Page 32 of Vitamin Sea
“No, she usually has at least one day when we’re away that she goes full-out.”
“Ah, well, good that she’s getting it out of her system early,” he said reasonably.
“What about you?” Chloe asked. She was more than curious about Jack, her knight in patterned board shorts.
“I’m here for another six days. I came down here with my friend Daniel. He just went through a messy divorce and needed some time away to reset.”
“Where do you live?” she asked. She hadn’t pegged him for an American, but she could be wrong.
“Canada. Toronto,” he added.
“Me, too!” she said enthusiastically.
“What are the odds?” He grinned, following it up by asking which part of the city she lived in.
“I’m in the financial district. My office is downtown. I work forStrut. I don’t know if you’ve heard of it?”
Jack looked surprised. “Magazine? I have. Surprisingly. I’m not up on my fashion but I know that’s a popular fashion magazine. Good for you.”
Chloe felt strangely happy. Who would have thought that being hooked up to an IV in a doctor’s office after nearly drowning could be such an enjoyable experience?
Jack opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by a soft knock on the door.
“Come in,” Chloe said loudly.
Dr. Vargas stepped into view.
“Ms. Ryder, we contacted your resort, but they were unable to get ahold of your friend.”
Chloe exchanged a humourous glance with Jack.
“I thought that might be the case,” she replied.
“We’ve arranged to have one of our vans transport you next door whenever you’re feeling up to it. Please take your time, we’re in no rush. Your health is the most important thing.”
“Thank you.” Chloe was grateful. “I think I should be okay to go back now. I’m just really tired.”
Dr. Vargas had removed her IV and given her a bottle of Tylenol 3s with instructions on how to manage her pain. Jack, bless his heart, offered to accompany her. She protested at first, not wanting to impose on him or interrupt his vacation with his friend, but he insisted.
Her first steps off the examination table were a little wobbly and Jack offered up his arm to steady her.
“Thanks,” she said shyly. She grabbed ahold of him, and they slowly headed for the lobby. Chloe was feeling better than when she had first come to, but she still wasn’t back to normal. Jack had noticed she wasn’t wearing any shoes and had her sit and wait in the lobby for two minutes. A little while later he had returned holding a brand-new pair of hot-pink Havaianas flip-flops.
A smile broke out on Chloe’s face as he kneeled down and slid one of the flip-flops onto her left foot.
“Not quite a glass slipper, but the shoe fits . . .” He trailed off.
Chloe’s smile widened.
“Cinderella’s soggy sister—the one with flip-flops and PTSD,” she teased.
In the vehicle, Jack sat next to her and brushed her hair back from her face. Butterflies danced in her stomach. It was a pleasant feeling that was so unfamiliar, it almost felt foreign. Thinking back, the last time she had felt butterflies was when she had started dating Liam.
When they pulled up to Costa Morpho, which was less than a two-minute drive, a first aid attendant who was, mercifully, fully clothed was waiting. Chloe was gracious but waived off his concerns and accepted his contact card in case she needed anything.
“Thank you,” Chloe smiled. “I’ll call you if I need anything.”
Jack insisted on walking her back to her room and Chloe felt a twinge of nervousness mixed with another mass of butterflies. She wasn’t used to being vulnerable and letting someone take care of her.
