“I thought you wanted to stay single.”
“On the cruise,” she clarifies. “After this, I’ll inevitably find a younger man with mommy issues and get my heart broken again. It’s a classic move of mine.”
“Are mommy issues a common problem?” I ask slowly.
“Oh, yes. Many guys want a mommy to fuck.”
I choke on my drink. “That’s an ... image.”
“Think about how many men want a partner who does it all for them, emotionally and physically. They never learn how to be mature before they fly from the nest, and then they find a wife to replace them. And I’m a fool because I’m attracted to people who have problems. I think I can fix them.” She laughs. “I can’t, by the way.”
“Wait, you’re attracted to people who have problems?” I frown. “Is that why you befriended me?”
She pauses with her drink at her mouth. “Called me right out.Again.”
“I don’t know whether to be offended or glad you did it. Maybe a bit of both.”
“To be fair, it only started that way. I’ve really enjoyed havingsomeone to talk to on this cruise. I thought I’d have fun being alone, but it hasn’t been all that great.” She smiles and then looks at me. “I do hope things work out between you and Nate.”
“Really?” I ask.
“Watching you two reminds me that there’s real love out there. I think I’ve been dating man-babies for so long that I forgot about that.”
“I still don’t know if what we have islove.”
She rolls her eyes. “Oh, it’s love. Even if it doesn’t turn into a relationship, he loves you. And I think you know that.”
“I do. He’s done ... a lot for me. And we won the Newlyweds game against a ton of married couples.”
Scarlett’s eyes go wide. “Oh my God, really?” She leans in. “Tell me everything.”
chapter twenty-four
Nate joinsus right when I’m telling Scarlett about Aaron’s expression when we explained that we’re not together. He slips into the conversation with ease, sitting right next to me, and gets a drink before continuing to talk about his adventures with Aaron.
“Wait,” Scarlett says when Nate is regaling her with what happened to Aaron while snorkeling. “You were involved with the jellyfish sting too? Are you a magnet for disaster?”
“Normally,I’mthe disaster.” He shrugs. “Gotta mix it up, I guess.”
“And here I was, avoiding all of it.” She shakes her head. “At least someone adventured.”
“You bought five dresses,” I remind her. “That’s an adventure.”
“And a good one too.” She finishes off her drink before standing. “And as much as I’d like to stay all night, I need to go pack. We get off the boat tomorrow, and I don’t think I have enough room in my suitcase. Hopefully, I’ll see you tomorrow before we get on our flights.”
“I’ll try my best,” I say. “Have fun.”
She leaves Nate and me alone with one last wave.
“Yeah, it’s really a shame she doesn’t live nearby. She seems cool.”
“And really smart. Did I tell you she’s a therapist? She caught ... a lot with me.”
“Is that why you’re so well-adjusted on this trip?”
“It’s why I’mmostlywell-adjusted. It’s nice to be around some emotional maturity.”
“You say that like I’m not emotionally mature.”
