Chapter Six

Port of Embarkation: Vancouver, British Columbia

The episodes of Epic Cruise Ships I'd watched had not prepared me for the real-life epicness. This might not have been the fanciest vessel sailing the seas, but I was impressed.

What did the engine room look like? I was really hoping for a chance to see the machinery and high-tech controls. I imagined the bridge resembled a spaceship.

After checking in, we walked up a gangway and into the main atrium lobby. It stretched up three stories from a polished tile floor, with grand curving staircases, scattered gleaming metal sculptures, and huge flower arrangements. Golden light pooled from an intricate glass chandelier high overhead, and darker areas off the center of the room held clusters of chairs.

Crewmembers in crisp shirts and vests welcomed us and handed champagne flutes to our parents. We roamed around, taking in the huge space. It was hard to believe this was a boat; it felt more like a small city. I snapped pictures to send to Jordan. We went up several floors to the lunch buffet.

In the main casual dining room, seating areas lined both sides next to giant windows, while the center was a maze of food options. There were too many choices. Where did I even start? Colorful salad bars and fruit displays, more types of cheese than I knew existed, approximately eighty-seven styles of cuisines, and a dozen desserts.

Tanner ended up with a bowl of pasta, a small mountain of pizza, fried rice, and three tacos, like his taste buds were taking a world tour in a single meal. I inspected several dishes before making myself a salad and a turkey sandwich.

After we ate, Mom and Mrs. Woods wanted to check out the company's welcome-aboard reception. It was on the deck we'd entered on, through doors that opened into a bar. My parents' coworkers, most of whom I recognized from company events over the years, were standing around drinking more champagne and eating appetizers like there wasn't an enormous buffet upstairs.

My mom and Mrs. Woods made a beeline for their boss, Mr. Ramirez, a jovial older man with a thick mustache who was always smiling.

"Are we going to see them this week?" Mr. Woods asked.

"I doubt it," my dad said. "Not unless Luis is there, too."

"They do know only one of them can get the promotion, right?"

"Amy said if she doesn't get the job, if it goes to Stephanie, she'll be happy. As long as Michael from client services doesn't get it."

Mr. Woods laughed. "Steph said the same. Should we keep an eye on them to make sure they don't put Michael in a lifeboat and set him loose?"

"Probably a good idea. This is why I stick with crunching numbers." Dad winked at me. "It's far less cutthroat."

I loved that Mom and Mrs. Woods supported each other. My dad worked in the company's accounting division, which meant he and Mom didn't compete for positions. It was where they'd met, after Mrs. Woods helped Mom get the job. I half suspected Mom had met him, realized he was dependable, kind, and stable—the exact opposite of my bio dad—and asked him out on the spot, though it had taken her months of dating before she introduced him to me.

He'd won me over in less than three minutes. Bringing me a toy lightsaber, kneeling to my level, and listening like I was an adult when he asked about my interests had done it. He cemented my approval in the following weeks when he did everything my bio dad didn't—remembered special occasions and what I liked, kept his promises, willingly adapted to our traditions and eased me into his by explaining them in advance, then asked my permission before proposing to Mom.

I shuffled after him as he joined my mom. I had no interest in making small talk with their coworkers, who always commented on how big I'd gotten and how old I was, then shook their heads and murmured about how old they were, like that was somehow my fault.

I took more pictures to send Jordan later. After Tanner's post yesterday, she had texted to ask why Tanner Woods was sharing pictures of me, and I'd told her about my plan to try new things. Our exchange had gone as follows:

Jordan: I thought you hated him. Is he blackmailing you? No, wait, are you blackmailing him?

Me: No blackmail involved. Not yet, anyway. I wouldn't put it past him.

Jordan: I think the plan sounds brilliant. I wish I was there.

Me: Me too. I hope Caleb agrees it's brilliant. Maybe he'll see that he was wrong.

Jordan: Of course he was wrong.

Then those dreaded three dots lingered forever, but whatever else she'd been typing, she must have changed her mind, because after two minutes, she didn't send anything except have fun, miss you. It had led me to check Caleb's account again. He'd had tacos last night without me—apparently the taco Tuesday tradition itself wasn't boring, and he wasn't a complete monster.

I'd posted pictures of the park and the city with the caption great place to run, as well as one of Mom's fancy dinner from the night before even though I'd eaten a salad.

Yes, it was ridiculous. And it felt like trying too hard, considering I was a private person and rarely posted on social media. But desperate times and all that. Also ridiculous? The fact that part of me wished I were at home, eating those familiar tacos at the truck Caleb and I always went to. They had fantastic carne asada.

I edged away from the mingling, left the bar, and wandered toward the elevators, where a map of the ship listed the name of each deck and what could be found there. If I was going to spend a week onboard, I wanted to learn where everything was.

"Setting foot on a ship does not count as something new," Tanner said.

I whirled. He was strolling toward me. Did he think our agreement meant I wanted to spend every minute of the week with him?

"I didn't say it did. But there isn't much to do while we're in port."

"It's already afternoon," he said. "We have to get on this."

"Thanks, Fun Coach."

"Not in the mood to talk marketing?"

"I'm surprised you aren't there letting their coworkers fawn over you," I said. "Or that your mom isn't using you to win over Mr. Ramirez."

"Don't be jealous. And I won't help with the promotion. It wouldn't be fair to give my mom such an advantage."

Barf. I waited while people passed us to board the elevator before asking, "Did you want something?"

"I found the place to book shore excursions."

"You didn't plan yours?"

He waved a hand. "My parents did. And I'm sure you scheduled yours. Let me guess. Walking tours and car rides and other old-person things?"

"Those aren't just for old people," I said. "They're for people with limited mobility or health issues or who can't—"

"Okay, fair, but you don't have limited mobility," he said. "You said you wanted to be fun."

I glared at him. How many people got to see Alaska? That totally counted.

He shrugged. "You're the one who wants to impress Caveman. That's why you're doing this, right? If you think taking pictures next to a tree will do it, then go right ahead."

"Caveman?"

"Yeah, because it sounds like Caleb and because he has no manners and is obviously not very bright."

"Cavemen might have been very polite and intelligent. You don't know."

"If I ever meet one, I'll be happy to be proved wrong. Now. Excursions."

"Fine." It didn't hurt to consider options. I had gravitated toward the less adventurous ones. "But remember, I get veto power."

"Great." He bounded down the corridor and I followed more slowly. When he rejoined me, he held a paper booklet with lots of small print. He made a show of presenting it to me.

I took it. "You don't want to look?"

"Too much reading. I'm on summer break."

"This was your idea. Forget it. Fine." I opened the booklet, which was divided by each of our three ports days, with multiple options for each.

Tanner moved to read over my shoulder, his breath brushing my neck. "Dogsledding for sure."

I moved away. "I thought you didn't want to read."

"It occurred to me that you might cheat and not tell me about the most exciting ones."

"Yes, because I'm the cheater."

"That fifth grade fundraiser does not count."

"You faked signatures on your pledge card so you'd have the most and then raided the mall fountain for coins," I said. "Totally cheating."

"Fine, but one fountain dive doesn't make me a chronic cheater. You never returned my book about submarines, and I don't go around calling you a thief."

"It was a library book, genius. And you have plenty of other terrible nicknames for me."

"I do not! Like what?"

"Moore the Bore, for one. Savannah Banana. Or what about Savannahsaurus Rex when we studied dinosaurs in third grade?"

"That was a great nickname. Made you sound like an apex predator."

"You went around for a week pretending to have tiny dino arms and trying to swat me."

"Why are we talking about dinosaurs? Are you trying to distract me from this mission of finding awesome things to do?" He jabbed the papers.

I sighed and reopened the booklet to read as we ambled toward the reception. Our parents surrounded Mr. Ramirez in a huddle.

"What is that?" Mom asked, looking over at us as we approached.

"Shore excursions," Tanner said. "We were discussing how we might want to change some of them. Try new things." He emphasized the last two words.

My mom's face brightened. "That's great. Don't forget the train ride with Luis on Sunday, though."

Mr. Ramirez beamed his huge smile. "Diana and I are looking forward to it. It's supposed to have amazing views."

"Some of these are expensive," I said.

Surely I could use that as an excuse not to hike with bears or ride a seaplane of death or fall into an ice cave on a glacier.

Mr. Ramirez laughed loudly. "Let the kids have fun. It's great that they want to experience everything they can. Such a wonderful opportunity at their age."

Which of course meant our moms instantly told us to do anything we wanted.

Tanner and Mr. Ramirez started talking about the upcoming NFL training camp, and as Tanner made Mr. Ramirez chuckle, Mom turned to me.

"It will be good for you two to spend time together this week," she said for my ears alone, probably assuming if I was busy with Tanner, she could focus on work. "I'm glad you want to branch out. And that you and Tanner are getting along."

"What happened to family time?" I raised my eyebrows.

"We'll do that, too. But I want you to enjoy yourself."

I would enjoy myself plenty on my own or with my dad. "I'll try. I'm going to explore the ship."

"Okay, sweetie. Have fun."

I headed for the door. Tanner jogged over and fell into step beside me.

"Where are you going? Can I come?"

Seriously? "Just looking around."

"Cool."

Okay then. We were doing this.

We took the elevator to the lowest deck, which contained closed, official-looking doors and a medical office. As long as Tanner didn't sprain my ankle again, I wouldn't need that. I lingered outside a hatch that was emitting whirring noises. Were the engines in there? I hoped the engineers wore red uniforms like Scotty's.

Tanner poked my arm. "You're the one who said nothing illegal. No sneaking into off-limits areas on the first day."

"Good advice. Always save crime for at least day three."

"Because it takes that long to case the joint?"

"Exactly," I said.

"Like you've ever contemplated crime in your life."

"Like you'd ever have the patience to case a joint."

He let out a startled laugh that made a smile spread across my face, which I quickly smothered. He laughed often, but somehow earning a genuine, surprised one felt like an accomplishment.

Next was a floor of nothing but cabins, with narrow hallways and door after uniform door. Wood-paneled walls and sconces with golden light weren't enough to overcome the dizzying effect that I was stuck in a time loop. Many had luggage outside, and we had to dodge the bags.

"This tour is truly fascinating, S'more. Hey, a suitcase. Oh look, another suitcase."

"I want to make sure you're familiar with the vast multitude of luggage options. Also, I didn't actually invite you, so…"

The next deck was the one we'd boarded on. We walked from back to front—stern to bow—and found a cavernous theater taking up three floors, with movie theater seats and multiple levels facing a stage and giant screen.

We went up one more level and retraced from front to back, finding more lounges with a variety of couches and tables nestled near windows. There was an art gallery and a casino that was closed since we were in port, though screens glowed in the bank of slot machines.

"Have you ever gambled?" Tanner leaned against a table with bright green felt.

"Pretty sure it's illegal for minors."

"I wasn't suggesting we do it this week. I was asking. You should listen more carefully." He rummaged in his backpack and removed a deck of cards. "I challenge you."

"Why do you have playing cards in your backpack?"

"You never know when you'll need entertainment." He set them on the table. "I'll teach you blackjack."

"Is this allowed?" No workers were present. "Are you trying to get me in trouble already? We haven't even cased the joint first."

"We're not exchanging money. It's fine. Now, the point is to get twenty-one without going over."

"I know what blackjack is."

He gave us each two cards, and we played a few rounds, trading wins, until I had a four and a ten.

"Hit me," I said.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, you've been through eight of the face cards, so the odds are better than usual of getting something smaller."

He clucked. "That would get you kicked out of Vegas."

"What would? Knowing how to do basic math? Do they think everyone there is incapable of counting?"

He flipped a card over for me. It was a seven. He stared at it, then me. Then laughed loudly. "Oh, S'more. You kill me. Okay, we're done here."

"Conceding defeat? Does that mean I win?"

"Fine. You and your card counting can have this one."

"Thank you. How do you know so much about gambling, anyway?"

"Poker nights with the football team. Roddy has a big table and fancy poker chips, and losers have to do extra speed laddersand squats and stuff. You should come sometime. With that math brain, you'd clean up. But I'm guessing you'd hate it."

"Why?"

"Because gambling is the very definition of risk."

"Hey. I can take risks."

He raised an eyebrow and moved away, and I scowled at his back. Just because I didn't like risks and didn't see the fun in gambling anything of value in a game of chance where you couldn't control the outcome didn't mean I was Moore the Bore.

"For example," I said, following him, "it's a risk that I'm spending time with you this week when it could easily lead to me accidentally pushing you into the ocean."

"Good thing I like risk, then. And that the ship has high railings." His smile shifted to a mock glare, and he poked my arm. "We agreed not to fight. No more threats. You're already breaking the rules."

On the rest of this deck were two bars, more meeting spaces, and the lower level of the main dining room. Then came a deck with a coffee shop, gelato bar, and fancy stores with items ranging from expensive watches to cigars to lingerie.

The sound of a bike horn blared through the hall.

I whirled.

An older lady with a walker was approaching. The horn sounded again. She had it attached to the handle of her walker, along with pink and purple streamers.

Tanner laughed. "I love your horn, ma'am."

"Why, thank you, young man. It never hurts to let people know you're coming."

"And the streamers?" he asked.

"So no one gets my walker mixed up with theirs and tries to steal it. People my age can have trouble seeing, you know."

Tanner laughed again. "Very wise."

"Aren't you two precious," she said. "Are you on your honeymoon?"

I snorted so hard I choked on my own spit.

Tanner smiled. "Not sure that's legal, ma'am. We're seventeen."

"Well, you're adorable. And how fun that you get to take this trip together."

"Yes, we're very lucky," he said. "What about you? What brings you here?"

They continued to chat, and if he was appalled by the idea that someone might believe we were together, he didn't show it. He learned that her name was Dottie, she and her husband were on their twenty-seventh cruise, and they lived in Las Vegas. Tanner was ready to adopt her as his grandmother.

"Got any advice for first-time cruisers?" he asked.

"Oh, yes," she said. "If you tell them it's your anniversary, you might get free drinks. In the main dining room, don't pay attention to those menus. You can order as many dishes as you want, and the food doesn't even have to be on the menu. And don't sunbathe nude on the balcony. They aren't as private as you'd think—workers on scaffolds clean the windows all the time."

That image was going to live rent-free in my brain for eternity.

"Good to know," Tanner said, his eyes sparkling.

He escorted Dottie to the elevator. "Can I honk the horn?"

"Of course."

He did, but I was impressed that he restrained himself and only did it twice. Dottie was laughing as the elevator doors closed.

"You meet so many great people when you travel," he said. "Are we continuing this tour?"

"I'm going to tell your grandma you're cheating on her."

"Gigi will understand. I can't help it if old ladies love me."

Babies. Old ladies. Bosses. They all clearly saw something I didn't.

Our self-tour continued. Four levels contained more rooms, including ours. We were both sharing with our parents in side-by-side balcony rooms. A bed filled most of our room, and a couch pulled out into another, which was where I'd be sleeping. I would have appreciated the efficient use of space if the next week wasn't going to be so cramped.

Then we reached the open-air deck, with an outdoor bar and grill next to the pool, the dining room where we'd eaten lunch, and a spa.

Tanner entered the spa, which was all white walls and ferns and soothing music, with a menu of options like haircuts, seaweed wraps, and scrubs.

He picked up a paper outlining the services. "You could get a massage or a manicure this week."

"I'm not letting you take a picture of me getting a massage, and I've had manicures. Jordan loves them." She always got a different bright or sparkly color, while I went for a classic light pink.

"Seaweed wrap? No, hot stone massage? That sounds hardcore."

"I'll keep it in mind."

I would not, in fact. Having strangers touch me while I was in any state of undress held no appeal, not even if it relaxed your muscles or helped your pores. Although it was good to know there were options to decrease anxiety if I needed them after a week with Tanner. Besides, I doubted spa rocks were going to convince Caleb I wasn't stuck in my ways.

An open level looking down on the pool had a track that I'd definitely be using and then a cool lounge with windows facing the front of the boat, complete with a library. We peeked in on an arcade and a kids club, and finally, on the top level, found an outdoor movie theater, a basketball court, and a sun deck with lounge chairs.

Tanner plopped into a chair. "Okay, you've walked every inch of the ship. That was more tiring than two-a-days in August with stadium stair runs and pushing Roddy on the sled. I'm starting to suspect you're avoiding the shore excursions." He waved the guide in my face.

"Excuse me for not wanting to get lost. Plus, the use of space is fascinating. Not to mention the buoyancy and the way the ship maneuvers."

"Nerd."

"I'm guessing engineering isn't on your list of possible college majors?"

"Veto. Why, is that what you want to do?"

Images flashed through my mind—me building cool inventions or visiting engineering labs in Mr. Lin's program, me learning to build real rockets, me at NASA—before I shoved them away. "We're not talking about me."

"Fine. Then we're talking adventures. Glacier treks. Canoeing or kayaking. Dogsledding, which is totally happening. Whale watching."

"Panning for gold?"

"Please stop."

"Duck boat?"

"Veto," he said.

"I thought I was the one with veto power."

"As your Fun Coach in charge of making sure you enjoy yourself, I've granted myself that power as well."

"Salmon bake?" I asked, to annoy him. "I've never eaten salmon before."

"Seriously?"

"I'm not an adventurous eater."

"Then we're definitely trying seafood this week. But not for a shore excursion when you could be riding a helicopter over a glacier."

I waited for him to joke about my boring diet or it being no wonder Caleb broke up with me, but he didn't. That put me more on edge, like he was saving up all his mocking to spring on me at once.

"In Ketchikan, you can take a floatplane and see bears," he said.

I shuddered, the spike of fear shooting through me like it always did when I imagined meeting one of those giant creatures in the wild. "We don't have to decide today."

He sighed dramatically and handed me the guide. "Take this. Study it. There will be a test, which I know you enjoy. But you won't ace this test by memorizing options. I'll be grading you on whether you try something fun and different."

I grabbed it from him. "I'll have more fun if you go away."

"Then who would help you prove yourself to Caveman?"

Right. I squeezed the guide. I would prove myself.

We retraced our steps to our rooms.

He stopped outside his door. "I'll come collect you for the sail-away party."

"If you must."

"Oh, I must."

At least I'd have time to mentally prepare myself, the way I would have if Caleb had just asked about Manda's party instead of dumping me.

Caleb. I hadn't really done anything new yet today. I needed to find something at the party or after dinner. Everything was fine. I had a plan and a partner, even if he was a dubious one. Things would be back on track soon.