Page 4 of Total Ship Show

“Yeah. All her extra expenses for the week paid for by me in exchange for her company around my family. What girl would say no to that?”

“A smart one.” Kohen claps me on the shoulder as we head out of his office together. “Like I said, best of luck to you, mate. If this turns into a total shit show, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Total ship show, you mean. See what I did there?”

No response.

“You never laugh at my jokes, man. It hurts me.” I lay my hand over my heart. “Guts me to my core.”

He laughs, shaking his head at me once again. “Yeah, yeah. Safe travels, man.”

* * *

Leg one of my trip doesn’t seem too bad as I board my flight from Seattle to Dallas. Waking up at the ass crack of dawn to be on the first flight out didn’t excite me but it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make if it gets me on that ship before the rest of my family. Why I didn’t book myself a direct flight and be done with it is beyond me. Layovers make me nervous, not just because one small delay or cancellation effects the next leg of the trip, but because changing planes means losing luggage and that’s the kind of bullshit I hate having to deal with. Not to mention I’m already dealing with a three-hour time difference from the rest of the family. My mother would’ve advised me to pack everything into a carry-on but I don’t think like that. A man’s gotta look good if he’s going to find a hot blonde to share his week with.

A man needs options!

A man needs space!

We touch down at the Dallas Fort Worth airport in plenty of time to grab a filling breakfast. And by breakfast, I mean a burrito and shot of tequila because I’m an adult on vacation. I spend some of my down time scrolling through social media on my phone, reading about the excursions available on this cruise, and reminding myself that I didn’t sign up to participate in any of them because I don’t want to be that creepy loner amongst a group of cruising couples. And I certainly don’t want to pick an excursion that any of my family members might be going on. I’m perfectly happy finding a secluded quiet spot on the ship to relax or mingle among those sticking around to walk the beach. Hell, I could actually read a damn book right on the balcony of my room if I want to.

When is the last time I got to pleasure read a book?

A book about anything other than surgical techniques or medical advances.

Not a bad idea.

Grabbing my bag, or my man-purse as Kohen likes to call it, I stop in the small bookstore at my terminal to peruse the reading possibilities.

“Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays?” I say to myself, picking a particular book off the shelf and chuckling at the clever title and colorful cover. “Sounds like my kind of book.”

An older woman next to me leans over and picks up a different book from the shelf. “You know that’s one of those steamy romantic comedy type books, right?”

Slightly stunned, I hold the book to my chest and smile at her. “Are you implying that because I’m a man I would never read such a book?”

Caught off guard the woman backtracks. “No, I…I mean you just sounded like you had no idea about that book,” she explains, pointing to the book in my arms. “No judgement here. I love romance books. Dark romances are my jam.”

“Ah, well…” I turn the book over in my hand and quickly read part of the blurb. “I think a laugh out loud enemies-to-lovers type of comedy is just what I need for my vacation entertainment. Besides, with a title like this, how could anyone pass it up? Kamana Wanalaya…as a Hawaiian resort? That’s brilliant!”

“You know what? You’re right.” The woman laughs and her dark brown hair slides over her face as she leans over to pick up her own copy ofKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays. “You sold me. Everyone needs a fun rom-com once in a while, huh?”

“Laughter is the best medicine, and I am a doctor so…you know. It’s like watching one of those Hallmark movies…but better, obviously.” I wink at her.

She laughs. “Obviously. Thanks for the recommendation.”

Chuckling because who the hell knows if this book is good or not, I wave to her as she makes her way to check out. “Hope you enjoy.”

“You too, sir.”

I grab a few snacks and a bottle of water along with my new book for my second flight and check out as it’s nearing time to board. I double check my ticket and head in the direction of Terminal B. My flight is called over the loudspeaker as they begin the boarding process. Nearing my gate, I hear someone behind me rushing to get by the general crowd.

“Excuse me. Thank you. Excuse me, I’m late for boarding. Excuse me. I don’t want to miss my flight. Ooof!”

She bumps into my shoulder. “Oh God, I’m so sorry! Excuse me.”

“No worries.” I nod as she hurries by but come to a halt as I watch the strap of her large carry-on bag break. Her bag falls to the floor, the contents spilling everywhere.

“Fuck!” she says a little too loudly.

---