Once he was comfortable, and sure he wasn’t going to end up with a lap full of champagne, he went back to people watching. It was fascinating to see the diversity in the group. He wondered who the contestants were and who were the TV show crew. The ship’s crew were easily recognisable in their uniforms. Given this was a private function, he assumed that the general passengers wouldn’t be in this bar. As he studied the crowd, it soon became clear who the contestants were, mostly because they stood as couples, only talking to each other. But even as he observed, a few couples began breaking the ice by approaching one another and starting up conversations. Evan briefly entertained the idea of being more sociable and mingling.Nah. Maybe later.
He raised his glass, and the bubbles went down easily. He swivelled his chair to face the window. The colours were ever-changing, now a deeper fiery red and a darker purple, garnering oohs and ahhs from those watching. Evan’s eyes widened as one guy shouldered his way past a young couple and raised his iPhone towards the view without so much as a word. The girl tottered slightly on her heels, and her partner placed a hand under her elbow to steady her. They both glared at the guy who’d shoved past but he was oblivious to their scowls as he lined up his photo, blocking the view of other guests who’d also been trying to get the perfect shot.Dickhead.
“Excuse me.”
Evan looked up to see one of the most gorgeous men he’d seen in a long time. His breath caught as his blood surged, then his eyes widened. “Harry?”
“Oh my God. Itisyou,” Harry exclaimed. “I thought it was when I saw you sitting here, but I wasn’t 100 percent sure. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”
Evan thought back. “What is it? Maybe a year?”
“I think so. I took the new job nearly twelve months ago. Do you mind?” Harry indicated the vacant seat, and Evan nodded.
Evan and Harry had worked for the same company for a couple of years, Evan in the financial department at head office, and Harry as sales area manager. They saw each other when Harry was in the office to attend sales meetings and briefings. Plus they’d socialised every now and then at office functions and staff drinks. They hadn’t seen each other very much outside of work, but boy, had Evan wanted to. He’d just never worked up the courage, nervous because they worked for the same company and needed to maintain a professional relationship. Plus Harry had brought some guy to the Christmas party that last year, so he clearly hadn’t been single anyway.
“How are things going?” Evan asked. “Did it work out as you’d hoped? We miss you at Mercer and Brown.”Some of us more than others and for very different reasons.
“It’s awesome. Hard work, but I love it. Every day is a new challenge.” Harry’s dark eyes lit up as he spoke, and Evan could see the passion he had for his work. “I know it was a gamble working for a start-up, but it’s been a great opportunity. I’ve learned so much. And what about you?”
Evan sipped his drink. “Same old, same old. Nothing much has changed, but I still enjoy my job. Itchy feet haven’t set in yet.”
“So, what brings you here?” Harry swept out his arm, indicating the room. “I wouldn’t have thought this was your thing.”
Evan arched his brows. “Really? Why not?”
Harry shrugged. “You always seemed more reserved. I guess I was thinking you’d be a little outside of your comfort zone doing something like this. I’m assuming you’re a contestant on the show, right?”
“You’d be right.” Disappointment filled Evan as it occurred to him that Harry might think he was boring.
Harry leaned in. “Don’t get me wrong. I just don’t think this kind of thing is for everyone, me inc—”
“Maybe I like the idea of trying something new, getting out there,” Evan said, aware that he was being defensive although he had no idea why he wanted to justify himself to Harry.Liar. He knew exactly why he wanted Harry to think well of him. “Why are you taking part? For the fame and fortune?”
The smile left Harry’s face. “Yeah, it’s definitely not my thing either, but it’s a long story.” His voice was flat, and Evan regretted asking the question. It wasn’t really any of his business why Harry had decided to participate in a game show. Plus now he felt like a bit of a jerk for thinking Harry was criticizing him when he obviously didn’t want to be here either.
“There you are!” Amber’s cheery greeting stopped any further conversation anyway.
“Hey. I wondered what was keeping you,” Evan said.
“I told you I needed time to get ready for this little shindig.” She waved a hand up and down her body. “Hard to believe, I know, but it does take some effort to look this good.”
She laughed and gave a little pirouette, but Evan knew she was mocking herself. She was wearing exactly the same outfit she’d had on this afternoon—a little red-and-white polka dot summer dress—and he’d be hard pressed to tell if she’d even reapplied lipstick. However, he did notice she’d swapped her flats for a pair of sky-high heels, although he had no idea how she managed to stay on her feet with the swaying of the floor, no matter how gentle the movement was. He thanked God for his boring but very flat loafers.
He stood and kissed her cheek. “You’d look gorgeous in anything.”
Amber winked. “Why thank you, kind sir.” She turned to Harry, who’d also risen at her approach. “Now who do we have here?”
“Amber, this is Harry. Harry and I know each other through work. He used to work at Mercer and Brown too, but he’s since moved on to more exciting pastures.”
“Nice to meet you, Harry.”
They shook hands and all sat, but not before they grabbed fresh drinks from a passing waiter.
Amber’s smile was wide. “How cool is it that you’ve run into each other here? What are the odds? Are you a competitor too, Harry? Are you excited?”
Harry nodded. “Yeah, I’m a contestant.” Evan didn’t hear much enthusiasm in his voice, and Harry didn’t expand. Evan wondered what the story was there.
Amber’s smile faltered. “Oh, and where’s your partner?”
