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Robert leaned close to Jack. “You say anything to him about us switching positions?”
He shook his head. “No, there hasn’t been time.” And I’ve been too damn preoccupied. Time to focus, Jack.
Robert clapped him on the back. “Perfect. We’ll talk to him after the dive today.” He scowled up at the wheelhouse. “Assumin’ he’s not as cranky. That guy hates it when you’re late.”
I can just imagine how pissed he’d be if he knew Sara had just accused me of flirting with Ashley. Dammit, Sara!
Fortunately, Alex was back to his amiable self by the time they returned to the resort, and the day was over. He was writing in the captain’s log when Robert called out, “Hey, boss. Come down here. Jack and I have somethin’ to discuss with you.”
The three men moved under the shaded canopy to get out of the blistering sun. “What’s up?”
“Jack and I have a proposition for you. I’m havin’ a hell of a time fitting my photography gigs in with divin’, and Jack’s lookin’ for more work. How would you feel if he took my permanent position, and you made me the on-call guy?”
Alex raised his brows to the sky. “It’s fine by me. You’re both great, so I’m happy with whatever works for you. That what you want, Jack?”
“Yes. I’ll still fill in at Ocean Surf when needed, but I’d love a steady job here.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Alex said. “Consider it done. I’ll need to change your statuses on the payroll, but that should be pretty painless.” He frowned. “If Hope helps me with it, anyway.”
“Thanks,” Jack said.
Alex turned to Robert. “You’re sure about this? I’ve been trying to split days evenly between the two of you, but I won’t be able to do that now that we’re expanding the schedule. This will be a lot more hours for Jack.”
Robert gave him a warm smile. “I’m ready to start callin’ myself a photographer. I’ve got enough business now to make a real go of it. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to help out here. This wouldn’t even be happenin’ without you and Hope. You better call me, man.”
“Don’t worry. I’m not that easy to get rid of.”
Jack glanced between Alex and Robert. “You guys want to get a beer after we’re done?”
“Sure,” Robert said.
Alex slumped. “I can’t. I’m teaching a Nitrox class in an hour. Have one for me, though.”
* * *
As he drove to Breakers, thoughts of Sara returned to Jack’s mind and his good mood evaporated. He walked down the brick pathway and sat next to Robert at the bar, putting on a happy face.
Robert held up his beer. “Here’s to bright futures.”
Jack flinched slightly but toasted anyway. “I really appreciate what you did, Robert. Thanks.”
“Don’t mention it. This works better for both of us.”
Jack stared at the ocean, a jumble of mixed emotions inside.
Robert straightened and crossed his arms. “Ok, man. What’s up? I thought you’d be way more excited.”
Jack darted his eyes back to Robert. “Sorry. I am. Sort of.” He sighed and rolled his head around on his neck. “After the dive this morning, Sara and I got into a fight. You were right about Ashley. She was a nervous wreck, clinging to me the whole morning. Sara wasn’t happy.”
“A little jealous, was she?”
“I tried to explain I was just reassuring her, but Sara wasn’t interested and stormed out. She can be a handful.”
Robert flashed his smile. “Those are the best kind.”
Jack snorted and took a long pull. “Easy for you to say. It really hit me this afternoon. I’m going to be working there full time, so I’m financially dependent on Alex and Hope. Dating Sara is a big risk.”
Robert leaned forward, concerned now. “Was your fight that serious?”
