Dale shifted into super media darling mode while Keiran let his eyes wander, looking for some sign of his twin and Scott, as the woman asked Dale how they felt about their win and what she could expect from them after the Carnival season. Carnival was over, but it definitely didn’t mean less work.

“We have some surprise collabs in the works, can’t say too much on those yet. So you and the rest of the island can look out for that.”

Her fingers flew as she typed on her tablet, then turned to Keiran. “It’s good to see you out here. Was beginning to think Dale had you chained to the studio.”

He smiled as charmingly as he could muster. “Well, those hits don’t make themselves. Studio life sort of consumes all my time.”

Her laugh was loud and tinkly. “Yes, yes, of course, and we do so love everything you guys have been putting out. All your riddims for Carnival had me wining low.” She reached out and snagged one of the pastries off a nearby dessert station. “These are so addictive. I’ve been munching on them all night. Thank God Carnival’s over so I can indulge.” She patted her flat tummy. “I saw you and Ms. Gooding chatting earlier. I swear, the level of work that goes into her creations. I wonder how many hours she spends on them, and they literally disappear in seconds. You can see the work that goes into these, just like with your music.”

“She probably has everyone fooled and just pops these frozen in an oven a few minutes before she leaves her house. I mean, come on, mixing music’s gotta be way harder than mixing pastry batter,” he joked.

The reporter popped the remains of the pastry in her mouth and smiled before asking them for a photo to go along with her blog post on tonight’s winners.

When she floated away, Dale grabbed his arm. “You don’t say shit like that to the media. They love those kinds of sound bites.”

Keiran patted Dale’s hand. “It was a joke, relax. It has zero to do with her post anyhow. She won’t use that.”

“Listen, I know you get weird about being in the spotlight, but be aware of what you’re saying around the media. This is gonna bite you in the ass,” Dale warned.

Keiran wasn’t bothered. What use could his words even serve her article? He needed food and a drink. He made a pass at the food stations, head turning every time he caught a flash of bright blue and heard Cherisse’s distinct laugh. It was infectious, loud, bordering on scandalous even. So incongruous with the rest of her persona. Made you wonder what had gotten that reaction out of her.

He caught sight of her at a table with one of their local carnival costume designers on her left, noticed Scott on her right, and sent his defector best friend the best glare he could muster, even if he couldn’t see it. Scott, as if sensing he was in the line of fire, turned at the exact moment and had the audacity to wave at them before resuming his conversation.