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“No,” Octavia said.
She set the tray of croissants on the table and disappeared into the kitchen.
Talia sighed, selected one of the fresh croissants, and sat down at a table. Marcella joined her.
“So much for trying to flatter the cook,” Marcella said. “Save your breath.”
“Chef,” Talia said, buttering the croissant.
“What?”
“Octavia is obviously a talented chef. We are fortunate to be eating her creations.”
“The food is excellent,” Marcella agreed. “But as Oliver said, it’s not worth hanging around this island. Now that I know I can’t get off today and maybe not tomorrow, either, it’s all I can think about.”
“How did you hear about the Unplugged Experience?” Talia asked.
“A friend of mine who is a real foodie recommended it. Mind you, she had never tried it herself, but she said there were a lot of rave reviews for the food online. Also, she thought I could use the meditation practice. I’ve been seriously overstressed lately. But I don’t think meditation will work for me. Just thinking about having to sit still for a half hour makes me nervous. I’m glad Venner canceled the session today.”
“I’m with you,” Talia said. “I’d rather eat Chef Octavia’s food than meditate.”
Marcella picked up her coffee. “Did your couples counselor really suggest that you and your partner book separate cabins?”
“Luke isn’t—” Talia stopped. Lukewasher partner—just not in the sense that Marcella meant. Regardless, there was a cover story to maintain. “Yes, it was the therapist’s idea.”
Marcella chuckled. “And you paid good money for that advice, I’ll bet.”
“Don’t remind me.”
“Obviously the separate-cabins thing didn’t work out.”
“Nope.”
“Must have been awful stumbling over that body last night.” Marcella shuddered. “Especially in those gardens. There’s something strange about the plants on this island. I’m no botanist, but they don’t look normal to me.”
Jasper plunked a plate of eggs Florentine down on the table and took a seat. He forked up a bite and looked at Talia. “Where’s your partner this morning?”
“Yeah,” Oliver said, taking a chair. “What happened to Rand? Did he decide to sleep in?”
Talia surveyed the dining room and decided the coast was clear. She cradled her cup in both hands, leaned forward, and lowered her voice.
“Do you want to know the truth?” she said. The others watched her intently. “He went out early this morning to try to find some cell coverage. He’s a desperate man without his phone.”
“He’s not the only one,” Jasper said, wolfing down another bite of his eggs Florentine.
Oliver grimaced. “The storm probably caught him by surprise. Good luck to him. He’ll be drenched by now.”
“I’m a little worried, to be honest,” Talia said. “I hope he doesn’t wander off into that forest.”
The others nodded in a somber, understanding way.
“If he finds a place where he can make a call, tell him I’ll pay good money for the information,” Jasper said.
“Same,” Oliver added.
“Count me in, too,” Marcella said.
Talia drank some coffee, pleased with her story. Luke was wrong. She was a very good liar.
