Page 10 of Sunflowers and Surrender

“I don’t have a lot of experience with drinks yet. Could I just have a Daquari?”

“Of course! A birthday Daquari coming up. Would you like strawberry?”

“That sounds great, Luigi. Thank you.” As he walks away, my gaze bounces back to Alex, whose stare is trained on me. I can’t quite make out his expression, but the intensity causes the blush that had just faded to quickly return.

“Did you get the flowers?” Ricky asks. He gives Julia a subtle smile, and I realize the delivery was her doing.

“Oh, yes. I’m so sorry. I loved them. Thank you. And thank you, too, Alex. It was very thoughtful.”

Ricky appears taken aback that Alex would’ve sent me flowers, looking skeptically at his friend before reaching for his water. Alex doesn’t say anything. He simply smiles, his eyes so dark and dreamy. Okay, I have to stop looking at him, or everyone here will know something’s up.

“Your dad and I wanted to deliver your present in person.” My mother slides a card over to where I’m sitting. Typically, my mother uses my birthday as an excuse to shop. I’m grateful for whatever they’ve gotten me, but it’s usually not small enough to fit in a card.

As I carefully tear the envelope to retrieve the contents, I glance up to see everyone watching me closely. I get the distinct impression they all know what lies within.

Happy birthday,honey.

Turning twenty-one can be an exciting time.

We don’t want to cramp your style but give you the opportunity

to enjoy your newfound freedom. So we’re taking you on a

three-day cruise out of Miami next weekend.

Bon Voyage!

Love, Mom and Dad

“Oh my gosh!Really? I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise.”

“Yes. Your brother is bringing Julia, and even Alex is coming along.”

There go my cheeks again.

A week later,it’s cruise weekend. Thankfully, I didn’t have to work. Although the owners of Cygnature Blooms are amazing. I’m certain they would’ve found a way to make the trip work. The forecast calls for warm weather and sunny skies, which is the perfect juxtaposition to our cool November days of late. I’ve packed my bright yellow bathing suit into my carry-on bag and plan to wear it under my sunflower sundress the minute I’m onboard. I’m making the most of these three days. I just need to make sure my thoughts aren’t drawn to a certain hot firefighter the whole time.

Our flight arrived in Miami last night. Mom and Dad didn’t want to risk flight delays traveling on the day of embarkation. Apparently, Alex, Ricky, and Julia had no such fear as they were flying in today.

“Anyone heard from Ricky?” I ask my father.

“No. But I checked their flight, and it was on time. Don’t worry. I’m sure they’ll make it.”

It’s wall-to-wall people as we proceed through the check-in process at the Miami cruise port terminal. The area is buzzing with excitement in anticipation of the journey. We take a seat, reviewing the pamphlet containing the ship’s schedule for our cruise until we’re allowed to board. The experience is so new and exciting. I’m certain that’s what has my nerves jumping. Not the anticipation of spending three days with-

“There they are,” Mom says, sounding relieved.

My head pops up from my leaflet to see Ricky, Julia, Alex... and Ainsley.

Chapter 9

Tuesday

“Oh, I’m so excited about this weekend I can barely stand it,” Ainsley squeals from beneath the largest beach hat I’ve ever seen. She looks like a reality show star from theReal Housewivesof Suburbia. Her outfit is ridiculous. It’s as if she found a life-size Barbie Cruise Line ensemble. All big, bold black and white striped nautical attire paired with black and white wedge heels and that over-the-top spaceship doubling as a sunhat. All while the rest of us are wearing shorts or sundresses.

Ugh. Why did he have to bring her? Normally, I can handle being around him and whomever he’s dating. Granted, Ainsley is probably the most annoying of the lot, but I’ve come to accept my crush is unrequited. Letting myself consider anything else simply because he was kind enough to watch over my drunk self, his body wrapped around me like a python in the bed, is one birthday wish I need to let go of. I’ll only end up hurt if I allow myself to keep dreaming of him. Whether it’s the age difference, the fact I’m his best friend’s little sister, or he simply doesn’t think of me in that way, that ship has sailed. It’s time to move on.

I’m determined to enjoy this cruise regardless of Alex and Ainsley. It’s my birthday. My parents didn’t pay for this amazing trip, only for me to hold up in my cabin with a book. Alex can go enjoy his Paris Hilton wannabe. I’m living la vida loca.

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