on about, but trust me—I don’t want to hang around to be fired. I’ll draft my resignation letter in the morning. You look stunning, by the way.”
“Thank you.” She looked around. “You packed.”
“I’m leaving first thing tomorrow,” I answered by way of explanation. “This is where I came on the boat, this can be where I leave it.”
“I can’t believe he didn’t discuss it with me. Or Evan. Though he may have sent an email, but I didn’t get it. The Wi-Fi has been on the fritz. We haven’t been able to send or receive email for the last several hours.”
I breathed out a sigh. “Oh. I was waiting to hear from Tabitha—she owns the agency. She was going to call him.”
“Why don’t you come out with us? There’s no point staying on board.”
“I’m not really in the best mental place.”
“Come on. Your mental state the best reason to come out. You haven’t even had a night out since you started. You must be stir crazy.”
“You have no idea.”
“You need one. Besides, it could be your last night.”
“It is my last night.” I felt my resolve caving.
“Well then.”
Looking around, I realized I would have to stay holed up in here all evening and probably wouldn’t sleep a wink come bedtime. And I certainly wouldn’t be visiting the top deck. God knew, I didn’t want to be anywhere else on the boat and bump into Xavier Pascale when he couldn’t stand the sight of me and I made him so uncomfortable. “If I come with you, any chance you won’t judge me if I decide to have a few or hundred drinks.” Even as I said it though, I knew I didn’t want to be hungover while making the ride of shame to the airport tomorrow.
She laughed. “No judgment from me, I promise. I may even join you in a few. Come on.”
I rummaged through my bag and pulled out the only thing I could find. It was the plain black linen t-shirt dress I’d bought at the market in Antibes, but it was short and nicely cut. With the right accessories it could double as a little black dress. I also pulled out my makeup bag. “Give me five minutes?”
Andrea broke out in a wide smile. “You betcha. See you on the back deck. We won’t leave without you. Don’t wear heels, the cobblestones are a nightmare.”
“Don’t have any.” I shrugged. “See you in a few.”
My hair had dried into waves I was getting used to since I hadn’t seen a hairdryer since I’d arrived. It helped that I’d wound my locks into a low bun while it dried. Being in the sun every day, the copper tones had really lightened and caught the light as I separated the waves. I applied some light make up, focusing mostly on my eyes. The tan I’d built up over the last few weeks negated the need for much else. I slipped the dress over a black bra and panties, put on some dangly earrings that sparkled, and my black flip flops. It would have to do. I grabbed my small cross body purse, lip gloss, phone, and some money and left my cabin to go say goodnight to Dauphine before I left, only to bump right into her and Xavier coming down the stairs.
My cheeks throbbed as I was once again swamped with embarrassed heat. I couldn’t look at him, so I dropped my gaze to Dauphine, and then bent to her level. “Bonne nuit, my little mermaid,” I said and kissed her cheek as I felt the weight of her father’s gaze on me. “Sweet dreams.”
“I am going to see mémé tomorrow!” she crowed. “I must pack my clothes. And then you can read to me too later, after Papa?”
My heart squeezed. God, I’d miss her! I shook my head. “I’m going out with Andrea.”
“Where are you going?” Xavier’s harsh tone jerked my face up to meet his gaze.
“I have no idea.” I telegraphed don’t-fuck-with-me vibes as hard as I could.
His jaw flexed. “Be safe.”
I narrowed my eyes. Like he cared. “I think I’d like to have a few drinks and … dance,” I goaded. “Is that safe?”
His nostrils flared briefly. But he tamped down whatever he’d been about to say. He gave a curt nod that seemed like he’d rather do anything but agree with me.
“You look so beautiful,” said Dauphine. “Doesn’t she look pretty, Papa?”