat.”

“Only with you,” Travis said, wrapping one arm around her hip while she stood next to him. “Come here. Give me a little something sweet.”

She bent at the waist and gave him a quick kiss. Straightening up, Mercy said, “Now, you all go relax. Indira can bring Charlene something to eat.”

“Charlotte,” Ted told her in an impassive voice.

“Oh right. Thank you, Ted,” Mercy said.

Antonia watched Mercy glide back across the deck again, and she wasn’t sure, but she could’ve sworn the woman had scowled as soon as she started to turn away.

She knows. She definitely knows. They probably have everything on this stupid yacht recorded. Antonia felt sick again. A wave of desperation came over her. If she couldn’t find a way to fix this as soon as humanly possible, she could kiss everything they worked so hard for goodbye.

MIGUEL

Three down, one to go. Antonia had left for the sun deck, Mercy to change, and Ted said he needed a quick shower. He just needed Winslow to leave so he could have some time alone with Travis, who at the moment was puffing away on a post-breakfast cigar that was offending Miguel’s sense of smell. No way was that cigar from Cuba. It was probably some lesser quality product from Honduras. Travis and Winslow were debating the cause of the tech bubble bursting, while Miguel sat quietly sipping his coffee and willing Winslow’s phone to ring. Apparently some boring money thing had happened earlier in the year, and Winslow was going to have to answer some urgent questions about it. He knew he shouldn’t find it dull (after all, Winslow seemed extremely stressed about it, which was very unlike him), but he couldn’t help it. As soon as Winslow started talking about markets and the valuation overrides and hedge confirmations, Miguel’s eyes glazed over and his mind wandered off. Finally, his cell rang, and Winslow excused himself, whispering to Miguel that he’d be back in their room.

Miguel watched him disappear up the staircase, his palms going sweaty. In the back of his mind, he could hear that Eminem song about having one shot to seize everything you’ve ever wanted. Would you take it or let it slip away? He smiled at Travis, who was using his pinky fingernail to remove something from between his teeth. Pretending he wasn’t disgusted, Miguel said, “Mercy seems wonderful. Isn’t it amazing to be so loved by your spouse?”

Travis gave him a vague nod, and there was something in his eyes that Miguel couldn’t discern. Was it amusement? Disdain for them because they were gay? Or was he onto Miguel? Regardless, Miguel had no choice but to press on. “Winslow is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’m sure you feel the same way about your wife.”

“It’s certainly a plus to be married,” he answered.

“Yes, it’s what life is all about. Family. Having someone to love. To be honest, I’m worried about Winslow. He hasn’t been himself lately.”

“Maybe he should go see a doctor.”

Miguel gave him a conciliatory chuckle. “If only it were possible to get him to do anything he doesn’t want to.”

He let out a plume of smoke. “I can relate to that. Besides, there’s nothing manly about sitting on one of those tables in a gown.”

“Agreed. It’s one of the worst parts of life,” Miguel answered. He glanced at a fluffy white cloud that resembled a balloon animal made by a deranged clown.

“All right, Miguel, I know you’ve got something on your mind so you might as well come out with it.”

“What?” He touched his fingertips to his chest, as though shocked at the insinuation.

“No sense in being coy. Your shirt isn’t the only thing that’s see-through.”

Miguel laughed. “You’ve got me there, Travis.” Leaning both elbows on the table, he sat forward, giving Travis his best ‘we’re just two guys talking’ look. “Here’s the thing, I know the original concept for the show is the mansion in Ontario, but I have a much better place in mind. So much more picturesque, and it’ll be easy to source materials and furniture.”