Chapter 11: Quality Time

**Chase**

I can’t tell who has it worse, Corey or Katie? Both of them look like they’re about to topple over, while Jordan is a total mess! Every word she utters comes out as a hiccup, and her now frog-like complexion is growing paler by the minute. Then there's Lena, this enigma of a woman! This girl is playing the game like a master, memorizing every card we ask for and quietly using it to her advantage. It’s impressive really! While the rest of us are drowning in our fourth or fifth shots, she’s managed to keep it to just two, winning multiple games in a row. I glance up at the sky, where the last traces of daylight are slipping away. The first twinkling stars emerge, and for a moment, it feels like I'm right in the middle of a surreal dream. It’s become increasingly difficult to focus on my cards too, instead, my eyes keep drifting back to Lena. I'm completely bewitched by her confidence. “How about we take a break?” Lena’s voice is as cheerful as daisies as she wiggles her card free fingers. She tops off the shot glasses in front of Corey, Katie, Jordan, and I, frowning when she realizes the bottle is nearly empty. “Sounds like a good *HICCUP* idea*HICCUP*,” Jordan slurs, downing her shot without coherent awareness. The others and I follow suit while Lena claps and laughs hysterically at our collective failure yet again.

A moment of silence settles over the five of us as we recover from the ass whooping that just occurred, the faint thump of reggae music playing in the background. I glance over and watch as Corey leans in closer to Katie. He whispers something about dolphins in her ear, and I can’t help but stifle a laugh at the way her eyes widen. He's definitely getting bitten tonight! They rise from their seats and make their way to the edge of the bow, their bodies swaying with the gentle rock of the boat. I trail my eyes back to Lena, who is staring directly at me. “What?” I say with a snicker, unable to hide my inebriation. “Your boat is beautiful. How do you just own something like this?” she says dreamily, her eyes glittering as she looks around. “This boat was the first major thing I purchased when my business took off, before my condo and my car. I grew up vacationing on the water, so I wanted to keep that connection into my adulthood.” I say and she tilts her head, seeming genuinely interested... Or not? I can't tell if she cares or if she's just curious.

Jordan slumps in her seat, letting out a familiar groan that signals she’s uncomfortably nauseous. Jordan leans on Lena, and Lena gently pats Jordan’s head while reaching for a bottle of water. She twists off the cap and brings it to Jordan’s lips. “Here Jord” she says with a lightness in her voice as she tries to help her friend. Once Jordan takes a sip, Lena shifts her attention back to me. “And what do you do?” Lena inquires, cupping her perfect chin in her hand, her elbow resting casually against the back of the couch. I reach for a water bottle too, noticing my hand is shaking. I clear my throat, trying to knock some sense back into myself. “I own a digital design and graphics company.” She leans in closer, “interestinggggg. And what exactly does that mean?” I cough, a little nervous under those giant brown eyes of hers. “Light shows, dancing frames, animated ads on billboards, anything that grabs attention for a variety of different clients.” She nods. “What made you get into that?” My head is so fucking fuzzy right now. “ Well, I wanted to be an artist, but there isn’t much money in that. So I built something where I still get to create, just less abstract and on a wider scale.” Why do I feel so fucking vulnerable? “An artist, huh? Like drawing, painting…”she trails off and I smile. “Sketching, drawing, painting, doodling, all forms of art… But enough about me, what about you Lena? What do you do?”

“I work with kids.” she says heartwarmingly. “Interestinggggg…” I mock, before raising an eyebrow at her. “And what exactly does that mean?” She giggles, clearly enjoying the banter between us. “I’m a director at a holistic therapy center. We increase neural pathways in the brain through functional development, tactile and sensory stimulation, movement and exercise, red light and oxygen therapy…” I shake my head in disbelief, I would never have expected something like that! “That is… a fucking mouthful!” I laugh and she nods, returning my amusement. “It really is! But if you saw it in real time, it wouldn’t sound so official. I get to help children and their families while being silly and creative. I honestly love it.” Not only is she beautiful, but she's passionate, empathetic, and intelligent too. It feels like we’re revealing not just our careers but small pieces of our souls. “Sounds like you get to play all day. I could use more silliness in my life,” I say, leaning towards her with a wink. Her eyes sparkle, and a gorgeous smile crosses her full lips. “It’s not all fun. I do meet with parents and corporate at times, but I could definitely teach you a thing or two to improve your brain function.”

“Is that so? And why exactly does my brain need improving?!” I respond with a playfully arrogant tone, looking off in the distance. “You don’t hide your cards for one!” she says with a cute snort. “I was letting you win the whole time,” I counter, batting my eyelashes with immaculate innocence. “Letting me win? Was that your strategy?” she teases, putting her hand over her heart in shock and awe. “Maybe I just wanted to see that smile light up your face when you beat us.” I shrug, and her laughter envelops the space between us. I could spend an eternity here with her, listening to her. “Flattery will get you everywhere Mr. Chase, but next time, I don’t want you to take it easy on me. Where's the fun in that?” I raise an eyebrow, grinning.“Challenge accepted,” I say, allowing my voice drop to a whisper. “But just know, I always play to win.” She bites her lip, and for a second, the flirtatious wordplay hangs in the air. Suddenly, Jordan unsteadily rises to her feet, immediately catching Lena’s shoulder for support. I watch as her cheeks flush before she leans against face and slurs, “can you help *HICCUP* me to the bathroom? I think *HICCUP* I’m gonnnnaaaa be sick!” Without hesitation, Lena stands up to assist her, cautiously moving Jordan’s arm around her shoulder. Corey chuckles and shouts, “Just throw up off the side! We’ve done it plenty of times before!” Jordan shakes her head vigorously at the suggestion, while Corey and Katie cackle over a fish food remark. Unfazed by their antics, Lena guides Jordan back toward the cabin.

***

“Lena, I’m gonna… take Jord… back to her room.” Katie says, struggling to hold up a partially knocked Jordan. The moment the puking commenced, the timer went off and put an end to our adventure. “I’m so sorry guyssssss,” she slurs, as Lena pats her friend on the head in reassurance. “It’s okay Jord, just get some rest tonight. We still have a few more days, and I can’t have you out of commission!” Jordan manages a grin before dabbing us all up with a fist bump. Corey struts back into the cabin, ”boat is all docked, and we're good to go!” Fuck! I can’t let the night end, not like this. As if he read my mind, Corey announces, “I’ll walk the girls back to the resort, and then I’ll come help straighten everything up here.” Thank god he isn't an idiot, although I know the part about him returning is a lie. “I’ll be right there,” Lena says, as she turns to gather her things. I step closer and gently grasp her wrist. “Wait,” I choke out, catching her off guard as she turns to face me. “Let’s play one more game. The night doesn’t have to be over yet, and you owe me a challenge.” Corey gave me the opportunity, but will it be enough to keep her here a little longer?

“A drinking game orrrr…” she tauntfully asks. I grab my chin, showcasing my obvious contemplation of the subject. “What about war?” I ask, wiggling my eyebrows at her. “That’s too easy,” she scoffs, throwing her hand up to swat at me. “Okay then,” I chuckle, “how about a game of strip war?” She pauses, her expression changing as she processes the proposal. “Are you trying to seduce me Chase?” she says, her tone serious for the first time tonight. “Maybe.” I reply, walking around to the armchair in the corner. I pull it closer to the table, then I sit, shuffling cards. It takes a moment, but she eventually takes the seat in front of me, crossing her arms tightly against her breasts. Check. “If I win?” She asks blankly, but the intrigue in her eyes says otherwise. “I will agree that this was just a chance encounter during my stay in Cancun.” She nods. “And if you do?” She counters, her curiosity increasing. “We continue what we started on the dance floor.” Our eyes lock, and she lets out a precarious breath. “I’m a married woman, you know?” I start dealing the cards one by one, the tension growing as the set in my hand lessens. When I place the last card on her stack, I smirk. “Not yet you're not." Checkmate.