Page 69 of Bumping into You

“Yeah,” says Margot, “let’s finish this game, and then someone owes us a round of tropical drinks!”

“And the winner gets bragging rights,” I say, “until the next game, of course.”

Laughing, Trent adds, “Let the frisbee final showdown begin!”

The winner ends up being Greg, and he buys us all a round of drinks as the afternoon sun begins to descend. Shortly after, we pack up our things, heading back to the cruise ship.

After dropping off our beach gear in our rooms and changing into something a little less sandy, we meet up two hours later and head to the theater to watch theMamma Mia!musical. The energy in the theater is high, especially from our group. As the show gets to the “Super Trouper” song, Holly, Gwen, and Margot sing and dance in their seats in sync with the actresses on thestage.

When the show ends, we take the stairs up to head out the back of the theater. The ship is sailing through some rocky water, and a few of us begin to feel its effects, swaying as we walk. The Kentons and Palmers walk out with Vivian, Miles, Maggie, and Gillian. Miles holds tight to his daughter’s arm, steadying her with each step.

Holly and Gwen are in a fit of giggles. Margot stands off to the side, hands on hips like she’s an exasperated parent waiting on her toddlers.

“Come on, lightweights,” teases Margot.

“I don’t know why it’s hitting me so hard,” says Holly, giggling as she tries to climb the stairs next to Gwen. “I have my Dramamine patch on.”

“Me either,” says Gwen. Tears sparkle in her starburst eyes from her laughter. Taking a step forward, she starts to tumble. Her hands reach out for the railing but miss. I quickly grasp her around the waist, gulping as my hands land on the soft skin.

“Don’t worry,” I say softly into her ear as I set her upright. “I’ve got you.”

Her big eyes lock with mine. “Thank you.”

Clearing my throat, I glance over at Holly and Greg. Holly isn’t fairing much better than Gwen. Greg has her elbow in one hand and is using his other hand to guide her up the stairs. Watching as Gwen takes another shaky step, I steady her again.

Once we exit the theater, the rocking subsides and everyone feels a bit calmer. “Alright, everyone,” says Gwen, checking the wedding itinerary on her phone, “you are on your own for dinner tonight, except for Holly and Greg. I’ve planned a special dinner at the hibachi restaurant for you two. You’re going to get a cooking demonstration from the head chef. They’ll lead you in a little mini class about hibachi, and you get to enjoy a romantic dinner and dessert at a table overlooking the ocean.”

“Gwen, that’s too much,” says Holly, tears brimming in her eyes.

“Thanks, Gwennie,” says Greg, giving Gwen a big hug. “That was thoughtful.”

“Oh, well, it was nothing,” says Gwen, “I just thought you two would like . . .” she trails off.

“It wasn’t nothing,” says Holly. “You are the best friend a girl could ask for.”

Greg and Holly leave for the hibachi restaurant. Gillian and Miles break off from the group to take Maggie to kid’s club so they can have a night out together. Vivian leaves the group, saying she’s going to meet up with Tammy and Bradley. The Kentons and Palmers head off to the Duke’s Diner.

“I think,” says Margot, “I’m going to catch one of the World Cup games at the sports bar.”

“I’ll join you,” says Trent. “We can catch dinner there too. You guys coming?” Trent asks Niall and me.

“They probably have other plans,” says Margot, giving me and Gwen a large smile.

“Other plans?” asks Trent.

“Actually, Margot’s right,” I say. “I’ve already got reservations for dinner tonight . . . with Gwen.”

Trent raises his eyebrows and nods, “Gotcha. Well, you two have fun.”

Trent and Margot turn and head off together toward the sports bar.

“When did you make a reservation?” Gwen asks, once they’re out of earshot.

“This morning before we all headed off to the beach.”

“But you didn’t know if I’d agree to dinner.”

“I had hope. Shall we?” I hold out my arm to her.

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