And why don't you do that? Octavia asked. Sorry, that was rude of me, she added quickly. I'm afraid I already know the answer. You see I'm in the same boat, she stopped at the unintended pun, and they both laughed. I mean my life seems to have a similar pattern. I'm studying law at Harvard. But I really just want to be a writer.
Really? What kind of things do you want to write?
Romance books. I love getting lost in silly romances. Please don't tell anyone, though. If it got out, the press would call me a lightweight.
I would never think you a lightweight, whatever you did, he said. He was mortified to feel himself blush.
Octavia noticed, and she leaned to him. That is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. Thank you so much.
Hi Slava. How are you? Octavia asked as he appeared on her laptop. He looked every bit as handsome as he'd been when they'd met just a few short days before.
I'm well, how are you? I can see you perfectly. Skype is amazing isn't it?
Yes. Did you get back from the US okay?
It's a long way and a long flight, but I managed. I read some books and looked at a few magazines. You were in one of them.
Oh really? What was I doing?
You were interviewed about what it's like to be the daughter of the President of the US. It was interesting to read, especially now I have met you in person. I liked the photos too.
Was I standing in front of a Christmas tree?
Yes that's the one. Standing in front of a Christmas tree with a red hat on. A bit like one of Santa's helpers, Slava joked.
Thanks, she replied ironically. There was a pause in the conversation and then they suddenly tried to tell each other the same thing. Sorry Slava you go first, she said.
I just wanted to say what a lovely evening I had at the Russian Embassy with you.
I enjoyed it very much as well, Octavia said. She wasn't wearing any of her expensive jewelry as she sat in her room at Harvard, but Slava found her just as stunning.
Octavia? he said as if he were going to ask her something of the utmost importance. What are you going to do when this semester ends in June?
I don't know, I guess my parents will have all sorts of tasks lined up for me. Why do you ask?
Because I wanted to invite you onto my boat for a few days.
Oh that would be fantastic, she said spontaneously. But hang on, she said suddenly realizing something, I don't know if my security will allow me to travel to Russia and get on a boat before they have checked it out thoroughly.
That's a good point. I didn't think of that. I suppose you have far more security than me, after all you are the President's daughter. I'm just the son of an Ambassador.
It's a perfect pain in the butt, all this bodyguard stuff. I can't move without someone watching me.
I tell you what, I'll charter a yacht in the US, and we will sail along the Eastern Seaboard. Your security will be able to follow at a discreet distance, and they'll be much more accommodating of the idea if you are in the US.
That would certainly help. Oh, I'll really look forward to that. Thank you for asking me. I took a boring exam today, and I'm not sure if I passed, so you have brightened up my day no end.
Who needs stupid exams. You can sit on the boat and write your first novel while I sail us around. That sounds idyllic doesn't it.
Yes it does. How cruel reality is.
Octavia stood on the quay at the New York Yacht Club and watched Slava carry her bags on deck. It looks like you chartered a floating palace, she commented.
She's a sixty-five feet motor cruiser. Six bedrooms and more luxury than enough, he shouted as he walked up the gangplank. The harbor was full of expensive boats, but it seemed Slava had managed to get his hands on the largest of them. Octavia watched him. His legs were long and thin in his white jeans. He was wearing a blue shirt that made him look every bit the sailor. His boar shoes were navy with white souls.
Why do women always need so many clothes, he asked as he came back for the final two bags. You're going to be wearing shorts most of the time or swimwear. But I hope you didn't forget your cocktail dress, he joked.
I know it seems like a lot, but you never know who we will bump into when we put into harbor. I am a terribly important woman don't forget, she jested.
What makes you think we'll put into a harbor, maybe I'll turn into a horrible pirate and keep you hostage on the high seas.
I couldn't think of anything better, she quipped, but I think my bodyguard may have something to say about it.
Slava looked at her and smiled. When she smiled back, there was a moment. A moment when they knew what was going to happen on the yacht and were looking forward to it.
Has my bodyguard spoken to you? she asked.
Yes, he's briefed me. We are to stay in US waters, and we're not to exceed twenty knots, so he can easily keep us in his sights.
Okay. Then when are we leaving?
As soon as I have put your extensive baggage into your bunk.