Chapter 69
No vacancy
Declan didn't have to wait long in the parking lot before Cam and Gray pulled up. As they waved to the security guard, Declan's exhaustion was clear. He was ready to call it a night, and they could see it.
"Hey, Declan!" Cam called, striding over. "Man, you look beat! Everything alright?"
"Not really," Declan sighed. "Shelley found us, but the Square is chaos.
I didn't know there'd be an extra cruise ship in port, and I'm knackered.
I left Cici with Shelley at the corner bar.
They were on the patio when I left them.
But I've gotta go. I'm on the early shift tomorrow, and there's nothing more I can do to help.
" He shook Cam's hand, patted Gray on the shoulder, and walked off.
"Is he okay?" Gray asked.
"I don't think so," Cam said, glancing back. "There's something else going on besides this Shelley business, but it's been a long day. And he's right, nothing more he can do tonight."
As Cam spoke, a loud bang sounded from the Square. The main stage show was in full swing. How had it gotten so late?
"Alright, Gray," Cam said, turning to him.
"Here's the plan: we find the ladies, bring them back here.
Let's see if we can get Shelley a hotel room, though it sounds like that might not be possible.
Either way, we all head home. Tomorrow, we'll send her on the boat to the Lagoon while we call your lab. "
Gray nodded, appreciating the calm in Cam's voice. "Let's get this over with," he muttered, and they headed toward the corner bar.
From a distance, they could see Shelley completely engrossed in the show.
Gray had to admit that once he figured out everyone met at the Square at night, he'd gone to see it three times in a row.
The performers were outstanding; complicated dance routines and steel drum musicians. It was a lot to take in.
He didn't want to be cruel in asking Shelley to leave. He understood how captivating the show was for a first-timer.
Gray touched Cam's arm before they got too close. "Hey, how about you take Cici home, and I'll handle Shelley? She seems really into the show, and I don't want Cici to have to stay longer than she already has. This place is chaos tonight!"
Cam raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Works for me. I'm with Declan, I need some sleep." He clapped Gray on the back, laughing. Everyone knew Cam loved his sleep, and no one disturbed him on his day off unless it was a serious emergency.
Gray approached the patio with a smile. "Hey, ladies."
Cici turned, giving a small, tired smile. She looked ready to leave the crowded Square. Shelley, however, lit up like she'd won the lottery.
"Gray, finally! I was thinking you were avoiding me!" she exclaimed. "And Cam! So good to see you. Shall we scoot over so you can sit with us?"
At that, Cici had had enough. "Yeah, I'm out. Big day tomorrow, and it's way too crowded for me." She pushed past Shelley without caring about the pout forming on her face.
"Yeah, I'm heading out too," Cam said. "Shelley, stay and enjoy the show. Gray is going to help you find a hotel tonight. We'll pick you up from your hotel tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. and take you to the Lagoon."
When Shelley didn't respond, Gray glanced up. She was staring at them, wide-eyed. "Gray sweetie, I told you, I'm staying with you. I even got all my luggage unpacked at your place. Didn't you hear me earlier?"
Gray froze. "Yeah, I saw your stuff at my place, but I'd feel more comfortable if you stayed at a hotel. Obviously, you saw how small it is."
"Oh, love," Shelley said sweetly, gesturing to the packed Square, "there's not a room to be had. Where do you think all these people are staying?"
Gray blinked, realizing for the first time how overcrowded the Square was with tourists.
"This show runs often, right?" Shelley continued, smiling. "I can come back another night. You all look exhausted. Let's go! Lead the way, Gray!"
She picked up her bag and tried to loop her arm through his, but Gray pulled back. He was trying to process how she thought it was okay to show up without booking a hotel.
"Wait, Shelley," Cam interjected. "I mean, I saw your stuff at Gray's place, but you didn't think you should have a hotel room?
That's... unexpected. Didn't the university make a reservation?
Seems strange they'd assume you would stay with Gray and a long way to send someone without booking something. "
"Well, they were in a rush to get me here, and with all these tourists, I guess they couldn't book anything. But Gray's using university funding, so I don't see the issue. We're such good colleagues, aren't we, Gray?" Shelley smiled sweetly, somehow making her smile even wider.
What she wouldn't tell any of them was that she had a room but when she was leaving the lobby that morning and saw all the people stranded with no available rooms, she'd been happy to check out early and pass it along to someone else.
Mark had made the reservation, and he wouldn't care if she left the hotel early.
Cam sighed. "Unfortunately, with the crowds, I'll have to take your word that there's no vacancy. Gray, I hate to do this, but it looks like you're going to have to host her tonight."
Gray's shoulders slumped in defeat. He couldn't believe this was happening. Riley was going to be upset, and he didn't want Shelley anywhere near him. There was nothing he could do tonight. Tomorrow, he'd find her a hotel. He could manage one night.
Cam shook his head. "We'll sort this out tomorrow, Gray. And we'll work on the project we started today. No rush." With that, he headed to his own car.
Gray hung his head. How had this day gone so wrong?
He had woken up beside Riley, holding her, wrapping her blond streak around his fingers.
They'd talked about their plan for the day; the new cuff for Phoenix, and how Bear definitely needed to be weaned off the rawhides.
Now, he was stuck with Shelley and desperately hoped that Riley wasn't doubting their relationship.
He was totally in, but had he said it out loud to Riley or had he hoped she'd guess?
"Well, this is perfect!" Shelley chirped. "Just you and me!"
"Let's go," Gray muttered. "Obviously, you know my place is walking distance."
"Oh, don't be so mopey!" Shelley teased. "I'm here to help you! We'll get the data faster with two of us, and then we can head home; the university misses you. Won't that be great?"
Gray bit his tongue. No, that wouldn't be great. He wanted more time on the island with Riley. He couldn't let Shelley get even a hint of that. She'd ruin everything.
"Not far now," he mumbled as they walked down the quiet street.
"Oh, I can't wait!" Shelley beamed, and this time, she was quicker than Gray, looping her arm through his before he could pull away. She smiled to herself, pleased that everything was falling into place.