Page 22 of Total Ship Show

“That we did,” she says, nodding.

She slowly looks me up and down and I wonder if she’s having the same thoughts as me.

“What are you thinking about in that pretty little head of yours?”

She smiles coyly and I internally curse the colors of the night for hiding the possible blush of her cheeks from me. “I had fun today, Aris. So much more fun than I thought I would have when I walked onto this ship.”

Whatever anxiety I was still harboring in my shoulders about this day instantly melts away. “Good. I’m really glad. I had fun too. It’s refreshing to meet someone whose sense of humor parallels mine.”

She snickers again and I swear to God I try hard to pull the sweet sound of her laugh into my mind so I can bottle it and save it for a cloudy day.

“My dad always told me it shows the strength of a person when she can laugh at herself and allow others to laugh with her.” She shrugs and wraps her legs underneath her maxi dress, protecting her body from the chill of the wind. “I guess I always try to remember that. It helps me not take life too seriously.”

“That’s good advice,” I tell her.

We’re quiet for minute. A long pause dangling between us. The only sound around us is the water as it hits against the ship. A relaxing moment.

“Will you tell me more about yourself?” I ask her.

She turns her head and with a contented smile, asks, “What do you want to know?”

“What’s your everyday life like?”

She takes breath and looks back out at the water. “My everyday life is basically one big hustle.”

“Ah. So, you’re a hustler.”

She laughs. “Not like…I’m not a prostitute or anything. Not like that kind of a hustler.”

“Why did you feel like you had to make that distinction?” I wink at her to let her know I’m joking, and her smile grows wider.

“I just…you know…didn’t want you to think that was my life.”

“Good to know I’m not fake engaged to a hustling hooker. Tell me more. You told me you dabble in acting but do side jobs as well? What’s that like?”

“Mmm, well many days I’m waitressing at this popular diner called The Skillet and some days it’s downright grueling. Other days, I’m trying to prepare for auditions or sitting through long days of auditions only to be told I’m not what they’re looking for.”

“Not what they’re looking for?”

“Yep, and that could mean anything. You’re not tall enough. You’re not short enough. You’re not thin enough. You’re not old enough. You’re not young enough. Your hair isn’t the right shade of brown. You’re not pretty enough…you name it, it’s been said to me at one time or another.”

Damn. That’s rough.

“Well for what it’s worth, I think you’re beautiful.”

She smiles but the feeling doesn’t reach her eyes the way it did earlier today. “Thanks. I guess if I’m being honest with myself, acting might not be for me.”

“It certainly can be if you want it bad enough.”

“That’s just it though,” she says. “I’m not sure I want it bad enough. Does that sound stupid?”

“Not stupid at all. You’re allowed to not know exactly what you want out of life. It’s okay to try new things.”

“How do you have it all figured out then?” She turns in her chair so she’s leaning on her side facing me.

“Who said I have it all figured out?”

“You’re a surgeon. That’s an amazing job. You save lives. You literally spend your days saving lives one after another. How is that not the coolest feeling ever?”

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