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“If I had to guess, I’d say you’re either a stripper or escort,” I say, delivering her similar guess about the cocktail.
This earns me a bit of laughter and she holds her hand up for me Pete to get us another round.
“Far from it, sugar. Our company owns a yacht that host cruises for the discerning rich. We have a few openings for stewardesses, and I can put in a good word for you.” She laughs again. “Can’t believe you thought I was an escort or a stripper.”
“Sorry about that. You know what they say about when you assume, and apparently, I’m on a roll tonight with making an ass out of myself.”
“Don’t give it another thought. The yacht departs from Orlando in a few days, so unfortunately, it’s not much time to think it over. I’m actually flying back in the morning. I was only here to visit some family.”
“Color me intrigued. Can you tell me a little more about the job?”
“Of course. Can I have a pen?” She asks Pete as she grabs a napkin from the bar. She scribbles some numbers and passes it to me. “This is what our starting stewardess makes, and that doesn’t include the tips from the guests.”
My mouth gapes open. This can’t be real. “And you’re sure there is no sex involved— no expectation of sleeping with the guests?”
I stare at the five thousand dollars written on the napkin.
“The cruise is for a month, so that’s a month’s worth of pay. Of course, all your meals are included in addition to your room and access to the amenities. The best part is that you will get time off to enjoy the beautiful destinations that the yacht visits. No sex with the guests or between staff! It’s actually prohibited.”
“What’s the catch then?”
“Why does there need to be one? This is not a new concept, Vivi. It’s a yacht that caters to the rich for unique getaways.”
“Like Below the Deck,” I surmise. I forgot about that show.
“Something like that,” she says. She finishes her drink and then takes the napkin from me to scribble something once more.”
“I must get going. As I said before, I have an early flight in the morning. Here is my number.” She passes the napkin back to me. “If you’re in, call me before noon. You can leave your answer by voicemail if I don’t answer. You then have until Wednesday to get to Orlando. I’ll text you the location once I have your answer.”
“Wait. How do I know that this offer is legit? That I won’t spend my last getting to Florida only to be made a fool? What if your boss says no?”
“The choice is yours, Vivi. I’m in charge of hiring the stewardesses. If you want the job, it’s yours, but you have to meet me halfway. Get yourself to Orlando!”
She digs in her purse and pulls out a business card with her info. The top of the card says TPL Enterprises. “Look me up. I’m legit.” She gives me a small wink before strolling out the door. All heads turn to watch her leave.
Holy fuck! I didn’t have that insane offer on tonight’s bingo card either.
CHAPTER TWO
VIVIENNE
The Uber glides through the unfamiliar streets of Fort Lauderdale, palm trees lining the roads like silent sentinels welcoming me to a new chapter. The scent of saltwater hangs in the air, a stark contrast to the exhaust-laden atmosphere of the Bronx. I take a deep breath, inhaling the promise of a fresh start.
As the car moves forward, my mind swirls with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. I glance at the towering skyscrapers, wondering if the people in those high-rises have stories as complex as mine. The plane ride already feels like a distant memory, a whirlwind of emotions and anticipation. I no longer had ties holding me to New York, only abuse and broken family relationships. The decision to leave the Bronx was fairly easy after the written pros outweighed the cons by a landslide. I emptied my savings account, spent my last dime on a one-way ticket to Florida. A gamble fueled by desperation and the burning desire for change. With this five grand I’ll earn as a stewardess, I have a real shot at independence and a new beginning. Last night, I did have doubts about Bianca and how this offer came to be, but I’ve decided not to be pessimistic—to allow something positive and good to happen to me for once. I’ve endured enough bad luck. It’s my turn to be happy.
My phone buzzes, a notification from the rideshare app confirming my destination. The address reads “Bahia Mar Marina.” Reality is settling in. I never thought I’d be heading to work on a yacht, especially after the abrupt end to my job at the Bronx diner. The image of the drab, flickering neon sign above the diner’s entrance flashes in my mind. The chastising words of my former boss echo–the bitter taste of unemployment lingering on my tongue.
As the car approaches the marina, my heart quickens. The sight of opulent yachts lined up like a parade of dreams realized sends a shiver down my spine. Growing up, my family was quite rich, but I’ve never experienced anything like this. The Uber slows to a stop, and I pay the driver with a mixture of gratitude and nerves.
Stepping out onto the marina, I take a moment to absorb the scene. The air is thick with the scent of the sea, and the distant sounds of laughter from the decks of other yachts fill the air. I tighten my grip on my two large suitcases, containing all I have left in the world. I pull out my phone to call my point of contact as instructed by Bianca to do once I’ve arrived.
An older, silver-haired gentleman dressed in khakis and a button-down shirt greets me within minutes. He introduces himself as Atticus and explains he is here to take me on board. He stretches his hand out for me to shake, and I take it.
“Hi, there. You must be Vivienne. Bianca told me to be expecting you,” he says, as he grips my hand firmly. “My name is Mr. Davenport, but you can call me Atticus. I’m the house manager, so to speak, but on a mega yacht. I see to all the affairs related to staff and oversee daily operations.”
“Nice to meet you, Atticus. I’m honored for the opportunity, but I must admit. I don’t have any experience as a stewardess or working on a mega yacht.”
“You will get the training you need before being left on your own. We set sail first thing tomorrow morning, but be assured that the staff aboard is plentiful,” he continues. “We have a crew of fifty-eight.”
