Page 12 of Total Ship Show

Ade…I wonder if she likes that.

“I’m so good. Glad to be able to get away and relax for a week, right? You look great by the way.”

I feel her stiffen beside me as she clears her throat and nods to her ex. “James.”

“Ade.” He nods back, wrapping his arm around Pippa like he owns her every move.

“I uh…” she says, gesturing between them. “I didn’t know you two were a thing.”

Pippa gives Adrienne a cautious wince. “I hope you don’t mind. After you two broke up a couple years ago I ran into James at a party and well, we just kind of…you know.”

You fucked.

There’s no classy way to say you fucked so don’t bother trying.

“Mind? Are you kidding?” Adrienne plays it remarkably cool, waving her hand. “I moved on a long time ago. In fact, please allow me to introduce my fiancé…”

Fiancé?

Oh, wow. She moves fast. Okay.

“Aris McElfry.”

I offer my hand to the dumb jock. “Dr. Aris McElfry.”

That’s right. Let’s rub that in a little for my fake fiancée’s sake.

“Doctor, huh?” James nods. “How’d you manage to reel in a doctor, Ade? Nice to meet you, man.” He tries to one-up me on the handshake with his firm grip but no way in hell will I let him win this one or try to put Adrienne down in front of me.

“She didn’t have to reel me in at all. One look at her and I was smitten. I’d do anything for her.”

“You still trying to be an actress, or did you finally give up that pipedream?” James asks.

Pipedream?

Fuck you, douchebag.

I don’t like your tone.

“As a matter of fact,” Adrienne starts to answer but is interrupted. Thank God.

“Wait! Eeeeeek!” Pippa squeals clapping in excitement. “Let me see your rock! Oh, my God if Aris here is a doctor, your ring has to be huge, right? Did you get an opal one just like you always wanted?”

Opal.

Interesting choice.

Noted.

Adrienne looks at me like she’s hoping I’ll have an answer. I squeeze my hand on her waist to let her know I’ve got this.

“Actually, I proposed without one.” I jump in to save her from having to explain. “I knew she wanted to look around at some of the fine diamonds and jewels in the ports during the cruise so I told her she could pick out whatever she wants.”

Pippa sighs. “Awww, that’s so amazing. Ade! I’m so happy for you!” She smooths an hand down Adrienne’s shoulder. “I can’t wait to spend more time with you guys and get to know you, Aris.”

“Likewise, obviously. Any friend of Ade’s is a friend of mine.”

“Have you seen any of the other girls yet?”

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