Page 44 of Thanks for the Memories
Bethany links her arm in Lila’s and asks her to introduce her to the other guests. I watch them wander off together, and I exhale deeply.
Honestly, I need a few minutes to myself. After having breakfast with Dante and then Bethany talking about him the whole way to the marina, I’m feeling a little overwhelmed.
I visit the restroom and pop a Dramamine because it’s always better to be safe than sorry when you mix a boat, water, and a possible choppy wake all together. I certainly don’t want to be the random guest who vomits all over Paul’s daddy’s mini yacht.
I take a few more minutes to freshen up before I wander up to the top deck, or is it called the flybridge? I’m not exactly caught up on all the ship lingo. Last time I was here, Paul gave us a tour and explained the intricate details, but I don’t remember the specifics.
I wander toward the starboard side and look out over the bay. The music from the main deck fills the air as we start pulling away from the dock. I should probably check on Bethany, but I have a feeling she’s getting settled nicely. Lila is very good at entertaining and welcoming people, so Bethany couldn’t be in better hands.
I rest my forearms on the railing and inhale deeply, breathing in the fresh ocean air. I have so many thoughts swirling around, it almost feels like I’m on the spinning teacup ride at Disney World.
“Reagan?”
A deep voice startles me, making me jump. When I turn around, my jaw drops open.
“Jeremy?”
What?Am I imagining this? I’m not sure if I should be more confused that he’s actually here or that he called me Reagan. I can’t remember the last time he didn’t refer to me as Blondie.
“What are you doing here?” we say at the same time.
“My roommate Lila invited me,” I reply.
“One of my good friends works at Paul’s firm,” he answers.
Holy crap. I thought my mind was spinning a few minutes ago. Now it’s definitely picking up speed.
I take in Jeremy’s appearance. It’s not the same as seeing him jogging shirtless on South Beach, but he still looks incredibly attractive in his short-sleeve white shirt and blue cargo shorts.
He starts laughing.
“What’s so funny?” I ask, folding my arms against my chest.
“I was thinking about how funny it is that you’re supposed to be on vacation and somehow you’ve gotten stuck seeing me two days in a row. My deepest apologies,” he adds with a dramatic bow.
Clearly, he’s had a few glasses of the welcome beverage.
I place my hand on my hip. “Yeah—what’s up with that? Should I be concerned that you’re following me?”
He moves next to me and leans his elbow on the railing.
“You’ve figured me out, Blondie.”
Ah, there’s the Jeremy I know, along with the famous nickname that everyone’s so hung up on.
Now that he’s standing next to me, I’m close enough to get a peek at the top of his of chest. It truly is a mystery that he’s able to stay so fit with his garbage diet. If only we were all so lucky.
“So, are you going to tell me why you’re up here all alone? Where’s your best friend?” he asks.
I sigh before explaining that I needed a few minutes to clear my head.
He twists his mouth to one side. “Is everything okay, or is there trouble in paradise?
“Yes. It’s better than I expected.” I pause. “I guess I just have a lot on my mind.”
“Aw … do you need some of my expert advice?” he asks, the corner of his mouth curling up.
If only. Although there’s no way I’d ever admit that he’s one of the reasons I’m so confused.
