***
“They did what?” I couldn’t believe my ears. I tried to maintain face in front of this complete stranger, who I happened to want to make a favorable impression on. The last thing I needed was for Blake’s rejected girlfriend to have the pleasure of seeing the one he’d chosen having a meltdown. And then it’d be all over the island.
Blake left me! Here! On an island, where I have no hope of leaving on my own! Of course, I kept all that to myself.
“I don’t understand. He and Mack were leaving with Kory after they flew me home today,” I managed to say with a somewhat even voice.
She frowned. “They wanted to, honest Sammy. But someone caught the trace of the bug’s scent. Blake found Kory, and they took off. Mack came and told me to watch out for you and explain things. Then he left to catch up with them.”
Something about her story didn’t make sense. Only problem is, I don’t know which part. Why hadn’t Blake just told me? I glanced up to see Kate eyeing me. There was something in her gaze that unsettled me. Feels like she’s waiting for me to react. Like she almost expects a meltdown. I shook my head. I’m imagining things.
“Oh crap.” Reality hit. “What will my parents think? I’m supposed to come home tonight.”
Kate shook her head. “Don’t worry about that. It’s all been taken care of.”
“What do you mean?”
“Oh, well, Blake called your mom and told her you’d come down with the flu, but that you’re in good hands with Blake’s brother Jaxon being a doctor and all. Told her you’ll be home as soon as you’re up to traveling and not to worry.” She seemed satisfied with her answer, but I couldn’t help but wonder how Blake managed to do all that planning when he was in such a rush to get out of here.
I finally pegged what didn’t add up. What was the point of this whole trip anyway? We didn’t learn anything about the bug, about who’d taken me, or what’d done to make me different from everyone else. Kory showed up last night, almost like he was waiting for Blake to take off with him. Which would explain how Kory knew where to find us in the first place. And then to top it off, Blake had already planned my excuse for not returning home.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say this was all a ruse to stick me here while they kill the bug.” I’d muttered my words, not really expecting an answer.
Kate sighed. “Oh, Sammy, you are too smart for your own good. Mack warned me about you, said you could figure things out. And I told him I’m a horrible actress.”
I wanted to say, what the heck are you talking about, but I wanted to keep her gushing.
“Yes, well, you have too many nervous tells. Sorry, lying’s not your thing, Kate.” I offered her a smile, hoping to bait her.
“No! It’s so not. Well, I guess you’d know sooner or later. You’re right. Blake never planned to take you home today. He wants you far from the bug, safe, until it’s destroyed.”
I fumed inside, but I held my tongue.
“But I guess you already figured that all out. And then after what happened last night with the water, he knew you really needed to stay.”
I bit my tongue hard enough to draw blood, but no gasp escaped my lips. Say what?
Kate seemed totally relaxed now, smiling and happy. “I’m so glad I don’t have to pretend around you anymore, Sammy. I really would like to be friends. I feel like I already know you so well.”
I stared at her and had to concede that none of my wrath should be directed at her. She seemed like an innocent, sweet girl, who got nervous when doing something she felt wrong, and yet, would bend over backwards to help anyone. Even the girl who’d unwittingly stolen the love of her life from her. Why Blake isn’t madly in love with her, I have no idea. Thinking of Blake, my rage boiled. So he planned all along to get me here, and leave me!
I forced myself to smile. “I’d really like that too, Kate.”
“Oh good! Well, let’s get you off to Tonbo’s office. I know he’s waiting to get started.”
There was no amount of tongue biting I could do to hide my surprise. “Started?”
“Oh. I’d thought you knew about that bit.” Kate morphed into a damsel, her bronze wings captivating my attention again. It felt like more than déjà vu this time. I swear I’ve seen them before.
Her hazel eyes squinted back at me. “Everything okay?”
“Uh, yeah. I’m fine.” I knew it’d sound crazy if I asked if we’d met each other before. There was no way.
“Hey, if it makes you feel better, I’d be mad too,” she said, twisting her lips to the side and winking.
My gaze snapped up. “I’m not mad.”
“Really? Not even a little bit? You’re a better person than me, I guess.” She hiked her shoulders up. “I mean, he left you here, and probably didn’t even tell you about the tests he asked Tonbo to run today.” She frowned. “I swear, Blake acts like everything and everyone should bow down to his plans.”
I wanted to argue with her, but I found it difficult.
“Personally, I still don’t see why Tonbo didn’t choose Mack to run things. He practically raised him. And Mack is so kind, thoughtful.” Her tone softened, and I bristled slightly.
“Well, Mack isn’t exactly innocent in all this either,” I muttered.
Kate’s eyes widened. “What do you mean?”
“He knew about Blake’s plans and didn’t say anything either.” I folded my arms.
She seemed to consider my words. When her staring became uncomfortable, I added, “Doesn’t matter now, what’s done is done. I should probably get changed.”
She jumped a little, as if remembering herself, and nodded. “Yes, sorry you’re right. Take your time. I’ll wait outside for you, okay?” She exited the room, pausing at the door. She turned to face me. “I guess you’re right about Mack and even though I may not agree with Blake’s methods, I do agree with him about the tests. I think it’s time you find out what makes you special, Sammy.”