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“Whatever you say.” I rolled my eyes, then continued to walk to the others, stopping in front of Daphne and sighing. “You got your wish. We’ll be staying for at least a couple more days. No more running.” I glanced at August. “For now.”
Daphne threw her arms around me, nearly knocking me off balance with her enthusiastic embrace. “Oh, thank you!”
“Don’t thank me, thank our resident puppet master here,” I said.
August pretended to tip an imaginary hat. “Just a gentle nudge in the right direction. Nothing wrong with that.”
I scoffed. “If you say so …”
As I met August’s gaze, a shiver of uncertainty ran through me. Staying in Zanzibar was going to be anything but predictable.
Caleb joined in the excitement. “This is great news.”
Sabrina clapped her hands, her voice bubbling with delight. “Yes, it is! The adventures we’re going to have together, this time without animals. You won’t regret it.”
I certainly hoped she was right, but judging by the mischievous look on August’s face, something told me he had another trick or two up his sleeve.
Chapter Twelve
Prince August
The hotel’s breakfast area was alive and kicking with the chatter of tourists and the clinking of dishes and utensils. Everyone in our group had finished eating, but the sight of those fluffy golden pancakes from the buffet tempted me for one more round.
“I’ll be right back,” I said, standing and wiggling my eyebrows.
“I don’t get it, August,” Simon asked, chuckling as he eyed my body, “how do you eat so much and stay in such great shape?”
I patted my stomach. “You’d be surprised how many calories one can burn chasing after Veronica.”
My response earned a round of laughter from the table. Even Veronica managed a chuckle. And with that, I headed back to the buffet and loaded my plate with two more pancakes as I mused over the morning. It had been a surprisingly calm meal with Veronica, to say the least. Not a single argument. No objections. No glares. No punches to my man-self. It was peaceful, almost unnervingly so.
Was it her just enjoying the moment or was she up to something? It was a nice change of pace, no doubt, but still … I was on high alert. Veronica had a knack for surprises, and I couldn’t help wondering if she might plan another escape after her meeting with Abena the next day.
Pushing those thoughts aside, I focused on the present. We were spending time together, and I needed to be grateful. Every now and then, maybe for the briefest of moments, it even felt like the good old times, back when we were inseparable.
Returning to the table with my pancakes, I slathered on the butter and syrup and dove in as everybody watched me like I was part of some reality TV show.
Simon scratched his chin, his gaze following my fork to my mouth. “Fascinating, really.”
“Stop staring, dear,” Sabrina said, before glancing at the girls. “So, what’s the plan for today?”
Daphne was the first to answer. “I’d love to go snorkeling near the coral reef and see some marine life, especially the giant turtles.”
Caleb raised his hand. “Count me in.”
“What a surprise,” Veronica said, her tone light and teasing.
Sabrina sighed, relaxing into her chair. “Actually, I think I’m going to take it easy today, maybe make it a spa day. I never got to use the spa when we were at the safari camp.” She then turned to Veronica. “What about you? What are you thinking?”
“Why don’t you join me for snorkeling, Veronica?” Daphne said.
“I’m really in the mood to explore some of the amazing beaches here,” Veronica said. “I was reading up on Jambiani Beach, and I think that’s where I would like to go first.”
I couldn’t resist the opportunity. “That sounds fun. I hope you don’t mind if I tag along.”
“Another surprise,” she answered. Her response was dry, yet amused. “Do I have a choice in the matter?”
“Since you promised not to run—not really.” I grinned.
