Page 19 of Obsession Under the Southern Stars

“For those of you who don’t know,” she continues, stopping me moving on to Richard with a hand on my arm, “As well as being an amazing archaeologist, Joel currently holds the National Record for all of the following: Static Apnea Freediving, the Deepest Free Dive, Dynamic with Fins, Dynamic Without Fins…” She continues to name the other records I hold while I stand there, studying my feet, feeling a tad awkward.

“That’s a crazy list,” she says when she gets to the end. “What’s your secret, Joel?”

“Great lungs,” I reply. “I’d love to write a book about lungs. It’s my aspiration.”

The crowd gives a collective groan, then starts laughing and clapping. I grin and look across the room to our table. Zoe’s face is flushed, possibly from the kiss I gave her. I couldn’t help myself.

I glance at Manu, and I can’t help feeling a touch of pleasure that I won. I’m sure he felt the same way when he received his award. We’re competitive, and it pushes us both to work harder. But, hot on its heels, I feel a flicker of guilt as I hear my father’s voice in my head, summarizing Corinthians, “We don’t boast, Joel, and we’re not proud in this house.”

Anger pools in my stomach. I can’t even enjoy this small accomplishment without my own head bollocking me for it.

I shake hands with Richard, then, carrying the trophy, step down from the stage and head back to my seat. Manu and Iexchange another bearhug, and he says, “Congratulations, bro. I’m thrilled for you.”

Alethea begins reading out the nominees for the Public Archaeology Award, so there’s no opportunity yet to talk to the others.

I look at Zoe, surprised to find her studying me, a curious look on her face. But she doesn’t say anything. I wink at her, and she gives me a sarcastic glance in return and looks back at the stage.

Alethea announces the last two awards—both of which go to older, eminent archaeologists who’ve devoted their lives to the discipline—and then she announces that the party is going to continue next door where there will be music and dancing, with the final boat leaving to go back to the mainland at midnight.

Two members of staff open the doors to the next room, and music begins playing, while colored lights flash and cut through the semi-darkness in there. Some people start drifting through, while others stay at the tables, clearly interested in continuing their conversation.

“So,” Zoe says, turning to Hori on her other side, “you work at the Bay of Islands branch of MOANA? And you’ve been working on the Relentless too?”

Hori starts telling her about the work we’ve done so far. I listen, sipping my champagne. It’s clear that he finds her attractive. I’m not surprised. I don’t know if she’s aware how beautiful she looks tonight. There’s something exotic about her, with her dark hair and bright-green eyes, and the cinnamon-colored satin dress. She’s like the bird of paradise flowers that grow freely up here in the Northland. I wish I could photograph her and capture that beauty. It might end up being the only way I can keep her to myself, judging by Hori’s attentiveness.

“Would you like to dance?” he asks.

I feel an uncharacteristic flare of jealousy. “Do you normally ask other men’s girlfriends to dance?”

“Oh, sorry, are you dating?” he asks awkwardly.

“No,” she says. Hori’s lips twitch.

“She’s hurt her ankle,” I state, “so she can’t dance.”

She glares at me. “Joel…”

“I’ll hold her tightly,” Hori says. “Make sure she doesn’t fall over.”

“I’m sitting right here,” she says hotly. “Stop talking about me as if I’m an object. I’ll decide who I dance with, if I dance at all.”

I grit my teeth and turn my attention to my phone, which has just buzzed in my pocket. I take it out and see a text from Fraser.How did it go?

I text him back.I won the Archaeological Fieldwork Award. I add a smiley face and hit send.

He comes straight back:That’s amazing, bro. Couldn’t happen to a nicer and more deserving guy. Well done!

I’m touched by his response. Oddly, despite how competitive I am with Manu and most other men, there’s never been an ounce of rivalry between me and Fraser. Most of that is due to him being older and always willing to pretend to let the younger brother win at a race or a board game. But it’s also down to his generous nature and the fact that the guy doesn’t really possess an ounce of aggression. I think I got his share.

Me:Thanks! I appreciate it.

Fraser:You’ve earned it, Joel, and it’s okay to enjoy your success when you’ve worked as hard as you have.

My lips twist. He knows what our father’s response would be, and he understands how I’m feeling.

Me:Yeah, will do.

Fraser:Is Zoe enjoying the dinner?

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