Balefire by Barrett

up at the crack of dawn and crept out. I never heard a sound.” She turned and draped one arm across her chair back. “I don’t know what you two talked about, but she’s about as excited as I’ve ever seen anybody.”
    Flora appeared with a glass of ice and a bottle of diet coke.
    “Thanks, Flora.” Diane winked at her then turned back to Silke. “You know, Kirin is an interesting gal. How do you know her?”
    Flora walked away quietly as Silke picked up her juice glass. “I just met her on the plane from Dallas. And she was wound pretty tight, fidgety, couldn’t stay on topic, and incredibly irritable. Whatever happened over night has really helped her switch off the anxiety and turn on the inspiration—two different creatures. Plus, she’s let her hair down a bit.”
    Diane tore the peel off a piece of orange. “Well she was here when we opened this morning and had a table full of notes and ideas. When she ex plained what she needed, I thought there was nobody better suited to help her than Kenrick.” She put her arms in the air. “Who better?”
    Behind Diane’s head, Silke could make out an orange construction ma chine moving a pallet on concrete blocks. The grinding engine noise was abrasive and drowned out the sound of the small birds and the waving palm fronds. Mark mentioned construction on a new condominium unit.
    “I don’t know if you remember Kenrick from when you first started coming here. He was just another skinny teenage boy from the mainland looking for work. Except he worked his tail off and sent most of his money home to his mother and sisters. He earned every break he got.” Diane laughed. “Mark thinks he’s the son we never had. He’s worked on several of the Cayes and knows everybody. And since he just bought that boat, I’m sure he could use a little help paying for it.”

Silke smiled and sipped her orange juice. “Oh yes, I remember him always smiling. It was nice of you, and I’m sure he appreciates your rec ommendation. Kirin will get to see more of Belize with a local guide. Much more than just one resort.” She paused. “Maybe she could write about this place?”
    Diane laughed. “As a matter of fact . . . She did mention a little quid pro quo nod to our humble little establishment.” She smiled and waved to an elderly couple being seated nearby.
    Silke just smiled. “I sometimes forget my chubby best friend with pig tails is a pretty savvy businesswoman, a beautiful woman, and still my best friend.”
    Diane squeezed her hand. “Same goes for you.” She nodded upward. “Looks like Kirin is back for a swim.”
    Silke turned around and scanned the pool area until she finally laid eyes on Kirin coming up the steps on the far side of the deck. She wore a black two-piece suit under a long gauzy white shirt and sandals. Her short brown hair was tucked behind her ears and she moved her lean body with confidence. As she drew closer to the table, Silke could see her bright white smile.
    Kirin climbed the three steps up to the restaurant from the wide pool deck and pushed her sunglasses up on her head. “Am I interrupting any thing?” The pool reflected the bright sun, framing her perfectly.
    “Please join us. Do you want something to drink?” Diane raised a hand for Flora.
    “Not right now. I think I’ll take a quick dip before I join you. Be back in a minute.” Kirin set her shirt on a chair and her glasses on the table.
    Diane laughed as they watched her get into the water. “You know you’re blushing.”
    Silke jerked around. “No, I’m not. It’s just . . . I’m not used to the heat yet.”
    Diane clapped her hands together. “Okay, but as long as I’ve known you, I’ve never seen you look at another woman like that. Not even you-know-who.”
    Diane couldn’t say Rachel’s name, and Silke felt embarrassed. Good grief, Diane knew her better than anyone did.
    Diane finished her soda and stood up. “Okay, I got the message. You don’t want to talk.