Page 26 of The Version You Hide

“Okay,” I say. “Take care of him. Give him a hug from me.”

“I will,” she replies. “Oh, and Mackenzie.”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t forget to get a pic with a hot instructor.”

My eyes roll as I shake my head, but I’d be lying if I said my lips didn’t twitch with the hint of a grin as I hang up on her call.

I slide my phone back into my pocket and glance back down the lagoon to where the strange woman had been standing. She’s no longer there, but as I jog home, I can’t seem to erase the image of her or the expression on her face from my mind.

Chapter 9

DYLAN

The weather stats blink brightly from the iPad screen I’m holding. All blue skies and sunshine icons for today and tomorrow, with a high of thirty-two degrees Celsius. However, a quick glance at the rest of this week and next shows predicted storms. I hope that won’t affect business too much.

I was running late today. Claire’s unexpected visit this morning had thrown me out of routine. Then, after my shower, Chance had given me sad puppy dog eyes which lead to an extended game of beach fetch, which is why I’m surprised I beat everyone to the boat.

I close down the weather app and pull up the guest register. Two Tanked can only take out a maximum number of twelve passengers and a minimum of eight. Looks like we’re at full capacity again today.

I hear Jade coming, her footsteps falling heavy on the dock.

“Hey, what’s up amigo,” she says as she climbs aboard the thirty-foot catamaran.

“Morning,” I say, my eyes still on the iPad. “Just checking the register for today. We have another full tour.”

“Third day in a row. Cool,” she responds casually. “Cameron will be happy.”

“Yeah,” I agree. “Especially considering the storms predicted for later this week.”

“Cameron will be happy about what?” Our boss is next to board, his usual tattered blue backpack hitched high over one shoulder.

“Full tour today,” Jade informs him.

“Nice,” Cameron replies, slapping her palm with a high five.

Cameron is our trip director and part owner of this boat. He only started up these dive tours about six months ago. Business hadn’t boomed right away, but now Two Tanked is vying for the top spot in diving tours in Cliff Haven. I only joined the dive crew about four months ago, but it’s been the best thing I’ve ever done.

For the most part, the weather has been on our side, having only needed to postpone a few tours here and there. Having these full capacity days helps make up for the loss of business on days when it’s too risky to go out. And looking at the forecast, we may have a couple of cancelled trips later on this week.

My eyes are still trailing over the names on the guest register when one in particular stands out from all the rest. “Huh,” I mumble, my gaze hovering at the bottom of the list. “What’s this?”

Jade’s head snaps up. There’s a hint of mischief in her eyes as they slice to mine. “What’s what?”

“Harper Conway and Mackenzie Riley?” I question her, my gaze narrowing in suspicion. “Did you tell them we work here?”

“Nope,” she says slyly.

“Jade.” I drag her name out cautiously. “Why do I sense a but coming on?”

“They don’t know we work here.” She shrugs before making her confession. “But I may have told them this snorkel tour was the best in town and that it would be a great way for them to blow off steam.”

“Jade!” My eyes go wide with accusation as I follow her to the small storage area where the supplies are kept. “Are you serious?”

“What’s the problem?” she asks as she digs through the refreshments. “I don’t know why you’re being so secretive about your second job.”

“I’m not secretive,” I retaliate. “I just like to keep all aspects of my life segregated.”

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