Rebel(27)

“Yeah, I know. I’m not sure I’d believe me either, but now I’ve got this dinner with the captain tonight where I’m going to have to pretend to be not only civil, but in love with my nemesis.” I sigh. How the hell am I going to do that?

To my surprise, instead of supporting me, Cassie cracks up. She just won’t stop laughing. “God, Angie, do you have any idea about how crazy this sounds? You know what? I think you should go for it.”

“What?” I shake my head even though she can’t see me. “What do you mean?”

She laughs again. “Come on, I only saw him for like three minutes, but he’s crazy hot. Do him. You guys have the freaking bridal suite, a big bed and all the time to yourselves that you want. What happens on the cruise stays on the cruise.” She pauses a moment. “And imagine the story. You fucked your stepbrother. Who’s he going to tell?”

I huff. “You don’t know him. He’ll tell everyone, because he’s an asshole and doesn’t give a shit. He’ll probably put it in his Christmas card just for fun. No freaking way. Besides, Paul. Hello.” Actually screw him? Is she insane? I swear it’s just the cool ocean air making my nipples hard.

“About that.” Her voice turns serious. “I had a reason for calling. You just managed to completely derail me. Though now that I know what you’re up to, maybe it can wait until you’re back. Don’t want to mess with your cruise.”

I roll my eyes. “Spill. You can’t say something like that and not tell me.”

She doesn’t even hesitate. “Okay, here goes. Yesterday morning, someone kicked the shit out of Paul. He had to get stitches. I’m kind of surprised he hasn’t called you to let you know.”

What the heck? I can put together two and two as well as anyone, and it doesn’t take much to guess at who might be responsible. My blood begins to boil. Not only is Gavin being an asshole, he’s gone and sent the guy who’s supposed to be my boyfriend to the ER. I knew he was moody and rude, but violent? As much as I hate him at the moment, I have a hard time believing he’d do something like that over a bad case of blue balls.

“Hello? Are you still there?”

“Yeah. Sure. Still here. Do you know anything about why?” There has to be a reason at least, right? Something?

“I couldn’t tell you, Ange. Word is, someone busted in on Paul and then kicked his ass. No one knows exactly why, at least that I’ve spoken to.” I can almost hear her shrug over the phone. “No idea. Listen, I’ve got to go. Keep me posted, alright?”

“Yeah, sure. Will do.” I draw a deep breath. “Thanks.” I tap the phone, hanging up.

Okay. Now what? I’m apparently rooming with a violent maniac, who’s going to be step-related to me and wants to get in my pants. How much worse can this get?

“Why so glum, dearie?” Someone else has braved the gloom to come to share the view, and I didn’t even notice. I look up and find one of the old ladies from reception. Jane? Julie? Joyce.

I shake my head. “You wouldn’t understand.” How could anyone comprehend this mess?

“Try me.” She looks frail, but her voice is firm, maybe even a little offended. “You don’t think I’ve been around the block a few times? You don’t get this old by not living, kid.” She snorts.

“Sorry. Rough day.” I look back out at the water.

“Husband trouble.” She nods at my astonished look. “I’ve been there. I’ve had four of them.”

Part of me wants to burst out and tell her the whole thing, but what if she goes and tells someone? I’ll play it safe. “He’s not my husband yet.” I flash a smile. “Not ever, if he keeps this up.”

“Oh dear, that does sound horrible. Give him some time.” She smiles. “But not too much. Too much, and you kick him out on his ass, dearie.” Turning back towards the water, she examines the horizon while I look at her with shock. “But you need to talk to him. Trust me. I know what I’m talking about.”

I have a hard time concealing a laugh. “Alright, so how do I know when it’s too much?”

She shrugs. “When the thought of tearing his clothes off and making up doesn’t feel worth the trouble. And the good ones are always trouble, bless their jackass hearts.” Making as if to leave, she turns. “I have to make sure Mabel’s not up to anything. Most likely, she’s waiting at the lunch buffet.”

I watch her go, old and hunched over, but with steady steps. “Thanks for the advice.” I think.