“I couldn't imagine living there. Could you?”
Duncan shrugged. “I guess it would depend on my alternatives. I'd make it work if it was there or on the street exposed to the elements. But if it came down to there or Versailles, it would be a different story.”
“You've got a point.” A lot came down to perspective. “Miguel was certainly passionate about the place.”
The historical site didn't offer guided tours. Instead, visitors walked around the premises and read about the fort's history and how its occupants used its individual components and weapons on the information boards placed in various locations. However, a gentleman, obviously passionate about the island's history, greeted everyone when they entered. When Tory and Duncan arrived, they'd been the only ones there. Miguel had been more than happy to answer their questions. He'd shared with them far more information than posted on the official website or around the fortification. Before they'd gone off to explore the premises, he'd brought out a book containing photos, some of which dated back to the nineteenth century and were also not shown on the website Tory found.
“Yeah, it was clear how much he cared about the place. I think it's good to be passionate if you're going to work at a historical location like that.”
The elevator stopped when it reached the sixth floor, and a couple holding hands joined them. Before the doors could fully close again, the last hotel guest she wanted to see approached them. It would've been inconsiderate, but if she'd been standing near the panel of buttons, she would've pressed the one to close the doors. But she wasn't the one closest to the panel; the taller of the two gentlemen who'd joined them was. Like a polite individual, he pressed the button to hold the doors open for Grant.
“Thank you,” Grant said, stepping inside and nodding in the couple's direction.
Even though his destination was the same as theirs, it looked as if he'd spent hours working on his hair, and all she could think about was Duncan calling him Ken last night. And when Duncan squeezed her hand, she wondered if he had the same thought.
“What have you two been up to so far today?” Grant asked. “Everyone but you and Olivia met up for breakfast.”
If there'd been a group breakfast, Ivy had not invited them, and Tory didn't think it'd been an accident.
“And we've all been down at the beach for a least the past hour. I just ran up to my room for my snorkeling stuff.”
He wasn't being rude but making conversation, and if Drake or another groomsman had asked the same question, Tory wouldn't think twice about answering. The fact that the questions came from Grant simply rubbed her the wrong way. Especially after last night's conversation.
“We were busy doing other things.”
At least to Tory, her tone suggested those things had been sexual, even though it was as far from the truth as a person could get. And judging by Grant's murderous expression, he'd interpreted her answer just as she'd hoped.
When the doors opened, the couple exited, still holding hands, and Tory and Duncan followed.
“We'll see you on the beach.” It might be a little rude, but she wanted it clear to Grant that he wasn't welcome to walk with them.
The resort had set up all the cabanas in the same area, and at the moment, only three were in use, making it easy to find the group.
“Good, you're here. I was just about to text you.” Ivy returned her cell phone to the beach bag near her seat. “Help yourself.” She gestured toward the fruit and appetizers on the table. “The waitress just left, so if you want something other than water or hard seltzer, you'll have to go to the bar.”
Duncan tossed the towels he carried on two empty beach chairs. “I'm going to get a mojito. Do you want anything?”
Hard seltzer was okay, but not what she was in the mood for right now. The frozen concoction Ivy was sipping, though, looked yummy.
“A piña colada would be great.”
“Grant, can I get you anything?” Duncan asked, being far more polite than she would've been if an ex-girlfriend of Duncan's was trying to come between them.
“I'm still trying to figure out what I want. I'll walk over with you and see what they have on the cocktail menu.”
Duncan's expression didn't change, so she wasn't sure how he felt about Grant's statement. But it had Tory rethinking her answer. Maybe she should say she’d changed her mind and wanted to check out the menu too. If she walked over to the bar with them, her presence might deter Grant from saying something out of line to Duncan.
Gently squeezing her hand, Duncan gave her a kiss that fell somewhere between the polite one they'd exchanged at the auction and the toe-curling one he'd given her while outside last night.
“Be right back.”
Tory watched her ex and her current boyfriend walk away and again considered going with Grant and Duncan.
He can take care of himself.
“I need to use the restroom. Come with me,” Ivy said before she could sit down.
She recognized the accepted code women had used for generations when they wanted to talk privately and tossed the coverup she'd removed onto a chair.