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I don’t want to be that vulnerable again. Especially not to someone who has proven doesn’t feel the same about me.
I let my head fall back and groan as the sun beats down on my skin. I thought exercise was supposed to clear the mind. I’ve run around this deck three times already and all I can think about is how much I miss Percy.
The day after Percy and I called it quits, I did the one thing I told myself I’d never do. I ran away. Well not really it’s not like I packed a bag and went off to another country…okay that’s exactly what I did but it’s not permanent.
Once I stopped crying I jumped right on the computer and booked the first vacation that I could find. I’d already submitted my Snow Chronicles story and I didn’t have to report to Nova Tribune unless I wanted to so nothing was holding me. I was going to stay at an Air B&B but Carrie quickly took over and booked me a twenty one day cruise that goes around Europe. I tried to get her not to but she barely asked me for my preference on cabin rooms before she hit purchase. Three weeks alone with all the food I can eat, all the liquor I can drink, and some of the greatest sights in the world for me to see. Everything is so wonderful.
But nothing seems as wonderful as it could be now that I don’t have Percy to share it with.
After the last lap I make my way back to my room and drop down on the large bed. Of course Carrie didn’t listen to me when I told her that I just wanted a small room. She got me a full ocean view suite.
My phone buzzes and I’m not looking forward to moving off the bed to get it. I roll a few times simply because I don’t want to put my feet back on the floor. When I look at the message I’m surprised to see it’s the editor from the Times to let me know that my Snow family piece is going to press and will be out tomorrow morning. It’s over and I’m proud of what I’ve submitted.
The editor was impressed as well and even asked for me to join them full time but I told him that I couldn’t be tied down right now. The truth to the matter is I’m not sure I want to continue my career as a journalist.
I close out the message and scroll over to Carrie’s message chain. I see another message telling me that Percy has private investigators looking for me. Like usual, using his money to try and take control of the situation.
This is one problem he’s not going to be able to fix no matter how much money or clout he throws at it. I push the phone away and pull one of pillows to pull against my chest. A good sleep is probably exactly what I need., hopefully my dreams aren’t plagued with Percy.
* * *
“Hey, have you had a chance to check out the mambo class they’re offering?”
I look up from under my large sun hat at the man sitting next to me. I have to squint my eyes to get a good look at his face but once I do I have to say I’m impressed. He has gorgeous wavy brown hair, Deep brown eyes, and a tan that makes me think he’s been in the sun for an extended amount of time. The way he smiled at me let me know instantly that this was a pick up line and not just his curiosity.
I sit up better in the lounge chair so I don’t have to squint when I look up at him, “I don’t think a mambo class is something anyone would want to see me in. I’d be flailing around like a fish..” I laugh and push a strand of hair out of my face and behind my ear.
“Oh, you can’t be that bad.” He says as he takes the seat next to me, “I’m Linc, you?”
He puts his hand out for me to shake and that very familiar feeling of having to vurp. That nervous feeling in your gut when you have to vomit and burp at the same time. “Nice to meet you, I’m Ella.”
“Ella, nice to meet you…. So does your boyfriend-“
“I don’t have a boyfriend. “ I cut him off quickly which will probably look like I’m interested in him when in actuality I just don’t want to think about the last man I considered to be a boyfriend. I haven’t done any crying today and I’d like to keep it that way.
“Ah, that’s surprising.” Linc leans back, “I would have thought some one as beautiful as you would be snatched up. “
“Nope. “ I shrug and look down playing with the edge of my cover up. “What about you? You got a wife I need to be worried about getting the wrong impression?”
He tosses his head back and laughs, the sound is deep and smooth. It’s sexy and makes me look at Linc a little harder.
Linc puts his hands up and shakes his head, “Oh no, I don’t have any wife, woman or any other commitments. I’m here for my buddies bachelor vacation. I don’t know what I was thinking agreeing to spending three weeks with a bunch of guys I knew in college.” He scoffs.
“Sounds like you were thinking that you maybe would have a good time.” I offer in response.
“No, I do know a way I can have a good time.” Linc’s voice drops lower and the tenor of it makes my stomach flip. God he’s sexy.
“What is that?” I ask.
“Do you have any plans tonight? Anywhere you have to be?” His eyes peer into mine and I wonder if he’s some how brainwashing me. I feel my head shaking no even though I’m starting to see what he has on his mind.
He’s hitting on me, maybe trying to have a one night stand. What better way than on a cruise in the middle of nowhere with a bunch of people you’d never meet again. It’s the height of anonymity.
“Do you think you want to hang out with me for a while? I’m sure there’s a few things on this big ship that we haven’t seen. What do you say?”
Instantly my mind balks at the idea, I can’t go on a date with him… until I realize that I can. I’m not with Percy any more. I’m free and single. Maybe a hot vacation fling is exactly what I need. They say a rebound is the best cure to getting over an ex. As far as rebounds go, Linc isn’t a bad catch.
“Sure, why not. What time did you want to meet up?” I look up at him and see the surprise on his face. Please like he really thought I was going to say no.
