Page 41 of Ship Happens
“Yeah, that guy.” I grab the romper and head toward the bathroom. “Go see if you can wear something of his. The funnier, the better. I need a good laugh.”
“No fucking way,” he says, but the cabin door opens and closes seconds later. Even if he won’t wear a silly shirt, maybe he’s at least off to find something presentable.
Not that it matters. Ice Pig and I handpicked our dates, but Maverick’s date was handpicked by me, and I can’t wait for him to meet her.
I smile to myself as I strip off my clothes.
After dressing and touching up my makeup, Maverick still hasn’t returned. He’d better not back out of this. I’m toying with the idea of letting him leave the ship without handcuffs, but if he spoils my fun, that could change.
The list of people I’m willing to turn over to King is shrinking by the minute. When I first stepped foot on this boat, I was prepared to shout every name and pull back every curtain. Now I’m finding it difficult to imagine doing that to any of these people. Even Jim.
“Remember why you’re here, girl,” I whisper to myself as I slip a pair of dangly silver earrings into my ears. “This is your chance. You have to give them Jim.”
And isn’t that why I’ve thrown myself so fully into this mess? Jim made a promise, and if I hold up my end of the bargain, he’ll be forced to hold up his.
I drop my strewn makeup into a small bag, then cut off the lights as I leave the room. The dark hallways have started to feel more familiar to me than the bright spaces for the Normies, so I’m glad we’ll be spending the evening on Normie turf. While I’m having fun, I can’t let myself fall too deep into this den of iniquity.
After a quick elevator ride, I’m deposited on one of the upper decks. I still have a half hour to spare before I’m supposed to meet Ice Pig and our dates at Boogie Woogie Woo—the ship’s version of a 70s night club—so I stroll to the side deck to take in some sea air.
A man stands a few feet away from the door, and when the light catches his side profile, I realize it’s Jim. His hands clutch the railing as he looks out at the black ocean. Shadows cling tothe few wrinkles on his face. Despite knowing who he is and what he’s capable of, I find myself almost sorry for him. He lookssad.
The door snicks shut with a click, and Jim turns at the sound. When he sees me, he smiles. “Hello, dear child. Where’s your friend this evening?”
You mean my babysitter. That’s what I want to say, but the venom doesn’t fill my fangs the way I’d hoped. Taking a jab right now feels...wrong.
And I can’t put my finger on why.
“Unless he backs out, Maverick will be joining me shortly for a date,” I say instead.
The sadness in his eyes is replaced by a glint of something else. “Oh, a date? I didn’t realize you two would so easily jump the hurdles in your path, but I’m pleased.”
My eyelids nearly retract into my skull as I realize what he thinks I meant. “No, no. You misunderstand. We aren’t going on a date together. We’re going on a date with others. Well, technically, a triple date.”
“I find the act of lovemaking more pleasurable when it’s one on one, but if you enjoy group activities, I’m happy Maverick and your third are on board.”
Jesus fuck. I’d try to set him straight, but I’ll probably end up in a bukkake ring if I keep going.
“I’m just glad you’re finding things to enjoy on this trip,” he adds. “You’re special, Frankie. Untouchable beyond your own understanding. When we dock at port on the final day, you’ll face a decision unlike any you’ve faced before.” He takes a deep breath, his smile fading. “And when you make that decision, I want you to do it with your heart instead of your head.”
I scoff and join him at the railing. “That’s how you get into trouble, Madigan. The heart wants. It feeds on irrationality and chaos. The brain needs. It runs on logic and willpower.” I leanmy forearms on the railing and shake my head. “You can live with only needs, but you can’t survive on wants. And there are?—”
“Laws,” he says, finishing my sentence. He nods his head and smiles again. “Yes, there are laws, aren’t there?”
“Right.”
“Where there is good, there is bad.”
“Exactly.”
“And those two things can’t coexist in the same space, can they?”
I shake my head softly. “They cannot.”
“Can you blame an old man for wanting the impossible? Some of us haven’t mastered thinking with their heads.” He offers a light laugh, then stands to his full height and pats my shoulder. “I hope your evening is wonderful, Frankie. Thank you for holding up your end of the bargain. You can trust that I will do my part as well.”
“I’m counting on it,” I say, but as he retreats into the ship’s interior, I’m not so sure I mean it.
I lean against the bar and nurse a lukewarm beer, checking my watch for the third time in five minutes. Ice Pig and Maverick still have a few minutes before they’re due to arrive, but our dates are already on the dance floor. I can’t keep making excuses.
