Page 61 of Fire and Ice Cruise

“He is,” I agree.

“Both of them are.” She nods toward Ransom.

“I know.”

And that, more than anything, is what’s eating me. Because catching a killer suddenly feels less about justice for Gideon Vale and more about getting Ransom back into the role that he was meant to be in.

The universe might be putting on a spectacular light show tonight.

But tomorrow we’re diving into hot springs and cold cases.

And I’m done letting killers enjoy the scenery while the best man I know sits on the sidelines.

CHAPTER 20

Suddenly Hitched—What a Trip!

Hello, Trixie!

It’s me again—Exhausted but Intrigued, though now I’m more like Exhausted and MORTIFIED.

I went to the northern lights viewing with Sean like you suggested, and it was magical. We talked for hours, watched the aurora dance across the sky, and I felt more alive than I have in years. We’ve been spending every day together since—coffee in the morning, excursions during the day, drinks before dinner. He’s smart, kind, funny, and we have this incredible chemistry I haven’t felt since my twenties.

Here’s where everything fell apart…Yesterday, my BFF finally cornered me and told me the truth. Sean is her ex-boyfriend. Her SERIOUS ex-boyfriend from about fifteen years ago—during that period when we’d lost touch after college. They dated for three years, lived together, and apparently it ended badly. She’s been avoiding him the entire cruise because seeing him brings up all this old hurt.

Trixie, I had NO IDEA. Sean didn’t know she was on the ship either—he was as shocked as I was when we all ended up face-to-face in the elevator. Now my BFF is barely speaking to me (even though I didn’t know!), Sean is confused about what to do, and I’m caught in the middle of something that feels impossible.

The cruise ends in three days. Do I cut things off with Sean to preserve my friendship? Do I explain to my BFF that this wasn’t intentional? Can I even enjoy what time we have left, or is this whole situation just doomed?

Exhausted and Conflicted

Dear Exhausted and Conflicted,

Oh honey. This is messy, and I’m sorry you’re in the middle of it. But let’s be clear about something: You did nothing wrong.

You didn’t scheme, you didn’t plot, and you didn’t knowingly pursue your friend’s ex. You met someone on a cruise ship, felt a connection, and acted on it—exactly what single people on vacation are supposed to do. The fact that he happens to be someone from her past is unfortunate timing, not betrayal.

That said, your BFF’s feelings are real and valid. Seeing an ex who hurt her, especially unexpectedly, on what was supposed to be a fun trip, is genuinely difficult. But her discomfort doesn’t automatically mean you have to end things with Sean. It means you all need to have an honest conversation.

My advice? Talk to your friend. Acknowledge that this is awkward and painful for her, but also be honest that you have real feelings for Sean and you’d like her blessing to see where this goes. Fifteen years is a long time. People change. Relationships evolve. She might surprise you.

As for Sean, if he’s worth your time, he’ll understand that this friendship matters to you and he’ll be patient while you figure it out.

You’ve got three days left on this cruise. Don’t spend them miserable and guilty over something you couldn’t have predicted.

XOXO

Trixie

P.S. If your BFF can’t see past her own hurt to be happy for you, that tells you something important about your friendship. Choose accordingly.

Day 7: Reykjavik, Iceland

(historic harbor, city sightseeing, day trip to Blue Lagoon)

The Emerald Queen sits docked in Reykjavik’s harbor with the quiet confidence of a woman who knows she’s the most interesting thing on the water, which honestly, she kind of is, given her size compared to the colorful buildings lining the waterfront.

It’s nine in the morning, and through the massive windows of the Blue Water Café I can see the city stretching out in shades of red, yellow, and blue. Painted houses stacked against gray volcanic mountains. Church spires pierce a sky that can’t decide between clouds and sunshine. The harbor water is that particular shade of gray-blue that screams “cold enough to kill you in minutes” but somehow looks inviting anyway.