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15
Rick
It felt different being back on this ship as a passenger, and not being expected to work. I was itching to get out, but I couldn’t risk Valentina seeing me. I had no idea how she would react if she found out that I was on board.
This room was a luxury suite compared to the employees’ quarters – definitely, a room meant for two. With any luck, I won’t be alone for long. It even had a couch and dining table with chairs. I had no idea why anyone would want to eat in here. I knew food wouldn’t be on my mind if Valentina was here.
There was a knock on my door, and no matter how badly I wanted it to be Valentina, I knew it wasn’t. At least it shouldn’t be. If it was, then everything I’d planned was for nothing. Slowly, I opened the door and there stood Carlie. Just having her here calmed something in me. I knew Valentina had her family on the cruise, but it felt amazing to have mine as well.
“Hi sis, are you and Roger all settled in?” I asked, beckoning her inside.
Carlie nodded. “Yes. Roger is already sitting by the pool enjoying some fancy drink. I don’t know why you can’t join us. It’s a huge ship. What are the odds that you’re going to run into Valentina?”
“I’m not taking the chance. I’m staying in this room. Tomorrow is the big day and then she’ll know I’m here,” I said. Everyone had gone through so much to ensure this was kept a secret. I wasn’t about to blow it just because I was going stir-crazy in here.
“You’re turning out to be the romantic one in the family. Maybe I’m going to need to take the notes you give me about my stories more seriously.” She laughed and added, “But I’m not sure my readers would like that. A man’s idea of romance isn’t the same as a woman’s.”
“I think I’m doing quite well with all of this,” I defended myself.
“You are, with us ladies backing you up. You’re welcome, by the way,” she smiled.
I shook my head. “Don’t make me sorry for inviting you,” I joked. “I have plans to make, or did you forget?”
“That is why I’m here. Do you need my help?” she offered.
“No. Your being here is all the help I need.” I meant that. “But feel free to have a seat and visit with me while I double check everything.” There was another knock on the door, and I said, “I’m not having a party in here, am I?”
I went and answered the door. Abby quickly slipped inside.
“I don’t have much time. My mom keeps asking why I don’t want to be with everyone on the deck. Good thing I have a believable excuse. I tell her I have to pee.”
That was more information than I needed, but I was relieved to hear that Valentina was on the ship. I’d had a horrible dream that she bailed at the last second.
Carlie walked over and said, “Hi, you must be Abby. It’s so good to put a face to the voice.”
“What are you talking about?” I asked.
Carlie shrugged. “You wouldn’t give me any details, so I did some research and reached out to Abby myself.”
“You what?” I said surprised. “I had told you everything you needed to know.”
“But not everything I wanted to know,” she smiled.
Abby laughed. “And boy did we have a good time chatting. Although I am very disappointed.”
“At what?” I asked.
“Your sister didn’t give me any good blackmail stories about you. Bummer. I thought for sure they would come in handy when I need a favor,” she teased.
“Am I going to regret having you all on this cruise when I propose?” I asked.
Abby shook her head. “You would if you hadn’t invited us.”
Carlie said, “I might be wrong, but I think your family is expanding?”
Abby rubbed her now rounding belly and said, “Yes, I am. Timothy and I are going to announce the sex of our baby on this cruise.”
“Really? When are you doing that?” I asked.
