‘Oh, is Derek’s marine biology 101 class over?’ he says, his expression unreadable. ‘I have to say, I was happy to see you listening so closely. You do have a lot to learn.’

My heart skips a beat. So he does know who I am. ‘Oh wow, you certainly are something.’ Hugh cocks his head. A muscle in the side of his jaw ticks. ‘I’ve never met someone who is more annoying in person than online.’

‘What can I say? I don’t like to disappoint.’

I scowl.

‘Speaking of disappointments, did I hear Vanessa say we’re rooming together?’ he asks, with no preamble and certainly no smile. His mouth is still a perfectly straight line.

I check the box in my head that he in fact does smile at everyone but me. My scowl deepens. ‘Yes.’

Hugh returns my scowl with one of his own. ‘Just my luck,’ he mutters, turning back towards the sea.

‘OK, you don’t have to be such an asshole,’ I mumble. It comes out a little louder than I intended.

Hugh whips back around. ‘I just need rest, that’s all. I didn’t know I would be sharing a room. Some of us have important work to do.’

I raise my eyebrows. ‘I’ll do my best not to get in your way, then.’ I turn to go, just as Hugh starts to crack a smile. He glances pointedly at the space I’m taking up in the walkway.

‘You kind of already are.’

I glare at him.

‘If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go see if Miguel needs help,’ I lie, knowing I won’t actually be able to help Miguel in any way. I pray Hugh doesn’t try to follow me.

Thankfully, he steps aside to let me pass, still smirking.

I huff out a breath as I walk towards Miguel, keeping a hand on the rail for balance. The ocean feels choppier from the front of the boat, so I scurry as fast as I can towards Miguel’s bustling movements.

‘Hey! I’m Millie,’ I introduce myself. He’s humming softly, arranging tanks and what looks like black bulky life jackets neatly in a row.

‘Miguel.’ He shakes my hand in between swift movements. He smiles broadly, setting me instantly at ease. He has a thick accent I can’t place, but it’s definitely not Australian.

‘You’re so steady on a boat,’ I observe. Only once it’s out of my mouth do I realise how dumb I sound. Of course he’s steady on a boat, this is his job.

But, to my surprise, he smiles bigger, thrilled. ‘I just started, so I’m still getting my sea legs.’

‘Oh! Did you just move here?’

‘From Colombia.’ He runs a hand through his wavy dark hair, pulling a lock of it behind an ear. ‘I think I’m finally getting the hang of it.’