“That was ...” I’m still trying to catch my breath. “Theworst.”
“You’re a runner.”
“Slowrunner,” I remind him. “I don’t do it for speed.”
He laughs and leads me onto the boat. The best part of being so tired is that I couldn’t care less about the dock.
We stop in our room for a moment to wash up, and then hunger hits me. I skipped lunch, and only having fruit was a terrible idea.
Nate must know I’m starving because he already has plans.
“Are you sure the steakhouse is where we should go?” I ask as we walk up. “We’re still kind of a mess.”
“So is everyone else.”
“We’re not even dressed for it.” He’s in a half-buttoned-up shirt and shorts. While it’s nicer than what a lot of guys wear, it’s not steakhouse level. I’m in one of the new pairs of shorts and a tank top. My hair is trying to escape the clip I’ve wrangled it intoafter taking it down at the ruins, and I know I’ll have a hell of a time getting it under control later.
“No one else is. This is a cruise.”
He has a point, but I can’t tell if I’m grumpy because I’m starving or if this place is too crowded. I sigh and give in. He smirks as we step into the line.
It’s loud, and I didn’t miss the rocking of the boat. I’m trying to get my bearings while also contending with the fact that I might eat my own arm when someone runs up to us.
Trixie pulls both Nate and me into a hug, squealing the whole time. I try not to grimace.
“Are you guys eating here too?” she asks. “What a coincidence. Aaron is just up ahead.” She points him out; he’s almost at the hostess stand.
“Hi,” I manage to say with a fake smile. “Nice to see you again.”
“Wanna join us for dinner? I’m sure Aaron wouldn’t mind.”
Nate and I look over at him. He’s watching us, and I’m pretty sure he’s still mad about us taking him down at the Newlywed game earlier.
“That’s okay,” Nate says. “You two should get some time to yourselves.”
“Oh, we got plenty earlier. We stayed in our room.” She winks, and I get the implication immediately.
Nate coughs. “Ah, well.”
“Come on! We’ll be getting a table quicker anyway!” She grabs both of us and takes us to Aaron. Now my face is red at the idea of what they did earlierandfor her letting us cut in line.
“I brought us some friends,” she says to Aaron.
“Hey, guys.” He nods. “Enjoying your cup?”
“Still mad we won it?” Nate parrots right back.
“Kind of. But you guys are weirdly in sync.” He shrugs, seemingly more relaxed than he was the day before. “How was Cozumel?”
I tell them about the island, grateful for small talk, as we move up in line. Trixie loves all the photos and ribs her husband for not wanting to go, but it’s decent conversation.
By the time we’re led to our table, I’m hopeful for the dinner. Maybe having it with other people is a good thing.
Nate gets my chair for me and I give him a smile without thinking.
Aaron and Trixie see it. “So,” she begins after we put our drink order in. “What’s the deal with you two?”
“What do you mean?” I ask. “We’re friends.”
