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She bit her lip and looked worried. “I shouldn’t have said anything.”
I gave her a reassuring smile. Out of the corner of my eye, I spied Amber stuff her phone into her pocket and practically storm out of the lodge and down the gravel path that bordered the road. “It’s okay, I won’t say anything. Everyone here has been more than hospitable. I should shower and dress before dinner. I’ll be back to buy presents later.”
I followed the path Amber had taken, vaguely hearing Trina call after me that my room was in the other direction. I waved to acknowledge that I heard her, but continued following Amber, her bright blue sundress and white hat easy to spot. With her red hair, she looked like a walking American flag.
Suddenly, Gino Garmon stepped in her path. I froze, then quickly hid behind a large plant, hoping I was too far away for either of them to see me, but wishing I was closer to hear what they said.
I peered through the large banana leaves. They appeared to be in a heated conversation. Gino wore sunglasses, his mouth in a firm line, and Amber stood with her hands on her hips, as if lecturing him. Then he stepped forward and said something. She didn’t step back. She didn’t look intimidated, and poked his chest while speaking emphatically, then brushed past him and continued down the path toward the docks.
He watched her go, then punched a golf cart with his fist, leaving a clear indention. He shook out his hand, wincing in pain.
What wasthatabout?
I wanted to follow Amber, but Gino would see me. By the time Gino went back into the security office, Amber was gone, and I didn’t see which path she took.
My cell phone rang as I was walking back to my cottage. I answered the unfamiliar number.
“Hello?”
“Ms. Crawford?” a female voice asked.
“Yes?”
“This is Anita from the spa. You had a 4:00 p.m. massage with Ginger. Will you still be making the appointment?”
I’d completely forgotten that I’d made the appointment last night before going to the lagoon. It was five after four, but I said, “Yes! I’m sorry, I was on a hike.” I immediately turned down the path toward the spa.
“No trouble at all. I’ll tell Ginger to expect you shortly.”
After hearing staff talk about how Diana had made Ginger cry, I had made the appointment in the hopes that I could get her to talk about Diana.
I stepped into the waiting room with its relaxing color palette in subdued greens and grays. Floor-to-ceiling windows looked out at a well-tended flower garden. A gentle stream of water cascaded down one wall, and faint nature music played from hidden speakers. I spotted a discreet camera mounted behind a hanging fern.
A moment after I stepped in, a door opened, and a petite Asian woman said, “I’m Anita. Please follow me.”
We walked down a wide hall with sliding bamboo doors. Faintly scented oils and lotions tickled my nose. Anita opened one of the only doors that had an actual knob. We stepped into a room with comfortable chairs, a drink center with iced water and a chilling bottle of champagne in an ice bucket, and another waterfall flush against the wall. “Through that door—” she motioned to the left “—is the changing area. Leave your clothes in one of the lockers and use one of the robes hanging on the wall. Through that door—” she motioned straight ahead“—is a restroom and private shower stalls. Feel free to refresh yourself. When you’re ready, Ginger’s parlor is right across the hall in room 4. She’ll be waiting for you.”
“Thank you,” I said.
I poured a glass of lemon water and drank heavily, then stepped into the bathroom. It was a full bath, with two rainfall showers separated by a clouded glass block wall for privacy. Plants grew everywhere, and the skylight provided enough natural light that I didn’t need to flip on the light switch.
I took a quick shower because I felt sticky, then used one of the huge bath sheets to dry off. I stepped into the changing area and almost screamed.
Sherry Morrison was there dressing.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know anyone was in here.”
She gave me a half smile that felt fake.
“I just had a massage,” she said.
“How was it?” I asked conversationally. I was trying to be polite, though I couldn’t help but think about Diana’s negative comments that I suspected were about Sherry.
“Amazing. I was here my first day, and it was to die for, and I’m coming back on Friday for a full makeover.” She looked me up and down, head to toe. I felt super awkward wrapped in a towel.
“It was fun hiking with you and Brie,” I said.
“Let’s cut to the chase,” Sherry said, pinning me down with a cold stare. “I knowexactlywhat you’re up to.”