CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE. I think I like having Eleu order dinner for us, don't you? Katherine asked as she passed down the platter of cabbage rolls

" I think I like having Eleu order dinner for us, don't you? " Katherine asked as she passed down the platter of cabbage rolls. " I mean, don't get me wrong, I enjoy a fine restaurant as much as the next person, but can you beat this? "

Jay had to agree. The common area in the garden was alive with a fragrance she couldn't even begin to describe. Everything seemed to be blooming at once and the smells were incredible. Top that off with the water garden nearby, the soothing sound of the tiny waterfall, the mynah birds that still sang from the trees, and the sound of the palm trees blowing in the breeze. It was almost an overload to the senses.

" After the busy day we've had, this is wonderful, Katherine."

I bet it was busy, Jay thought as she glared at Jenna.

" I actually enjoy this much more than a restaurant any day, " Drew said. " For one, you don't have to dress."

Jay glanced at her, hiding her smile. Drew was still in her swimsuit, her feet bare.

" Plus, you know, Carlos is still on duty, " Drew added, pushing a tiny paper umbrella aside as she brought the glass to her mouth.

" Yes, Carlos tells me you two have been down here for awhile, " Katherine said, looking pointedly at Jay. " How was snorkeling? "

Jay glanced at Drew, hating the fact that she felt guilty. They had done nothing wrong. Well, the tiny bit of flirting, that hardly counted. But Drew saved her from answering.

" We didn't make it. Apparently the boat leaves early. Six. So we just hung out here. The water was great, the sun was great, everything was... just great, " Drew said, offering a tiny smile to Jay.

" I see. Well, I'm glad you both enjoy the water so much. But I would think you'd get bored just hanging out."

Jay frowned, feeling as if Katherine was on the verge of interrogating them. As if. " And how was the museum? " she asked, looking between Katherine and Jenna. " Did you enjoy your outing? "

" Oh, yes. Although the Royal Palace wasn't all that. Now the Contemporary Museum, that was quite impressive. They have a good display of Asian art." Jenna looked at Katherine. " But after spending three years in New York, everything else pales."

" It was still interesting."

Jay shot a quick look Drew's way, noting her amused expression as she leaned casually back in her chair. They'd spent the better part of the afternoon sipping on fruity drinks and they were both quite mellow by the time Katherine and Jenna had returned. Jay decided she liked Drew's carefree attitude. And really, after their initial discussion that morning, neither Katherine nor Jenna's name had been mentioned. It was just them, enjoying the day, enjoying each other's company. She didn't really care what Katherine and Jenna did.

" Tomorrow is my day, " Katherine was saying. Jay looked up in time to catch die unguarded look Katherine and Jenna exchanged.

" That means shopping, I suppose? "

" Honolulu has some amazing little boutiques. And restaurants. We'll grab lunch." She turned to Jay. " What do you guys have planned? "

Amazing, Jay thought. She could at least ask if they wanted to join them. She could at least offer to do a joint excursion. So Jay smiled, settling her gaze on Drew. " Actually, tomorrow is Drew's day. Parasailing? Isn't that what you mentioned? "

" Snorkeling in the morning. Parasailing in die afternoon." Drew sat up. " Which reminds me, five o'clock will come early. I think I'll turn in."

" It's not even nine, " Jenna said. " Barely dark."

" My body thinks it's two in the morning, " Drew said. " Besides, we've been out playing all day. I'm exhausted." She pushed her plate aside and stood. " Thanks for dinner." As she walked past, she lightly brushed Jay's shoulder. " Don't oversleep."

" I won't. See you in the morning." Jay watched her leave, her gaze lingering until she disappeared into the shadows.

" Well, you two seem to be hitting it off, " Katherine said. " I suppose you haven't missed me at all."

Jay was at a loss for words. How did Katherine expect her to answer that? The honest answer would be no, she hadn't missed her. " Missed you? Well, Kath, it's not much different than it's been for the last year, is it? I've gotten used to you not being around." She softened her words with a smile. " Besides, it saves me having to be subjected to all that culture, and saves you a spear fishing event."

But Katherine didn't appear in the mood to be appeased with a smile. " Yes, I know you're limited that way. You wouldn't know culture if it slapped you in the face." She, too, flashed a smile. " It seems you and Drew have that in common, luckily."

Oh, my... she's in the mood to fight. But Jay was not. She flicked her glance to Jenna instead. " I should thank you for inviting Drew along. She's been a joy to be around."

Jenna nodded. " Yes, she's really nice. I'm glad you enjoy some of the same things. Because you couldn't pay me to go parasailing."

Jay laughed. " Well, I haven't committed to it myself. I may end up watching." She reached across the table and took another cabbage roll. " I love these things. What are they stuffed with? "

" Pork and fish, I believe." Jenna took one as well. " I think I'll have another one too. Katherine? "

" No, I'm fine. But it's still early. Maybe we should drive into town and check out the nightlife. Anyone game? "

Jay didn't hesitate. " Not me. I have to be up before dawn. You two go ahead if you want."

" Are you sure? "

" Of course." Jay bit into her cabbage roll, watching them. Did they really think she didn't notice the look and quick smile that passed between them? She wanted to tell them that there was really no need to scheme and plot ways to get alone, no need to try to be conniving. Because she no longer cared.