Page 17 of Cocky Cruiser

We went back over to the table and sat down as Cohen suggested, “I have an idea. How about we split up the brochures and circle the excursions we’re interested in? Then we can exchange and see if any of them match up.”

I smiled. “That sounds like a good idea.”

Cohen separated the different brochures into two equal piles, then handed me one. The four ports I’d been given were Moorea, Bora Bora, Lahaina, and Honolulu.

We both started browsing through our brochures. Some of mine had several good choices, and I gnawed on my bottom lip as I tried to narrow them down to only two or three options.

One of the options in Moorea was swimming with dolphins, and I instantly chose that one since it was on Cara’s list. That one was definitely the easiest choice.

It took us about fifteen minutes to select our choices before we switched. When I looked through what Cohen had selected, most of his picks were my top picks as well, so I was glad we wouldn’t have to disagree or argue over the excursions.

“You had some pretty good picks,” Cohen commented as he set the pamphlets down on the table. Seems we have similar interests.”

I set mine next to his. “I agree. I didn’t have trouble with any of your selections.”

He smiled at me. “Well, let’s see what we ended up with.” He pushed aside the one for the Bay of Islands. “We already decided the paddleboarding on this one.” He spread out the rest of the brochures then picked up the one for Auckland. “So, looks like the aquarium and sky tower for Auckland.”

“I really wanted to do the glowworm caves, but it says it’s a three-hour drive each way,” I pointed out.

“Yeah, I don’t want to be on a shuttle bus for six hours of our only day there,” Cohen agreed.

Then he picked up the next port, which was Moorea. “And dolphin swim for Moorea.”

“Bucket list item,” I sang enthusiastically.

Cohen laughed. “Definitely looking forward to checking that one off the list.”

I swiped the next port off the table, scanning over what we’d both circled. “Catamaran sail with snorkeling in Papeete.”

With a smirk, Cohen snatched the next port off the table and opened it. “Shark and stingray watching by glass-bottom boat.”

“That one we also get to swim with the stingrays,” I pointed out.

“That was the main reason I picked it,” Cohen said.

“Me too. I love ocean animals, so I will take as many encounters as I can get with them.”

Cohen set down the pamphlet, smiling at me like he knew something I didn’t. “Have you ever considered studying marine biology?”

I nodded, feeling my stomach knot. “I have.”

“Well, why don’t you do that? Doing something you love is the best choice for a career.”

My chest tightened. I didn’t want Cohen to look at me differently since my past had hindered my life plans. “The past several years of my life haven’t been the best. I was…” I trailed off, trying to find the best words to say I’d fucked up my life in a nice way. “I lost my way for a while. So, I’m trying to make up for that now.”

He nodded. “Good. I’m happy for you.”

I almost let out a sigh of relief when he didn’t prod more. He’d revealed so much to me, but I wasn’t ready to tell him about my past. There was no reason to if our relationship ended once the cruise docked.

As we went through the rest of our choices, I thought more about what Cohen had said. California had several marine biology programs, and living on the coast was perfect for a career in marine biology. “I think I’m going to do it.”

Cohen arched a brow. “Do what?”

“Marine biology. Once we get back, I’m going to look into schools and a career path.”

Cohen grinned widely. “That’s great. I know you can do it.”

I smiled. Internally, I always warred between having faith in myself and doubting myself because of my past. But Cohen’s reassuring grin gave me more confidence, and for some reason, I wanted to make him proud.

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