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“Let me give you the tour, shall I?”
Taking the lead, my thoughts conjured up images of Stephanie’s flushed cheeks. From the moment I bumped into her, I’ve wanted to hang around like the good old days. Just being around her again brought back so many happy memories, with a few bad ones mixed in. But memories of a time when things seemed so much simpler.
“Everything alright?” Seth asks.
Rubbing my temple in confusion, I shook my head. “Ah, yeah. I’m fine. Just have a lot on my mind,” I offer, knowing it was unwise for me to share any personal information.
“This here is your cabin, Mr. Petersen,” Klaus said, over his shoulder.
Scanning the key card, he opened the door and led us inside. For being a single cabin, the size was impressive. Taking in the room, the subtle decor was classy, not overdone like the other cruise ships I’ve been aboard.
Giving us a quick rundown of the room’s amenities and telling my companions their cabins were the next two down the hall, Klaus left us each our keycards and wished us well.
???
Alone in my room, I began settling in by unpacking my bags while my thoughts worked overtime to process some of the best and worst years of my youth. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees, my face in my hands. I thought about how things ended between Stephanie and I, or better yet how they faded away.
Angry at myself for letting our friendship go, my hand fisted my hair, tugging at the strands until pain shot down my neck. I was so self-absorbed and hockey-driven that I couldn’t see what I had right in front of me.
What was I thinking?I asked, combing my fingers through my hair as I stood.What if she doesn’t forgive me?My chest tightened.And why should she?I continued, my thoughts running ragged with regret and worry.I’ve already hurt her once.
Pacing the room, I dragged my hand along the back of my neck, hoping it would ease some of the tension. Is it possible to fix the damage I caused by ghosting her?
Without a second thought, I double-checked my pockets to make sure I had my phone and wallet. Stephanie might not forgive me for the damage I caused, but I’ve got to at least try making it up to her.It’s the least I can do. Even if she doesn’t forgive me.
Snatching the room key card off the bedside table before exiting the room. I chased after the elevator at the end of the hall. Slipping inside, I realized I just interrupted a young couple; the woman rolled her eyes as the guy pulled her into his side, kissing her forehead with a chuckle. “Sorry,” I whispered, searching the map on the screen. I found the food court on level F. Pressing the button, it wasn’t lost on me that I was killing this couple’s vibe.
Discreetly hanging off to the side, a wave of nerves found residency in my chest as the doors slid open with a ding. Moving past the couple, I uttered a “Thank you,” as the guy realized who I was on the way out.
“Hey babe, wasn’t that?” I heard the guy say before they disappeared.
Chuckling to myself, the feeling of being recognized never seemed to get old.
Discovering the boat’s hot spot, the food court was buzzing with people. Burying my hands in my pockets, I pushed forward. Observing the surrounding people, I kept my eyes open for Stephanie and her entourage while I searched for Opa’s.
Passing the ice cream parlor, my eyes drew towards a couple sharing a banana split at a table. Recalling the last time I had one, it was the night we found out my parents were getting a divorce and my father was moving out of the house. Torn apart by the news, Mia took off. Chasing after her, my family and I looked all over town but came up empty.
It was Stephanie who found her.
Texting me to meet them at Marv’s diner, I found them sitting at a table, a banana split sitting in between them.
Gritting my teeth, I hung my head, ashamed at the person I was to her. I would disappoint my Opa if he were able to watch over me. Shaking my head at the way I behaved, I didn’t know how I was supposed to apologize for the time we missed?
How do I redeem myself?
