Page 6 of Terminal Voyage

"Right now, I'm serving drinks to ornery regulars," I said as I popped the top off a long neck with a hiss. I slid it across the counter to Harlan. The old Marine was in Diver Down almost every day without fail. He smiled and winked as he took the drink.

"Well, get your bikini, and get ready to have a little fun in the sun."

"Are you in Florida?"

"No. Not yet. But we will be."

"Who is we?”

With a giddy giggle, she said, "Me and Declan.”

She let it hang there.

"Who's Declan?”

Vanessa could barely contain herself. "Let's just say he's very handsome and very rich. And very into me."

I rolled my eyes. Vanessa was an attractive woman. Long silky raven hair, piercing blue eyes, and a figure that could make men do stupid things. And she was very adept at getting a lot of men to do a lot of stupid things.

"Sounds serious," I said.

"Who knows? Could be," she said coyly.

"Well, I'll have to meet him to see if I approve."

"Oh, you'll approve. You’ll get to meet him soon. We’re going to be in the Keys before long, and you're going to hop on board and go for a little cruise with us.”

"Cruise?”

With a voice full of amazement, she said, "You are not going to believe the size of his boat. And I'm not just talking about the one in his pants. But let's just say, he's doing fine in that department.”

"Tell me more about the boat. The one that floats."

"142-feet, twin diesel something or other, three decks of fun. There's a Jacuzzi, stunning VIP guest rooms, a full staff, in-house chef, and all the liquor you can drink. There are jet skis, sailboards, and dive gear. It's a floating oasis on the water. Paradise. I've never been so happy.”

"Sounds like you hit the jackpot."

"Oh, honey, I did. That's why you're coming aboard. He's got plenty of cute rich friends. Who knows, you could meet the man of your dreams.”

"Well, I just met the man of my nightmares, so I don't see how anything could be any worse."

She groaned. "Do tell."

"That's a story for another time.”

"How's it going with your boss? You still have the hots for him? Have you guys done it yet?”

"That is none of your business.”

"Ooh, this sounds juicy.”

"There's nothing to tell. Our relationship is strictly professional.”

She scoffed. "Girl, you're falling down on the job. You could go from working in that bar to owning it in a heartbeat. You’re just one BJ away."

"I manage the bar now, and I'm very happy in my position.”

"I can think of a few positions you might be happier in.”