Page 100 of XOXO

Violeta laughed. “Honestly, you could probably help me with my job.”

“What do you do for work?” Matteo asked.

“I currently⁠—”

“Hello!”

Mark stood by the beach.

“The boat is ready to leave when you are. Dinner will be served in an hour.”

“Thank you!” I yelled, not ready to leave, wondering if there was a way to have dinner out here.

“I’m starving,” Violeta said, swimming away from us.

“Mark said tonight a local chef will be cooking for us,” Matteo said, swimming next to me.

My stomach grumbled as I got out, and followed everyone to our cabana. We dressed quickly and made our way to the boat.

“Would you guys be ok with watching a movie as we eat?” Violeta suggested. “Mark talked about that projector and⁠—”

“Hell yeah,” Levi said, helping Violeta onto the boat.

“I think that's a great idea,” I said, walking on.

“Yeah, comfy clothes, eating on the couch sounds perfect,” Matteo said, stretching as he came onboard last.

“Great!” Violeta said, getting excited.

“Let me inform Mark and I’ll meet you guys downstairs,” I said, patting Matteo’s back as I went to go look for Mark.

“Ask him for popcorn!” Violeta yelled.

“I will!” I yelled back.

“We can bring the table from the inside and lower it to coffee table height,” Mark said, after I found him.

“That sounds great,” I said, watching the crew getting dinner ready.

“I will also bring popcorn and snacks after dinner,” he said, writing things down. “Shall I bring pillows and blankets outside as well?”

“Yeah, probably best, Violeta gets cold,” I agreed. “Maybe some hot chocolate or warm tea as well.”

“Good idea, sir,” he said, smiling. “Let me know if you need anything else.

“I will and thank the chef for what he’s preparing,” I said, throwing my towel over my shoulder.

“Will do, sir,” Mark said.

“Thanks Mark, remind me to give you a bonus when we dock,” I said.

“You don’t need to,” he said seriously. “You pay me enough for these two weeks to last me months.”

“Well, you deserve it when you have to deal with us and the last minute guest.”

“I’m glad you’ve found someone who makes you happy, sir,” he smiled. “She brings a certain softness and she seems very adaptable. I can see why you all like her.”

I didn’t know what to say to that. I thought we were being discreet.