“It would be far more impressive if you had.”
“Oh, well I can try again tomorrow, if you want.”
“I do, actually. The shampoo on this boat is tip-top. Smells like the ocean, you know.”
I don’t know why I’m suddenly speaking like an Edwardian countess. Am I nervous?
She doesn’t seem to notice.
“I love that fake ocean smell,” she agrees. “So refreshing.”
I like her—she’s very dry for an American, and dry is my type. I’m almost about to ask if she’d like to take a stroll on the deck—get some air to shake off the show tunes—when her friend comes bounding out of the theater.
“Hopie!” she exclaims. “You escaped!”
“Headache,” Hope says. “I’m gonna call it an early night.”
Her friend looks at me. “She’s lying. Tell her to go back in.”
I raise my hands innocently. “I’d never force show tunes on anyone.”
Hope grins at me. “Have a good evening, Felix. If you go back in now, you can probably still catch the medley fromCats.”
As they disappear, I’m suddenly grateful to be on a cruise ship. Because in the absence of anywhere else for either of us to go, I know I’ll see Hope again.
And I want that quite badly.
3A SUPPOSEDLY FUN THING I’LL NEVER DO AGAIN
Wonders of the Caribbean, Day 2
Enjoy your first day at sea!
Today theRomance of the Seasails the aquamarine waters of the Caribbean. We invite you to enjoy the sweeping views of one of the world’s most beautiful seas from our Panorama Lounge, where our staff awaits to pamper you with drinks and gourmet snacks. Our bridge instructor Alan will be on hand for those in the mood for a tutorial, as will our photography guru Clemence, should you wish to improve your skills behind the lens. Or perhaps you prefer to bask in the sunshine on the Lido Deck with a fluffy towel and a cold drink, take in a game of pickleball, or enjoy the array of events that await to amuse, entertain, and enrich you. (You’ll find a detailed schedule on your personal in-room tablet.)
And don’t miss this evening’s electrifying performance,Dancing the Night Away, in the Cosmic Theater. But don’t stay up too late—for tomorrow we set out for our first adventure on land as we stop on the gorgeous shores of Antigua. (Remember to book your excursions at the Concierge Desk by 16:00.)
Have a wonderful day!
Hope
I’m having quite a nice dream about sunbathing on a beach with a rangy tattooed man with floppy brown hair when the blaring of my phone jolts me awake.
It’s a ringtone that cannot be ignored: the one I have assigned to my boss, Magda.
I yank off my sleep mask and look at my phone. It’s ten thirty, making it six thirty a.m. in New York. Either she’s up uncharacteristically early or, more likely given her party girl lifestyle, she hasn’t gone to bed yet.
I accept the call. “Hey, Magda,” I say with the extremely false cheer I, and all my colleagues, use to address her. “What’s up?”
“Hope, hi,” she says in her breathy voice. “Do you have the Conifer Games press release ready to go?”
“Um, yes,” I say. “It’s in your inbox. I sent it Friday before I left. For vacation.”
“Ah, right, you’re away. I don’t see it, can you resend?”
I scowl and shake my head while brightly chirping, “Sure, no problem.”
“And we’ll need the media list finalized by tomorrow. You have that, right?”
