“Come in,” I say, wondering if I’ve slept so long they’ve already returned. But it’s Gia who pushes the door open, armed with a fresh coconut.
“Just wanted to check in and see if you needed anything,” she says. “How are you feeling?”
“Like I’ve been keel-hauled.”
Gia gives me a sympathetic look and passes me the coconut. I drain the liquid inside within seconds.
“I thought you might need some help. Those Cloud Nine cocktails are ferocious.”
“You’re amazing,” I tell her. “I thought I was going to turn into a raisin.”
“Is there anything else I can get you?” she asks.
“A time machine? I hope I didn’t embarrass myself in front of anyone.”
I recall burying my face in Caleb’s chiseled chest and wince.
“Don’t be so hard on yourself,” she offers. “You’re on vacation! Who cares if you get a little tipsy?”
I smile at her as she waves her hands in the air to illustrate her point. Gia really is adorable.
“I hate to ask, but do you know if we have any protein bars or crackers lying around? I feel like I might need something to soak up the alcohol.”
“No protein bars, but I can have Russ make you anything you like! Lasagna, curry, niçoise salad?—”
“It’s ok,” I tell her. “I don’t want him to go to any trouble. I think I have some trail mix in my bag.”
“Well…” Gia looks around behind her as if someone could be listening. “The crew is about to sit down for dinner. Why don’t you join us?”
“Oh, I don’t think the captain would like that,” I protest. I don’t need to spend any more time with my new nemesis than absolutely necessary.
“Don’t mind him. He’s just stressed about making sure the trip goes off without a hitch,” she says sweetly. “He really is a softie once you get to know him.”
It takes everything in my power not to laugh out loud. There isnothingsoft about Captain Caleb.
“Besides,” she says, “he won’t be there. He has watch until ten.”
That’s enough to convince me. I haven’t forgotten what Harry said about crew quarters being off limits. But my stomach is growling, and something tells me this coconut isn’t gonna cut it.
“You sure it’s not a bother?” I ask her, just to make sure.
“Positive!” Gia says, grabbing my wrist. “Now come with me before I have to call Russ and Jim up to carry you!”
I throw my wild, salty hair up in a ponytail before following her up the stairs and down to the crew quarters. The crew lounge is a stark contrast to the lavish dining setup above. There are no elaborate flower arrangements here, no gold place settings surrounded by a hundred different forks. But this kitchen is bustling with life. Allie, Jim, Remi and Yara sit together at a table crammed with vegetables, fresh bread, and buttery corn on the cob as Russ plates his main dish: a fish large enough to feed a dozen hungry sailors.
“Boys and girls,” Gia announces as we descend the stairs. “Tonight, we have a guest!”
The room goes quiet, and a pit forms in my stomach as I realize the rest of the crew might not be on board with Gia’s plans. After all, Harrydidtell me guests weren’t allowed below deck. But in an instant, everyone’s shouting and smiling again like I’m a part of their family.
“Good to see ya, Stella!” Jim shouts, scooting over so I can sit beside him. “Have a seat!”
“Thanks so much for letting me crash your meal,” I say as I scoot in on the bench. Russ places a large helping of the white fish on my plate as soon as I’m sitting.
“You picked a good night. Some of our friends caught this Walu a few hours ago and brought us some to share.”
“You have friends out here?” I ask.
“A few!” Allie answers. “The yachting community’s pretty tight—we end up moored alongside the same boats more often than not. When our schedules line up, we all get together to explore wherever we’re based.”
