Page 28

28

TECH

W hen the boat arrived back on the mainland of Brazil the team paired up one on one with the group of civilians. Luckily the group of executives stayed mostly together so the guys could take turns. Tech was following Amari, who didn’t stick with the group as well. As an interpreter she was a free lance employee and did her own thing. While the group was waiting for travel arrangements Tech had the opportunity to get to know Amari while she shopped for clothes and they tasted local cuisines.

“Why an interpreter?”

Amari looked at him across the table. He was sensibly drinking water and an appetizer had just been placed between them. Playing with the fruit in her cachaca, “I’m good at languages. I wanted out of my small town.” She motioned up and down herself, “I’m not normal, it made it hard growing up.”

“I think you’re gorgeous,” Tech blurted out. His eyes widened as he realized what he’d said. “I’m sorry.”

Amari half laughed, “You’re cute.” She looked back down at her drink. “You’re a fan of Diandra Forrest too?” she raised her eyes to watch his expression.

Tech looked up from his moqueca, “I don’t know who that is.”

“I remember seeing her hit the scene in 2013, it was amazing. She’s an African American albino model. I wanted to be like her. I wanted to run the show.”

“She sounds fierce. It doesn’t seem you’re far off.”

Amari finished watching him, shrugged, he seemed honest enough. “Did I get stuck with you because you have a crush?” His eyebrow quirked. She smirked to herself.

His eyes met hers, a fire behind them. “Like I said ‘fierce’.

Shifting slightly Amari decided to change topics. “How did you get into your field?”

“I don’t like talking about work when I’m out. Are you all finished?” As they stood Tech pulled out his phone, looking down quickly to read the message from his team leader. “Looks like travel is all set, time to go.” Amari stood with a flourish that Tech was getting accustomed to, as far as he could tell she swirled in and out of everything, untouchable.