Chapter 8
Iwent back to my stateroom to freshen up for dinner.
The hinged portlight was open, and a light breeze drifted through the cabin, along with the sounds of the sea.
I never opened the window. But perhaps Julie or a stew had done it. There was no doubt someone had been in my cabin. I didn’t think it unusual or concerning at the time.
I fell onto the bed to relax for just a second and promptly passed out. Thank God I had set an alarm. I would have slept through until the next morning.
I woke up around seven, pulled myself out of bed, and slipped into a slinky black cocktail dress.
I didn't know how formal things were for dinner around here.
I figured this would work either way without being too much or too little.
A little refresh of the makeup and hair, and I was somewhat presentable.
The guests gathered in the dining area. Declan was talking to a good-looking couple when I entered.
Luciano and Sophia had arrived, and wait staff scurried about.
Vanessa was absent.
The aroma wafting from the galley smelled divine. My stomach rumbled, and I couldn't wait to eat. I needed food to soak up the excess tequila that lingered.
"Can I get you anything to drink?" a steward asked.
After a moment’s hesitation, I said, "A glass of Merlot, if you've got it."
“Certainly.”
I figured I should stick with something that had a lower octane level than tequila.
When I approached Declan, he looked me up and down with impressed eyes. "You look smashing!"
"Thank you," I said in a cutesy voice.
"I’d like you to meet my good friend Sebastian and his girlfriend Hannah.”
We exchanged pleasantries.
"It's nice to meet you both," I said.
Sebastian was a handsome man in his early 30s with wavy blond hair, tan skin, a strong jaw, and baby-blue eyes. He had the physique of a surfer and probably was one. He was tall. About 6’1”.
Hannah was a cute strawberry-blonde with a fresh face and a light dusting of freckles. At 21 or 22, she had caramel eyes, wholesome features, and a petite figure.
"Sebastian just sold his app for $1.2 billion," Declan boasted.
Sebastian smiled.
"Impressive.”
"It was a good exit," he said.
"Now we're going to take that $1.2 billion and turn it into $2.4 in no time," Declan said with confidence.
"Right on, brother,” Sebastian said as they clasped hands.
"Where's Vanessa?" I asked.
With an annoyed sigh, Declan said, "Vanessa is seasick," he said in air quotes. "Unfortunately, she won't be joining us for the rest of the evening.”
"Does she get seasick often?"
"Not usually this early, but she was really excited to see you, and I think she got a little carried away."
"It was very kind of you both to invite me.”
"It's our pleasure. Any friend of Vanessa's is a friend of mine. I look forward to getting to know you better."
I smiled.
A staff member announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, if you’re ready to eat, dinner will be served shortly.”
"Is there assigned seating, or can we sit anywhere?” I asked.
Declan looked over the group, planning an impromptu seating arrangement. "How about you sit next to me?"
"Sounds like a plan.”
Declan stood at the head of the table making arrangements. I took a seat to his right. Hannah sat to his left, and Sebastian next to her. Luciano sat next to me, and Sophia sat next to Sebastian. There were several empty seats at the table.
"Will anyone else be joining us?" I asked.
“This is the gang.”
After everyone had settled into their seats, Declan stood at the head of the table and lifted his glass to toast. "I'm so grateful you all could be here with Vanessa and me.
It means the world to us. We've all been so blessed, and we are happy to share those blessings with you.
To good friends, good times, and good fortune. "
"Hear, hear," the group replied with enthusiasm.
We clinked glasses and sipped our beverages.
The waitstaff came by and took our orders.
To start, you had the option of seared scallops over a sweetcorn purée or burrata with heirloom tomatoes.
I went with the scallops. For the main entrée, you had the choice of a miso-glazed Chilean sea bass or linguine with lobster and clams. I went with the linguine with the white wine reduction.
Oh my God! Mouthgasm.
It was SO good.
If this was the kind of food we were going to get every day on this ship, I was going to gain a thousand pounds.
It might be worth it.
Luciano told me all about his shipping empire and his pending business deal with Declan. Between his vessels and Declan’s capital investments in multiple ports, they were plotting to dominate the industry. It seemed like both of them already had enough, but why not get a few billion more?
Luciano's hand repeatedly found its way to my thigh during dinner.
I would politely remove it every time and continue smiling as if nothing happened.
I figured this was standard operating procedure for him.
Sophia had grown numb to it, most likely, and was on to her own pursuits.
She flirted with Sebastian the entire evening, batting her eyelashes, placing a hand on his shoulder from time to time, laughing at his jokes like they were the funniest things she'd ever heard.
I don't think Sebastian minded the attention. Sophia was a good-looking woman.
It made Hannah uncomfortable.
Poor thing seemed so quiet and meek. But those are the ones you have to watch out for. If Sebastian wasn't careful, he might wake up in the middle of the night with something cut off.
Declan kept her occupied, but I didn't get the sense he was flirting with her.
"Enough about me," Luciano said. “Tell me about you. I want to know everything," he said, enamored.
"I'm afraid there's not much to tell."
His doubtful eyes narrowed at me. "You and I both know that's not true.”
"Why do you say that?”
"There is something special about you. It's in the eyes. It's always in the eyes. You have a story to tell."
"Everyone's got a story to tell.”
"Not everyone has an interesting story."
I didn't feel like going into detail about my recent adventure with Earl Vernon Maddox. But that was indeed a story. I didn't ever want to think about that man again.
"What do you do for a living?" Luciano asked. "We can start there."
"Isn't that where everyone starts?”
"Yes, I know. It's a standard, unimaginative question. I should have known better. You deserve more.”
I smirked.
Luciano stared deep into my eyes. "You have many gifts.” Then he added, "But you are not utilizing them to their fullest."
I figured it was a line he used on every woman. "Does that work?”
"Does what work?”
"I'm sure you're very adept at flattering strange women.”
"You're not a strange woman," he said, putting his hand on my thigh again.