I pushed my legs over the side of the bed and forced myself to brave the day.Passengers would be boisterous and happy while I was just…bleh.
After a long, slow shower where I played out everything that had happened last night, I forced myself through the motions of getting ready to face the day.I brushed my teeth and got dressed, then walked out of my cabin to follow the usual routine in the gym.
Upstairs, Roan clapped his hands together.“Just in time for Tabata class next door,” he greeted me cheerfully.“The perfect way to start the day before all the festivities.”
“Not happening, now or ever, bear,” I muttered and stepped by him.Then I shoved my earpods in and tried to drown out my thoughts with a true crime podcast.
* * *
The day draggedin the agony of obligations and expectations, work meetings and rehearsals.Forced smiles at passengers who were all abuzz with excitement about Christmas.And why not?That’s why they’d sailed this week—to celebrate the holidays on a ship decked out with glittery galore.Tinsel twinkled, garland glittered, and wreaths decked each, well—deck.
“Christmas caroling, that should be fun,” a smiling Piper said as we left a meeting.
Oh yes,wonderful.I had to lead a round of caroling near the dragon pool this afternoon.To be forced to be joyful near a reminder of a dragon who I’d spent time with here, feeling so happy, so joyful.When we soared, it was like the two of us against the world.
And now?Now, I’d just have reminders of Darius once he left this ship for good.
“Wanna trade?”I teased.“I’ll try to pretend I know what I’m talking about to sell some paintings.”
She cocked her head and squinted.“What’s gotten into you, Bria?You usually love to perform.”
Right.I did.And I would again—maybe… One day.But definitely not today.
“Just a Blue Christmas,”I said with a tight smile.Then I dismissed my misery with a wave.“Just kidding.You’re right, I’m looking forward to it,” I lied.
But I powered through.Like a professional.I plastered on my smile and sauntered onto the pool deck.I forced my way through “Frosty the Snowman,” “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” and more classic favorites, which the crowd sang along with gusto.All the while, I ignored glancing up to the Gargoyle’s Perch, where Darius had shown me his dragon form and I had climbed on, taking to the skies.Breathtaking, magical…
Over.
More slogging through until night fell and Christmas Eve glittered across the ship.The sounds of entertainment rippled from every venue, and poinsettias added a splash of red in every other corner.I stepped into the Celestial Lounge for my performance tonight.Piano notes tinkled through the crowd as Rick set the mood, blending into the backdrop of the cozy warmth in the lounge.
Maribelle’s magical snowflakes twinkled and drifted down around potted trees decorated with garland.The air hummed with magic as the shimmering snowflakes caught the light.Guests were dressed in their finest gowns and suits.The air was sweet with the scents of hot chocolate, rum, and peppermint as the waitstaff served the holiday drink specials.
I stepped onto the stage and the din of the crowd hushed.Many familiar faces were out there tonight—Maribelle, Roan, Piper, and the entire Luna Blue Shadows band with their mates.That was odd to have them all here at once.Perhaps they were in the celebratory Christmas mood, which I most definitely did not share.Even Cedric and Marlene were there, and I tried not to wince as I remembered my outburst.
I glanced at Kylie behind the bar, and when she caught my eye, she stifled a grin and glanced away.What was going on?No time to speculate.Rick began playing the piano and I waited for my cue.
Here goes.I began to sing “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” pushing myself to put the sass into my performance the way the audience loved.
While I powered through, guests gathered around, joyous and celebratory.And I tried not to crumple.
I continued through the set, the usual holiday classics, feeling an unexpected pang of loss as I sang, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
After that more wistful song, we brought it back up to end with “All I Want for Christmas is You.”
The lyrics tugged at me, and I tried to ignore the painful reminder.
I felt a presence.
I felthim.
Darius.
Standing in the back of the room as he had before, wearing a dark suit and green tie.He watched me with his focused precision, as if he only had eyes for me.And then he smiled.It was the brightest, most glorious smile I’d ever seen on his face, lighting him up.
What was he so happy about?
He started walking toward me.What was he doing?
