Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 98345 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 393(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98345 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 393(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
I head toward the end of the line, not surprised that we’re trudging forward at a snail’s pace. Everyone wants to take their time perusing the options, including me. There are so many things to choose from. I don’t have the biggest appetite, shocking considering I skipped dinner last night, but even I’m tempted by the cute French toast bites up ahead.
“Morning,” a chipper voice says behind me.
I turn to see Tyson pick up a tray and plate of his own, then scoot into line behind me. It’s always nice to see him, though obviously, my first instinct is to check to see if he’s alone. It seems that Phillip is never far off. This morning, though, there’s no Phillip in sight. A funny mixture of relief and disappointment washes over me, but I try not to let it show.
Instead, I smile brightly at Tyson, forcing the expression in the hope that I will actually start to feel happier than I am. “Hi, Tyson.”
“Big morning so far?” he asks.
I laugh a little. “Oh . . . I sort of just rolled out of bed. Is that embarrassing? I do plan on snorkeling in a bit, though.”
“Awesome. That should be really fun. I haven’t snorkeled in Saint Thomas, but I hear it’s great. Where are they taking you guys, again?”
I rearrange my tray, pushing it onto my left hand so I can dig into my purse for my itinerary. “Coki Point beach. Not sure I’ve pronounced that right . . .”
“You did. Co-key. It’s a beautiful beach. Great areas for swimming, and you should see plenty of fish.”
The line moves, and I tuck my itinerary away and shuffle forward. “What about you? Big plans today?”
“I’m actually departing this afternoon. Heading back to the States.”
I’m surprised to hear this. “But we still have a few more destinations.”
He nods. “Yes, but it was always the plan for me to leave early. I try to keep my travel to a minimum. It just gets to be too much, and I don’t like to be away from my girlfriend, Samara, for too long.”
“Phillip doesn’t mind it? The travel?”
It feels almost strange to bring him up like this, as if my motives are overtly obvious. I hate that I want to know so much about him. It doesn’t exactly help matters.
He shrugs. “Oh, Phillip’s always loved the travel aspect of his job. I doubt he could ever stay in one place for long. Kind of like you travel journalists.”
It stings to hear him call me a travel journalist when I’m truly anything but that at this point.
“Right, yes. I do love that part of my job . . . ,” I lie, glad to see we’re finally inching closer to the crepe station. “Where is he this morning?” I inquire mildly. “Phillip, I mean.”
Tyson narrows his eyes in thought. “He’s probably running around making sure the ship is ready to take on a few more passengers.”
New passengers?
“I didn’t realize there were others joining us midcruise?”
“I think it’s a bit of a surprise thing.” He smiles conspiratorially and leans in. “Vivienne and her friend flew in to see Phillip. Wanted to congratulate him on Aurelia’s maiden voyage and everything. They definitely pulled it off. I didn’t even know about it.”
My chest constricts with this news, and it takes me an awfully long time to comprehend what he’s saying.
Vivienne is here?
In Saint Thomas?
On board Aurelia?
“That—that must have been some surprise.” My voice hitches, but he doesn’t seem to notice.
“I can’t imagine. I’m sure Phillip was glad to see her.”
Tyson doesn’t mean to wound me with his words. He’s not being intentionally cruel, after all. It’s only . . . I guess Phillip hasn’t mentioned any of the things that have transpired between us. I’m not offended by it. That’s okay. I told Sienna but only because it felt necessary to bring her in on it. Phillip has proved to be an extremely private person, so why would he go running to Tyson about our . . . our whatever it was.
Was being the operative word. If Vivienne is here, it’s absolutely, conclusively finished between Phillip and me.
“I’m so happy for him.”
Tyson sighs with relief. “God, me too.” With a shake of his head, he adds, “You know, he bought a ring. Back in January, I think it was, before they broke it off. It really devastated him when things ended.”
I touch his arm as I ask quickly, “So she ended it? Not him?”
Tyson looks at me curiously, and I realize this must seem odd. My eagerness, that is.
“This is absolutely off the record,” I say solemnly, in case that’s what he’s worried about. “I’m not digging for an article or anything. I’m only just . . . wondering.”
“Ma’am—”
The person in line behind Tyson waves for me to move ahead. It’s about to be my turn to order a crepe.