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“Thank you, Asher, but the more I think about it the more I think I’ll just stay here and catch up with everyone at lunch.”
“Yes, Tina, you should do that. You look a little pale,” I smirked. “Maybe a massage would help.”
“Jade, you’re right. I’ll go to the spa for a massage while you all are gone.” Tina popped out of the lounger like she’d been stung by a bee. “Have fun.”
The next few days went about the same. Group breakfast, volleyball, frisbee, paddleball and more jet skiing. One day we went snorkeling on the side of the island where the water was shallow. Sawyer had arranged a fun picnic with fried chicken and potato salad. He even had Beach Boys music from a Bluetooth speaker. It was that day that Tina went too far with her act.
“I’d like to go back to the house now, I’m not feeling well. I think I’ve been bitten by something.” Tina drew attention to a small red spot on her hip. “I hope I’m not allergic.”
Sarah and I had been laying in the water, where it was only a few inches deep, when Tina started the charade.
“Sawyer, please bring me back to the house. They will be fine with what’s-his-name over there.” Tina pointed to Gunner. “This could be a medical emergency and you need to take care of me.”
“Tina, come sit in the shade and I’ll look at it.” I pushed myself up out of the water. “See, these one-piece suits come in handy versus all that skin out.”
“A one-piece is what my grandmother wore. You really should join the 21stcentury,” Tina growled, walking next to me to the shade.
“I’ve never seen pictures of any of my grandmothers in swimsuits shaped like Jade’s,” Asher said when we walked by him. “It’s a very sexy suit. I like it.”
“Asher, thank you.” I looked back at him and gave him a thumbs up.
“Sawyer, don’t you think Jade’s swimsuit is very sexy?” Asher continued hamming it up to irritate Tina.
“Tina, listen, I don’t see a bite or anything. You really shouldn’t fake something to do with your health,” I whispered to her when we were alone. “Just say it’s feeling better and I won’t say anything.”
“You’re calling me a fake? How rude. You’re not a doctor. At least not of humans.” Tina stomped away, as much as that’s possible in the sand. “Sawyer! I want to go back right now.”
“What did Jade think?” Sawyer looked over to me. “Is it bad?”
“Well, I don’t believe it is but, um, it’s up to Tina to decide if she needs to go back.” I put my hands up in a surrender gesture. “She’s all yours.”
Chapter 88
Sawyer
I’d given in the day before and brought Tina back to the house. I’d felt a certain responsibility for her safety, since she was here for me. She complained the whole way back, then went to her room, inviting me to join her.
“Sorry, Tina, but if you’re not feeling well, I need to call a doctor.” I left her at the door to her room. “Have you been enjoying this week here on the island?”
“Yes, it’s been a wonderful vacation. People would pay a fortune to be here on Cloud Nine. Why do you ask?” She fidgeted with her hair. “Will we be doing the same stuff next week?”
“We’ll be changing it up. Saturday, I have a cross-island expedition.” I watched her face for complaints. “We’ll be camping on the other side of the island. Then we’ll go out on the yacht for a few days.”
“Camping, as in not in the house, and on the yacht for several days?” Tina went in her room, leaving the door open. “Sawyer, I’ve had a great visit here, but I’m not so sure this is for me. At least not all this activity. I thought you were more laid back.”
“This is laid back. No people, no city congestion, just the ocean and the breeze.” I stepped just inside the room. “Would you prefer to go home?”
“No, I don’t want to leave. I like you and the expedition sounds fun.” Tina sat on the edge of her bed. “I might just be over-tired. It’s been a full week of one thing after another. I’ll feel better tomorrow. Do you mind if I stay in my room tonight?”
“You go ahead and rest. Listening to you say you’re over-tired makes me realize everyone might need a night off.” I went back to the hall and pulled her door to shut it. “Thanks for sharing that with me. Buzz your crew member when you get hungry.”
I went outside to take the ATV over to the group when I heard them coming back.
“Hey, guys. Tina brought to my attention that we’ve been doing a lot, and everyone might be tired. So, why don’t we have a free night?” I looked around at the group as they pulled the kayaks out of the water. “So, from right now until morning, do whatever you want.”
“If everyone is chilling tonight, I’m going to the main island to listen to the band.” Asher waved.
“Are you sure?” Jade asked, looking confused. “I’m not tired.”
