Page 4 of Sail Me to Ruin
“It’s not six drinks. Chill. I got us both two margs so I don’t have to wait again and it’s ONE shot. Like I said, so breathe,” she chides back, as if my panic is unwarranted.
She has a higher tolerance than me and she knows it. These drinks, plus the one I’ve had, I might as well be in the wind already. Jade pushes the shot across the table before picking hers up and proposing a toast.
“To the men we’ll forget, and the outfits they won’t. Bottoms up, bitch!”
I giggle at the silly phrase and raise the shot glass in agreeance before tipping the glass back.
The burn isn't as harsh as it can be, thank God.
I set the glass down as the burn settles into my stomach.
“To hell with life, worries, and family. Let’s have fun, Jay, I need this!” I give her the biggest smile I can muster before my eyes clash with ocean-blue ones from across the deck where he raises a glass in salute.
Gnawing on my lower lip, I can’t help but to want him to come over and talk instead of this silent game we’re playing. I pick up my margarita and let go of all the stress from home.
I do deserve this. Jade is right. Everything at home isn’t going to change and I can’t carry the weight of it all.
We giggle like schoolgirls staring at the different types of intoxicated dancers. Our current favorite is the way-too-far-gone frat bros.
Dressed in chino shorts, Hawaiian shirts, and backwards hats, they all try to shake their butts to “WAP” by Cardi B. One falls to the floor, attempting to do the worm as the lights pulse in different colors above our heads.
Cutting through my giggles, Jade stands and grabs my hand. “Come on, it’s our turn. We can do better than all the Chads!”
I follow her to the dance floor as she weaves through all the people to the center of the floor. My eyes fly to the other side of the deck to find the handsome stranger gone. I fight the disappointment in him not finding me and push it aside.
We start off a little messy, trying to find a rhythm that sends us both into fits of laughter. As the song changes, we start swaying our hips to the beat, and the world fades out around us. The buzz hums in my veins and the lights above us flash different colors as the song changes.
We’re both now covered in a light sheen of sweat, having fun as I notice hands snake around Jade’s waist. I find her eyes and raise a brow in question to see if this is something she wants or not. Before giving an answer, she turns and we both get a good look at the guy. It’s the one from earlier who was rejected.
Seeing him up close, I notice he has the same hair and eye color as Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome but with more boyishness to his features. Jade looks back to me beaming and I know she’s right where she wants to be.
Rolling my eyes, I look around for his friend, hoping maybe he’s around here too. None of the faces around me are his. Hiding my disappointment, I grab Jade’s hands, making her dance with us both so she doesn’t forget I’m still here.
A few songs later, the three of us make our way out of the throngs of people to the bar to order more drinks. With a possessive arm around Jade’s waist, he flags the bartender down like a pro, getting her attention immediately.
He leans in and gets our order from Jade then relays it to the bartender along with an extra for himself. I shoot him a thank you before Jade remembers her manners.
“Sorry! Elodie, this is Knox! Knox, Elodie, my best friend!” She gestures back and forth, leaning into his chest while we wait on the drinks.
He nods his head and I do the same. I turn around, watching all the people in the crowd while they whisper in each other’s ears things I’m sure I don’t want to know. Finally, I lock eyes with the handsome stranger from earlier who is now much closer.
“Oh! He really is cute, go talk to him!” Jade hands me a fresh margarita as she follows where my eyes were. “Girl, go for it! This cruise is for people who want to meet someone. Take a chance!”
I roll my eyes, sipping my marg. “Babe, if he wanted to talk to me, he would. But he’s kept his distance. So, clearly he’s not interested.”
Knox scoffs, and I level him with a glare. “Excuse me? That’s rude.”
“No, what’s rude is that you think this is the 1800s and guys have to approach girls. What if he’s waiting to see ifyouare going to come to him?”
His question has me pausing and thinking hard; I chug the rest of the margarita, placing it on the counter.
“I could never be so bold.” My voice fades off in uncertainty.
Jade scoffs. “Babe, you’re beautiful and bold. Don’t doubt yourself.” She hands me another marg before shoving me toward the stranger.
“Now, go!”
Stumbling over my feet, the drink sloshs onto the deck below me as I right myself. Taking a deep breath, I glance back at Jade and Knox who are both giving me a thumbs up. I walk over to the stranger to introduce myself when I’m cut off by a rich voice.
