Page 37 of Total Ship Show

“Not that I know of and even if they did, I didn’t want to tag along without a partner, so I didn’t schedule any. I didn’t want to be that creepy single guy hanging out on some lavish island with all these couples, you know? Way to kill my confidence and all that. I had just planned on reading here in my room or catching up on sleep or just adventuring around on my own a bit.”

I laugh. “I know what you mean. That’s exactly why I didn’t take the leap either. Well, that and some of those excursions are expensive as hell and I wasn’t sure if they were really worth it. I figured while they’re all out having a good time on hot tour busses, I can lay out at the pool or visit the spa or just enjoy the quiet calm of the ship while the party is off board.”

“Good idea. So yeah, scavenger hunt sounds fun. And an adult scavenger hunt sounds even better. If a sparkly pink dildo is on the list, we’ll already be at an advantage.” Aris’s grin and silly wag of his eyebrows makes me laugh out loud. I nudge him with my shoulder.

“Alright, alright. I guess we should get our day started then. I need to pee.”

* * *

“Wow, you all kinda look like shit. Not gonna lie.” I cringe at my group of girlfriends who are all sitting in and around the pool before lunch while the guys are at the gym, Aris included. The pool area has been very busy this morning. I imagine most cruisers are getting their swim time in before we start our port visits. Well, that and the sun is shining bright, and it feels magnificent out here today.

Pippa shakes her head slowly, a sour look to her face.

“Ugh, I’m certain James and I drank way too much last night. I’ve been feeling the effects all morning.”

“Same,” Jackie nods, her arm hugging her stomach as she sits on the edge of the pool.

I tilt my head, trying to give them the most sympathetic look I can while also hella confused at their reasoning. “Sooo, why are you in the pool and not eating all the greasy foods you can find and nursing your hangovers?”

“Because Grace said we were swimming this morning before we hit up the casino later and we didn’t want to miss our chance. Plus, I figured floating in the water would help my stomach calm down.”

I raise my head to look over at Grace who is peacefully lounging on her deck chair, her oversized diva sunglasses shielding her eyes. She gives me an innocent shrug. “Don’t look at me. I’m not their mommy. It’s not my fault they can’t handle their liquor.”

Trying hard not to roll my eyes at her diva-tude, I turn my attention back to the Pippa and Jackie.

“Did you drink something specific that maybe Grace didn’t?”

Pippa shakes her head. “Doubt it. We were all doing tequila shots. Then James bought me a few other fruity shots and I ended the night with…” She narrows her eyes like she’s trying to remember. “It was really pretty colors, whatever it was. I can’t even remember.”

Good Lord, they don’t even remember what they were drinking?

Hanging on the edge of the pool, my legs skimming through the water, I make small talk with the ladies. We chat about all subjects from work to our families to our goals and where we would like to vacation and then all of a sudden it happens.

A wretched noise behind me.

“Oh fuck!” Some guy points from the pool deck. “She just barfed in the pool!”

Oh. My. God.

“Pippa!” Jackie cries.

I swiftly turn around to see a horrified Pippa spitting water out of her mouth. “I couldn’t help it,” she gasps. “I’m sorry!” She doggy paddles to the side of the pool away from her vomit like it’s a great white shark smelling blood. Let’s just say I’ve never seen a mass pool exit like I’m witnessing right now.

And this whole time, Grace is laughing like this is the funniest thing she’s ever seen. I launch myself out of the pool and grab my towel, wiping my face and body quickly and then grabbing for Pippa’s towel. Before I even get to her, I see a few staff people come running to help. One is already placing a sign by the pool that says CLOSED FOR CLEANING.

Jackie, Michelle, Amanda, and Hillary all lift themselves from the edge of the pool to grab for their bags as I help Pippa out of the water and to her lounger. Her weak stomach can’t take the movement though, and she vomits all over the place once again.

“Ewwwwww!” Amanda shrieks. “It got on me!” She frantically wipes at herself with a towel while Grace continues to howl with laughter at the scene in front of her. I hand Pippa her towel and the moment I turn back around to grab my pool bag, I see it’s in Jackie’s hands.

“Wait, Jackie, that’s my—”

“Blaaarrrrgh…”

Holy.

Fucking.

Shit.

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