Page 8 of Cocky Cruiser

“Then why did you invite her?” my best friend asked matter-of-factly, arching a brow.

I didn’t respond. Instead, I took out the piece of paper that I always carried with me and unfolded it. I’d read it so many times that I knew every word by heart.

My eyes were drawn to the last sentence on the page, and I wondered if I’d subconsciously invited her because of it.

Chapter Three

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Chance chided, frowning at me. I’d just told him about the cruise after we finished breakfast the morning after my night out, and his stance against the trip made me want to go even more.

I crossed my arms over my chest. “No, I’m not fucking kidding you. The cruise leaves on Friday.”

Chance’s eyes about popped out of his sockets. “No. You are not going. Do you know how ridiculous this is?”

“Not any more ridiculous than a cross-country road trip with a complete stranger,” I taunted, referring to how he met Aubrey.

Aubrey raised a brow. “She has a point, babe.”

Chance’s wide eyes darted from me to his wife. “You can’t be serious, Brie. You really think she should go on a cruise with some bloke she just met? He could be a serial killer!”

I rolled my eyes as Aubrey chuckled and placed her hand on top of my brother’s. “You weren’t. I chose to let you, a complete stranger, into my car and drive hundreds of miles across the country. And look at what happened with us.”

Sighing, Chance tipped his head back and squeezed the bridge of his nose. “That’s different.”

“No, it’s not,” I argued. “Don’t be a hypocrite, Chance.”

My brother glared at me. “You just expect me to be okay with my little sister going on a nineteen-day cruise with some wanker she met in a bar?”

Rolling my eyes, I let out an exasperated sigh. “I didn’t just meet him in a bar. I told you that he’s Jeannie’s boyfriend’s friend.”

“Oh well, excuse me. Is that supposed to make me feel better?”

I ran my hands over my face, frustrated by my brother’s bullheadedness. “Don’t you trust me, Chance?”

His face softened. “Of course, I trust you. I just don’t want you to get hurt again, Adele.”

My chest ached at the memories of the abuse I’d been subject to. I reached out and put my hand on top of my brother’s free one. “I know. I’ve learned from my mistakes. I know the signs of users and dealers, and this guy isn’t one. Plus, he can’t keep me hostage on a cruise ship. There are security guards, surveillance cameras, and thousands of other people.”

My brother sighed again. “Fine. But if I don’t hear from you at the end of every day, I will find a way on that ship and murder this guy.”

I rolled my eyes with a laugh. “Deal. Now can we go to the stadium and get the attention off me for a bit?”

Chance shrugged with a laugh. “Sure, why not? Might as well put the final nail in my coffin.”

“Oh my God, you are so dramatic, Chance,” Aubrey said, shaking her head.

I made the most out of what was left of our family vacation together and spent every waking second with Chance, Aubrey, and baby Chance. We didn’t argue about the cruise again, and I was thankful I wasn’t leaving on a sour note.

On Thursday evening as I was repacking my suitcase for the cruise, my phone buzzed. Glancing at the screen quickly, I noticed that I’d gotten a text from Cohen.

Cohen:Are you ready for the trip of a lifetime?

I couldn’t stop the smile on my face. I was more excited than I’d ever been in my life, and I probably wouldn’t be able to sleep that night.

Me:Yes :) I can’t wait

Cohen:Good - what time are you planning to get to the airport?

Me:My brother is dropping me off at 11.

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