Juke took their empty plates and disposed of them in the trash, the scent of grilled meat lingering in the air. After removing a heavy coat from his case, he helped Paul load the luggage into the space at the back of their four-wheel drive seven-seater, the cases making solid thunks as they settled into place. Dale watched through the rear-view mirror as Leah got in the back behind him, her perfume wafting forward with the movement.
"Hi, we never got introduced. I'm Leah. Where's your husband stealing friend?" she asked, settling into her seat with practiced grace, her voice carrying a sharp edge beneath the casual tone.
"Wow." Dale sighed, discomfort crawling up his spine. The people in this country had no filter, their directness still catching him off guard. "I don't have a clue. He's still with Jazz, I guess." His fingers fidgeted with the hem of his borrowed coat.
"So, you're Juke's mate?" Her eyes sparkled with interest. "This is going to be very interesting when we get home. Yo
