Chapter 9: The Boat

**Chase**

“We set sail at 3:00pm ladies, don’t be late!” Corey hollers as we make our way through the lobby. Lena’s sparkling doe eyes never break contact as she nods at me through the closing elevator doors. I honestly didn’t think she’d agree to spend the afternoon with us; so when she marched over asking for details about where and when to be at the marina, I practically choked on my coffee! The entire display took me off guard, and it’s the first time in a long time I’ve faltered with a woman: stuttering on my words and making a total jackass out of myself! Corey’s taunting and giggles looks didn't help either! Lena shifted from nervous to confident so effortlessly, but she knocked the wind out of me when she asked to exchange numbers, “just in case we need to coordinate or anything.” Her words, not mine.

“Time to prep bro! When’s the last time you restocked?” Corey’s words snap me back to reality as we set off in the uber. When did I get in the car?! Palm trees dance in the breeze as we travel away from the resort. "Not for some time man, I haven’t been on the Navetta in over a year." I respond while pulling out my phone. I don’t visit Cancun as much as I used to, so I keep my boat at the professional dockage of the hotel my family owns. Since I don’t pay for stationing, I let family, friends, and employees take it out on the water from time to time, as long as they clean and replace whatever perishable items they use during their voyage. I call up Perry, the concierge of the hotel and our long time friend, to let him know we’ll be taking the boat out. He offers to stock up the fridge with seasonal fruits, charcuterie, water, and an assorted mix of champagne and alcohol, while I ask the driver to stop for bait in case the ladies want to give fishing a go.

Corey and I thank our driver before stepping out of the vehicle, live worms and grubs packaged neatly in hand. We check in at the front desk, exchanging light conversation with staff while I hand over my up to date registration and insurance. “Any weather forecasts we need to be wary of?” Corey asks Perry, leaning over the front desk to grab a handful of the butterscotch toffees he unsuccessfully keeps hidden. “Still on that bullshit, I see! Why didn’t you check prior!?” Perry snorts, wiggling the stray gray hairs that are poking out his nose. He’s been 80 years old for as long as we’ve known him, and clearly, he’s still as grumpy as ever. “It’s the perfect day for an excursion,” he sighs. “Clear skies, no chance of rain, gentle waters... You’ll probably see the dolphins too, they’ve been running a muck lately- biting dummies drunk enough to stick their hands in the water!” Corey side eyes me as I chuckle. We were those dummies back in elementary school when our families vacationed together. Well, Corey was. He never learned and always thought that one of these days, he’d pet a wild dolphin without it bucking back. That day could still happen I suppose, I guess we’ll find out in a few hours when he tries to show off for the girls. “Thanks for the update and for everything, Perry.” I say with a smile, while Corey sticks his tongue out mockingly. Perry hands me the keys, then swats a newspaper in our direction before shooing us off. We wave goodbye and head towards the dock.

Man, I’ve missed this! The sun glimmering off the ocean, the sturdy boardwalk beneath my feet, the smell of salt mixed with fish in the air- I’m swept up in the nostalgia! I take in the polished shine of the boats against the backdrop of aqua waves, their unique names elegantly written in different colors and fonts on their stern until I get to my beauty. Corey shakes my shoulders when we see her! She is not as big as some of the others, but she’s impressive nonetheless. Glossy chrome and modern lines, luxurious and spacious, but humble enough for regular use- that’s why I chose the Navetta 64. Anticipation grows as I step on board, while Corey struts and dances behind me with eagerness. I know Perry probably made sure everything is ready to go, but I can’t help myself from rechecking the battery, gps, and radio while Corey arranges the amenities. Perry’s also uncovered all the furniture, making preparations as simple as can be. I start up the engine to check her fuel level, which is full and she purrs softly. I throw on my sunglasses before patting the helm. Now all we have to do is sit back and wait for Lena and her friends to arrive.

**Lena**

The lobby’s glass doors swing open with a whoosh, and Jordan bursts through with her mini tote, her face absolutely beaming. “Yesssssss!” she exclaims! No longer a bum, she’s showered and looks adorable in her french braids and sundress. Maybe I should have changed? She jumps up and down, then lurches toward me, pumping her fists as if celebrating a victory. Which I mean, she is. If it were up to Katie, we would be headed for the ruins tour in this heat instead. I smile before glancing at my phone to check the time as a text from Jasper comes through.
"You ladies make any plans yet?" I hesitate for a moment before typing. "Jordan and I won by a landslide, headed for one of the boat tours." Not a lie… exactly. Three thought bubbles waver in the corner before his reply comes through. "Sounds good. Let me know when you return, we can meet for dinner."

I send a smiley face, accompanied by a thumbs up before placing my phone back in my purse. Katie finally joins us, and it’s clear she doesn’t share the same elation. She's dressed pretty casually as well, the same tanktop and shorts she wore to breakfast, but I can see her hott pink bathing suit peeking out from underneath. She crosses her arms tightly against her chest, her brows knitting together in a superficially forced frown. Her gaze flickers anxiously from Jordan to me as the uber stops in front of us. “There is still time to back out!” she insists, her voice sounding urgent. “Oh, will you just get in the damn car!” Jordan barks as she puts a hand on each of our backs, and ushers us into the vehicle.

We arrive at the marina faster than I expect, and I’m immediately captivated by the beauty around us! The hotel looms over the surrounding buildings like a beacon, its transparent windows sparkling in the sunlight. A grand fountain out front adds to the peaceful ambiance with its soft and soothing cascade. We walk towards the marina, full of lush greenery and colorful tropical flowers lining the stone and wooden walkway. We can’t help but gasp at the sight of magnificent yacht after yacht, and Jordan’s excitement bubbles over and pops! “This is wild!” she exclaims, and she’s not wrong! When Chase mentioned an afternoon on the water, I envisioned a small, dingy vessel. Instead, we’re greeted by an array of massive yachts and sailboats, completely obliterating my expectations into pieces.

A familiar voice calls out, “over here!” The three of us turn to find Chase and Corey standing at the edge of one of the yachts, waving enthusiastically. Chase has on sunglasses, but I can feel his eyes cutting into me. “Absolutely our last chance to turn back!” Katie whispers, once again stunned and rooted in her tracks. This is the second time today I’ve seen her this nervous, is it Corey? “I think it’s a little late for that!” I reply with a half smile, trying to lighten the mood. Jordan takes a few steps ahead before looking back at us and spreading her arms wide. “Come on you pussies," she says with a smirk, "let’s go have the time of our lives!”