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She turned with a raised eyebrow.
“If I change my mind and call you, will you come back with the handcuffs?”
“Oh, behave.” She laughed as she went out the door.
Hope’s smile faded as she descended the stairs to see four of the divers from Alex’s group yesterday standing under the palapa, looking lost. “Good morning, guys. How are you feeling today?”
Ben turned to her, his bald head red and sunburnt. “We were hoping to find Alex.”
She relaxed. “He’s taking today off. If you want to dive, we have arrangements all made and a new boat will leave at 9 a.m. as usual but with a different divemaster.”
Mary laughed. “I’m not sure I ever want to dive again without Alex.”
I know the feeling.
“We didn’t get a chance to thank him yesterday,” Ben said. “After we got picked up by the Coast Guard, we never really saw him again. And things were so crazy here on the dock when we got back, we didn’t see him then either.”
“He might have needed some time to decompress a little.” Hope paused. “I don’t know what you guys went through out there, but I know Alex pretty well. And I doubt he just laid on his back staring at the sun all day. I’m sure he’ll be around sometime soon, and you’ll be able to talk with him.” She regarded the group. “Are you guys doing all right?”
“We’re still trying to process it, I think,” Mary said. “It was such an unbelievable experience. Every diver’s worst nightmare. You’re right about Alex, though. When we first surfaced, he was terrifying. He was very blunt about our situation and that we had to listen to everything he said. I started crying. I don’t think any of us understood how much trouble we were in—only Alex.”
She shifted from one leg to the other. “But after he had our full attention, he got us to start talking about ourselves. I know it was to distract us and keep us calm, but it worked. He even started cracking bad jokes.”
She paused, staring at the ocean. “I’d never want to repeat that experience, but I knew we were going to be ok. I don’t know what I’m trying to say, just that I felt safe the whole time.”
Hope smiled. “Actually, that sounds just like Alex.”
CHAPTER 34
Later that afternoon, Hope walked up to the pool bar, tired but satisfied. She’d changed into her favorite sundress and strappy sandals, wanting to enjoy herself after a very long day. “Clark, can I get a bucket of beers?”
“Comin’ right up.”
He had a calendar near his blender with a weekly countdown on it. “This competition means a lot to you, doesn’t it?”
“Oh yes. If you’re gonna do something, do it right.” Clark reached down and produced a galvanized steel bucket. “This job has been really good for me. A few years ago, I fell in with a bad crowd. Broke into some cars and got caught. Aunt Patti got me the position here and vouched for my good behavior, and they dropped the charges. I don’t want to let her down.” He put six Leatherbacks in the bucket, filling it to the brim with ice. “Thank you for your support, too. Steve never seemed to get behind me, so I appreciate your encouragement.”
Hope squeezed his arm. “Clark, if anyone can win this competition, you can. Whatever you need, consider it done.”
“You want to try my latest inspiration? I’m still workin’ on it, so not sure it’s quite there yet.”
“Bring it on.”
Clark busied himself mixing her cocktail as she looked around. Guests relaxed in the pool and on the beach, everyone happy. It was as if yesterday had never happened. Clark set the glass next to her, and she lifted it to her lips absentmindedly, continuing to check people’s moods.
Hope took a big drink and nearly gagged, the mixture of sourness and bitterness overwhelming.
“Well? What do you think? I’m thinkin’ it needs somethin’.” Clark watched her with anticipation.
“Keep working, Clark. You’ll get there,” she wheezed as she stood and picked up the bucket. “I think you’re right. It still needs a little something.” She waited until she was out of sight before hacking.
The sky broadcast streaks of pink and lavender as she knocked on Alex’s door. As Hope looked through the window in his front door, he rose from his couch and walked stiffly toward the door, slightly favoring his right leg. Alex brightened when he noticed it was her, making her stomach flutter.
“Room service.” Hope held up the bucket with a smile, determined to make up for the morning.
“Oh, you are exactly what the doctor ordered. Let’s go out on the deck.”
They sat at his table outside. Alex used the bottle opener on the bucket to open two beers, which they clinked together.
