Uncharted: An On the Island Novella: (A Penguin Special from Dutton) by Tracey Garvis Graves

Author:Tracey Garvis Graves [Graves, Tracey Garvis]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Penguin Group US
Published: 2013-07-01T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

Owen

Calia was shaking out the blanket and folding the sleeping bags when I returned. She piled them in the corner and said, “Did you talk to James?” Her tone sounded mildly curious, but the fact that she wouldn’t stop moving made me think she’d built up some nervous energy.

“Yeah. It went just fine,” I said.

She stopped moving. “Really?”

“Did you think it wouldn’t? James hardly comes across as naïve. I don’t think he was that surprised.”

“No. It’s just that I think he wishes he’d been born first so that he would be the oldest. He had to defer to me so many times when we were younger. He’s eager to level the playing field, I think. He might have protested for reasons that had nothing to do with you and me.”

“James will do just fine.”

We gathered up a few things to take back to the beach. When we reached the sand I spotted James out near the reef. I’d never met anyone who loved being in the water as much as he did. “What if he’d minded?” Calia asked.

“What?”

“What if James had gotten upset?”

“Then I was prepared to tell him my arms were only around you because you’re the most restless sleeper I’ve ever met, and if I didn’t subdue you somehow, I’d never get any rest. Then I’d work on him until he came around.”

“Was that the only reason I woke up in your arms?” she asked.

“Calia, I’ve wanted to wake up with you in my arms since the day you arrived.”

She started laughing. “I’m so glad we got that out of the way, Owen.”

• • •

The phone rang while we were collecting the last of the supplies from the house. When I answered it, Captain Forrester said, “You all doing okay? That one ended up being a little worse than predicted. I was worried.”

“It was intense,” I said. “But we made it through okay. The house sustained some minor damage, but nothing I can’t fix.”

“Well, that’s good to know. I’m still planning on making a supply drop two days from now. Do you have enough to last until then? Want me to bring anything in particular?”

Luckily, James and Calia had already walked back to the beach. “Yeah,” I said. “I need you to bring condoms.” Wishful thinking, maybe, but better safe than sorry.

“What’s that?” he said.

“You heard me.”

“Oh, I did, son. But I would love to hear you say it again,” he said.

“I’m sure you would.”

“So, do you have a brand preference?” I could hear him laughing. “Any special features you need me to look for?”

“I’m glad you think this is so amusing. I don’t care what kind you bring. I’m hanging up now,” I said. I hit the END button on the phone, but even I had to admit it was funny, in a mortifying kind of way.

We spent the day in the water. When the dolphins came, Calia held on to my shoulders while I held on to the fins of two dolphins swimming side by side.

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