Chapter 16
204words
Even Jack was watching me, his eyes filled with expectation.
I hesitated, opening my mouth to respond, when Jack interrupted with an exaggerated pout.
"Don't tell me you're still hung up on that worthless dog?"
I blinked in surprise. After a moment, I tried again to speak.
"But I won't let her go! Not my fault that loser couldn't keep her!"
Jack stared directly at Joel as he spoke, his meaning crystal clear.
Yet somehow, Joel seemed oblivious to the barb.
Just then, a hotel staff member called from the hallway.
The snorkeling gear was ready whenever they wanted it.
Finally, the group filtered out of the room.
I emerged from my curtain cocoon, desperate for fresh air.
But as I stepped into the hallway, I collided with Joel, who had doubled back for some reason.
Our eyes met, and I instinctively backed away.
He closed the distance in two strides, grabbing my arm.
"You didn't leave the island?"
His eyes were dark and intense, boring into mine.
I frowned, about to pull away when I remembered something.
"Oh, right. I should return this to you."
"Did you make it for me?"
