The Reef by Di Morrissey

Author:Di Morrissey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
Published: 2009-08-28T04:00:00+00:00

Dinner the following night at the resort was Jennifer’s evening. She sat between Mac and Gideon, Rosie and Isobel sat on either side of Blair. Blair was uncomfortable. Jennifer noticed Isobel seemed to be plying him with questions and she knew he’d hate that.

Doyley had gone to some trouble to set their table in a far corner of the verandah and moved in several large potted palms to give them extra privacy. Rosie had ordered some good wine and the staff on duty were attentive and cheerful, not just because their two bosses were at the table. Everyone liked Jennifer even though they didn’t see as much of her as they saw of Blair. In the kitchen the staff gossiped, pleased to see Jennifer was in control of the evening. Blair was patently bored and as dessert was served he excused himself to see to the other guests.

‘You stay and enjoy yourself, Rosie. I‘ll do the rounds.’ He left the table, nodding to Isobel. ‘It’s been interesting to meet you.’

‘And for me also.’ She smiled but her eyes were coolly appraising.

Later Gideon and Isobel left, and Rosie, Macand Jennifer returned to the terrace bar. Rosie excused herself after one drink.

‘I might sneak away, seeing as Blair is holding the fort. It’s been a fun evening, thanks for organising it, Jenny.’ She stopped at the bar and spoke to Blair who was chatting with some new arrivals.

‘So you like Isobel, eh? I knew you two would get on,’ said Mac.

‘Oh Mac, I can’t thank you enough for introducing me to everyone. It’s saved my life here. I’dbe crazy without you all to talk to, and what’s going on at the research station. Thank you, thank you.’ She squeezed his hand.

Mac looked pleased. ‘You’re one of the gang now. I gather you spent time with Gideon and seem au fait with what he and Isobel are doing. Why not get more involved?’

‘In what way? I mean, could I really switch to marine biology honours?’

‘We can arrange it. If you go for first-class honours it would be an intensive year and if you get it you can apply for a PhD scholarship. My other thought, after speaking with Isobel, is the writing. I read what you gave me of Dawn’s book. You have a lovely sensitive style. You make him look far better than he is. A bit unprofessional to say that, but I read his notes and your rewrite. I hope he paid you well.’

‘Slow down, Mac. If I can work on my honours degree in a practical way while I’m here and then, wherever Blair and I end up, hopefully I can consider the PhD, though how I’d manage the practical side if we end up in the mountains in Europe or something . . .’

Mac held up his hand. ‘One thing at a time. Get your honours first. I’ll assign you to one of the teams. Does Rudi’s work interest you? Or Carmel’s?’

‘Yes, Rudi’s interests me. But then so does everyone’s.

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