“You can stay in bed,” I offer.
“And miss the view?”
“We’re at the dock, and the curtains are closed,” I remind him.
“I don’t mean the one out the window.” He rolls over, eyes following me as I get dressed. My skin grows hot, but I can’t deny that the attention is nice.
I get my belongings together the best I can. Eventually, Nate joins, and I get a similar view to his.
At least this time I can stare at his ass as long as I want.
Soon, we have our two suitcases and we’re double-checking that we have everything before getting off the ship for the final time.
I can’t deny the relief I feel as we step onto the dock. Finally, I’m home. Or at least close to it.
“I’m both sad and excited to never be on a boat again,” I say as I turn to look at the boat one final time. It’s massive, and I can’t believe how much happened there.
He looks over at me and laughs. “Did I not convert you to be a cruise girl?”
“Listen, I didn’t hate it. Which is high praise.”
“I’ll take it,” he replies.
We can leave at any moment, but I still stay and stare at the ship. A feeling of nervousness hits me, something I haven’t felt before whenleavingwater.
“We need to find a ride to the airport,” Nate mutters as he leads me away. I go willingly, but I can’t help but feel like I’m forgetting something.
That’s when I see her. Blonde hair and a red shirt.
Scarlett is just across the dock. She’s got her suitcase and her hair’s in a messy bun. She looks as overwhelmed as the rest of us.
But it hits me that I haven’t said goodbye.
“Hang on,” I say. “I wanna say bye to Scarlett.”
“That’s fine. I’m trying to find an option that won’t cost an arm and a leg. I’ll hold your suitcase.”
I thank him before I make my way through the crowd.
“Scarlett!” I call as I get close.
She turns to me with a raised eyebrow. When she realizes who I am, her face lights up. “Maisie!” she says. “There you are. I was worried you’d try to sneak away without a goodbye.”
“I didn’t mean to,” I say as I pull her into a tight hug. “It’s been a mad dash this morning.”
“Agreed.” She sighs before eyeing me. “You seem to be in a good mood.”
“Iamin a good mood. Someone gave me some great advice and things have changed.”
“Oh, finally.” She laughs. “I didn’t know if you would have enough time to.”
“I made it work. And I have you to thank for it.”
“Some of my best work,” she replies. “Did you like the part where I let you come to your own conclusions?”
“I did. Very therapist of you.”
She laughs again. “You would’ve gotten defensive if I brought it up too early. But you know we all saw it, right?”
