The Reef Roamer (The Roamer Series Book 1) Read Online Free Page B

mind whirled, “I’ve always wanted to go to Aruba to see what it’s like, but I never seem to make it there. People are always asking me what certain places are like. For the most part I can tell them, because I’ve traveled a lot. I haven’t been there , though. So here’s the deal: you go to Aruba for me, I’ll book you into different places so you can test the variety of accommodations, like I would do, you take lots of pictures, go sightseeing, try the restaurants, the works, and then bring me back a report. I’ll give you my employee discount on the package and then buy your portfolio so you can write off the vacation as business. How soon would you like to leave?”
    Katherine was so pleased with her idea it never occurred to her that Jayme would say no.
    There was a long pause. Jayme turned, head tipped up, auburn hair sticking to her cheeks and forehead, green eyes squinting into the mist, finally noticing the rain. “Two weeks. I’d like to leave in two weeks. There are some things I have to do first. Is that enough time for you to make all the arrangements?”
    “Plenty of time.” Katherine breathed a sigh of relief. “Jayme, not only is this going to be good for you, you’re going to have a great time and maybe meet some fabulous hunks!” She knew it was a mistake as soon as she said it.
    “I don’t want to meet any men!” Panic rising from deep within, Jayme considered changing her mind about going.
    “Then don’t, but do try to take some good underwater shots for me,” Katherine replied, not feeling the flippant tone she added to her remark. She hoped the comment about underwater shots would override the slip about men, which she thought was what Jayme really needed. She got to her feet and offered Jayme her hand. Smiling, Jayme grasped her friend’s fingers and stood.
    “Thanks, Kath. I hope this works. I guess I’d better check my scuba gear too, huh?” Jayme raised a finely sculpted eyebrow at Katherine and gave her a wistful grin. Katherine knew Jayme hadn’t been diving since Donald’s death. She also knew how much Jayme had loved the sport.
    During the next two weeks, Jayme chose and rejected several different cameras. She finally decided on a new watertight digital recorder, one that took memory cards that she could download to her laptop and then transfer to a thumb drive. They took up a lot less room than her old VHS tapes.
     
    ***
     
    The trip to Aruba was more than successful. Three weeks after arriving back home, Jayme invited Katherine over for dinner.
    “Well, do I get to see the pictures, or are you going to keep me in suspense?” Katherine joked, sipping her iced gin and tonic.
    “Have a seat. The show is about to start.” Jayme switched off the light and hit the DVD play button on her big flat screen TV.
    “Show?” Katherine was truly amazed over the next hour. Jayme had footage of inside every hotel and restaurant she’d been to in Aruba, plus street scenes of the people, shopping, tourist stops, scenery, and the diving. The underwater footage was the most spectacular Katherine had ever seen. Neatly edited with overlaid commentary in Jayme’s melodic voice, the final scene was a breathtaking sunset and ended with the comment, “Sunset in Aruba. There’s none like it anywhere else in the world.” Jayme’s throaty voice added a surreal quality to the experience.
    Katherine finally let her breath out. “That was incredible. Absolutely incredible! That really makes me want to go there, Jayme, and see all of it for myself!” The travel agent’s enthusiasm was building, as was her excitement. “I had no idea you were doing a video. You’re really good! Wait until the others see this! Can I take it to the travel convention? Where would you like to go next? You will do it again, won’t you?”
    “Katherine, slow down. You’re rambling. I gather you liked it.” Katherine nodded enthusiastically. “Good. I had a wonderful time doing it. It really was what