Page 20 of Ship Happens

Victoria leans forward. “And what do you admire most about Ethan, Harper?”

I falter, not having prepared for this question. Ethan watches me with badly concealed interest, curious about what I’ll say.

“His... adaptability,” I answer. “When faced with new information, some people double down on their existing beliefs. Ethan is willing to reconsider his position.” I meet his eyes. “It’s a rare quality, especially in someone as successful and stubborn as he is.”

Something changes in his expression—surprise, followed by what almost looks like genuine pleasure at the almost compliment.

“Now, we have a little game we like to play with our couples,” Victoria announces, derailing my thoughts. “It’s called Truth or Confession. I’ll ask a question, and you each write your answer on these cards. Then we reveal them simultaneously.”

She hands us each a small whiteboard and marker. “First question: What was your first impression of your partner? Write it down, no peeking!”

I hesitate, then write:Arrogant but annoyingly smart.

“Reveal!” Victoria commands after a moment.

I turn my board. Next to me, Ethan reveals his:Beautiful and terrifying.

The audience “awws” while I stare at his answer. Beautiful?

“Terrifying?” Victoria repeats, amused.

“Have you seen her take down environmental offenders at scientific conferences?” Ethan asks the audience. “It’s both impressive and absolutely terrifying.”

“Next question,” Victoria continues. “What is your partner’s most endearing habit?”

I draw a blank. What do I know about Ethan’s habits, endearing or otherwise?I write:He actually listens when I talk about marine ecosystems.

Ethan’s board reads:She tugs her hair when she’s thinking deeply about something.

I blink at him. I do tug my hair when I’m concentrating—a habit my mother has been trying to break since childhood. How has he noticed that in the short time we’ve known each other?

Victoria looks thrilled by this exchange. “How romantic that you’ve noticed such specific details about each other! Last question: Where do you see this relationship going?”

My mind races. What’s the right answer here? Too positive seems fake, too negative ruins the charade. I settle on:Taking it one day at a time, focused on our shared environmental goals.

When we reveal our answers, Ethan’s reads:Wherever Harper wants it to go.

The audience swoons. I fight the urge to roll my eyes, though something about his answer makes my stomach flutter traitorously.

“Well, there you have it, folks! The most intriguing couple on The Rendezvous!” Victoria turns to the camera. “We’ll be following Ethan and Harper’s romantic journey throughout the week, including their private island date tomorrow evening!”

The cameras continue rolling as Victoria asks follow-up questions about our backgrounds and interests. Ethan steers the conversation toward environmental topics whenever possible, highlighting Cole Tech’s sustainability initiatives while acknowledging areas where they’re still “working to improve”—with my consultation, he adds.

By the time the interview concludes, I’ve discussed coral reef preservation, plastic pollution, and sustainable tourism to an audience that tuned in expecting romantic fluff. It’s a win, even if I had to endure Victoria’s knowing smiles every time Ethan’s hand brushed mine.

“Thank you both,” Victoria says as the cameras stop rolling. “That was fantastic! The chemistry between you two is electric. I predict we’ll be covering your wedding within a year!”

I choke on air while Ethan chuckles. “One step at a time, Victoria.”

Once she walks away to speak with her producer, I turn to him. “That was...”

“Not terrible?” he supplies.

“Actually productive,” I admit. “I didn’t expect to get in so many talking points about conservation.”

“That was my plan.” He stands, offering his hand to help me up. “Shall we get a drink? I think we’ve earned one.”

The night air is warm as we make our way to a less crowded section of the deck. The full moon reflects off the water, casting everything in silver light. A server brings us champagne—”Not for throwing," Ethan jokes—and we find a quiet spot by the railing.

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