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I look down at my empty plate, surprised to see I’ve eaten everything but the fiery red sauce. I contemplate returning for a second helping when I spot Gina from HR strolling toward the buffet. Her trajectory will take her perilously close to my table.
I glance around for a bussing bin, but a member of the crew swoops in. “All finished, my lady?” asks a handsome young man in a blue vest and white shirt.
“Yes.” Before he can even make away with my plate, I’ve launched from my chair and headed away from the buffet. I can always come back later for more.
I beeline for the railing on the opposite side of the deck, the rows of lounge chairs mostly empty other than a snoozing Alaina from operations.
The boat glides through the Atlantic, an occasional spray rising high enough to sprinkle cool droplets on my arms and cheeks. There is nothing as far as the eye can see in any direction, only unbroken ocean and the vast open sky.
Now, this is why I snuck onto the cruise. I close my eyes to the afternoon light, dazzling even through my sunglasses. I lean my arms on the cool rail and soak it all in. Everything falls away. My lost job. My bills, which will stack up soon, unpaid. My traitorous former best friend.
Gone.
It’s all good now, the boat sluicing through the water, the sun warming my face. Today is about delicious food and time to myself.
Tomorrow I’ll have sandy beaches and drinks with umbrellas and reading to the sound of waves lapping the shore.
Life is good. I will be fine. There will be other jobs. With better bosses. A new bestie. I will survive this.
I let out a long, slow exhale. In this moment, I am happy. Content.
Then I hear a familiar voice.
“Good God, Bailey, is that you?”
6
RHETT
Finally, some peace and quiet.
I requested a plate be sent to my cabin rather than eat lunch with the rest of the company. I got plenty of employee time during the welcome party.
It took a lot of restraint when the bar opened not to step right up. But drinking is a slippery slope. Once I get started, party Rhett might come out to play.
Instead, I open the binders Gloria brought while I sample an incredible selection of Caribbean food. I savor each one for a moment. The green sauce on plantains is pure bliss.
But work eventually calls. I’m particularly interested in the marketing requisitions. I’ve barely gotten started when there’s a knock on my door.
What now?
I peer through the peephole.
Great. Viola Jennings has figured out which cabin is mine.
“I see the shadow behind the peephole!” Her voice grates on my last nerve.
I gather my patience and put on my sternest expression before opening the door.
“Yes, Viola?”
“All work and no play makes Rhett a dull boss.” She saunters right past me, her white mesh swimsuit cover-up falling off her shoulders to gather at her elbows. Her damp flip-flops leave footprints on the carpet.
She glances around. “Huh. I thought your suite would be huge.” She heads to my balcony. “This is bigger, though. I can barely squeeze this backside onto mine.” She tosses a saucy look over her shoulder. Her assets are barely contained in a pink bikini, easily seen through the mesh. She knows it. She’s working it.
“Can I help you, Viola?”
She spots the leather books. “Are you working? I thought you were just in hiding!” Her eyes narrow at the dailies. “You had all this printed out?”
