CHAPTER FORTY–SEVEN–THE SECRET MEETING
Nia fumbled in her bag for the key card she’d been given at check–in. She squinted at the tiny map printed on the back, trying to figure out where her cabin was located.
“Deck 7, cabin 714,” she muttered to herself, turning the card this way and that. “But where is deck 7?”
She wandered down a corridor, her eyes darting from door to door, searching for some indication of where she was. The suitcase felt heavier with each step, and she could feel a bead of sweat forming on
her brow.
Just as Nia was about to give up and ask for help, a familiar voice cut through the din of the crowded hallway.
“Nia! Over here!”
Nia turned to see Helia, her coworker from the cleaning staff, waving enthusiastically from near an elevator bank. Relief washed over her as she hurried towards her friend.
“Helia! Oh, thank goodness,” Nia said, embracing the other woman. “I was starting to think I’d never find my way around this place.
Helia laughed, returning the hug. “I know, right? This ship is like a floating city. I got lost three times just trying to find the buffet!”
Nia pulled back, taking in Helia’s appearance. Like her, Helia was dressed simply, but there was an excited gleam in her eye that Nia envied.
“How are you so calm about all this? Nia asked, gesturing to the opulent surroundings.
Helia shrugged, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. “Are you kidding? This is amazing! We’re on a luxury cruise, Nia. For free! I plan on enjoying every second of it.”
Her enthusiasm was infectious, and Nia felt some of her anxiety start to melt away. “You’re right,” she admitted. “I guess I’ve just been so worried about fitting in that I forgot to be excited.”
“Well, we’re going to fix that right now,” Helia declared, linking her arm through Nia’s. “Come on, let’s go explore this floating palace!”
Together, they set off down the corridor, suitcase temporarily forgotten as Helia led her on an impromptu tour of the ship.
Their first stop was the main pool deck. Nia’s jaw dropped as they stepped out into the sunlight. Multiple pools of varying sizes and shapes stretched out before them, each surrounded by plush lounge chairs and private cabanas. A large screen mounted above one pool was playing a movie, while another featured a waterslide that twisted and turned before splashing down.
“Can you believe this?” Nia breathed, taking it all in.
Helia grinned, already kicking off her sandals. “I know And look, there’s a swim–up bar in that pool over there. We are definitely trying that out later.”
They continued their exploration, each new discovery eliciting gasps of amazement. The casino glittered. with slot machines and gaming tables, the air thick with the sound of clinking coins and excited chatter. The spa promised relaxation and rejuvenation with its array of treatments and serene atmosphere.
But it was the restaurants that really caught Nia’s attention. From casual buffets to elegant fine dining establishments, the variety was staggering.
CHANTELFONTY SEVEN THE SECREEME
“Look at this one,” Nia said, peering into a dimly lit restaurant with plush velvet booths and crystal glasses sparkling on every table. The menu says they have Wagyu beef and caviar. I don’t even know what Wagyu
is!”
Helia laughed. “Me neither, but I bet it’s delicious. We should make a reservation.”
As they continued their tour, Nia felt herself beginning to relax. The initial shock of the luxury surrounding her was wearing off, replaced by a growing sense of excitement. Maybe Hella was right. Maybe she could just enjoy this experience without worrying so much about fitting in.
However, Nia’s newfound peace was short–lived. As they rounded a corner near one of the ship’s many bars, she spotted a familiar figure. Leon Allistair stood chatting with a group of executives, a glass of amber liquid in his hand.
Panic seized Nia. She wasn’t ready to face her boss in this setting, not yet. Without thinking, she grabbed Helia’s arm and pulled her in the opposite direction.
–“Whoa! What’s the rush?” Helia asked, stumbling slightly at the sudden change in direction.
“Nothing.” Nia said quickly, her eyes darting around for an escape route. “I just… thought I saw something interesting over here.”
They hurried down another corridor, Nia’s heart pounding in her chest. Just as she was beginning to think they were in the clear, another familiar face appeared.
Justin Allistair emerged from the ship’s gym, his hair damp with sweat and a towel draped around his neck. He looked up, his eyes meeting Nia’s for a brief moment before she ducked behind a large potted plant.
“Nia?” Helia’s voice was filled with confusion. “What are you doing?”
Nia peeked out from behind the plant, relieved to see that Justin had continued on his way without noticing her odd behavior.
“Sorry,” she said, straightening up and trying to act casual. “I just… thought I dropped something.”
Helia raised an eyebrow but didn’t press the issue. “Okay… well, do you want to check out the sports deck next? I heard they have a rock climbing wall.”
For the rest of the day, Nia felt like she was trapped in some kind of farcical play. Every time she began to relax and enjoy herself, either Leon or Justin would appear, sending her diving behind potted plants, ducking into shops, or making abrupt changes in direction.
By evening, Nia was exhausted from the constant vigilance. She bid goodnight to a still–confused Helia and made her way back to her cabin.
Once inside, Nia flopped onto the plush bed with a groan. The cabin, while small, was beautifully appointed with rich wood furnishings and soft, high–thread–count sheets. Under different circumstances, she would have been thrilled with such luxurious accommodations.
But as she lay there, staring at the ceiling, all Nia could think about was how she was going to survive the- next few days without her carefully constructed world crumbling around her.
“What am I doing here?” she whispered to the empty room. “I don’t belong in this world of luxury cruises and caviar. And how am I supposed to act normal around Leon and Justin when I can barely look at them without panicking?”
Nia rolled onto her side, hugging a pillow to her chest. She thought about texting Maria for advice but decided against it. Her friend would probably just tell her to relax and enjoy herself, which seemed impossible at the moment.
|| CHAPTERFORTY SEVEN–THE SECGET MEETING
As she lay there, contemplating her predicament, Nia’s mind drifted to the almost–kiss with Justin at the gala. Her checks flushed at the memory. What would have happened if they hadn’t been interrupted? And more importantly, what did Justin expect to happen on this cruise?
Then there was Leon. Nia couldn’t shake the feeling that he saw right through her, that at any moment he would realize she didn’t belong here and send her packing.
“Stop it,” Nia scolded herself, sitting up abruptly. “You’re overthinking everything. Just take it one day at a time. Tomorrow will be better.”
With that resolution in mind, Nia got ready for bed. As she slipped under the covers, she tried to focus on the positive aspects of the trip. The food, the amenities, the chance to see new places. Surely, she could find a way to enjoy all that without constantly worrying about running into the Allistair brothers.
