Chapter 57
Baggage
Shelley strode briskly away from the Square, heading for the dive booth where she'd stashed her luggage and gear that morning. She needed to convince Gray to let her stay. From her earlier chat with the divers, she'd learned the staff housing he occupied wasn't far.
Before stepping into the air-conditioned booth, she smoothed her hair and adjusted her blouse, then walked in with a confident smile.
"Hey, it's you again! Shelley, right?" The tall man behind the counter beamed at her, exuding friendliness. A welcome contrast to the icy reception she'd endured earlier.
"Well, look at you! What a memory!" she purred, leaning on the counter. "And you're Malcolm!"
He chuckled, clearly flattered. "Got it in one! Did you make it to the Lagoon okay? Bet Gray was surprised to see you!"
When Shelley had come in that morning lugging all her gear and luggage, he'd felt bad.
It looked way too heavy for one person to be dragging around.
Then when she said Gray was her coworker, and she was helping him with his project, Malcolm had been happy to store her stuff.
He sent her to the Conch Shack to find Dustin to give her a ride to the Lagoon.
It had worked out brilliantly, and now she needed one more favour.
"Oh, he was definitely surprised," she replied with a steady smile. "He's such a sweetheart. He's even setting up a welcome dinner at the fish and chips place. Sent me here to grab my luggage and take it to his place before we meet up."
"Really?"
"He said you'd help me out," she continued smoothly. "His exact words were, 'Malcolm is the best; he'll get you sorted.' Said you've got a key and everything. He's helping close the facility for the night; you know, get those dolphins to bed."
Malcolm nodded eagerly. Any friend of Gray's, and by extension Riley's, was a friend of his. He had loved helping with the underwater camera project to add to Gray's data collection. It had made him admire Gray's dedication; he'd go out of his way to support the team.
"Of course! I'll grab a dive trolley, and we'll get you sorted."
"You're a lifesaver."
Malcolm disappeared through the swinging doors to fetch the trolley, and Shelley allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. Perfect timing indeed.