Even though the sun was barely warm, the yacht buzzed with the excitement of the first day of a trip. Deckhands were launching the tender—a small boat designed to ferry crew and passengers between the ship and ports of call. A crew member was clearing plates from the table. Another was mixing drinks at the bar.
Already? What Time O’Clock did I wake up?
I was halfway through my breakfast when Nikos slid into the chair beside me. His green eyes took on the sparkling hues of the sea.
“Kalimera, glikia mou,” he said.
Good morning, something. I would have to look upglikia mouon the English/Greek translation app I downloaded.
“Kalimera, Nikos.”I raised my coffee in a morning salute.
“We’re going diving today. Some spectacular shipwrecks in the area. They have wet suits onboard. Isabelle, Thomas, and Teri are getting fitted. You up for it?”
Dammit. The no-swimsuit excuse wasn’t going to cut it. “I’ve never gone diving before.”
Diving is bullshit. You finally learn to swim, then you want to stay submerged. What kind of nonsense hobby is this, Nikos?
But we weren’t married yet, so I filed it underFuture Projects With Future Husband.
“Come anyway. You can do some snorkeling. One of the deckhands is taking us out in the boat. Captain Bailey said he’s a professional scuba diving instructor. Maybe he can give you a lesson while we’re out there.”
Maybe he can roll me up in bubble wrap instead, because that’s the only way you’ll get me to a diving site in the middle of the sea.
“I’m going to sit this one out. I’m still a little jet-lagged.”
“Sorry to interrupt.” Captain Bailey’s shadow cast over our table. “Could I have a word with you, Moti?”
“Sounds like you’re in trouble with the big boss.” Nikos winked at me and took his cue. “If you change your mind, come find me. You’re going to be bored as hell with no one but oldies to keep you company today. No disrespect, Captain Bailey.”
“None taken,” she replied, as Nikos blew us a kiss and took off. “So how did you manage in the crew quarters last night?”
An image of Alex’s bare butt flashed before my eyes. “Fine. Not bad at all.”
“I talked to your mother. The situation with your uncle and aunt hasn’t changed.”
Great. Another night in the cramped bowels of the ship.
“I don’t mind taking the same bunk again. I mean, it’s just to sleep.” I flashed Captain Bailey a convincing smile and realized I actually meant it. I’d slept surprisingly well after my midnight snack.
“Fine.” Captain Bailey nodded. “Come see me if you need anything.”
“Well…” I gazed at the clusters of white houses set into the surrounding hillsides. “I was hoping to check out the island. Is there anyone who can take me ashore?”
“Chef Alexandros will be leaving soon. He’s picking up some supplies for dinner, so you’ll be on your own while he’s at the market. Unless one of the other guests want to join you.”
“I’m okay going solo, but I’ll see if anyone else wants to join.”
“You have half an hour.”
I watched Nikos, Isabelle, Thomas, and Teri take off on the small boat, until they were tiny specks against the horizon. I’d lost a full day with Nikos, but better safe than dead. It was nice to soak up the sun and scenery while I had breakfast. I always enjoyed eating outside—al fresco. I liked the expression al fresco. It sounded like a multi-national conglomerate of fresh air, run by a benevolent man named Al. One of my co-workers told me Italians sometimes used the term to mean that someone was ‘in the chill,’ a.k.a in prison.
I certainly wasn’t eating like I was in prison. My breakfast came exactly as I’d requested and it was delicious. Alex was behaving, or maybe he just wanted to avoid having to make extra snacks for me. I gobbled up the last bite and made my way to the salon.
Joseph Uncle and Thomas’s father, George, were playing cards. Naani chatted with Fia, while Dolly and Rachel Auntie went over wedding stuff with Thomas’s mother.
“Kalimera,” Kassia said when she saw me. “Did you have breakfast? You need to eat more. Look at you. All skin and bones.”
I’m pretty sure she would’ve said the same thing to a sumo wrestler at the peak of his bulking diet.
