Read Online Heat Wave by Kate J. Squires - Free Book Online Page A

best, but I’m not bowing down here.’
    Natalie calmly ignored me and began taking off her massive hoop earrings, speaking to the other girl. ‘Girl, hold these for me. Nat has some bitch-slapping to do …’
    My eyes widened in horror as her taloned hand drew back, but at the last second, a pudgy dark fist caught Natalie’s arm.
    â€˜Girl, what ‘cho doin’? Ain’t Mama Ruby warned you about raising hell over nothing?’ My saviour was a round island woman, with beautiful black skin and an air of authority. She tutted at Natalie. ‘You bring dose shoes by my cabin tonight, I’ll see they get back the way they were. And leave this one to me …’
    Mama Ruby took my arm and gave a ferocious stare to everyone in the vicinity. Natalie said meekly, ‘Yes, Mama …’ and sat back down, as if nothing had happened.
    Propelled along by Mama Ruby, I found myself at the other end of the dining room at an empty table. ‘Thanks,’ I said. ‘You’re a real lifesaver. I’m Maddie.’
    â€˜Oo, child. Mama knows that an’ a whole lot more.’ She lowered herself heavily into the chair across from me, her dark eyes like mysterious portals.
    â€˜Like what?’
    â€˜Like you got a serious case of bad juju hangin’ over you, girl.’ She leaned forward, slapping at imaginary bugs around my head. ‘Mama can see it clear as day. You need help.’
    I’d been to a psychic once before, but the broad guesses that occasionally hit the mark weren’t all that impressive. I felt myself raise a doubtful eyebrow. ‘So, I’m a klutz. So, what?’
    â€˜So, girly, if you don’t wash away the juju, you’ll never get him back.’ She cocked her head. ‘That cowboy came here looking for love, but you and him both be knowin’ what he needs is starin’ him in the face.’
    I blanched. ‘I don’t know what you mean.’ Stuffing a handful of fries in my mouth, I averted my eyes.
    Mama Ruby stood, smiling broadly. ‘Yes, you do, Maddie-girl. When you’re ready, you come see Mama. But don’t leave it too late, or both you and he will end up with the wrong people …’
    I watched her go, my open mouth full of half-masticated potato, unsure if I was more shocked by her accuracy or her use of Tanner’s nickname for me.
    She passed Greg on his way over to my table. ‘Gregory, ya beautiful mon! How are those gorgeous babies of yours?’
    He hugged her quickly, his arms barely making it halfway around her body. ‘Mama! They’re good. My eldest is halfway through school now.’
    Something twigged in the back of my brain, but I didn’t have time to analyse it before Greg yelled out to me, ‘Oi! Hobo, you ready? There’s a party on Beau’s deck and everyone’s invited.’

Chapter 7
    I’d been on board the ship for around twelve hours, but with meeting my terrifying boss, Tanner’s revelation and my big nap, not to mention almost getting into a brawl over dinner, I hadn’t paid much attention to the constant droning of the engines as we chugged out to sea.
    I did, however, notice when they stopped. Greg and I were walking back along the Newell when the roaring fell silent, and everyone swayed forward slightly as the ship slowed to a halt.
    â€˜Gotcha,’ said Greg, holding my elbow as I pitched forward. It seemed he’d already worked out how much of a newborn gazelle I was. ‘Okay, we’ve only got a few minutes before we need to be upstairs, and you need to change.’
    Looking down at my grubby tee and revealing shorts, I blushed. ‘Um … I don’t have anything else here.’
    Greg, bless his heart, didn’t harass me with questions like, Really? How is that possible? He knew enough of my story and had seen my half-empty backpack. Instead, he looped his arm through mine. ‘Come on then, my