“Excuse me? I am not sleeping my way through this cruise. A new man every night sounds like something you’d do, not me.”
Charlotte curled her lips into a perverted grin. “Do you want to hear about Darren?”
“Who the heck is Darren?”
She fluttered her eyes as she took a drink of her mocha, drawing out the explanation as long as possible. “I met Darren at the supermarket the other day. We both reached for the same avocado.”
“You and your damn avocado toast. I swear you’re going to turn into an avocado one of these days.” No matter what time of day, she always made sure to include it in her meal.
“Anyway, we started talking, and would you believe that we both have a turtle named Aristurtle?”
“No, I wouldn’t believe it because not only do you not have a turtle named Aristurtle, but you don’t even own a turtle!”
“He didn’t know that. We went out for a drink and ended up back at his place.”
“You’re terrible. You know that, right?” I slurped down the rest of my iced coffee, knowing how much she despised that noise, maybe even more than the straw sliding against the opening.
“I’m not terrible. I’m horny.” She laughed.
I stood up. “I have to finish packing, unlike you.”
“I’m sorry. I really am. I feel terrible. How can I make it up to you?”
“I’ll think of something.” I winked at her knowing very well I wouldn’t come up with anything. I hated that we couldn’t celebrate my thirtieth birthday together, but she was my best friend, and Wayne coming home was a big deal. I couldn’t make her feel bad about that. What kind of friend would that make me?
“Who knows? Maybe you’ll find true love while you’re on this cruise.”
“True love? Please. I thought I had that with Tim.”
“Tim’s an asshole. We both know that. You’re coming home from this cruise at least having hooked up once.” She held a finger up in front of me.
My eyes rolled back in my head. “I have a much better chance of contracting norovirus.”
I hoped not, though. I preferred Charlotte’s take, thinking it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world if I met someone. But how would I ever meet someone who compared to Tim? He was my life for so many years, and we shared so much together. What was wrong with me that he refused to marry me?
I honestly didn’t know if I was ready to move on, or even if I deserved to. Lately I’d been stuck in a rut, unable to find myself attracted to anyone.
Maybe this cruise was just the thing I needed.
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Acknowledgments
First of all, thank you to Delancey Stewart for coming up with the idea for this series and allowing me onboard. Thank you to Holly Kerr and Kirsty McManus for steering the ship, especially when it looked like we were about to hit an iceberg. And thank you to all other authors who embarked on this journey with us: Tracy Krimmer, Holly Tierney-Bedord, Monique McDonell, and Sophie-Leigh Robbins.
Thank you to my fearless critique partners, K.D. Proctor, Marty Mayberry and Kara Reynolds, for your endless patience and insight. I’d be adrift without you.
Copyright
To the extent that the image or images on the cover of this book depict a person or persons, such person or persons are merely models, and are not intended to portray any character or characters featured in the book.
The attached novella is a word of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, places, or events is merely a coincidence.
Copyright © 2019 by Laura Heffernan
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.
Printed in the United States of America
Also by Laura Heffernan
The Reality Star Series
America’s Next Reality Star
Sweet Reality
Reality Wedding
The Gamer Girls Series (coming in 2019)
She’s Got Game
Against the Rules
Make Your Move
About the Author
Laura Heffernan is like the wind. A couple of years ago, she discovered that she could have the time of her life doing pole fitness. In the still of the night, Laura enjoys writing books that recognize love is strange.
Before taking time off to have a baby, yes, she could do most of the moves described in this book. Not that one. But because big girls don’t cry, she tries not to dwell on it. Where are you tonight? Probably on Twitter, tweeting about reality television, board games, or Canadian chocolate.
Read about Laura’s other books at www.lauraheffernan.com or sign up for her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/clbu0P.
The Oceanic Dreams Series
Book 1: I Saw Him Standing There by Holly Kerr
Book 2: Time of My Life by Laura Heffernan
Book 3: Circle in the Sand by Tracy Krimmer
Book 4: I Thought It Was You by Kirsty McManus
Book 5: I Will Follow Him by Holly Tierney-Bedord
Book 6: Take a Chance on Me by Delancey Stewart
Book 7: Shut Up and Dance with Me by Monique McDonell
Book 8: The Best of You by Sophie-Leigh Robbins
Time of My Life (Oceanic Dreams #2) Page 13
