Page 26 of Beach Bodies

He leans back in his chair with a sigh. The desk is between us.

‘There’s no easy way to do this.’ He puffs his cheeks, blows out air.

As tense as I am, it is strange to see him so worked up about talking to me. I’ve seen Vic fire people before– he’s used me as a witness a few times over the years– and the man is a smooth wall of politeness. He’s so good at it, I’ve witnessed peoplethank himfor firing them. This Vic is… not that Vic. Does the man actually have emotions? And does he maybe actually kind of… care about me? I remind myself firmly that I don’t need him to care about me. Just rehire me every year. And not fire me today.

‘I know what you’re going to say,’ I butt in, because his hesitancy is driving me crazy, and I might as well take the bull by the horns. ‘I was way out of line with Serena last night. It was a weird situation, but you’re right, I didn’t handle myself in a professional manner. I get that she’s probably really upset about that. But you have to understand that she was really, really…reallydrunk.’ Three reallys might speak to Vic, I hope? I’m about to launch into the pleading portion of my entreaty when Vic laughs with… relief?

‘ThankGod, you get it!’ He leans back in his chair, looking like a weight has lifted. ‘Between you and me, Serena is out of control! Lily, that girl is going to send me to an early grave. I’m pushing forty, and in she comes with this chihuahua TikTok energy. And then she gets drunk with a journalist we’re trying to impress?’ He shakes his head andpoints a finger at me. ‘I owe you. You bailed me out, big time. Unfortunately, now I have a huge favour to ask.’

‘Uh…’ I’m too stunned by my reversal of fate to say much more.

He leans forward on the desk. ‘You and I both know about this big party at the Mambotel. It’s not on-brand, but whatever, we’re in the Caribbean. The problem is Serena. She has it in her head that she’s going to go alongwith the staff! I told her right upfront that this is not very vice-presidential of her, but you know what she told me? The Mambotel is a “TikTok gold mine”!’ He makes air quotes. ‘She’s going to “highlight its proximity to the Riovan” as part of our summer marketing push!’ He pauses and purses his lips. ‘It’s not a bad idea, honestly. I think it could add some voom to our website. We’ve always had a good relationship with the Mambotel. They’re the yang to our yin. But– that’s not the point! Serena. I need you to keep an eye on her tonight. That journalist, Daniel– you met him, right?’

I nod.

‘A little birdie told me he’s going to be there too, and we can’t have another last night tonight. You get me?’

‘Loud and clear. But… why me?’

‘I trust you. You’ve been working here for years. You’re a lifeguard. You…’ He spins his hands. ‘Guard lives.’

‘Andas a lifeguard, I’ve already been invited,’ I say with a little smile. If Vic, the Executive Manager, went along, it would be plain old weird.

‘You get it,’ he says. ‘But I know this isn’t your job. If you’re not comfortable—’

‘I can’t do the early pool shift if I’m out partying all night.’

Vic’s face melts into a relieved smile. ‘I’ll have Kenton reassign you.’

‘And I want in to Shayna’s yoga class.’

Vic’s brows shoot up. ‘O-kay…’

‘Her classes are booked for the next two weeks,’ I explain. ‘And I… really want to work out with her. I used to watch her show. I guess you could say I’m a fan.’

Vic types at his computer for a moment, frowning. ‘How about tomorrow? 4p.m.?’

‘Perfect.’

‘Glad I can return the favour.’ Vic holds my gaze for a moment. ‘Why do you come here every year, by the way? That journalist was asking.’ He tilts his head. ‘Which made me realize… I don’t actually know.’

‘Why was he asking about me?’ I shoot out without thinking.

But Vic waves a dismissive hand. ‘Oh, I mentioned that our focus with guests is brand loyalty, but some of the staff have become quite loyal too. He asked who, so I told him about you. And Nayna– and a couple of our trainers. I told him the Riovan is like a little family to me, and I’m the proud Papa.’

Ew. There is nothing paternal or loving about Vic, but I’m not about to break it to him.

‘So– what is it, exactly, that brings you back?’ he says.

My mouth moves of its own accord, about to spit out something obvious like the beaches, or the weather. It would be so easy to give Vic some bullshit about how it’s a dream job, and who wouldn’t pay to work in a place like this, blah-blah-blah– but I really have known Vic for a long time, and something in me wants to be honest.

‘Because this is the last place I was happy.’

There’s a beat of silence. It’s not like we’re about to get all emotional together. That’s not Vic and that’s not me. Not to mention I’d sooner kill the guy than hug him. But there’s a moment. Then Vic says, ‘What happened to him?’

‘Her,’ I say, with a humourless twist to my mouth. ‘She left me.’

Vic gives me a compassionate frown. ‘You deserve better.’

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