She hesitated for a moment, but seemed to decide it was okay. “Cool.” She continued watching him from afar while he finished his current round, bantering with his clients and clearly making their night.
I could tell she was fascinated, which made me wonder if this was a good idea after all. But then Patrick looked up and saw the two of us and grinned. Too late.
He handed out the winning chips and graciously vacated his table for the next croupier before coming over to stand in front of us.
Even though he was my brother, I knew he was a good-looking guy. While I had my father’s pale English skin, Patrick had inherited my mother’s Mediterranean genes, so his skin was a lovely olive, and he had glossy dark hair and warm brown eyes.
“Hi, er…sorry, what was your name again?” he asked me with a wink.
“Nina,” I said, holding out my hand to shake. “And this is Jamila Castro.”
He turned to Jamila, clearly smitten. Yep. This was one of the worst ideas I’d ever had. Especially when I realized Jamila had a similar look on her face.
Knowing me, Patrick and Jamila would get caught having an onboard relationship, and my brother would be fired. I wondered what happened to the passengers who became involved with staff. I probably didn’t want to know. At the very least, it would result in unwanted attention being drawn to Jamila.
“Jamila was bored with only having me to talk to,” I explained. “So I thought I’d introduce her to you.”
“My sister can be pretty boring,” he teased, keeping his eyes on Jamila the whole time. “How about we do a bit of a tour around the ship, and I’ll fill you in on some of its little-known secrets?”
“Sounds great,” Jamila simpered. Wow. I hadn’t known the woman long, but I hadn’t seen her like that before.
Patrick led us away from the casino and through to the entrance of the piano bar on the same floor. “They shot that movie with Tom Hiddleston here. You know the one where he’s tracking down an international jewel thief?”
Jamila squeaked. “Oh my God! I loved that movie! That scene where he’s seducing Scarlett Johansson was so hot.”
Patrick pointed to the piano. “It happened right there. With that exact piano.”
“Were you here during filming?” she asked.
“Yeah, I was. They needed extras for the casino, and figured it was easier to use the existing staff than bring in all new people.”
“Nice.”
“Come on. I’ll show you some more of the ship.”
We followed him to the elevator.
“You two look nothing alike,” Jamila marveled, glancing from Patrick to me and back again.
“I know. I always thought I was adopted,” Patrick confided.
“But you look exactly like Mom!” I protested.
“I guess I never saw it,” he said, shrugging.
I got out my phone and showed Jamila a photo of our mother. “See?”
“Oh, she’s pretty. I can definitely see the resemblance,” Jamila agreed.
Patrick seemed to suddenly change his tune. “Actually, now that you mention it, I can see a bit of a similarity.”
I rolled my eyes.
We made our way slowly up the decks, with Patrick as our very entertaining tour guide. We discovered that the ship had a whole bunch of dedicated areas just for staff, complete with eateries and bars—and Patrick informed us that the partying on those levels was a lot more intense than with the general public.
“Oh, and speaking of places you don’t get to see on the ship as a regular guest, guess what they have downstairs?”
“I’m almost afraid to ask,” I said.
“A morgue!” he said cheerfully. “This ship has an actual morgue for any people that die onboard. And it’s used more often than you think, especially with the cruise packages that are aimed at an older demographic.”
Jamila and I looked at each other and shuddered.
“I hope there isn’t anyone in there right now,” Jamila said. She looked at Patrick anxiously. “Is there?”
“Not that I know of. But don’t worry. You won’t know, even if there is. They don’t unload the bodies until all the live ones have left.”
I rubbed my hands over my arms. I suddenly felt a bit cold.
On the top deck, we stopped near the pool bar.
Jamila looked at the water, which was full of children splashing around. “Can you imagine how much pee is in there?”
“Actually, our pools have their water recirculated every four to six hours, so they’re a lot cleaner than most other pools,” Patrick explained. “They also empty and sanitize them each day.”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah, it’s pretty much the equivalent of swimming in the ocean.”
“Well, how about that? I might actually take a dip in the morning, now.”
Patrick glanced at his watch. “Damn it. I have to go soon. We have a staff briefing in fifteen minutes.”
I noticed Jamila’s face fall. “You can’t call in sick?” she asked.
He laughed. “I’m afraid not. Besides, an illness onboard can cause a lot more panic than it would on land. You’ve heard of the norovirus outbreaks?”
“Oh, yeah. They would be nasty.”
“Fortunately, I have only been working during one, and we all got off at the nearest port. I managed to avoid getting sick myself, but it definitely wasn’t pretty.”
“Actually, I think you should go. All this talk of sickness and death is making me feel weird,” Jamila joked.
Patrick reached out his hand as if to shake Jamila’s. She shyly returned the gesture, and I watched as my brother slowly enclosed her fingers inside his, gently squeezing. They didn’t break eye contact once. It almost felt too personal, being a witness to such ridiculous chemistry.
“Okay,” I said briskly. “Patrick, let me know when you’re free again and I’ll meet you for breakfast or lunch or whatever. Jamila, my brother needs to attend his briefing, and we should probably get to that thing.”
“What thing?” she asked dreamily.
“You know, the thing? Was it a cooking class?”
“I don’t remember any cooking class,” she said, not getting the hint.
I grabbed her arm and pulled her away. “You must have forgotten. Come on. We’ll be late.”
She reluctantly let go of Patrick’s hand and let me lead her in the opposite direction.
“You do know my brother will get fired if he’s caught having a relationship with one of the passengers?” I warned.
“Yes, but seriously, Liv. Why would you put temptation like that in my face?”
“You said you were bored. And I didn’t think you were going to practically have sex with him with your eyes just now!”
Her face took on a glazed expression, as if imagining there was more than eyes involved.
“Ugh. Please do not make me visualize my brother in any sort of sexual situation,” I groaned.
She glanced back to where we’d left Patrick. “Don’t worry. I’ll behave.”
I was skeptical. Jamila looked like a woman who was used to getting what she wanted where men were concerned.
She must have noticed my expression. “I promise!”
“Okay. Thank you. Because Patrick really enjoys what he does. I would hate for us to be responsible for him getting fired.”
“He won’t get fired.”
“Good.”
She shook her body as if to loosen up. “I don’t smoke, but I could really use a cigarette about now.”
I nudged her arm with my shoulder. “Stop it!”
Her eyes sparkled. “Just teasing.”
We headed back downstairs. I had a feeling it was only going to get more complicated from here on in.
Chapter Ten
Day Three: Jamaica
On day three of the cruise, we arrived in Jamaica. I had never been, and couldn’t wait to explore such an iconic tropical paradise. It was made all the more surreal by having Jam
ila as my travel companion. In addition to her wig, she’d also gone to the effort of dressing down, wearing an oversized t-shirt and shorts, and a big floppy hat and glasses. Not that she was really fooling anyone. Famous people seemed to exude a magical energy, regardless of what they were wearing.
I hopped off the ship onto solid ground for the first time in over forty hours. Jamila had told me she needed to do something before we disembarked, so I waited patiently at the dock, looking out at the blue-green water, and the bay that seemed like something out of a movie.
I started thinking about how I wouldn’t mind being stuck on a tropical island with Wells, just the two of us. Jamila would not be impressed if she could see inside my brain right now.
And then it suddenly occurred to me I could call my parents and beg them to book me a flight back to Australia so I could confront Damien.
But as I thought about it a little more, the idea became less and less appealing. Sure, losing three-thousand dollars stung a lot, but I’d soon have an extra twenty. And I really did believe in karma. If I didn’t get revenge on Damien, he’d screw over someone else who would.
Besides, I had become attached to Jamila now, and I wanted to keep helping her. Plus, the idea of maybe catching a glance of Wells sometime—even though we couldn’t have a relationship—also made the idea of leaving unattractive.
Jamila finally appeared, and she had a devilish smile on her face.
“What did you do?” I asked, my tone reproving.
“Nothing,” she sing-songed. “Unless you count me accidentally dropping Zara’s phone into the ocean. Oh, and writing a note I slipped under her door to say they found traces of norovirus in the business center, so they’ve closed it off until further notice.”
My hand flew to my mouth. “Jamila!”
“Hey, I need to cover my ass.”
“And what happens when Zara gets off the boat and can use a public phone or internet café?”
She held up what looked like a very expensive purse. “She can’t use them without any money.”
I frowned. “You stole her purse?”
“I just borrowed it. When we re-board later, I’ll hand it in to Lost and Found.”
“Don’t you think Zara will suspect something?”
“I guess it’s possible. But also, it’s just as plausible she was robbed by a stranger.”
I shook my head. “For the record, I do not condone this behavior. And remember, I said I wouldn’t lie to any authorities.”
“That’s fine. If it comes to that, I’ll make sure you’re not implicated in anything.”
“All right. It’s your funeral.”
“You worry too much. Come on. Let’s go explore.”
“Where do you want to go?”
“I have the perfect place!”
I raised an eyebrow. This should be interesting.
“Margaritaville?”
Jamila laughed. “Yes! Doesn’t it look like fun?”
“Uh, in a weirdly disturbing way.” The place was named after a cocktail (or I guess if you wanted to get technical, a Jimmy Buffet song), but it looked like a kids’ playground. Everything was lurid green and orange, and there was a waterslide that emptied riders into a small pool, which was surrounded by tables and chairs.
Jamila stopped at a tourist stall nearby and purchased a pink visor, a pair of sunglasses that matched the ones she was wearing, and a tie-dyed t-shirt with the word Margaritaville printed on the front.
“What are you doing?” I asked nervously.
She paid for them and thrust them at me. “You’re going undercover like me.”
“But no one knows who I am.”
“I don’t care. Put them on.”
I reluctantly put the shirt over my existing top, and donned the visor and glasses. “I feel ridiculous.”
“You look like a tourist. Now go order us a drink,” she demanded. “But just to be on the safe side, get them in water glasses. Vodka and soda, or something equally bland-looking.”
I felt like this was a bad idea, but I didn’t argue. “Okay.”
I waited at the bar, where a bit of a line had formed, probably because half the cruise passengers had also decided this was a good place to visit. I recognized a few people from onboard, but no one bothered me. Thankfully, I didn’t run into anyone from the ill-fated photo shoot.
And then I felt a gentle tap on my arm. I looked up and saw Wells beaming back at me. Butterflies fluttered around in my belly.
“Hey,” he said. “Cute outfit.”
I blushed. “It was Jamila’s idea.” Man, I felt stupid doing that accent.
“I’m not judging. I really do think you look great.”
“Thank you. Are you doing some sightseeing?”
“Yeah, I love this place. I have to come here every time I’m in Jamaica.”
“Which is often?” I asked, smiling.
“I guess it hasn’t been that often. But come on. Look at that waterslide. And the swim-up bar. It’s everything you could ever want. Although, you should see their other location at Montego Bay. The waterslide over there goes straight into the ocean.”
“So you’re both a child and a recently-come-of-age adult. Duly noted.”
He laughed. “I guess I am.”
The bartender finally saw me. “What can I get you?” he asked.
I snuck a glance at Wells, who was watching me intently. “Uh, two soda waters, please,” I said awkwardly.
“Make that three,” Wells added.
The bartender nodded and Wells got out his credit card. “I’ll pay.”
“Oh, you don’t have to do that.”
“Please. I insist. Besides, soda water won’t break the bank.”
“Okay. Thank you.” Jamila was not going to be impressed when she found out she couldn’t drink any alcohol—and that the reason why was a guy I promised I wouldn’t see again.
“What are you planning after this?” I asked.
“Just my usual Jamaica day. A visit to some of the falls, and if there’s time, a little horse-riding on the beach.”
“Do you follow the same routine every time you come here?”
“Pretty much. I guess I’m a creature of habit.”
“Nothing wrong with that. So you like horses, huh?”
“Yeah, I do. We owned some when I was a kid. I had this beautiful Rocky Mountain mare called Sunshine. She was so gentle and friendly.” His face softened as he talked. My heart melted a little.
We collected our drinks and found Jamila at a table overlooking the waterslide. Wells chuckled when he saw her. “You’re both going for cruise tourist chic today?”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Who are…oh.” She quickly pasted on a bright smile. “Hi. Yes, trying to avoid being recognized.”
He looked at me and winked. “Well, I promise I won’t tell anyone you’re here.”
I so badly wanted to rub myself all over that man. He even smelled good. A combination of coconut and ocean.
Jamila looked at our drinks and I quickly handed her one. “Here’s your soda water.”
She picked it up curiously and took a sip before wrinkling her nose. “Thanks.”
“You didn’t want something stronger than that?” I asked Wells, pointing to his glass.
“Well, apart from the fact that it’s still morning, no. I occasionally drink beer, but my dad was an alcoholic, so I’ve always been careful. I didn’t want to turn out like him.” He then looked at Jamila, embarrassed. “Sorry, I didn’t mean…”
She shrugged. “I know what you meant. Forget about it.”
“How are you finding your recovery?” he asked gently.
“Oh, it’s not too bad. The rehab center was boring as hell, but since arriving on the ship with Nina, it’s been okay.”
Wells tilted his head to the side. “Maybe you should suggest the center implement more of these programs. I could help you if you needed tips on raising money to help those who wouldn’t normally be a
ble to afford it.”
Actually, I quite liked that idea. I mean, I know what Jamila was doing wasn’t a real thing, but why couldn’t it be?
“You’re a sweetheart,” Jamila said. “I’ll definitely talk to the center director when I get back, and I’ll let you know if we need any advice.”
Wells looked pleased. At least he believed Jamila, even though she was just saying what he wanted to hear.
“How’s your dad now?” I asked.
“Oh, he’s good. Been sober for almost fifteen years. My mom played a big part in his recovery. For a while, she was the only one earning the money, and she got sick of doing everything while Dad wasted away.”
“She sounds like a strong woman.”
“She definitely is.”
“Does she do similar work to you?”
“Uh, no. Actually, you might have heard of her. Do you know Gretchen Brewster?”
Jamila squealed. “Oh my God! Your mom is Gretchen Brewster?”
“That’s right.”
Jamila grabbed Wells’ arm. “I love her! She’s my idol. I hope to one day branch out and become a director like her.”
Even I knew who Gretchen Brewster was. Her films had won several Oscars and starred the who’s who of Hollywood. But I didn’t want Wells to think I was now only interested in him because of his mother, so I didn’t gush like Jamila.
“She’ll be pleased to hear that. She’s a big Legal Lies fan,” Wells said.
Jamila looked like she was about to pass out. “I can’t believe Gretchen Brewster knows who I am! That is insane!”
I tried to bring the conversation back to a normal level. “Was it hard growing up with a famous parent?” I asked Wells.
“I guess there were times when I wished she didn’t get so much attention. But she was good at keeping the spotlight off me and my sisters. And living in Shiloh was good. We had a fairly normal upbringing, because no one realized Mom lived there when she wasn’t working.”
“So what are you doing today?” Jamila asked him, her tune changed from earlier.
“I was telling Nina before, I was probably going to visit the falls and maybe go horse-riding. You two are welcome to join me if you like?”
I Thought It Was You (Oceanic Dreams #4) Page 6