Shifting Sands

Chapter 23

Tina's POV

"This is awesome!" Veronica cheered, her eyes sparkling. "I've never been on a cruise ship before!" She spun around dramatically, her smile as wide as the ocean. "Thanks, Tina, for inviting us. I mean it. I'm so grateful!"

"You're welcome." I smiled, feeling a warm glow. "You two mean the world to me. Friends forever, right?" Joe snuck up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his chin on my shoulder.

"What about me?" he teased, pouting playfully.

I patted his cheek and turned to give him a soft kiss. "You're the one who stole my heart, remember?"

Trisha grinned mischievously and squeezed his nose. "And don't you dare break that heart, Joe, or we'll break you into a million tiny pieces!"

Joe laughed, tightening his grip on me. "I promise," he said, kissing my forehead.

Calvin strolled onto the deck, waving his arms dramatically. "Alright, folks! Boxers, bikinis. Time to dive into this beautiful ocean!"

And then, like a storm cloud in paradise, Tamara appeared. She sauntered up to Joe, a pink bikini that probably cost more than my entire wardrobe glinting in the sun. She handed him sunscreen with a sweet smile. "Joe, could you apply this to my back?" Her eyes flickered to me for just a moment. Enough to set off my internal alarm bells.

Of course, Joe agreed, oblivious to the laser beams shooting from my eyes. Really, Joe? You couldn't just tell her to do it herself? My blood boiled as he rubbed the cream on her back. Tamara turned her head slightly, glancing at me with a victorious smirk. Oh, she's enjoying this way too much.

When he finished, Joe turned to me. "Your turn?" he offered, holding the bottle.

Before I could respond, Tamara snatched it back. "It's mine, remember? I need to lend it to Justin." She stormed off in a huff.

Jealous much? I smirked inwardly.

Trisha handed Joe her sunscreen with a wink. "Here, use mine."

I stepped forward, heart pounding, and slipped off my summer dress to reveal the two-piece Joe had given me. His eyes widened, and I couldn't help but feel a thrill of satisfaction. Take that, Tamara.

He gently applied the cream, his fingers sending shivers down my spine. "Your skin is so smooth," he whispered. I blushed, hoping no one was watching, but then again-Let Tamara see this.

Suddenly, Calvin shouted from across the deck. "Hey, Tamara! Watch out!" Everyone turned just in time to see her slip on a deck. Her leg intertwined with the rope laying around and tumble to the end of the deck .

"Need help, Tamara?" Veronica called out, barely hiding her laughter.

Tamara glared at everyone, cheeks burning. "I'm fine!" she snapped, struggling to get up. Finally, a taste of humility.

Trisha and I lay on our towels, soaking in the sun. Just as I started to relax, Veronica leaned over. "Doesn't it bother you how she clings to Joe? Like, why wasn't it you doing that Titanic pose?" she whispered, nodding toward Tamara, who was dragging Joe toward the railing.

Ugh, seriously? "They're just friends," I mumbled, trying to sound convincing. But deep down, I imagined tossing Tamara overboard. Oops, sorry! Didn't see you there.

We headed to the bar area, me shoving snacks into my mouth like it was a competitive sport. Joe startled me from behind. "Hey," he cooed.

"Hi," I muttered through a mouthful of chips.

"Let's hit the ocean," he suggested.

At first, I wanted to refuse. No way am I letting Tamara win. But then, I smiled and took his arm. "Let's go."

In the water, Trisha and Edam splashed each other. "Get in here, you lovebirds!" she called.

We jumped in, and Veronica tossed us snorkeling gear. Joe guided me, his hands steadying me. I couldn't help but notice Tamara sulking on the deck, glaring daggers at us. Jealous, are we?

When we climbed back up, Joe dried me off, but Tamara stormed over. "Joe! We always snorkel together! How could you not take me?"

Before he could respond, Justine swooped in. "I'll take you snorkeling!" He grabbed her hand and winked at Joe. Lifesaver.

An hour in the ocean, we went back to the deck and the ship left for the private island. Our destination. As we disembarked, I leaned close to Joe. "Best day ever, huh?"

He smiled. "Only because I'm with you."

And somewhere, Tamara's eye twitched.

Joe's POV

She held my arm tightly when she saw the island. "It's beautiful," she murmured, her eyes shimmering with awe. I watched her, heart swelling. This is why I brought her here. All I ever wanted was to see that joy, that light in her eyes.

As we disembarked and walked toward the jetty, Veronica's excitement sparked like wildfire. She grabbed Tina's hand and pulled her along. "Let's take some pictures!" she squealed. They dashed to the beach, their laughter drifting back to me like a melody. I strolled behind, savoring their energy, when Tamara's presence broke my thoughts. She looped her arm around mine, her touch tentative but insistent.

"Mind if I join you?" she asked, her eyes avoiding mine.

Tamara... I sighed internally. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. She'd been quiet all day, and now she clung to me like I was her lifeline. I smiled, trying to lighten her mood, but the weight of her unspoken words hung between us.

The sun dipped lower, casting a golden glow over the water. The island, with its lone massive villa and two secluded huts, felt like a world apart. A paradise built for secrets. We gathered in the lounge, the tension threading through the air unspoken. Tina's eyes sparkled with mischief when she suggested, "Let's walk on the beach, watch the sunset?"

I took her hand, and the warmth of her skin sent a jolt through me. Her voice softened, eyes fixed on the horizon. "You know, I always dreamed of walking on the beach with someone I love. I can't believe it's happening."

Her words, so pure and hopeful, tore through my defenses. I pulled her close, capturing her lips in a kiss that tasted like salt and promise. This is real. She's real. We found a spot, sinking into the sand, the sky darkening above us. I wrapped my arms around her, feeling the rise and fall of her breath. Nothing else matters right now.

But the world doesn't pause. On our way back to the villa, Tina's eyes lit up when she spotted the huts. "Wow, what's that?"

I hesitated. "They're... for couples." I didn't elaborate, pulling her gently back to the villa. My mind raced. Why do I feel like something's slipping through my fingers?

The lounge was empty. "Seems like everyone's in their rooms, getting ready for the party," I said, the words feeling hollow.

"Let's get dressed," Tina suggested, her smile lighting up the dim room.

By the time we reached the beach, the party was in full swing. Music pounded, waves crashing in rhythm. Tamara waved, her laughter bright but my eyes narrowed. Justine. His hand rested on her hip, their bodies too close, too familiar.

What's going on between them? My chest tightened. Tamara was... complicated. Strong, fierce, but vulnerable in ways she hid from the world. And Justine? My oldest friend, but a playboy through and through. She deserves better.

Tina's voice broke through my thoughts. "What's wrong?"

I forced a smile. "Nothing." I pulled her close, her arms wrapping around my neck as we danced. But my mind stayed on Tamara. What's she playing at? Is she trying to make me jealous?

We drank, ate grilled fish, but my focus splintered. Asher and Noah's cooking was top-notch, but my appetite was gone. Calvin appeared, his face serious. "Can we talk?"

I left Tina, my gut churning. Calvin wouldn't interrupt unless it was important. "It's ready," he said. "Everything's set."

"Thanks, man." I hugged him, the weight of what I was planning pressing on me. This has to be perfect.

When I returned, Tina was dancing, her laughter weaving with the music. But my eyes kept drifting back to Tamara. And Justine. His hand. Her smile. Why is she letting him in?

A commotion pulled my attention. Edam and Trisha locked in a heated kiss, oblivious to the world. Great. Another complication. But then, I saw it. The flicker of sadness in Tamara's eyes, gone in an instant.

Tina's my priority. I shook off the tension, joined her on the dance floor, but my mind was a storm. The night felt fragile, like everything could shatter.

Nothing will ever be the same again.

Tamara's POV

The night breeze tangled through my hair as I stepped onto the soft sand, the rhythmic crash of the waves a perfect counterpoint to the pulsing music from the bonfire. Flames danced in sync with the beat, flickering shadows across a sea of faces. My eyes scanned the crowd, already zeroed in on my target. Joe. He was wrapped in Tina's arms, swaying in a slow rhythm that made my blood boil.

Focus. I clenched my fists, then loosened them, letting a smile curve on my lips as I approached Justin. He lounged near the fire, watching the dancers. He wasn't Joe, but he was good-looking, easygoing, and, most importantly, he served my purpose tonight.

"Hey, Justin," I purred, nudging his shoulder playfully. "What's the matter? Too cool to dance?"

He grinned, eyes glinting in the firelight. "I didn't think anyone here could keep up with me. Guess you're volunteering?"

"Maybe." I shrugged, tossing my hair. "Unless you're scared."

"Challenge accepted." He stood, towering over me with an easy confidence. "Hope you know what you're getting into."

Perfect. I led him toward the makeshift dance floor. A circle cleared in the sand-and the music shifted, bass-heavy and hypnotic. Justin and I moved in sync, a tangle of limbs and laughter, every step calculated to draw eyes. Specifically, Joe's eyes.

Out of the corner of my vision, I saw him. Joe's gaze was glued to us, his arm still around Tina but his attention fully on me. Success.

"Think he's watching?" Justin leaned close, voice just above a whisper.

"Who?" I feigned innocence, flashing a smile.

He chuckled. "You're not subtle, you know. But hey, I'm happy to help."

We spun, our movements more daring now. Each time I brushed against Justin, I imagined it was Joe, that it was his hands guiding me, his eyes burning into mine.

Except they weren't. I saw him, still tangled with Tina, and a pang of something sharp cut through me. Jealousy. It was a familiar, bitter taste.

Tina. The picture of perfection, with her effortless beauty and that magnetic smile. But it wasn't just her. Her little entourage Trisha and Veronica-were even worse, like a trio of smug vipers, always whispering, always watching. My hatred simmered beneath the surface, barely controlled.

I wanted to scream, to wipe those self-satisfied looks off their faces. Especially Trisha. I saw her glancing at me now, whispering something to Veronica. Probably something snide. I'd bet anything they were plotting against me, doing everything in their power to keep me away from Joe.

And then there was Calvin, hovering near the edge of the circle like a shadow. Always watching, always in the way. Acting like Joe's bodyguard, as if he had any right. My teeth clenched. If I could make him disappear with a thought, I would.

"Everything okay?" Justin's voice cut through my spiraling thoughts.

"Yeah. Just... hot." I smiled, though it felt brittle.

"You're not even looking at me anymore," he teased, spinning me again. "If you want him jealous, you need to commit."

I blinked, realizing I'd been staring at Joe and Tina. "Right. Sorry."

I reminded myself that I had asked Justin to help me make Joe jealous and he was doing his part and so should I.

"He gave me a knowing look, his grin fading. "But, Tamara, are you sure about this? You deserve better than chasing someone who's already caught."

The words hit harder than I expected. I forced a smile. "I'm not chasing anyone."

Justin shrugged, his eyes filled with something I couldn't place. Pity? Understanding? I didn't care. I couldn't. My heart thudded as I turned back toward the fire, watching Joe and Tina, lost in their own world.

I hated how perfect they looked together, how natural it seemed. It should have been me. All those years-childhood memories, secrets shared under the stars-didn't they mean anything to him? Wasn't I enough?

The flames flickered, and in that moment, I made a silent promise. I wouldn't lose him. No matter what it took, no matter who stood in my way, Joe would be mine. And if I had to play dirty to make it happen? So be it.

We danced closer, my hand trailing down Justin's arm. I made sure to laugh, loud enough to carry. Joe's eyes darkened, his grip on Tina's waist tightening. For a moment, I thought I saw something else in his eyes. Possession, maybe? Or was it something deeper?

It didn't matter. He was still with her.

As the song ended, I stumbled back, breathless. "Thanks, Justin."

"Anytime." He winked and headed toward the drinks table, leaving me alone again. Alone, with my thoughts, with the burning jealousy clawing at my insides.

I watched as Joe leaned close to Tina, whispering something. Her eyes widened, and then, he took her hand, pulling her away from the crowd, toward the darkened shoreline. Away from me.

No. This wasn't happening. My plan had been working. He was supposed to be mine tonight. I couldn't let her win.

I turned sharply, almost crashing into Calvin.

"Having fun?" he asked, his tone too neutral, his eyes too knowing.

"Don't you have someone else to babysit?" I snapped.

His mouth twitched. "Just looking out for my friend."

"He doesn't need looking out for. Especially from me."

"Doesn't he?" Calvin's gaze bore into mine, and for a second, I felt exposed.

I swallowed hard, forcing a smile. "I'm just here to enjoy the party. Same as everyone else."

He didn't move. "Sure you are."

I shoved past him, my heart pounding. I needed air. Space. Anything to calm the storm raging inside me.

But my eyes kept drifting back to the shoreline, where Joe and Tina had disappeared into the shadows. I imagined them, alone, her hands on him, his eyes on her. The jealousy was a wildfire now, consuming me.

I couldn't let her win. Not tonight.

_____________________________

"And just when you think you've figured it all out, life throws a curveball that changes everything-are you ready to see what happens next? I have a surprise for you."