Page 2 of Every Bite You Take
I had my new ID, which served as the key to my cabin and credit for purchases on the ship, and was on my way upstairs to the sail-away party. We were leaving Seattle in thirty minutes. I took the stairs up to the pool deck, leaving me semi-winded, but I recovered as I strolled toward the music. The pool was designed in colorful green and purple tiles with a dragon motif. Beside it, the cruise director led a group of middle-aged women in the “Cha-Cha Slide.”
No thanks. I avoided that and headed straight to the bar to order a cocktail.
“What can I get you?” a bartender asked. “Our sail-away special is a Spook-tacular Rum Runner.”
From the golden glint in his eyes and massive torso, I guessed him to be a shifter, most likely wolf. Whether it was from years of experience serving supernatural clientele or perhaps a slight innate sense from my witch blood, I tended to be able to differentiate humans from supernaturals.
“Sure, that sounds great.”
Another bartender farther down the bar added something that looked like blood to a row of cocktails. My nostrils flared as I turned away.
“Love your hair color. What a vibrant purple,” a woman said from my left.
I turned to see a pink-haired woman with large hazel eyes, practically vibrating with magical energy. Silver earrings dangled from her ears. She appeared to be in her early thirties and wore a white bohemian-style shirt.
“Thanks,” I said. “I changed it from my usual blue for this trip.”
“Looks gorgeous on you.” She appraised me with approval. “I’m Piper.”
“Kylie,” I replied.
When the bartender brought over my drink, she ordered the same. While he prepared her cocktail, she asked, “Have you cruised before?”
“No. First-timer. And on my own.”
“Ah.” She nodded. “A virgin.” The bartender slid over her drink, and she thanked him. “I hope that’s not the case with this drink.” She raised her glass. “Cheers.”
I raised mine and clinked it back. “Cheers.”
We each sipped our drinks. The rum rolled with the fruit over my tongue.
“That coven is having a lot of fun.” She motioned to the women on the deck, bumping into each other and laughing as they turned in the wrong direction for another line dance. “I had a drink with them earlier. One of the witches is celebrating theirfiftieth birthday, so they decided to make it a witches-only trip, and they’re having a blast.”
I watched the women as they bumped into each other again and burst out laughing. “They certainly are.”
“So what do you plan to do for fun on this cruise?”
I scrunched my nose. “Not sure. I’m sailing alone and just winging it. Any suggestions?”
“Hmm.” Piper tapped her chin, and her silver rings gleamed beneath the sunlight. “I may be biased since I work at the art auctions, but I try to make them entertaining. You should stop by one of our events this week.”
“Ooh, wish I could but I don’t think that’s in my budget.” I took a sip of my drink.
She shooed my concern off with a wave. “No obligation whatsoever.” Then she leaned in closer and said in a lower tone, ”Just stop by for a free art print and glass of champagne.”
I chuckled. “Free stuff sounds more like my budget.”
A trio of hulking men strode out, and she let out a low, appreciative breath. They were a little too massive for my taste. One caught her eye and winked. After they passed, she turned back to me. “What do you like to do? Play games? Dance? Go to shows? Listen to music?”
Out of the options she gave, I chose the last one.
“All right, let’s see what’s going on tonight.” She pulled out a brochure of cruise ship happenings that day from a blue sparkly bag and scrolled down it, using her index finger as a guide. “Luna Blue Shadows is playing. It’s a welcome show with asixties rock set.” She tapped the spot on the paper. “I’ll swing by after I’m done at the gallery. You should go.” She gestured in my direction. “Have a drink and listen to some good music.”
“Sounds good.” Since I didn’t know anyone onboard or know my way around this floating vessel, I appreciated her recommendation. Tomorrow was a day at sea while we sailed up to Alaska, so I’d have plenty of time to explore the ship.
“You should see these supes—three shifters and a vampire.” She fanned herself. “All smokin’.”
A shifter? Maybe. A vampire with their bloodplay fetish? No, thanks.
