Page 43 of Ship Happens

“That explains a lot.” She adjusts her position on the blanket, sitting closer to me now. “Your understanding of marine issues is more nuanced than most ‘executives’.”

“What about you? Something not in your academic bio.”

She’s quiet for a moment. “I grew up on a farm in Iowa, about as far from the ocean as you can get. Didn’t see the coast until I was seventeen.”

“How did you end up in marine biology?”

“A documentary about coral bleaching.” She smiles at the memory. “I watched it in science class and was just... devastated. These incredible ecosystems dying because of human activity. I decided then that I wanted to protect them.”

“And now you do.”

“I try.” She looks up at the stars again. “Sometimes it feels like swimming against the tide, though. For every corporate initiative that helps, there are a dozen more causing damage.”

“Including mine?”

She turns to face me. “Some of yours,” she says. “But not all. That’s what makes you interesting, Ethan. You’re not the straightforward villain I expected.”

“A villain, huh,” I say.

“Don’t let it go to your head.”

We fall into another comfortable silence, the sound of waves providing a gentle backdrop. Around us, other couples are more romantic—kissing, feeding each other chocolate-covered strawberries, taking selfies against the starry sky.

“I should tell you something,” Harper says, her voice serious. “About my piece.”

I tense. “Go on.”

“I’ve been taking extensive notes, documenting both the positives and negatives. My publisher wants the negatives emphasized—the ‘exposé’ angle sells better.”

“That’s not surprising.”

“But I’ve decided I need to write what I observe, not what fits a predetermined narrative.” She says. “That includes acknowledging the genuine conservation efforts and sustainability initiatives you’ve implemented.”

Relief and gratitude wash over me. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me for doing my job,” she says. “But I wanted you to know that whatever happens between us, my professional write up will be honest. Both the good and the bad.”

Her integrity, even when it would be easier to give her publisher the scandal they want, reinforces what’s been drawing me to Harper beyond the physical attraction. She’s principled in a way few people in my world are.

“I wouldn’t expect anything less from you,” I say, meaning it.

She smiles, then shivers as a cool breeze sweeps across the beach. Without thinking, I wrap my arm around her shoulders. She stiffens, then relaxes into my side.

“Just because you are warm,” she murmurs.

“Of course.”

We watch the stars in silence, her body warm against mine. After a while, she rests her head on my shoulder, her hair tickling my neck. It feels right.

“Ethan,” she says softly. “About tomorrow morning’s inspection...”

“Let’s not worry about that now,” I interrupt. “Whatever we find, we’ll deal with it. Together.”

She nods against my shoulder. “Okay.”

The overnight portion of the event begins, with staff erecting small, luxurious tents for couples who’ve chosen to stay on the island. Harper and I have both opted to return to the ship, not quite ready to commit to a full night together in such a small tent or public setting.

As the last boat prepares to depart, we gather our things and make our way down to the shore. The ride back is quiet, both of us lost in thought.

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