The two-deck boat offers an indoor dining area and dance floor on the main level. The top deck is entirely open, offering a view of the ocean, horizon, and soon, the expansive sunset. With dinner almost served, we make our way to the indoor space. The doors open, and the decorations are classy and sleek. Tables with white linens and vibrant turquoise napkins are scattered throughout the space. A globe centerpiece filled with water and floating candles sits in the center of each table. When it gets darker, the lights will flicker throughout the space.
“Our table is over here,” I say, gesturing toward the table positioned close to the wooden dance floor. The upbeat music vibrates through the air, and colorful lights sweep across the space, reflecting off the shiny surface. It’s the perfect spot for us.
“This is amazing.” The room offers a sweeping panoramic view through its expansive glass windows.
“Wait until the sun sets. I’m sure the view will be breathtaking,” I drape my arm over her shoulder and tug her closer. I can’t get enough of her.
Max and Klara aren’t sitting yet, but we spot Faith’s three friends. They’ve beat us to the table. Faith sees them and slides into her seat, and I follow.
“Isn’t it nice to see you two together,” Kendall says, her curious gaze pointed at Faith.
She dramatically flips her hair and says, “I’m thrilled to be Jude’s date to this evening’s event.”
Just then, Max and Klara arrive at the table, perfectly timed as the waitstaff serves dinner. The conversation naturally gravitates toward the wedding, with everyone discussing the details. Kendall seems in awe as she soaks it all up.
Klara pauses the lively wedding chatter to address Faith with a warm smile. “I’m truly happy that all of you could make it, and especially you, Faith. Witnessing you two together truly fills our hearts. He’s one of the good ones.” Max gently takes Klara’s hand and kisses it.
Faith nudges my shoulder, smiles at me, and says, “He really is.”
“My sentiments exactly,” Max chimes in, even though I know he’s distracted by Klara. He can’t wait to tie the knot and spend the rest of his life making her happy. They make each other happy. It’s one of those relationships you want and strive for in your own life.
The DJ plays dinner music while we eat. Klara asks Faith about her therapy practice, and they chat about how well it’s doing. I’m talking with Max about the logistics for the wedding, but I have one ear listening to the girls’ conversation. It’s like they’ve all known each other for years; the discussion is so laid back and they naturally talk over each other. Faith fits in seamlessly, laughing and joking as if she's been part of our friend group for a long time.
While everyone is finishing dinner, some stay inside and others move about the boat. As the waitstaff clears the dishes, the DJ continues to play music.
Max stands, tugging on Klara’s hand. “We are heading out to watch the sunset. We’ll meet you all back here.”
“Enjoy, we’ll see you out there,” Faith says as she puts her napkin on her plate and stands up.
As I push back my chair, it slides against the floor. I take Faith’s hand and pull her to my lap. “Where do you think you’re going?” I tease as I encircle my arms around her body.
“Restroom! I’ll meet you out there.”
“Okay. I’ll walk you there, and we can make our way to the sunset viewing area when you’re done.”
We stand up and linger close to each other before she says, “Well, thank you.”
We make our way to the restrooms, and the sound of dishes clattering and music switching to a dance beat signals the night of celebrating is about to begin. As I stand outside the restroom, Kendall walks up to me. I thought she was heading inside, but she pulls me aside instead.
“She cares about you. Don’t hurt her,” she says, eyeing me with concern. “I have never seen her so happy, and we’ve known each other a long time. That should tell you something. Don’t get any ideas about hurting her again. Got it?”
“I have no intentions of doing that. I’m trying to get to know her and share things about me. We agreed to spend time together and see where it goes.”
“Before she comes back out, know that I’m cheering for you. You’ve really made an impression these last couple of days,” she says as she slides her card to me. “And if you ever need anything or if I can help facilitate something, reach out.” She winks at me.
“Ah, thank you.” I stare at her, trying to decipher her message as I put her card in my pocket for safe keeping.
“I’ll kill you if you hurt her again. She deserves nothing less than the best. Be that person,” she says, jabbing her finger at my chest.
And with that, she walks into the restroom just as Faith walks out. They exchange a quick hug and Kendall says, “Have fun.”
Faith stumbles over in a daze. She says, “That was weird. Did she say anything to you?”
“Well, I heard what she said to you,” she says as I pull her in close and give her a kiss on her forehead. Hand in hand, we walk to the back of the boat and have some alone time.
The sky is more colorful than last night. It’s full of deep oranges radiating off the sun as it lowers. There’s a deep pink on the edge of the orange. It’s magnificent—being on the open water for these panoramic views. I wish I had brought my camera. I’ve been so focused on Faith, I haven’t even taken it out. I’ll have it out on Saturday for the wedding.
My arm slides across her back, and I pull her in. She steps closer, gets up on her tiptoes, and kisses me. I part her lips and glide my tongue against hers. It feels like the longest kiss with her soft lips on mine. Anyone else that’s around no longer exists; it’s just me and her. When we break away from each other, it’s like my entire world is missing.
