'So, how was it today?'
'Really amazing. I couldn't believe how many animals Becca sees that I miss. Two sea turtles, and a seahorse. I wish I had an underwater camera. I wanted to see sharks when we got here, but she is showing me beautiful small things that are just as amazing.'
Marcia, Toby, and Justin were sitting by the pool, beers and colas in front of them on the umbrella shaded table.
'And how is the company? A fair bit easier on the eye than me?'
Ripley took his time answering. He wasn't ready to admit that Becca's company was a vast improvement over his mate's. He found her interesting, intelligent, and well, Becca in a bikini left him gobsmacked.
'Smashing,' he admitted at last. 'She's taking me to the local market shortly. If you two want to come, you're welcome. We're going for a night snorkel later.'
'And to that, we're not welcome,' said Marcia, grinning, 'she fancies you, you know.'
Justin was surprised at this news, 'not sure about that.'
'I am,' Marcia continued, 'She couldn't take her eyes off you this morning when you were helping load the tanks. Shirtless. I looked too. Don't tell Toby I said that.' She put her arm around Toby and gave him a quick kiss. They all laughed at that.
'The question is,' asked Toby, 'Do you fancy her?'
Just then they saw her coming towards them. Her red hair was loose on her shoulders this afternoon. A white tank top and khaki shorts highlighted her golden tan. She was too muscular to be a classical beauty, but looked healthy, and fit.
'You're an ass if you don't, Toby whispered to Ripley.