Fifteen

Jackson

My stomach didn't completely object to food, but I was hesitant to eat too much and end up sick later. I meant what I'd told Cory. I wanted to help if I could, and I wanted to speak to whoever it was that would make the decision if I could stay here or if I needed to go. "I was telling Cory earlier, I want to pay my way and see if I can stay on board until the end of the cruise at least."

"Who should he speak to?" Cory asked.

"Ask Max. If he doesn't know the answer, he can tell you who to speak to," Johnny said.

"Have I met him before?" I asked and racked my brain for anyone I'd come across named Max since yesterday.

"He's one of the guys that put you in custody," Johnny said, like he was telling me he preferred vanilla ice cream more than chocolate.

"Oh god. The big one or the one with giant biceps?" I asked, making the two of them laugh.

"The big one," Cory said and grinned at me. I wasn't sure if it was in amusement or support, but I couldn't stop myself from grinning right back at him. "Wouldn't they be doing their rounds?"

Johnny looked at the time on his phone before answering. "Yes. If I had to guess they're in the hot tub area. Some guests snuck in there last night and left a huge mess. Complete with a few toys and various pieces of clothing. You might want to give it a few, he may not be in the best mood."

I thought about it for a moment, but my mind was made up. I'd been ducking responsibility for years, and that shit ended now. "I don't want to wait," I said. And Cory and Johnny were locked in a stare down. I wasn't sure if they were deciding who would take me, or if both of them would avoid the conflict but finally Cory turned to look at me.

"Let me get dressed for my shift and I'll take you there," he said, before standing and hurrying out the door.

My eyes were on him until he was gone and when I turned back Johnny was staring at me again, but not in a friendly way this time. His fork was clenched in his fist as he narrowed his eyes at me, and I braced for his words. "Listen up, motherfucker. You hurt Cory and I will hurt you. He's a good guy and he doesn't deserve to be treated like shit or used. You got me?" he snarled.

I leaned in toward him and said in a low voice so only he could hear. "If I hurt him, I want you to kick my ass like you've never kicked an ass before. He's important to me, and I would never do anything to hurt him on purpose." He grinned then before both of us laughed, and it felt so fucking good.

"I mean it, idiota," Johnny said. Apparently, his native tongue was more forceful than calling me an asshole in English. Either way, message received.

"I have a lot of feelings for him," I said, being completely honest. "I'm not sure why, I mean we don't even know each other, but he makes me want to be a better person."

"When he was first working on the cruise he was like a deer in headlights. Always very afraid of screwing up or doing something that made more work for another crewmember. But he's come a long way and he's proven to be a hard worker. There isn't a crewmember here that wouldn't vouch for him. So please, treat him right." Johnny's voice was sincere this time, and I thought there had to be something between the two of them besides friendship. He rolled his eyes then seeming to sense what I was thinking. "We've only ever been friends."

"I won't. I'm honestly amazed he's still willing to give me the time of day. I don't remember everything from yesterday, but I do remember the look on his face when he saw me here. He was shocked, but he was also disgusted, and I don't ever want to make him feel that way again."

"If Cory is willing to give you a chance, then I am too, but don't fuck up. Because you won't get another."

"Thanks, Johnny, you're a good friend." I thought of how Bobby had basically deserted me on the island and when I called for help, he was more than willing to let me figure it all out for myself. He was my closest friend, and really there were no others. There were many people I partied with, but none of them were friends I could call on if I was in a jam. Now I knew Bobby was also on that list.

"Try to be respectful when you're talking to Max. He's big on respect, and if you come at him all high and mighty—well you won't get far," Johnny said.

"Thanks, I'll remember that."

"Did he say you could go up on deck?" he asked.

"No, his boss said I was to stay in Cory's cabin or with him at all times. I just want to make it right if I can."

"What kind of work do you do?"

"Nothing. I worked at my dad's business for a while, but I didn't take it seriously and he got tired of having to waste his time trying to motivate me. I have a degree in Physical Education, though. I always thought it would be fun to either teach PE or coach a youth league."

"So, you like working with kids?"

"Yeah, I guess I do. I mean I've always been good with them."

"I might just have an idea where you can help on board." He gave me a look that said he was going to enjoy this way more than I was going to like it, but right now I'd take any job I could to stay.

"Okay, I have about thirty minutes before I need to start my shift. Let's go see if we can find Max," Cory said as he walked over dressed in his uniform.

"He has a degree in Physical Education and he likes kids," Johnny said, like it was some kind of special code.

"No way, really?" Cory said, but I was still in the dark of what they were talking about.

"We lost someone in the kids' area, and they really need help," Cory explained.

"There's a kids" area?" I asked.

"Yes. We always provide childcare to guests. It's an area of the ship that's removed from the bars and deck, so they get a totally different experience than their parents do. Is that really something you'd want to do?" Cory asked and cringed a little. "I can't think of a job I'd rather not do."

"I'd rather do that than work around drunk people all day." I smirked at him and hoped he knew I was talking about myself.

"Not all drunk people are bad," Cory said, and Johnny rolled his eyes and sat back in his chair.

"That's my cue, I'm out of here. I'll see you later in the dining room." He stood without another glance and the two of us watched until he walked out of the mess hall.

"He's from a huge family. The kids" area would be his last choice," Cory said, making me laugh again.

"Let's go before I change my mind," I lied. I loved the idea, and hoped the position was still open and they'd let me work there.