She mumbles under her breath, but I catch it anyway. “No wonder you have abs chiseled from stone.”
I chuckle. “What was that?”
“Nothing.” She smiles at me.
I’m about to say something else when a ding indicating a ship-wide message comes on.
“Please proceed to your muster stations for the mandatory safety briefing.”
“Come on, doll. Let’s get this over with.”
I hold out my hand to her, but she ignores it.
“This is going to be a miserable fourteen days,” she whispers as she brushes by.
As I follow her, I frown.
I don’t want her to be miserable.
2
DAY TWO: SEA DAY
Last night was uneventful.After the safety briefing, Katie and I went back to our room. While Katie offered me the bed once again along with control of the TV, I waved her off. After ordering us both room service, I told her I’d be back in time to eat.
Then I made my way down to guest services. After speaking with one of their specialists, I set up my surprise for Katie.
I know she hadn’t made any plans for activities at our destinations on her original ticket. I also know that money is tight for her right now. Grant couldn’t tell me much, but he told me enough so that I wouldn’t ask for money from her. Not that I would’ve anyway.
Now, I have her all set.
I wasn’t surprised when she wasn’t in the room when I got back from working out this morning. She had told me what her plans would be for the day. So instead, I showered before heading out for the day.
Making my way into the atrium bar, I settle in and wait for the bartender to acknowledge me.
“Hello, sir. What can I get for you?”
It’s still early, so I opt for a soda instead of alcohol.
“A Coke. Thank you.”
As I wait for my drink, I admire the aesthetics of the bar.
That is, until I hear his voice.
“I’m telling you, babe. She was pathetic. Begging for me to take her back, even though I was clearly moving on with someone else. Then she still had the balls to come on this trip.”
His voice grates on my nerves as he moves to a stool a few down from my own. The bleach blonde tramp on his arm looks like she smoked crack for breakfast.
“How sad. You think she’s going to try to get back with you on the trip?”
I can see the blonde press against him harder, as if she’s worried he might flee.
Barrett chuckles. “Nah. I think she got the point. Besides, if I wanted her back, I would have already gotten her back.”
My fists clench as I hear him speak about Katie. I want to knock his lights out.
Instead, I force a harsh laugh from my throat, drawing his attention.
