“He’s the guy I mentioned. The bad breakup. Up until running into him this morning, I hadn’t seen him since he ended things.”
I can see how shaken up she is, and I feel bad for her.
“I know how tough it is to have to face someone after something like that,” I say gently. “Are you okay?”
And I genuinely want to know. But what I also want to know is:Do you still have feelings for him?
She lets out a long sigh. “I’m fine. But I certainly would have preferrednotto be stuck on a boat with him.” She pauses. “I’d rather devote my undivided attention to this nice boy I met.”
She looks at me searchingly. “If he still wants me to.”
Her ex is not my business, and if she says she wants to be with me, I am going to believe her.
“He does,” I say. “Very much.”
I pour water over the tea bags and bring her a cup. She pats the seat next to her. “Sit with me?”
“Gladly.”
She curls up beside me and rests her head on my shoulder. “Karaoke was so much fun. You were amazing.”
“Wewere amazing.”
She leans up and kisses me. “Yeah,” she says. “We were.”
I will not report the details of what happened next. Except to say: it was amazing too.
And when I wake up in the morning with Hope beside me, Gabe is the last thing on my mind.
7THE DEEP END OF THE OCEAN
Wonders of the Caribbean, Day 6
Welcome to St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands!
Today theRomance of the Seatakes you to Charlotte Amalie, the picturesque capital of St. Thomas, boasting glimmering bays, powdery sand, rich history, and bountiful wildlife.
For luxurious relaxation, indulge in a day floating on your own personal aqua-cabana at the legendary mile-long Emerald Beach, or take a private catamaran to the beautiful shallows of St. John National Park. Divers and snorkelers can feast their eyes on the vivid coral and colorful fish of Buck Island’s Shipwreck Cove—perhaps you will meet a sea turtle or two! And landlubbers might venture into town for a guided tour of historic Fort Christian, followed by a refreshing drink above it all on the Skyride to Paradise Point.
Finish your day back on board with a sunset steel drum performance on the Lido Deck, or Classic Rock Night at the Cosmic Theater. And for those who enjoy a bit of wizardry, disappear to the Mermaid Club for a Spellbinding Magic Show!
Have a wonderful day!
Hope
I would never have predicted that one of the best days of my life would involve a snorkeling trip during a Caribbean cruise.
I wake up naked in Felix’s room. The nudity is convenient, as it allows us to repeat some of the better events of last night.
We part ways to shower and get dressed for our outing, then reconvene to walk down to the lounge where the snorkeling group is meeting.
“Make me a promise,” I say to Felix.
“Anything.”
“Dangerous words.”
“I trust you.”
