Prick.
Thank god I don’t have to work for him anymore.
The Oliviers left the boat yesterday afternoon shortly after we docked. They were very generous and gave us all hefty tips thatalmostmade up for all the shit I had to do for Keith.
Almost.
After that, it was the simple business of getting the boat cleaned so I could finally leave. Good riddance.
Anson still hasn’t returned any of what feels like hundreds of phone calls. Joe told me to give him time, that he’d come around, but he’s nowhere in sight.
Keeran’s already left, giving me a big hug and leaving with the promise to get together soon. I’m not sure where she and Robbie left things, but they left together. I just wonder how much longer it’s going to last. Boat-mances rarely survive off charter.
Now all I have left is to shove my clothing that litters the floor into my bag and I’ll be off this damned boat. I just want to get home and lay in my own bed, one that has no memory of Anson.
Just as I sit on top of my luggage in an attempt to get it closed, a sharp knock startles me. I’m winded from my wrestling match, my long hair sticking to my damp face.
Aidan nudges the door open farther, poking his head around. “Do you need help?” His eyebrows furrow at my predicament, a slight smile crossing his face.
“Um, yeah actually,” I huff. “Be a doll and zip this for me?” I’m sure I look like a hot mess, but I give him my best smile hoping he’ll take pity on me.
“Sure,” he laughs, stepping completely into the tiny room and crouching in front of me. It’s a bit awkward with him having to maneuver around my long legs, but the hissing sound as the zipper closes is music to my ears.
“Thanks,” I say, trying gracefully to slide off the luggage without damaging it. “You leaving?”
He shrugs his shoulders, “Yeah. It’s time to head home.” I hop up and wrap my arms around his shoulders. I’m going to miss my friend. When I pull back, he glances around nervously, not meeting my gaze. “Hannah, I wanted to apologize.”
My eyebrows knit together in confusion. Why does Aidan have to apologize?
“Okay…” I draw out the word until it sounds more like a question than a statement.
Aidan’s large hand slides through his hair as he lets out a ragged breath. “It’s my fault, not Damon’s,” he admits.
My stomach drops. I’m pretty sure my jaw drops too from shock. When I’m able to regain some of the breath I lost, I manage to stammer, “What?”
“I was still pretty hungover from that night,” he rushes, “and when Garrett asked what we got up to, I let it slip that it looked like you and Captain had something going on. I should’ve known he’d do something about it. You know how he is,” he pauses, his look pleading. “I’m so sorry, Hannah.”
My head nods on autopilot as I try to sort through this new information. There’s so much I’m trying to take in that I can’t form a coherent thought. It was Aidan, not Damon that ratted us out. Now everything makes sense.
That morning Garrett escorted the Oliviers from the dock and when they stepped on the boat, I remember how they all looked tense, not like they had just had a good time with their friends.
Holy shit.
I back up until the back of my knees meets the mattress and I plop down. “I’m such an asshole,” I mutter to myself. I’ve blamed Damon this whole time, been cold and terrible to him. “Why didn’t you tell me before?” I ask, my eyes wide.
Aidan sits beside me. “I don’t know,” he sighs. “I felt terrible. Feel terrible, like a shit friend. I guess,” he pauses, his large hands sliding through his hair once more, “I don’t know, Hannah. I’m an idiot. But I wanted you to know it was my fault. I wanted to tell you before you left.”
As much as I want to hit him, scream at him,something, I can’t bring myself to do it. Nothing will change the past. Nothing will bring Anson back or undo the damage my anger toward Damon has caused.
“I wish you would have told me sooner.”
“I know.”
With a huff, I stand up and head for the door. “It looks like you’re not the only one that has some apologizing to do today.”
I find Damon in his shared room with Garrett rolling up his knives. I don’t say a word, I just walk in and wrap my arms around his back.
“I’m so sorry,” I mumble between his shoulder blades. “I know you didn’t tell anyone about Anson and me. I should’ve believed you, and I’m sorry for that.”
