Page 54 of Nothing Breaks Like A Heart

"I'm sorry you're still in pain," Andrew said. "I really think you should take the pills I gave you."

"I'll be okay," I said, happy when we arrived at the harbor. It was getting more difficult to talk to Andrew the way I used to talk to him. I wondered if we could ever get back to the way we'd been. Probably not until we got off this damn island. For now, I was going to have to fake it, and I was getting shockingly good at that.

ChapterThirteen

The yacht was nothing short of breathtaking. Sleek and gleaming, its hull shimmered in the midday sun, and the faint scent of saltwater mixed with the tang of freshly polished teakwood. At nearly a hundred and fifty feet long, it was a floating palace, complete with multiple decks, a sprawling sun lounge, and gleaming chrome railings. Staff in crisp white uniforms moved with quiet precision, offering champagne flutes and chilled towels to guests who had already arrived.

Andrew and I were the last to board. As we stepped onto the main deck, we were greeted by a hum of chatter and clinking glasses. I scanned the faces quickly, taking in Victor, Paula, Bennett, Colin, and Harper, who were gathered near the bow, along with a handful of others. Allison stood close to Bennett, laughing lightly at something he said, her posture loose, her confidence tangible. I couldn’t help noticing how seamlessly she fit in, as if she’d been part of this circle for years.

Andrew offered Allison a polite nod when she greeted him, but it was perfunctory at best. There was an uneasiness between them. It was subtle enough I doubted anyone else noticed, but I felt it like a thorn beneath my skin.

"Lauren," Victor said warmly as he approached, his smile wide and welcoming. "Good to see you up and about. Andrew told us you weren’t feeling well last night. How are you?"

"I’m doing better. Thanks for asking."

"I can’t believe Sally threw you. She’s one of our gentlest horses."

"She was spooked by something," I replied.

"That was unfortunate," Victor said. "I’m glad you weren’t seriously hurt."

He seemed genuinely upset by the idea of me being injured, which touched me. I knew I was being included in these activities because of the marketing campaign, but his words did make me feel like he saw me as an individual, not just a business associate.

"I'll be fine," I said. "How far out will we be going today?"

"We'll cruise for about an hour and then turn around and come back. It's a little choppy today, but hopefully not too many bumps."

"I'm excited to be out on the water," I said as the yacht moved out of the harbor. "Thank you for inviting us."

"Of course. Why don't you come and meet my friends?" he suggested, leading us over to a spacious sitting area on the top deck, offering an uninterrupted view of the sparkling ocean.

The seating arrangement was elegant but casual, with curved sofas upholstered in soft cream fabric and low glass-topped tables. A silver-haired man in his sixties lounged comfortably with an air of affluence, a tanned arm draped over the back of the couch. Beside him sat a woman at least twenty years his junior, dark-eyed and striking in a turquoise sundress that showed off her toned arms.

"This is David Grimes," Victor said, clapping the man on the shoulder. "And his lovely girlfriend, Kirstie."

"It’s nice to meet you both," I said, sitting down beside Andrew on a small loveseat adjacent to their couch.

Victor and Paula took the armchairs across from us, completing the cozy but carefully staged tableau. Kirstie leaned forward slightly, her lips curving into a flirtatious smile that seemed more practiced than genuine.

"Victor and I have known each other for over forty years," David said, his voice deep and smooth. "He’s like a brother to me."

"Longer than I’ve been alive," Kirstie chimed in with a laugh, resting her hand lightly on David’s knee.

"Don’t remind me how old I am," David replied, though his smile was indulgent.

"You’re the one who outdoes me in the gym every day," Kirstie said, giving him an adoring look.

They made a striking pair—David with his tailored linen shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a hint of a tanned chest, and Kirstie with her sleek ponytail and gleaming skin.

"You arrived this morning?" Andrew asked.

David nodded. "We were supposed to get in last night, but our flight out of New York was delayed, so we stayed in LA overnight and caught the morning ferry. We've barely had time to see the resort, but from what I’ve seen so far, it’s spectacular."

Victor’s face lit with pride at the compliment. "It’s paradise, David. One of the best resorts I've ever developed, and I plan on spending a lot of time here." He paused, his gaze drifting toward his wife. Something unsaid passed between them—perhaps tension over Victor’s decision to spend more time on the island. Paula’s tight-lipped smile seemed to suggest she wasn’t entirely on board with her husband’s plans, but she remained silent.

"While I'm interested in exploring the resort," David said, cutting through the sudden tension in the air. "I also can't wait to see the new pieces in your collection, Victor. You've been unusually secretive about what you've recently acquired."

Victor laughed and gave his friend a sly smile. "I wanted to tempt you into coming out here. You've been hard to pin down for a get-together."

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