CHAPTER TWELVE #3
“You’re lucky to have a big supportive family,” she said.
Something about the way she said it told him she didn’t necessarily feel the same way about her own family situation, but again, he let it go.
Eventually the conversation shifted toward the rig itself, and Nova admitted she had stayed up in bed the night before researching offshore platforms because she had no idea what to expect.
Snow smiled slightly at that. “It’s basically a floating industrial city.”
“That sounds terrifying.”
“It’s actually pretty impressive.” He took another sip of beer before continuing.
“The good news is that the rig isn’t fully operational yet.
So, that means fewer people to deal with.
According to the blueprints, Platform Three isn’t being used.
It’s just a wide-open development space for future expansion, so that’ll probably be the easiest area to clear first.”
“Derek and Mr. Silverman mentioned that the offices where I’ll be spending most of my time are on Platform One.”
Snow nodded. “Yeah. The offices, sleeping quarters, dining hall, gym, library, laundry room, rec room, basketball court, movie room are all on that main platform.”
Nova shook her head. “I still can’t get over all of the amenities oil rigs have. I honestly pictured steel floors and oil everywhere,” she said, laughing.
“There’s still plenty of that too. Plus, every rig is different.”
“Well, at least there’s a gym,” she said. “That part I can work with.”
Snow found himself smiling as he watched her reactions to everything. She looked genuinely fascinated hearing about the platform, and for some reason he enjoyed being the one explaining it to her.
“You mentioned something about not having a lot of people to deal with. Why is that?” she asked.
Snow’s expression turned more serious. “Well, since the rig has not yet started drilling operations, they don’t need an operational crew yet.
Most of the people onboard are, let’s say, more like your construction crew.
According to Gulf Tide’s personnel records, there are approximately twenty-five to thirty people living there right now. ”
“Well, that’s good, right?”
Snow nodded. “Yes. There are fewer people to investigate.”
“So, hypothetically, say I find something that catches my eye. Should I call you right away, text you, or what is the proper protocol for that?”
Snow thought about it for a moment. “Honestly? If something catches your eye and you’re alone, just call me. If you’re not alone, then go somewhere where you can talk privately, or text me.”
“What about if I’m not sure? I don’t want to bother you, and it turns out to be nothing.”
“I’d rather you contact me ten times over something that turns out to be nothing than not call me once when it isn’t.”
For a moment, her teasing expression softened. “That’s surprisingly reasonable.”
Snow smirked. “Don’t sound so shocked.” He took another sip of his drink. “You have my number, right?”
Nova nodded. “Yup. Bear put everyone’s numbers in my phone earlier. He said it's better to be safe than sorry.”
Snow grinned. “He’s not wrong. I will always answer if you call. And if for any reason I don’t answer, then start going down that list until you get a hold of someone.”
As they continued talking, he noticed her phone on the table lighting up a couple of times, with the same name flashing across the screen—Rick. Every single time, Nova’s expression tightened with annoyance before she sent the call straight to voicemail without hesitation.
They were halfway through another round of beers when Snow’s own phone buzzed against the tabletop. He glanced down and instantly grimaced. Fuck, she won’t give up.
Nova’s eyes flicked briefly toward the screen before politely looking away.
Snow considered ignoring it just like Nova had ignored whoever the hell Rick was, but he knew Yvette well enough to know she would keep calling until he answered.
“I should probably take this,” he muttered reluctantly.
Nova waved him off as she slid out of the booth. “I actually need to head upstairs and finish packing anyway.”
Snow stood too, and for a brief moment they looked at each other. The tension between them had shifted into something lighter, and it made him dangerously aware of how much he had enjoyed sitting there talking to her.
“Thanks for stopping by,” she said.
“No problem.” He smiled. “I’ll see you at the helipad tomorrow.”
“See ya then.”
She started toward the exit of the restaurant before glancing back once with a small smile. He found himself watching her walk away longer than he probably should have.
His phone started ringing again in his hand, and he cursed. He stared at the screen in annoyance. The phone rang until it stopped, only to start again a second later.
“Jesus Christ,” he muttered under his breath.
But instead of answering, Snow took a page out of Nova’s playbook and silenced the call. He shoved the phone into his pocket before heading toward the elevators. Right now, his thoughts were too full of Nova Hart for him to deal with ghosts from his past.