“What! Sophie, you were under court orders not to leave Uganda!”
“It’s not a big deal, Pemmy. Karina and Charles approved it. It’s only for two days. I’m going back to Masego tomorrow evening.”
He was breathing deeply on the other end, obviously trying to keep himself under control. “If the courts get a whiff of this, you’re done, girl.”
My stomach dropped a little at his declaration but I insisted to him that everything would be fine.
“And what was your purpose in calling?”
“Oh! Right! I need to let Ian’s family borrow dad’s island in Belize. Can you let me know what dates it’s available.”
I heard papers shuffling in the background. “I’m very busy, Soph. Are you planning on escaping through Cape Town.”
I immediately felt offended but knew Pembrook was only looking out for me. “No, I assure you. It’s all very innocent. Is it doable or not?”
“Yes, it’s fine. The island is completely open this entire month. Feel free to offer it. Just let me know the date and I’ll arrange the staff.”
“Thank you, Pemmy. I appreciate it.” Silence descended over the line and I was afraid I’d lost him. “Pembrook? Are you there? I think I lost him,” I told Ian’s questioning face.
“No-no, I’m here. I’m here. You’ve just never said that to me before.”
“What?” I asked, confused.
“That you appreciate me.”
“Well, that’s a shame,” I told him sincerely, “because I do. I always have. I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine, Sophie. Thank you,” he said but I could tell his heart was the tinsiest bit lighter.
“Okay, I’ll ring you when we figure out a date. Thanks again, Pemmy.”
And with that, we hung up.
“Simon and Imogen have their pick of dates.”
“Thank you for that,” he said, kissing my temple and starting his engine.
Ian dropped me off at the guest suite door with a gentleman's kiss. Okay, maybe not a gentleman's kiss but I did eventually shut the door with him on the other side. It counts!
I hung my dress up and hopped in the shower, desperate to get the smell of smoke and outside off my skin and out of my hair. Humming Drivin’ Me Wild under my breath, I rinsed the conditioner and turned off the water. My hand shot out for the towel rack to grab my towel but it wasn’t there. I felt around the metal for it but figured it must have fallen to the ground.
I rolled the door back a few inches and stuck my head out to find it but was met with a hand holding it instead.
“Agh! Oh my God!” I panted. “Abri, what are you doing in here?”
My hand whipped out for the towel, wrapping it around myself before stepping out of the shower.
“I’m here for a chat,” she said, weirding me out.
“This couldn’t wait?” I asked, gesturing toward the room.
“No,” she said, exiting the door and settling herself casually across my bed.
I thanked God I had the sense to lay out my pajamas before I’d showered. I gathered them and went back into the bathroom to dress.
When I came back out, Abri was still there, proving it wasn’t a bad dream. I awkwardly rested against the guest wardrobe and towel dried my hair.
“I talked to Pembrook, my father’s lawyer, and he let me know your family could have any day this month on Ribbon Caye.” I thought this would help the clumsy silence that lay between us but it didn’t. “Dinner was nice,” I added, so desperate at that point I was reaching.