Page 5 of If They Knew

“This was the only seat available,” he shoots back, his tone as sarcastic as mine. I glance around the pool deck, which has bars on both sides, and notice plenty of empty seats at each.

Instantly, I turn back to Tyler and point to the empty chairs across the deck. “What’s wrong with all those other seats?”

“I didn’t see them, I guess. Oh well, I’m here now,” says Tyler with a wide grin. I give him a death glare, imagining how much I’d love to slap that smirk off his annoying pretty face. One that looks exactly like my husband’s, but at the same time not, due to his irritating personality. Tyler watches me, and I’m pretty sure he knows exactly what I’m thinking because he gives me a half smile. He slides his chair closer to me, knowing it'll only annoy me more. “Your generous husband said we should try to get along, so I came up here for a drink to make it happen.”

“Since when do you listen to anyone, let alone your own brother?” I snap.

“There's a first time for everything. You, of all people, know how much this means to him, so let’s set our differences aside. You can hate me again when we're back on land. Sound good?” he deadpans, then waves down the bartender.

I take a deep breath before responding, “Okay, deal. For Theo's sake, I can make it work. Just don't annoy the hell out of me, and don’t get completely wasted and make a fool of yourself like you usually do.” I smile and take a sip of my ice-cold drink.

“No promises, but I’ll try.” He responds with a quick wink and a smile. Damn, he gets on my goddamned nerves.

We both sit at the bar, silent for a moment, sipping our drinks and actively avoiding each other, until my husband walks over, surprising us both. This drink is so strong, I already have a buzz.

“You look sexy as hell in that uniform,” I say, licking my lips and imagining what he did to me earlier.

“Now, look who's the one making a fool of themselves,” Tyler says, with a snort.

I can't help but roll my eyes every time he speaks. “Shut up, you asshole. He does look good.”

“Yeah, shut up, dude. I love it when she tells me how sexy I am,” Theo says, winking at me. Then he leans down and gives me a kiss. I feel heat inside my body again at his touch.

Tyler smirks, and before he opens his mouth to speak, I’m already preparing for something dumb to come out. “So you think I’m sexy, too, right? Since we look exactly alike?”

And there it is.

“You really know how to kill a buzz, Tyler,” I say, rolling my eyes again.

He lifts his eyebrows. “But you didn’t deny it.”

“No, maybe you would be hot if you didn't have the personality of a high school jock.” I scoff and turn my attention back to my drink, so I don't punch him in the teeth.

“Just keep in mind that if Theo ever leaves you, I’ll still be here for you, and you won’t even need to change your family photos. Just tell everyone it's me in those pictures.” I look at him again, wishing I hadn't, because he has the same smirk as before. The one I can’t stand.

“Luckily, I’m not leaving, and she isn’t interested in you. I came to remind you both that the sail-away party is about to begin, and I need to head to the bridge to work. I’ll see you both at dinner. Love you, have fun!” Theo says before kissing me on the forehead and heading toward the bridge.

Tyler sits there bugging me with his existence for another twenty minutes before he heads to his room, leaving me alone at the bar—thankfully. I look around and realize people are starting to arrive and take up all the lounge chairs. Holding my third margarita, I get up and walk around in search of a lounge chair to relax in. Enjoying the hot sun and warm breeze on my skin, I close my eyes for a brief moment, allowing the sun’s warmth and the sounds of the deck area to buzz around me. It’s been a long time since I've had a few moments to myself, and I want to enjoy it.

Soon, the pool deck is packed with excited passengers. The music blares, and people dance and celebrate. Amid all the noise, I choose to watch instead of joining in. Lost in my own thoughts, I’m suddenly jolted back to reality when a group of people jump into the pool, splashing water onto my legs. It’s refreshing, and I think about jumping in myself, then I think better of it. Meanwhile, the DJ spins old-school dance tunes that energize everyone. The beat is contagious, and I find myself tapping my foot and nodding along.

The pool is now overly crowded, and a long line has formed for the waterslide. For a moment, I think about getting on the slide before dinner. Then, I immediately dismiss it. I have no desire to ride that plastic deathtrap. It’s not a typical water slide where you sit in a raft and glide into the pool. This one is a bright blue and green drop slide that starts inside a dark tunnel. After stepping in, you cross your arms and legs while waiting for the floor to suddenly drop from beneath your feet. You plunge down into a steep spiral before the slide turns transparent and extends about 15 feet over the ship’s side, revealing the ocean far below. The entire design is meant to create a thrilling rush of adrenaline, and I remember Theo's dad talking about how excited he was when he chose that design.

When the ship’s horn sounds, the crowd claps, dances, and cheers, letting me know that the ship has departed from the port and is now underway. Trying to escape the noise and chaos of people dancing and splashing in the pool, I head toward the elevator. A blue sign beside the elevator doors shows an outline of the ship with a red dot on the 12th floor, along with the words ‘You are here.’ Below the map is a list of all the areas, each color-coded and shaded according to the outline. Standing there, I'm unsure where I want to go. Checking my watch, I note that I have a few hours until dinner. Deciding to find a quieter spot to unwind, I study the ship's layout and spot the library on the 6th floor. I pull out my phone, thankful I still have service, and text Theo.

Me: Hey honey, I’ll be in the library for a while, dying to get into a book. I can't believe that in all the packing I forgot to pack mine. I’ll see you at dinner. Good luck today. Xoxo I love you.

Since I don't get a reply, I assume he's busy. Still holding my phone, I find Tyler's contact and message him, telling him where I'll be in case he needs me. Although, honestly, it’s none of his business, but I did agree to cooperate with Theo's request to get along.

Me: Heading to the library to enjoy the quiet. If you need anything, *don’t* need anything.

Tyler:

I'm surprised that Tyler responded. Usually, he ignores everything I say. Maybe he's trying, like Theo asked. If Tyler can be civil, I suppose it’s the least I can do, too. Although if Tyler's behavior is anything like it’s been in the past, God only knows what he's up to or with whom. Hell, he's probably at the bar, looking for some hapless woman to seduce for the next few days on the ship. I'm relieved to know Theo is working the evening shift and not out partying with his brother. Since it’s only a training cruise, Theo gets to switch out with other crew members. Luckily, that means he will be off for the remaining three days after today. With nothing to stress about right now, I'm excited about having some me-time.

As the elevator comes to a stop on the 6th floor, I can't help but gaze through the glass walls, taking in the bird’s-eye view of the atrium. From inside the elevator, I can see that the party on the pool deck isn't the only place with excitement. The atrium is just as lively, with its own unique energy. The elevator's recorded voice softly announces the 6th floor, and the gold doors slide open. Stepping off, I walk over to the railing and look down at the guests. The crowd in the atrium is a world apart from the one on the pool deck. Upstairs, the crowd is younger and rowdier, with lots of drinking, yelling, and jumping into the pool. The pool deck's DJs are playing music that makes you want to get up and dance.

In the atrium, the atmosphere is much more subdued. The crowd is older, with the women dressed in upscale, semi-formal attire, and the men in business casual. A man in a sleek black-and-white tuxedo is playing the piano, accompanied by a woman in a stunning full-length gown with emerald-green sequins and deep red lipstick. It's hard not to marvel at her beauty. Her brunette hair is pulled back tightly with a gorgeous diamond-covered barrette. She stands onstage, chin-level with a 1920s-style microphone, singing slow, soulful versions of popular songs. Right now, she is singing “Someone Like You” by Adele.