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Yeah, because that would be rude.

He smiles an awful smirk before burying his attention in his phone, Donna completely forgotten.

Do I really need to work with that entitled fucker for two weeks? Because he’s already on my last nerve, and it’s only been three hours. Not sure I won’t commit murder by the end of the job. Maybe we could turn the docuseries into one of the crime TV shows MNL loves so much.

Emma sits next to me, pulling a notebook and a pen from her bag, while Nick and Axel mimic her on the other side of the table.

“I forgot about this training session,” I mutter so only Emma can hear. I don’t want Trevor to know a single word that comes out of my mouth if he doesn’t need to.

“I think it’s cool we’re getting one. It’s not always the case, and it makes our job easier. Especially in places like the rainforest. So many potential risks.”

“I love risks. I live for them.”

Emma snorts, smiling. “You won’t live long if you don’t follow basic safety precautions.” She looks around the room, searching for something. “Where is the guy who’s supposed to give the training?”

“Oh yeah, I didn’t tell you. It was the weirdest shit.”

She focuses on me, and I have to swallow because the intensity of her stare is making me lose my train of thought. I notice how beautiful her eyes are. Gray with hints of blue as deep as sapphires that shine with her curiosity. “What happened?”

I snap out of it. “Yeah, um . . . While you guys were dealing with your equipment, I came here. The door was closed, but I could hear voices arguing, so I listened in. The reporter for WP who is supposed to be our local guide during the trip was begging Donna to bring in a different journalist.”

Emma’s mouth hangs open. “What? Are you sure?”

I nod. “He said something like ‘I don’t want to work with her’ and went on and on about how he wanted Donna to contact our Toronto office to send another person to replace me.”

“No. You’re kidding.”

“But wait, I’m not done.”

Emma straightens. “There’s more? Oh my god.”

I chuckle. “Yep. So when I heard this, I couldn’t ignore it, you know? Enough was enough. I opened the door and introduced myself. I thought the guy was gonna drop dead. Never seen that man in my life, but he seemed to know all about me. He didn’t even say hi. He just ran away.”

“Charlee Fletcher, what have you done to this poor man?”

I hold my hands up. “Nothing! Although I wish I had, because the guy looks good.”

“Uh-uh. Take it from me; it’s never a good idea to mix business and pleasure.” She tucks her black hair behind her ear. “Things can get messy real fast.”

“Don’t worry about it. I don’t think I’ll ever see him again. He’s been hiding god knows where since.”

As if my words had magically summoned him, the man in question walks through the door, his gaze high, looking everywhere but at me. He crosses the room in a few fast, determined strides, although I catch a glimpse of his fingers nervously playing with the hem of his shirt.

Emma leans in. “I see what you mean,” she whispers, a smirk on her face. “Dorky guys get me every time.”

I’m too focused on him to come back with a witty reply. It’s true that he looks nerdy. I think the glasses he’s now wearing add to that vibe, but his anxious demeanor and clothes fit the description as well. It’s the way his shirt is wrinkle free, except for the part that’s stuck between his fingers. And the way his hair falls messily on his forehead.

He makes his way to the front of the table, and Donna follows, coffeepot in hand.

“Here you go, Trevor.” She settles the coffee on the table, and Trevor & co. fill their mugs.

“There you are.” Donna pats mystery guy’s arm. They exchange a long look, engaging in a silent conversation that only they can decipher. After what feels like several interminable seconds, the man curses under his breath and clears his throat.

“Good afternoon, everybody. Thank you so much for coming all the way to the West Coast.” His eyes dart furtively to mine before settling on a random spot at the back of the room.

I frown and glance at Emma, who shrugs.

“Yes, so, um . . . I’ll be with you for the next hour or so to go over the safety basics and first responder moves to adopt while out in the wilderness.”