Caribbean Crossroads Read Online Free PDF Page B

America.
    “Who’s Mrs. Van De Morelle?” said Megan.
    “She’s the big cheese decision maker,” said Chalise. “And connected to everyone , right up to the president of the United States, I swear. Fingers in lots and lots of money and the x-factor in who stays and who goes. But what gives, are they firing anyone?”
    “No, no, nothing like that,” said Brittany. “Actually, great news. My mom heard from the board that they’re shaking things up to better compete with the other cruise lines. But that’s not the best part.” She leaned in closer to the table, taking in all the girls one by one. “They’re looking for new star performers for the Intrepid.”
    “Are you serious?” Chalise practically shouted.
    “That’s what I heard. So, no pressure for performances but, this could be the summer.” She smiled fully at the girls. “Ta-ta, ladies.”
    And she was off, her lithe body in a white camisole shift moving nimbly between the tables while Manuel followed submissively behind.
    Chalise watched her leave. “Isn’t that Bryant over there—with that dark-haired kid?” She squinted for a better look then turned back to her generous plate. “He’s such a catch, but then so is Garrett, that shoulder-length wavy hair. You’re so lucky to partner with him for the salsa, Megan. He was on the Discovery with me two years ago. Maybe it’s time to revitalize the friendship.” She gave a sly smile.
    Jillian checked her watch and looked around again, a dark expression fleeting across her face. She dug into her plate. “I can’t believe they’re back on a boat together.”
    “Who?” said Megan.
    “Brittany and Bryant. Such a soap opera.”
    Megan found herself ridiculously hoping for more information. What was wrong with her? 
    “So what’s the skinny on those two?” Chalise scooped up a forkful of rice. “Weren’t they an item?”
    “Oh yes. I only remember the major turns because I’d just met Derek and was otherwise occupied.” She eyed the room quickly. “But it was the total scuttlebutt for a while.”
    Megan remained impassive but something in her stomach remembered the tingle.Absurd, she thought. I don’t even know him.
    Jillian talked through a mouthful of food. “If I’m right, she and Bryant had dated before coming on board—danced together for some sort of group at Three Pines College. That’s where the Premiers started.”
    “So he wants to be a dancer, like a career?” Megan couldn’t help herself. For some reason, he just did not seem like the lifelong performer type.
    “No, he was some basketball star at his college or something, but Marvy’s sweet on him—they know each other through some old family connection. He was sort of her go-to dance guy.”
    “But he’s already graduated, hasn’t he?” added Chalise.
    “Yeah, a few years ago, and took his sweet time doing it too. Apparently he’s been doing this and that, working, and then went on some service mission for Community Builders, like a Habitat for Humanity deal, for about a year.”
    “Really?” said Megan. Good looking and with heart. Was that possible? A warning sound began very softly in her brain. No, she would not go there. Looks can be deceiving, she repeated in her mind.
    “It was actually his mother’s encouragement from what I understand.” Jillian chewed a piece of beef and broccoli. “They own some building business or something, I can’t remember. Anyway, so it was pretty strong for a few months but then they both left after the cruise tour was over—she went back to college and he went back with Builders as promised. But he was only supposed to go for like six months or something. Then Bryant extended his tour for some reason. The next spring Brittany went on a ship alone, and lo and behold met Mr. Fantastico—get this, from Monte Carlo.” She chewed carefully while she talked, pointing for emphasis. “A distant relative of Prince Rainier and absolutely loaded. I remember that part,