“Attention passengers.” A boisterous voice laced with a heavy Australian accent came over the speaker located in the room’s ceiling, making her jump. “This is Martin, your friendly cruise director. On behalf of Sunset Adventures, I’d like to welcome you all to the Majestic. The largest and most lavish passenger cruise ship on the sea. Your tropical adventure will begin in less than an hour, and for the next six days, you will enjoy the most incredible vacation you’ve ever experienced. However, before that can happen, all passengers must attend the mandatory safety meeting that begins in ten minutes. I repeat, all passengers are required to attend the mandatory safety meeting before the ship can depart the port.”
Avery remembered reading something about that, but she had no idea where said meeting would be taking place.
As if Martin could read her mind, he added, “All passengers have been divided up into separate meeting areas based on your room’s location. You will find your assigned area on today’s personalized itinerary located inside the welcome folder. This should be on the small table next to your bed.
Turning her head, Avery saw her folder exactly where Martin said it would be. As the energetic cruise director continued informing passengers of various activities the ship had to offer on their first night at sea, she opened the folder and found where she was supposed to report.
Dining Room A.
“Shouldn’t be too hard to find.”
Nine and a half minutes later, Avery was nearly breathless as she rushed toward the crew member waiting at the door.
“Sorry I’m late. I got turned around.”
“No worries.” The woman gave her a polite smile. “Still happens to me on occasion.” Doubtful, but Avery appreciated the effort to make her feel less embarrassed. “Here you are.”
She was handed back her cruise card.
“Thank you.” Avery gave the woman a small smile.
Hoping to join the others without being noticed, she walked through the short entry located behind a curved, split staircase. Following another almost-late passenger who’d chosen to go right, Avery stepped into the most gorgeous, elaborate room she’d ever seen.
The far wall was made entirely of windows offering a stunning view of the North Atlantic. Countless round tables filled the main seating area, some piled with clean dishes and silverware that was snuggled inside pristine linen napkins.
Preparations for this evening’s dinner.
The place was packed with passengers, their conversing voices coming together to form a dull roar as they waited for the mandatory meeting to commence.
As she moved through the dense crowd in search of an open place to stand, Avery couldn’t help but be in awe of the gorgeous turquoise chandeliers running along the ceiling’s center, or the rose gold décor scattered throughout the entire space. And the split staircase leading to the second level…
“Wow.”
“Pretty impressive, isn’t it?”
The male voice behind her made her jump. She turned, disappointment rushing through her when she found a man she’d never met before staring down at her.
“It is.” Avery nodded politely.
There are over four thousand passengers on this ship. Did you really expect it to be Garrett?
Though she hated admitting it, yes. She had.
“I’ve been on a lot of cruise ships, but I have to say, this one’s the best.”
Unsure of how she should respond to the man’s slightly slurred comment, Avery simply nodded and looked away.
“I’m Jack.” He held out a hand.
She stared at it a full two seconds before deciding to take it. With a tight smile forming on her pressed lips, she returned the gesture. “Avery.”
“Avery.” Interest filled the man’s dark eyes. “I like that.”
A strong, nauseating whiff of whisky filled her nostrils, which she assumed derived from the near-empty glass in the man’s free hand.
Another quick glance at Jack’s pupils revealed he’d drank more than his fair share.
Fabulous.