Page 9 of Total Ship Show

A slightly darker room, I feel confident I’ll be able to hide away in here for a few moments. Stepping past the amassing group of people eager to drink and hang out as we await the arrival of all the ship’s passengers, I make it to the bar where I meet the eye of the bartender.

“Can I get a Corona please?”

“Coming right up.” The bartender smiles. “Welcome aboard. Is this your first time with Festival Cruises?”

I give him a wincing smile. “It is. Do I give off the virgin voyager vibe?”

His grin grows. “Nah. You just looked a little nervous walking in here. Don’t worry though. We’re all master-baiters here on the Heart of the Deep. You’ll be hooked in no time.”

Lifting a brow, I chuckle. “Master-baiters, huh? Everyone?” I do a quick scan around the room. “Now that would be a sight to uh…”

Don’t say it, Ade.

Don’t say it.

“To never be able to unsee.”

Squeezing my eyes tightly closed, I shake my head, laughing. “God that really is a sight I can’t unsee in my mind now. Thanks for that visual.”

Mr. Bartender throws his head back in a laugh. “You’re welcome. We crew-people don’t refer to this place as the S.S. In-her-course for nothin’.” He lifts his chin as if he’s gesturing to me. “You here alone?”

Well, this guy doesn’t waste time.

Is he flirting with me?

Isn’t there a thing about not hitting on the passengers?

Maybe that’s not the case on the S.S. In-Her-Course.

“Uh, no!” I quickly shake my head. “No, my uh…my boyfriend is just downstairs.”

Oh, my God, Adrienne. Why would you lie to this guy?

“He was just talking to uh, one of the…” I hitch my thumb behind me. “To the concierge.”

Ugh! You could’ve maybe gotten some help from him.

Maybe he knows other single guys!

“Ahh.” Mr. Bartender gives me a half smirk removing the cap to my bottle of Corona. “Well, quick tip I give all my customers…”

“Okay…”

He hands me my drink. “Don’t accept a drink from anyone on this ship you don’t know.”

My bottle at the tip of my lips, I slowly lower it back down to the bar in front of me and back my hands away. Narrowing my eyes, I tell him, “I don’t know…youuuu.”

He laughs.

“Touché, smartass. I meant those you don’t know who arenotwearing a Festival Cruise uniform. Trust me when I say we bartenders are always looking out for our customers, but you can never be too safe. Especially on an adult-only cruise where the alcohol flows freely.”

Picking up my bottle once more, I tip it in his direction and nod appreciatively. “Well from one happy customer, I thank you for the free tip.”

“Anytime. I certainly hope you enjoy yourself. My name is Malachi if you need anything.”

“Adrienne.” I nod again with a smile. “Pleasure to meet you.” I smile one last time, lifting my bottle in appreciation. “I’m sure I’ll see ya around.”

I turn to head out the door knowing I’ll need to find a new hiding spot since I just lied to Malachi about being here with a boyfriend when I nearly run smack dab into a familiar face. Dark auburn hair. Slate blue eyes. A megawatt smile when he recognizes me.

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