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Lincoln
My boat was docked at the Hampton Bays Marina, just a couple of miles from my parents' house. I had bought the forty-seven-foot Sun Ray a few years ago, but it had been sitting in dry dock until now—almost a year since Michael's return. With Erika's agreement to come to the house with me, I’d recently had the boat inspected and made ready for a full season on the water. By the time we arrived at the marina, the boat was all gassed up and primed for departure.
“Oh, that’s your boat?” Erika asked, her eyes widening as she took in the sleek vessel.
“I don’t use it much, but now that I have the chance, I figured I might as well,” I said, my tone light. “I’ll give you a tour once we’re settled.”
The marina staff had done an excellent job. The boat’s interior was immaculate, gleaming in the sunlight that filtered through the tinted sunroof above us. When I started the engines, they purred to life, a reassuring hum that promised smooth sailing.
“This is some place,” Erika remarked, her voice tinged with genuine admiration as she looked up at the sleek lines of the boat.
I settled into the butter-soft brown captain’s chair and checked the instruments. The dashboard was a futuristic array of digital displays glowing with soft blue light. The marina hands were expertly unmooring us, and after a quick verification that we were clear, I gently eased the throttle forward, guiding us out of the bustling marina. Erika took a seat in a matching chair beside me, kicking off her black crystal-encrusted flip-flops and propping her feet on the dash.
“Comfortable?” I asked, glancing over.
She quickly pulled her feet down. “I’m sorry. That was rude.”
“I like the polish,” I said, trying to keep my gaze on the water. “It matches the boat.”
Erika smiled, seemingly pleased. “I thought black would complement my flip-flops.”
It took all my restraint not to watch her as she looked out at the water. I had to stay focused; the weekend boating traffic was heavy, with several boats and yachts all navigating out at the same time.
“What’s below deck?” Erika asked, her curiosity piqued.
“Two cabins,” I replied. “Perfect for a nap if you get tired.”
“Perfect for a nap,” she echoed. “But not right now. The water makes me sleepy, though.”
“We’ll be out in open water soon,” I said, gesturing to the white canvas bag I’d brought. “You can take a nap on the deck if you want. I packed plenty of sunscreen.”
“Later,” she said, a hint of something playful in her tone.
My pulse quickened at the suggestion. The gentle sway of the boat, coupled with the calm day and the slight breeze forecasted for the day, set the perfect scene. The idea of her relaxing on the deck while the ocean rocked us gently was enticing.
As the boat glided smoothly toward open water, the sun began to warm us, and I couldn't help but imagine how the day might unfold. The forecast was clear, promising good conditions throughout the day.
I navigated the boat away from the crowded marina, my hands steady on the wheel as we moved toward open water. The hum of the engines filled the space between us until I cut them, dropping anchor once we were far enough from the shore. The calm lapped at the sides of the boat, and the sun gleamed off the water as Erika, already in her bikini, slathered herself with sunscreen on the deck.
“This is nice, Elliott. I’m really glad you brought me,” she said, her voice a contented purr as she stretched out on the deck. The white bikini barely concealed her, and her sunlit skin shimmered with oil.
I glanced over, unable to look away. “You’re getting a nice tan.”
Erika glanced back at me, her eyes twinkling behind her sunglasses. “I think I’d like to go swimming.”
“You would?” I raised an eyebrow, surprised by her sudden enthusiasm.
With a playful grin, she sat up and removed her sunglasses. “You think I’m afraid?”
“I didn’t say that. I just figured you were more of a pool person,” I said, trying to mask my concern.
“I’m not a girl; I’m a woman,” she said, her smirk widening as she stood up and moved to the railing.
My stomach knotted. Memories of Michael’s story about going overboard flashed through my mind. I hesitated, wanting to say something to stop her, but I knew she’d dismiss it as needless worry. Before I could act, Erika had already climbed over the railing and leaped into the water.
“ERIKA!” I shouted, panic rising in my chest.
She didn’t respond. My heart pounded as I stripped off my t-shirt and plunged into the dark blue sea. The boat felt enormous as I swam around it, my breaths coming in heavy gasps. I couldn’t bear the thought of her being lost.
