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“But the sex was good?” Hana asks.
“Oh yeah. The sex was fucking amazing.”
“So… I don’t see the problem?”
“I’m moving to England for two years.”
“Ah.”
“Do you have to go?” Caro asks.
“No, but it’s such a great opportunity, and anyway, all relationships sour eventually.” I wince as they exchange a look. “I meant all my relationships. And I don’t want that to happen to us.”
Even as the words leave my mouth, though, I feel a pang of regret. Things have already soured between Hux and me. Damn, I’m such a fool.
A steward comes over with a platter of nibbles, and the conversation moves on. It’s dark now, getting late, and it’s going to be a big day tomorrow. I’m tired, I’ve drunk more than I should, and I feel suddenly weary.
“I think I’ll call it a day,” I tell the others. They protest politely, but I smile and say goodnight, then head inside.
Part of me wonders whether Huxley will catch up with me and try to stop me leaving. But he doesn’t. I walk down the steps to my cabin, go in, and lock the door. Then I sit on the edge of one of the beds and flop back.
I feel weighed down by sadness and regret. I shouldn’t have slept with Huxley. I’ve spoiled everything. I want things to go back to the way they were, but that’s physically impossible. I’ve made my bed, and I have to lie in it, I know that.
It doesn’t mean I have to be happy about it, though.
I get ready for bed, then slide beneath the covers and lie there looking out at the stars, feeling the yacht rocking beneath me, and imagining Huxley curled up behind me, his breath warm on my neck as we both fall asleep.
*
I sleep well in the end, and wake up naturally just after six. I have a quick shower and dress, then head up to the saloon for breakfast around seven.
We moored overnight at Urupukapuka, the largest island in the Bay of Islands, and we’ve not yet set sail for Paihia, where we’re picking up Mack’s family. Outside, the rich green bush that covers most of the island contrasts with the deep blue of the ocean and the cornflower-blue sky. It’s a beautiful morning, already hot and sunny, and the forecast is the same all day.
I’m guessing a few people are nursing hangovers as most of the tables are empty. Mack and Sidnie are there. They aren’t bothering with the tradition of not seeing each other before the wedding and are happily tucking into a cooked breakfast at a table with Huxley and Victoria.
I ask the chef for scrambled eggs to go with my bacon and toast, and take the plate over to join them, as it seems rude to sit at another table on my own.
“Morning,” they all say as I take the remaining chair.
“Hey.” I smile at the steward as he comes up to offer me coffee. “Yes, please.” I wait until he’s poured the cup and retreated before I continue. “How are you two doing today?”
“We’re good,” Mack says. “All ready for the big day.”
“Get plenty of sleep?” I ask innocently.
Mack opens his mouth to reply, then catches my eye and grins. “Some.”
“Yeah,” Huxley says, “don’t think we didn’t notice the boat rocking when the two of you went to bed.”
Sidnie blushes, and I scold, “Hux, honestly.”
“You started it,” he says.
“It’s a beautiful day for getting married,” I say, sending him a mock glare before changing the subject. “How excited are you on a scale of one to ten, Sid?”
“Fifty-two,” she says, and giggles. “I am sorry. We must be very annoying at the moment.”
“Of course not,” Victoria says, “if you can’t be excited on your wedding day, when can you?”
