Page 46 of A Curvy Girl’s Hurricane Survival Guide

“Whoa,” Rey says. “Someone’s popular.”

“Yeah, there’s a big project with work that’s pretty dependent on me.”

Rey nods. “Silent Knights sequel, right?”

I look over at him, shocked. “You knew?!”

“Yeah, Bro! I knew from the moment I picked you guys up from the airport, but I wasn’t going to say anything once it became obvious that you weren’t bringing it up. I’m a huge Silent Knights fan! World War II, espionage, puzzles, strategy. It’s awesome.”

We walk up to a downed tree, and Rey gives it a tug, testing its weight. “Thanks, man. I mean, for liking the game, but also for not saying anything. I really enjoyed not having to deal with that for a day.

“Yeah, I get it. I don’t like even telling my wife when I’m playing the game, because she’ll say there’s something more productive I could be doing. So I can only imagine how it must be to have to defend making them all day.” Then, pointing to the tree, he adds, “I’ll need to come back with a chainsaw for that.”

“Do you think your family will think less of me if they know?” The thought of them not liking me is bothersome.

“Nah, nothing one look at your net worth won’t solve.” He gives me a wink.

I frown.

“Just kidding. Honestly, I think you won everyone over. I don’t think anyone would think less of you unless you pledge allegiance to the Castro regime.”

“No worries there,” I say.

“So you’re out then? Back to all that?” He indicates towards my phone.

“Yeah, I’ll probably need to head out as soon as possible. I’ve taken a long enough break from reality.”

“And you and Cai?”

I shrug. “I don’t know. I’m kind of confused where I stand with her. I’m too selfish, I think, to be just friends with her.”

Rey nods and then, looking past me, says, “Well, speak of the devil.”

I turn to see Cai trotting over to me. Her hair is a wild, voluminous halo around her head. A sheen of sweat clings to her bare legs and face, making her look like she is glowing. Her face flushed and her eyes bright, I think she might look more beautiful than she had since I met her yesterday.

Rey makes some excuse about needing to grab the chainsaw and leaves just as Cai catches up to me.

“Hey,” she says a little breathlessly. “I was looking for you.”

She is rubbing her hands on her shorts, avoiding looking me in the eyes.

“Rey and I were scoping out the aftermath,” I say.

She fidgeted, pulling her hair out of her face and wiping her brow. “What’s the assessment?”

“I am told it will be a few hours’ work, but nothing too worrisome. "

She nodded, looking around, clearly wrestling with something.

“What’s up? Did you have something you needed?” I asked, prodded for an answer from her. She was being too fidgety not to have something to say.

My phone is buzzing again. “Powers back. So phones are working again,” she says, indicating my phone.

“Yeah, I noticed. Did uhhh…” I want to say ‘Señor Asshole’ but think I’ll play it a bit more mature. “Trevor text you?”

“Yeah, but uhh, that doesn’t matter.” Well, her tune has changed from earlier. “I…” She begins and then throws up her hands. “I’m sorry! I should’ve planned out what I wanted to say on the way here.”

She stretches her arms over her head, frustrated.