Page 77 of The Situation Ship
“Even if we stay here, go to the beach, eat ice cream and lounge around in the sun, we can’t be sure whoever is doing this won’t just follow us. Hell, they could be in this restaurant rightnow staring at us. I want to be safe, and I love that you want me to be safe, but we both know that won’t happen until the person doing this is dead or in prison,” Poppy said, finding courage in Phoebe’s words.
“Then we keep going. We attend the event tonight and return to the ship as planned,” Isaiah said. She felt the whisper of his hand on her lower back, and the remaining pangs of her anxiety attack slipped away.
Back at the table, they moved to lighter topics. Poppy particularly enjoyed Axel’s story about how Phoebe destroyed a guy’s car with a crowbar and a tub of paint. Phoebe hadn’t run, and neither would she.
“I’m in desperate need of a drink,” Phoebe said, joining Poppy on the porch as she sat on one of the deck chairs looking out at the beach.
The cool night air caused goosebumps to prickle her skin. Still, she needed a break from the hustle and bustle of the successful casino night inside the double doors behind her. Seeing so many who desired to help others filled her with a great sense of hope. For so long, all she had seen was the greed and selfishness of those around her, and tonight had healed a small crack in her armour.
“Ask, and you shall receive.” Poppy handed her the untouched glass of sangria she had brought for Isaiah before Axel had taken him off to the poker table. Phoebe took a big gulp and sat down beside her. They both took off their heels and put their feet in the sand.
“I’m so glad I found you out here. I’ve been running around like a headless chicken, and my heels are pinching like crazy. At least the auction went without a hitch, and we reached our goal,” Phoebe sighed. “Thank you so much for inviting some of the guests from theMidas. It’s been a great help with funding. Some have even spoken to me about wanting to help fund special projects or pay for courses for those who want to further their art careers!” The words came out in a flurry of overwhelming enthusiasm.
“They had big pockets and nowhere else to be. Gambling, drinks and charity – I don’t think they could have found a better distraction,” Poppy said.
“Thank you. You’ve no idea how much this night means to me, and I can’t wait to tell the group at home. We haven’t even estimated what the tables have taken in yet. Still, Axel said we should have enough to purchase one of the buildings by the end of the night, and selling the villa should cover the others and the renovations!” Poppy could tell Phoebe was trying to control her excitement.
“You deserve every cent and more. What you’re creating will make many feel included and seen. I’d be happy to fund an art therapy program if you’re open to the idea,” Poppy said cautiously.
“I love that idea! Hopefully, when we have more space, we can start offering programs with professionals. I’d certainly love to be part of a therapy art group,” Phoebe said, staring up at the stars.
“I’m not an artist, but having struggled with depression for years, having a space to share with others who are suffering to create, if and when we want, sounds like the perfect escape,” Poppy said, happy that she liked the idea. “Hopefully, my bid will help make it become a reality.”
Phoebe’s eyes widened.
“You didn’t!” she exclaimed as Poppy revealed the pink slip from the auction.
“I had to purchase a painting! The city being reclaimed by the forest took my breath away.”
“You didn’t have to, but I’m glad you were drawn to it. That’s from my new collection, slightly different from my usual work. By the way, I fixed up the one we smudged today, and since we made it together, I’m going to send it to you,” Phoebe said, clearly not taking no for an answer.
“Are you kidding? Two for the price of one – an even better deal,” Poppy said, excited to decorate her new penthouse with artwork she loved.
Mina hadn’t arrived at the event yet. She’d returned to the suite late from the beach and said she would join them later. That had been nearly two hours ago. Poppy wondered if she didn’t want to come because she didn’t want to run into Francis, but she shouldn’t miss out on the fun because some idiot had treated her poorly.
“I hope everyone’s having a good time. Maybe we should have asked for more lighting on the beach?” Phoebe fretted as they stood on the porch leading to the beach. The moon reflected off the ocean and all the small boats.
“Everything, from the theme to the food to the thought you put into every auction item, is perfect. You couldn’t have done any more,” Poppy said, looking over her shoulder to the guests gathered around the roulette and poker tables, laughing, cursing or cheering. “Reaching your goal is a testament to how much everyone is enjoying themselves.”
Phoebe followed her gaze, taking in the night’s success. “I’ve been organising tonight for months and wanted it to be perfect. Everything feels like it’s going too well.”
“Don’t question it, and let yourselves celebrate. Tomorrow might bring new challenges and questions, but tonight’s a triumph. You deserve to revel in it.”
To her annoyance, she noticed Francis, Mina’s F1 Driver, walking towards them with a leggy blonde. She’d guessed he might make an appearance.
“You’re right, I know you’re right. I need to stop being so paranoid,” Phoebe said, finishing her drink.
“Nice to see you again, Poppy,” Francis said as the others caught up. Phoebe immediately got to her feet and embraced the woman warmly.Poppy should have forced a smile for Phoebe’s sake, but she couldn’t bring herself to be polite as they were joined by the pair.
“I wish I could say the same,” she muttered, wishing the latest world champion would take a long walk off the short pier.
“Sorry, I missed that?” Francis said, stepping closer. The smell of his expensive cologne verged on sickeningly sweet, and his khaki trousers and pink polo were a little low-effort for the black tie event.
“I said, what’s your friend’s name?” Poppy faked a smile, but he didn’t look convinced.
It didn’t matter, because the woman with him startled her by getting between them and kissing her cheeks. She was certainly friendly, and of course she couldn’t be held responsible for her boyfriend’s actions.
“Poppy! I’ve been dying to meet you. Phoebe was telling me about you while we were getting ready, and I was so excited you could come tonight,” she said, returning to Francis’s side.
