Page 11 of Sunflowers and Surrender

My pulse thrums within my chest as the overhead announcement finally advises our turn to board the ship. I grab my mother’s arm to calm my nerves. “Thank you for doing this, Mom. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate my twenty-first birthday.”

“I’m so glad, Tuesday. You work so hard and never give us an ounce of trouble. You deserve this. But don’t let the fruity drinks get away from you. I don’t want you to spend the whole cruise feeling bad, or worse, puking your guts up.”

Been there, done that. Thankfully, minus the puke.

“I’ll be careful. I’m glad we decided to have the bags delivered to our room. Once we get onboard, I’m going straight to the pool to change into my suit and soak up the sun.”

My mother laughs, patting my hand. “I’m going to grab some lunch but save me a seat by the pool.”

Twenty minutes later,I’ve changed into my bikini but keep my sundress on for now. I’ve managed to find a row of unoccupied seats and place my backpack and towel down as I observe the area. The deep blue pool is small but inviting. Yet there are plenty of places for guests to stretch out and enjoy the sun’s rays.

Having only imagined what cruising would be like, I assumed everything would feel claustrophobic—cramped, confined spaces with throngs of people. But the layout of this ship is quite the opposite. The opulence of the main floor took my breath away as we entered the vessel. And it’s clear each new location we enter is designed for maximum functionality as well as aesthetics. This particular ship is geared toward adults with many options for entertainment. While I’m not typically into clubbing and the like, it’s my first cruise, so I hope to check out all the options after dinner.

I reach for my bag and retrieve my sunscreen. The last thing I need is to end up with sunburn for the remainder of the trip. I squeeze a small amount into the palms of my hands and dab the cream lightly onto my face, neck, and chest. Festive music plays overhead, adding to the celebratory vibe aboard. The coconut scent of the lotion only enhances the overall atmosphere. Uniformed wait staff meander about the pool deck taking drink orders, and the chaise lounges are filling quickly.

“Hey, T. Will you grab a couple of chairs for me and Julia?” Ricky asks as they follow Mom and Dad toward the buffet for lunch.

“Sure. I’ll try. I’m not sure how many I’ll be able to get away with.” At least we don’t have to compete with families with kids spending their days poolside.

“I’ll stay and watch a couple,” Alex says. “You go on in and eat, Ains. I’m not hungry.”

“Okay, babe. If you’re sure.” Ainsley and the satellite dish sitting atop her head clomp along behind Ricky and Julia as Alex’s deep brown eyes land on me. It’s like they’re trying to say something.

They’re saying look away before you fall under their spell, you idiot.

“You need help with that?” Alex asks.

I’m confused about what he’s referring to until he dips his chin toward the bottle of sunscreen in my hand. As tempting as this may be, I can’t handle his hands on my body only to watch him do the same to Ainsley. “No. I’ve got it.”

The beat of the music seems to change to a Latin dance number, and a few guests make their way toward a makeshift dance floor at the pool’s edge in front of the DJ. I decide to use this opportunity to distance myself from the firefighter who is only adding to the heat on this ship right now. “Could you get me a drink, though? Something fun with an umbrella.”

“Just don’t overdo it, Sunny.”

The memory of the message on his sweet birthday card makes my cheeks warm at the nickname. I inadvertently reach up to touch them. “I know, I know. I learned my lesson,” I say to Alex’s back as he walks away.

I make my way to the group of sail-away partygoers and find a place to get my groove on when a tall, attractive dark-haired male wearing a bright red shirt, white uniform pants, and a nametag approaches and starts to dance with me. It reads Ricardo, Cruise Director.

Well, hello, Ricardo.

Alex

Wow, that was a little too easy. I pocket the stateroom card given at check-in after charging two drinks to my room and recall a buddy at the fire department warning me how the onboard fees can add up quickly. I need to keep my wits about me in the alcohol, Tuesday, and financial departments.

Strolling to the lounge chairs where I’d left Tuesday moments ago, I have to do a double take to ensure I’ve located the right seats since she’s walked away. Finding her drawstring backpack and sunscreen on her bright towel, I confirm these are ours. I place our drinks on the small metal table between our chairs and casually look about the pool deck as I recline… then freeze.

What the fuck?

My sweet, innocent Sunny T is dirty dancing with some guy that appears to work for the cruise line.

Wait… my Sunny T?

He has his hands on her lower back as they sway their hips back and forth. He’s entirely too close for this to be considered a work function. He gives her a salacious grin as he slides his hands to her hips while mine simultaneously ball into fists. If this keeps up, the fire alarms are going to go off from the steam pouring out of my ears before the ship gets a foot from shore.

He twirls her around in circles, her arm extended overhead before he pulls away from her body. I only relax briefly before he crouches in front of her as she spins, fluffing her skirt so it rises high enough to reveal her bright yellow bikini bottom.

Jesus.

I’m torn between ripping her away from him or dancing with her myself when I notice the song changes to a Shakira tune, and he gives her an air kiss before moving to another partygoer.Thank fuck.

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