“I will, a little. I ate breakfast, remember?”

“I’ve never been big on breakfast.” Marissa broke off half a slice of strong, dry cheese.

“Skipping meals isn’t good for you, you know.”

“I know, I know, but I try to watch my calories and giving away four or five hundred first thing in the morning means I won’t get an evening snack when I’m really hungry.”

“That makes sense, well, on the surface. But you do most of your aging between your last meal and breakfast.”

Marissa didn’t really want to debate her dietary habits. Everyone always got that look on their face that said “If only you didn’t eat so much.” Luckily Linda abruptly changed the subject. “How’s your head?”

“Better for the food. But I think I’ll take a nap.” If anything, Linda looked faraway and not necessarily in a pleasant place.

“Okay. I was going to go for a hike. I’ll make sure you don’t sleep through dinner.”

“Probably be good for me—the food here is so delicious.”

“You’re only here once and you’re not going to get fish fresher than this. Low in fat, high in protein—it’s all good.” Linda lost the haunted look as she talked and by the time Marissa answered, her smile was back.

“You’re right. I can’t believe I ate raw tuna and I’m looking forward to having more.” Marissa found herself grinning at Linda— she felt helpless to do otherwise. “It’s good to get away from home, sometimes, because I honestly did not know that goat cheese was the food of the gods.”

“I noticed you were fond of it when you licked it off your fingers last night.”

Marissa blushed into her drink. “I didn’t want to waste it.”

“It was quite diverting.” Linda arched one eyebrow. “So feel free to do that again with the goat cheese, chocolate sauce . . .”

“You’re wicked.”

“I certainly try.” Linda rose to her feet. “I was thinking of the pounded abalone steak tonight. But I’m going to pass on more breadfruit.”

“All ones from me on that.” Marissa hiccupped and put a surprised hand to her mouth.

“English? And eat a little more cheese.”

“Ones and zeros, binary. All ones means total agreement.”

“Oh, more geek talk. I like it.” Laughing, Linda signaled Marissa to remain sitting. “Finish that up and go nap. See you later.”

Marissa watched her walk away, and took the same inventory she’d been taking every day: long legs, slender hips that still gave way to a deeply womanly curve at her waist. Shoulders that created a swimmer’s Vee framed a graceful neck. “Unbelievable,” Marissa murmured into the last of her drink, glad that Linda couldn’t hear her.

“You’re going to hurt yourself!” Marissa peered anxiously into the branches of the palm tree Linda had insisted on climbing. The leaves and bark looked sharp. The nap had chased away the dizzy headache and she didn’t feel so helplessly besotted either.

“I’ve almost got it,” Linda called. “Hey! Head’s up.”