Page 168 of Game Night: Truth or Dare

“Hmpf,” he snorts out and gestures to my boat. “You call that a job? Back in my day, cruisin’ the bay was weekend recreation. Now, working the mines… that’s a real job.”

I smile at the old man. He’s opinionated and outspoken, but characters like Jim are part of the charm of Blue Point.

“I’d love to stop and chat, Jim, but I’ve got to get The Rosie ready for the day. Have a good day, mate.”

He nods and gets to setting up his gear as I head back up the dock. For the second morning in a row, I see Alex and Violet together, jogging toward me. “Hey, guys. Getting to be a habit, I see?” I say, glancing between them. I can’t hold back my grin—I’ve suspected something is going on between them for a while now.

Violet waves me off. “We’re just jogging, Austin.”

“Yeah, maybe something you should consider. Feel free to join us anytime,” Alex says.

“Fuck, no! I get enough exercise on the boat without getting up at sparrow’s fart to run around aimlessly.”

“Hey, are you still coming to Azure tonight for Karen’s birthday?” Violet asks, changing the subject.

“Of course,” I say. “Wouldn’t miss it. Kaz would never forgive me.”

“Monica will be there,” Violet adds.

I resist rolling my eyes. She’s been trying to set me up with her friend for months now, ever since I ended my last relationship. But, as beautiful as Monica is, she doesn’t get my pulse racing.

“Leave him alone.” Alex gives her a nudge. “He’ll get back on the horse when the time is right.”

“Oh, God!” Violet melodramatically presses her hand to her chest. “Now I’ll never get the image of Monica as a horse out of my mind.”

“On that note, I’ve got to get going,” I say with a chuckle. “Catch you guys later.”

They wave goodbye and soon I’m stepping onto The Rosie. An old boat I’ve done up, she now oozes charm and is as reliable as they come. Over the next hour or so, I run through my usual tour preparation routine, checking fuel and safety gear, rechecking forecasts and my itinerary for the day. Before too long, Kat arrives. She’s been working alongside me for the last six months.

“I’ve got the refreshments.” She passes over the insulated box from Poppy’s Pantry. “Scott says hi by the way. Said he’ll see you on the weekend.”

Scott is the manager of a local catering business and loves being out on the water almost as much as I do. When I’ve got time off, we sometimes head out on The Rosie or my little runabout, or take his little timber boat out on the bay with his boyfriend.

We finish stowing the food and cold bottles of water just as the first lot of tourists arrive.

“Welcome aboard. I’m Austin, the boat’s captain, and this here is Kat. We’ll be taking you out on the bay today.”

The next half hour is spent checking the guests off the manifest as they board, followed by the safety briefing, then we’re pulling away from the dock. As we head out on the water, I give my usual spiel about Blue Point’s history and point out the sights. I know this coastline like the back of my hand, but I never get tired of its beauty or the stories of the area.

As the boat glides along the foreshore, and Azure comes into view, my thoughts drift to Henry. I picture him behind the bar at Azure, charming customers with his quick wit and infectious laugh. We’ve been friends for a couple of years, but lately my feelings for him have started to shift. I can’t help imagining what it would be like if he and I were more than friends.

He’s still on my mind as we motor across the bay, heading out over blue waters towards the ocean inlet. My last relationship ended after three years. Rachel and I cared for each other, but the chemistry and passion were missing. She wanted commitment and planning for the future, while I struggled to picture us together long-term. With Henry, everything feels perfect. We can talk for hours or sit in comfortable silence. Not to mention, he’s gorgeous, and even his smile gives me butterflies. And while his constant flirting is mostly joking, and he has no idea I’m anything but straight, sometimes I wonder if there could be some truth behind it. The thought sends a nervous flutter through my stomach.

There’s a shout that brings me back to the present.

The tourists flock to one side of the boat, shouting and pointing, and taking photos. The pod of dolphins swim alongside the boat, a few playing in the wake, launching themselves into the air. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve experienced this, it still fills me with wonder, and I love being able to share this with my tour guests. I grin at their excitement. I live for these moments, sharing this place I love with others.

As the tour continues, Kat and I make a good team, entertaining our guests while ensuring their safety and comfort. We moor in a quiet bay for a morning tea of sandwiches, muffins, and cold drinks, then head back.

I wrap up my commentary as the boat pulls up to the dock and Kat secures the moorings. The tourists disembark, laughing and talking about the sights they’ve seen that morning. I wave the last couple off as Kat appears at my side.

“Fancy a quick swim?” she asks.

“You bet.” It’s now near midday and the temperature is soaring.

Kat’s already peeling off her clothes to reveal the swimsuit she’s wearing underneath. I toe off my shoes, feet touching the hot deck, then strip off my shirt and shorts. Then I’m diving into the refreshing crystal-clear water of Blue Point.

Chapter Two

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