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Jamie’s face lit up as she tilted her head this way and that. “Doug won’t even recognize me when he gets back from diving. I love it!”
“As far as I’m concerned, that’s the only acceptable response.”
Jamie flashed a warm smile. “A server in the restaurant told us about all the family connections in this resort. I think that’s so cool. You’re together with Jack, huh?”
I hope so...
Insecure jealousy was a new emotion for Sara, and she didn’t like it. Neither had Jack. She met Jamie’s eyes. “Yes.”
“My husband has had a great time diving with him. It must be great to work where everyone’s got such close bonds.”
Sara nodded as they moved to the glass counter. “It is. We’re very lucky here.”
After Jamie left, Sara checked the schedule, confirming a break for lunch. She wasn’t quite ready to talk to Jack about yesterday, but she needed to discuss it with someone. With a long sigh, she sent a text to Hope.
Sara: You want to meet at noon in the restaurant for lunch? I need my big sister.
Hope: Sure. Everything ok?
Sara: So-so. I need a sounding board.
Hope: Meet you at noon. And you’re still working, so no booze! Boss’s orders.
Smiling, Sara texted back.
Sara: Hardass. See you soon.
The bell above the glass door jingled, and Ashley tentatively poked her head in. Well, if it isn’t the cause of my problems. But Sara kept her face friendly.
“Hi,” Ashley said quietly. “I was headed for the dive shop, but it’s closed. Do you have the key?”
“No. Usually Hope works there in the mornings, but she had a meeting today. You want me to call and see if she can let you in?”
Ashley shook her head and entered, moving timidly to stand across the counter from Sara. “I wanted to leave a message thanking Jack for his help. We leave this afternoon, so I won’t see him. And I’d like to thank you for diving with me yesterday. I didn’t see you after the dive to say that.”
That’s because I was too busy ripping Jack’s head off, Sara thought as heat warmed her neck. “You’re welcome. You were doing much better by the end of the second dive.”
Ashley gave her a shy smile. “I was.” She hesitated, a flush creeping over her cheeks. “I heard you’re Jack’s girlfriend.”
“That’s true.”
“Could you tell him thank you for me? Yesterday, I was shaken up about changing divemasters, but he really helped me. I’m kind of embarrassed by how I clung to him, and I’m sure he couldn’t wait to get rid of me. But now I’m actually looking forward to our next dive trip. I really needed to get some confidence, since Liz kind of blew me off, and I did. You helped too. Thank you.”
Sara smiled at Ashley, her heart twisting at how she’d treated Jack. “You’re welcome. He’ll love knowing he helped you.”
Ashley’s smile widened. “Thanks. And hold on to him, Sara. He’s a good one.” She turned and walked out the door.
Sara closed her eyes and sighed. Well, now I feel like an idiot.
* * *
Hope’s corner table was empty when Sara sat and ordered two iced teas. Her sister, wearing a crisp navy-blue suit, entered the restaurant and strode confidently toward Sara. Her light-brown hair was flat ironed, and she wore make-up for once.
“Don’t you look like the successful resort owner,” Sara said as Hope sat down.
“Occasionally I like to look the part.”
“How was your meeting?”
