Page 13 of Sail Me to Ruin
We set our bags down and get comfy at the table before scanning the QR code to order food and drinks to the table. I’m scrolling the menu, trying to decide on brunch when she finally breaks the peaceful silence.
“Sooo…do you think he fell overboard or something? Like, how fucking weird was that? I felt like I was part of one of those true crime episodes we always watch!” She doesn’t even try to hide the excitement in her voice.
“Babe, something bad could have happened to that guy. Shouldn’t we just hope he ended up in the wrong person’s room, and he’ll emerge hungover and safe soon? I mean, it was obvioushe was drunk and looking for action last night, but he seemed so sweet.”
She scoffs, before cutting me off, “He wouldn’t randomly be in someone else’s room. Come on.”
Her serious tone catches me off guard. “What do you mean by that? I heard that guard say you were one of the last people to see him, but we had been together, so that doesn’t make sense. Anything YOU wanna share with the class?”
Her cheeks flame red as she purses her lips. “No, babe. Quit making it weird. We were some of the last people to see him. I’m sure his little friends will find him eventually.” Looking down at her phone, she changes the subject before I can reply. “So, what are we eating for brunch? Can we get some drinks? We don’t always get to be together on a cruise like this!”
Her tone lightens and I realize she’s probably right, so I shake my thoughts away.
“I was thinking french toast and bacon, with mimosas?” I pray she likes the mimosas and we don’t end up doing tequila shots instead.
Before she can reply, the chair my bag is sitting in gets pulled out, and my bag is placed on the floor. Blaise plops gracefully into the chair and his rich voice fills the space. “The french toast is a fantastic choice, little Storm. I must say, you have good taste.”
My eyes cut to Jade’s and she wags her brows at me as I give her my best absolutely not face.
“Did you get my flowers? Limited stock onboard, but I made do. Tell me you liked them.” His face softens as he looks at me like a puppy dog does its owner when it learns a new trick.
“They were pretty, yeah…I mean, thank you.” I try not to be awkward but stumble over my words.
Jade scoffs. “They were gorgeous, you did good big guy. And that NOTE, you did great. It was smooth, honestly.”
Realizing Jade is the bigger talker, I watch the gears in his head begin to turn. Keeping his eyes glued on me, he asks her, “How good was it? Like a private dinner in Mexico, good, you think? Because that’s what I’ve come here to ask.”
I can’t help but appreciate his candor, but the idea of being alone in Mexico together scares me. I eye Jade, trying to convey my hesitance, but it seems she can’t read between the lines today.
“I think she’d love that, but it has to be authentic. She’s been incredibly excited about sightseeing and trying the cuisine when we get to shore. What time does she need to be ready to go with you?”
My nostrils flare in annoyance, causing him to smirk. “Actually,” I interject, “I promised Jade that we would go dancing tonight, so that won’t work well with our plans, but thank you.” I keep my tone warm even though I feel anything but that.
I feel slightly smug at shutting him down when he rebuttals in a way I wasn’t prepared for.
“Oh, that actually works perfectly. That was the plan for after dinner anyways. We’ll leave for dinner around seven, then after dinner, I can take ya’ll to the hottest nightclub in the area. It’s owned by a good friend of mine and I can reserve a VIP table. My brother will also be coming with us. You both remember Knox, don’t you?”
Jade smirks, realizing that she benefits from this as well. “That timeline is perfect. It gives us a few hours to brunch, drink, and lie out in the sun before getting ready to meet you guys.” Her statement seems so matter-of-factly I know that he’s just won this round.
Seeming happy with the exchange and getting what he wants, he thanks Jade before standing. Just when I think he’s about to leave, he leans down and kisses my cheek softly.
“See you later, my pretty little Storm.”
With those parting words, he takes off into the crowd, probably to go find his brother. Pinning Jade with a glare, I snap, “What the hell! Why did you sign me up for a date?”
She replies cooly, “Babe, he’s hot, clearly got money and wants to treat us both at the end of night, which means no obligation to sleep with him. Can’t you just let someone take care of you? All you have to do is give him a chance and just have fun. He’s so attracted to you and this cruise doesn’t have to mean forever. Just look past your anger and see this for the opportunity it is.”
I go to argue back but stop, she’s right. I never let anyone treat me to things, especially not men.
What’s the harm in one date?
Sighing, I give in. “You’re right. I will give it a shot, but if I send an SOS you have to get me out—club be damned. Deal?”
Jade beams at me with her megawatt smile. “Deal! Also, I already ordered both of us mimosas and french toast with bacon. Let’s enjoy the food and sun then we can get you ready!”
Shaking off my nerves, I beam back.
I’m going to have a good time. I deserve this.
