Hannah leans further into me, her arms wrapping around my shoulders as she deepens our kiss.
“Captain Pike?” Grace Olivier’s gentle voice floats up the stairs and into the bridge as the sun begins to rise over the horizon.
In an instant, the bubble created by Hannah is destroyed.
How could we be so careless?
Hannah immediately leaps away from me, her face white as a sheet. To distract myself, I lift the coffee Hannah brought to my lips, praying like hell Grace didn’t see anything.
Grace rounds the corner at the top of the steps looking poised and unconcerned.
“Good morning, Dr. Olivier. Is everything okay?” My voice is calm while my nerves are on edge.
“I had a quick question if you have the time. Oh, good morning, Hannah.” A smile I’ve only seen her give Hannah crosses her face. It’s sweet and reminds me of a grandmother looking at her granddaughter.
Hannah has already started walking towards the steps and away from me wringing her hands. “Good morning, Grace. I didn’t know you were up. Is there anything I can get for you?”
Grace waves her off. “Heavens no. I’ll be fine for a bit longer.”
Hannah nods her head, lightly touching the older lady’s shoulder. “I’ll be around when you need me.” With one last worried glance back at me, Hannah jogs down the steps.
“What can I help you with?” She’s been nothing but pleasant this whole time, and the crew has been keeping up to my standards, so I’m curious if there’s an issue I need to address.
Grace slides onto the bench behind me as I turn my chair to face her. “My husband and I have noticed all of the hard work the crew, and you, have been putting in.” She pauses, giving me a polite smile. “Well,” she starts, “we wanted to give them a day off.”
During a typical charter season, it’s normal for owners to give the crew a day off every once in a while. There could be a day or two between charters that the owners use to show their appreciation to their employees. But this isn’t a normal charter season, and we aren’t running multiple charters, so I’m surprised.
“I’m sure they would enjoy that.”
She nods as she links her hands on the table between us. “I agree. Mark and I know that it takes a lot of work to keep things running smoothly and everyone has been so wonderful.” She pauses before continuing, “As you know, we are planning to see some friends in New Providence. We are planning on staying overnight with them and won’t be returning to the boat until the next day.” I nod, aware of their plans. “So, we want the crew to go out and have fun. We booked day passes for all the crew at the Bahama’s Resort. We got one for you as well if you would like.”
As generous, and tempting as that is, I have to stay with the boat. The thought of Hannah being able to lounge by the pool and relax is enough. She deserves every good thing that comes her way.
“Thank you, Dr. Olivier. I’ll tell the crew. I know they’ve enjoyed working for you and your husband.”
She stands and offers her hand, and I grasp it gently. “You really are doing a wonderful job,” she praises. “We were saddened by Captain Lewis’ retirement, but I don’t think we could have found a better captain.” With a quick thanks, she walks out of the bridge.
After the last couple of days, I know the crew needs some kind of pick-me-up after the havoc Keith caused.
The man wouldn’t do anything for himself. He constantly sent food back for the chef to remake to his liking, had Hannah running back and forth with every small request, and even had Garrett’s hackles rising with how he treated the deck crew. It’s a wonder no one went off on him.
It’s a few hours before I fill the crew in on their surprise for tomorrow. Most of the crew are up and working on the boat and Hannah is finishing up with breakfast service.
“All crew, all crew,” I call into the radio, “meet me in the crew mess in ten minutes.”
Hannah’s the last one to enter the crew mess, no doubt having just come from our guests. Garrett stands and offers his seat to her, and I think again at how good of a first mate he’s been.
“I’ve just spoken with Grace, and she and Mark are giving you guys a day off tomorrow.”
Everyone’s faces are a mixture of shock and pure relief. Hannah and Keeran high-five and the guys pat each other on the back. The small movement of Robbie’s hand to the small of Keeran’s back doesn’t escape my notice.
“They paid for day passes for all of you to spend the day at the Bahama’s Resort. You’ll spend your day however you would like, but you will be back on the boat after dinner. The Oliviers are planning to stay with friends but will be back in the morning, so I expect you to be on deck at your normal hours.”
A chorus of ‘Yes, Captain’ rings out as they all cheer and plan for a day of relaxation. Feeling eyes on me, I turn and look at Hannah who has a longing look in her eye. I have a feeling she’s going to ask me if I’m going and I can’t stand the thought of telling her no.
So badly I want to spend the day basking in the sun with her, splashing and playing in the cool water, to have an adventure together. But it can’t happen. Itwon’thappen, especially not with the rest of the crew around.
Ever so slightly I shake my head, answering her silent question. Disappointment flickers across her face, her forehead crinkling in the way I love before Keeran steals her attention.
