Caribbean Competitors by Poppy Minnix

Author:Poppy Minnix
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781648982637
Publisher: City Owl Press

“Are you dating Apollo?” Camila’s voice rings like a church bell from inside the belfry.

I spin so fast the centrifugal force sends a tomato over the edge of my plate. I snatch it from the air and put it back, my eyes flitting from face to face. Unfortunately, we were overheard. There are plenty of side glances and whispers from coworkers and guests alike.

“No. Tambien cállate.” As if she could shut up.

Her dusty rose lips curve, and today she’s pulled her sleek, chamomile-colored hair into a high ponytail, so tight it changes the shape of her arched eyebrows. “No?”

“No. Seriously, keep your voice down. People are looking.”

“I enjoy when they look.” She studies her rhinestone manicure. It’s gorgeous like a bridal gown—a once in a lifetime, sparkle-encrusted fashion statement—except she’s always styled to this level. “You two spend a lot of time together. Simona is talking.”

“You were at our practice last week and saw that we’re partners. Obviously, we’re spending time together.” Apollo and I run neighborhoods while waving at residents, jungle paths while discussing island businesses, and the beach while confessing how hard it was to find peace with the lack of ocean sounds in the vastness of the United States. But besides our training schedule, Simona has nothing juicy to talk about. There’ve been no more house walk-ins, no talk of mistake-kisses or bets, but I fulfilled my obligation and paid for a late-night Island King custard. While we were there, Apollo gave me a pearly teal phone case; he smiles every time he sees it. We are on even ground.

I sigh long and obvious, turning back to the lunch buffet to gather black rice and curry. “People always talk on Simona.”

“Well, Nena, you should listen.”

“I’m not a baby girl any longer, cousin. And what should I be listening for? There’s no gossip-worthy situation between us. We’re boring. Move along.”

She puts her hands up. “Okay, I won’t bother you about him. Just…” She trails off, peering over my shoulder. “Never mind. Adios.” She pivots and walks off, leaving a trail of expensive but mediocre perfume in her wake. It’s painfully floral but with coffee, I assume to mellow the five to six varieties of power-scented flowers. There’s also vanilla and a touch of amber, which would be lovely without the garden attached. I should make her something to fit her chemistry.

“Enjoy the day, Camila.”

“You too, Nena.” She blows a kiss at my scowl and sashays her tight shorts toward a table with a man sitting by himself.

I head back to the chaos of the spa. And it is chaos. There are massages to give, questions to answer about my products, and a team meeting about how we’re going to move furniture around for the painters in a few days when the clients’ leave. Yet I’m preoccupied, wondering why Camila thinks I should listen to gossip. I have a good idea about the subject of rumors surrounding Apollo and me. We need to ignore them and keep training. I’ll

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.