Felix:Is that American for “disaster”?
Hope:No! They’re lovely.
Hope:I’m a bit jealous. Only child. No one to spar with.
Felix:My dream.
Hope:Speaking of, I’m going to bed.
Hope:See you tomorrow. Hope you can handle the cooking class without a degree from Le Cordon Bleu.
Felix:It will be desperate but I’ll give it a go.
She doesn’t reply, so I add:
Felix:Sleep well x.
4TROUBLED WATERS
Wonders of the Caribbean, Day 3
Welcome to St. John’s, Antigua, and Barbuda!
Today theRomance of the Seaalights on the sparkling shores of St. John’s. Adventure awaits eco-lovers, be it snorkeling with stingrays on a sandbar, hiking the Shekerley Mountains to Rendezvous Bay, or boating to the famed Great Bird Island. Beach buffs can sun the day away at a five-star seaside hotel or explore the scenic shore on a guided horseback tour. (No experience required!) And for the gourmet, indulge in an authentic Caribbean cooking class, where you will experience the scents and tastes of the islands, including a three-course meal. (And, of course, a rum tasting!)
In the evening, make sure to attend our unforgettable show,Elvis Extravaganza, featuring the legendary Garrett Montcrieff accompanied by our Seahorse Band. Wear your blue suede shoes—this will be one rockin’ night!
Have a wonderful day!
Hope
I awake to the dulcet tones of Lauren recording a video about the courtship opportunities provided by ballroom dancing, along with tips for assembling an outfit suited for cha-cha. (Chiffon frills and sparkles encouraged.) I would love to spare myself the details by falling back asleep, but I have to check my work email to make sure Lana sent me the media list.
She has.
There is also, horribly, an email from Magda herself:
Hope—Where is the speech for Xeni to give at the TGE Games Investors Day? Not seeing it in the shared drive. Need ASAP!!!
Fucking hell. I don’t even work on the TGE Games account. Rather than pointing this out, which will only piss Magda off, I dig through the drive until I find it and send her the link.
“Are you working?” Lauren asks with a look of profound distaste.
“Yes,” I sigh. “Magda’s being needy.”
“I can’t believe she’s bothering you on vacation. Younevertake vacation.”
“In part because she harasses me when I try.”
“Shouldn’t you get dressed?”
“Yes,” I say, shutting my laptop. “What should I wear to a cooking class?”
“Um, given your boy is going to be there, something fetching, obviously.”
She’s not joining me for the class—she opted for an arduous mountain hike to see if she can meet “someone jacked” instead.
I don my cutest sundress—a flared blue vintage number with a flattering sweetheart neckline. I’m tempted to wear my wedge espadrilles—I like how they tie up my legs and give me a little more height—but they aren’t terribly comfortable and I doubt Felix finds hobbling sexy, so I opt for sneakers.
