Page 3 of Sail Me to Ruin
The captain takes the stage in a similar uniform to the rest of the crew except for the hat that gives him away. He stands quietly, letting everyone settle into silence before being passed a microphone.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome aboard theSea Seraph. I’m Captain Sterling, and I’ll be your guide on this unforgettable journey across sun-drenched waters and star-kissed nights. Over the next four days and three nights, you’ll find yourself immersed in more than just salt air and sea spray. You’ll be surrounded by opportunity and chance. Opportunity to unwind. To reconnect with yourself. And maybe...chances to connect with someone new.”
He pauses, taking in the different snickers and giggles at the implications he’s putting down before continuing.
“Our crew is here to make your experience laid-back and luxurious. From the champagne on deck to the music under the stars, we want to create magic for each and every person in this room. So, when or if you need something, find a crew member. That being said, we are going to be taking off shortly and when we do, our icebreaker mixer is going to start. So, mix, mingle, laugh a little louder. Dance like no one’s watching—or like that person across the pool deck definitely is. Toast with a stranger at sunset, only to find they aren’t a stranger under the stars. Welcome aboard, and welcome to four days that just might change everything. May your sunscreen be strong and your cocktails stronger.”
Applause erupts as he hands the mic over to another crew member and takes off to get us moving. The new crew member stands in his place, waiting for everyone to settle.
“The icebreaker mixer will take place on the top deck at Horizon Bar in fifteen minutes and goes until three in themorning. Grab a drink, go rest, or get ready, and we’ll see you all there!”
The crowd disperses around us and I grab Jade’s hand to head back to our room. Tugging gently on her hand, I find resistance. I look over my shoulder at her and see mischief brewing in her bright blue eyes.
“No, absolutely not. I am tired, we can pop in later!” I protest, throwing my defenses up about the mixer.
“But babeeee, we could have a drink and relax here then go! How fun is that?” she rebuttals, popping her lower lip out to pout as if that’s going to make me give in.
“Don’t…don’t you dare do this to me. You agreed this trip is to help me let loose and relax.”
“Drinking with your friend at a mixer and dancing under a sunset and the starsisletting loose, girl. You know I’m right!”
I go to argue and stop, knowing this isn’t a fight I’m going to win.
Letting out a sigh of defeat, I set the boundaries I know I will need to survive the evening. “Fine! BUTnoforcing me to dance and talk to guys tonight. Looking, sure, but nothing else. I want to have fun, just us! AND if the margs are trash, I’m going to the room.” I keep my voice firm so she can see how serious I am.
Jade squeals in excitement before grabbing my wrist and dragging me across the floor to the elevator to head up to the open bar.
CHAPTER TWO
elodie
Finally,after what feels like forever, the elevator lurches upward. My fresh margarita is clutched in my hand as we head up to the top deck. My throat tightens, nerves shot. Any second, Jade’s going to shove me at some stranger, and I’m not ready. So, I do the only thing I can to help right now, which is take bigger sips of the drink in my hand before going to get another one.
The elevator doors open to the top deck where the breeze makes the sun bearable for the time being. The view is incredible, seeing the ocean spread out ahead of us as we take off out of the port. All around us people are chatting, dancing, or grabbing a drink at the bar. There are tables scattered throughout the space and I scan each one to see if I can find an empty one. There are none, so we head to the bar to get another drink as we wait.
“Did you want to do shots or is that too much for you, El?”
I ponder the question, knowing there is no malice, I just happen to be such a lightweight it’s not even funny.
“We can do a couple if they can be mixed instead of straight tequila. I don’t want to be dead in Mexico tomorrow.”
She chuckles. “That’s something I can work with!”
Jade makes quick work of flagging down the bartender to get us new margaritas and some form of a shot while I scan the tables, praying one comes up empty soon because I am not nearly ready to hit the dance floor yet.
Scanning the faces, I take in all the different men around us. Some talk to pretty women who are clearly out of their league, while others hang out with their friends, stealing glances at the women they find attractive. I chuckle as someone makes a move and gets shot down by a woman who looks like she could be his mother. Licking his wounds, he crosses the floor to his friend and I do a double-take.
His friend is the literal form of tall, dark, and handsome. His dark brown hair is tousled by the wind and his sun-kissed skin in the light of the sunset looks almost golden. My gaze drags up his body—broad shoulders, fitted shirt, long lines of muscle—until I hit his face, and find him already watching me.
My cheeks flame as I turn away, quickly catching an empty table out the corner of my eye.
“I found a table. I’m gonna go grab it so we don’t have to wait for another!” I say quickly, keeping my eyes down as I make my way through the crowd and praying that nobody takes it before I can get there.
Once I sit down, I steal another glance at the handsome stranger; he’s lost in conversation with his friend. The conversation feels intense from here based on the scowl he wears. I take him in again, noticing the short stubble across his cheeks. As if my thoughts summon him, we lock eyes once again. He shoots me a wink before I can look away, and I know I look like a tomato. I drop my eyes to the table, taking my phone out to doom scroll until Jade gets over here.
I’m startled from the TikTok video I was watching as the table rattles when drinks are slammed down in front of me. Jade giggles as I panic at the different cups she’s placed in front of me.
“Why are there six drinks? What happened to not pushing me!” My voice squeaks at the idea of being dead hungover when I want to be able to snorkel and hang out in Mexico.
