you’re hot.”
“Shut it, Mer!” I squeaked and heard Tabs say something in the background.
“What did Tabs say?”
“She told me to shut it too. Dang, I was just joking. Maybe he was having a bad day. Hey,” she directed at something Tabitha said again.
“Maybe he was,” I said, thinking even Evan had said he was normally friendlier.
“Tabs wants a turn,” Meredith said. “I love you and miss you, bitch face. Here she is.”
“Love you too, bye.”
“Hey, Josie,” Tabs greeted me. “You get there safely?”
“Yep. All tucked into my watery coffin,” I half joked. “Hey, do you know anything about what happened to his wife?”
“Actually, I don’t. And I haven’t done too much looking into it. There’s not much online. What were you told?”
“Nothing yet. But I’m supposed to meet with him in a bit, maybe he’ll at least give me the lay of the land. At least as far as what his daughter has been told. On that note. I better get myself together. I just hope I can make you proud.”
“Don’t be silly. Of course you will. And I know you’ll have a good time.”
“So good to talk to you both. Have fun at your sister’s wedding, Tabs. Hug Mer for me. And tell her please don’t forget about me stranded out here.”
“Ha. Stranded?” Meredith had clearly wrestled the mouthpiece closer to her. “Hardly. I’m here for you any time.”
“Love you, Mer. Love you, Tabs.”
“We love you more.”
We all hung up and I lay back on the soft bed with a grin, then I rolled off the bed and began unpacking into the dresser. The drawers had a twisty latch thing so they locked when closed. I imagined it was in case of turbulent waters. I shuddered at the thought of being trapped in this room during rough weather. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and tried to stay on task.
As I entered the bathroom and caught site of the mirror, I practically jumped out of my own skin.
Shit. Jet lag and a fluorescent white office tan were a rough combo. I was pale with tiredness, my under eyes looking bruised, and my light freckles more pronounced. It felt like a stranger staring back at me. Figuring out the shower took a moment, but it was blissful to step under the hot spray and quickly wash my hair and shave my legs. I imagined the boat had to store fresh water on board so I didn’t dally too long.
I jumped as I heard a beep and a static crackle. Andrea’s voice came through the intercom. I’d left the bathroom door open so I didn’t miss it. “Hey, Josie.”
I scampered out the shower, grabbing a large white fluffy towel on the way. I pressed the button. “Yes, I’m here.”
“Monsieur Pascale will see you up on the top deck in about ten minutes.”
“Ok. Thank you. I’ll be there. Over.” I released the button and cringed.
Andrea’s disembodied chuckle came through. “This isn’t girl scout camp on walkie talkies, ten four.”
“Sorry.” I laughed as I sent the message back.
Then I quickly towel-dried and wrapped my hair up. “Damn it,” I muttered. What did I wear to impress professionally but not look like I’m trying too hard? I settled on a pair of white shorts, unfortunately a tad shorter than I’d like, but not indecent, and a navy and white striped three-quarter sleeve shirt. Totally nautical. I looked the part. And frankly, I’d had to work with what I had when packing.
I dragged a comb through my dark hair that was even darker when wet and slicked it back to a low bun. The dark hair and pale skin made my gray-green eyes stand out more. Grabbing my make-up bag, I put on moisturizer, under eye concealer so I didn’t look ghoulish, and lip balm, then stared at myself in the mirror. “You can do this,” I whispered to myself. “You are capable of anything.”
I took a deep breath and headed out of my room to find my way upstairs.
Chapter Nine
I followed the reverse route of the one I’d come down with Andrea.
One level up was the main living area we’d walked into upon arriving on the boat. No one was around, but a delicious smell of grilled fish and garlic wafted from somewhere, and my stomach grumbled. It had been a long time since that baguette on the train. I turned to the stairwell and continued up, holding onto the brass handrail. Outside the windows, the sun was low in the sky