Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 128211 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 641(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 427(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 128211 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 641(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 427(@300wpm)
“And you’ll never be home for a holiday again.”
I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. I was all too aware of the camera that had sidled up outside my open door to watch this all unfold, as well as the eyes that flicked my way as they passed. I looked up just in time to see Finn pausing behind the cameraman, his brows pinched together in concern.
Gisella pulled him away, and I blinked.
“You’re working for other people right now when you could have other people working for you.”
“I do have a team working for me,” I corrected him. “I’m chief stew, Dad. I run the entire interior. I have three stripes, each one hard earned. You always told me to work for what I want in this life, and now I’m doing that and you’re telling me it’s not enough.”
“Now don’t go putting words in my mouth.” His voice turned stern, all the sweet cadence gone in an instant. “You are a young lady with free will to make the choices you deem appropriate for your life. But I am your father. And it is perfectly acceptable for me to want better for my child than cleaning toilets.”
I closed my eyes, my throat tight with the effort to hold in my emotion.
“Okay, Dad. Well, I just wanted to call to check in,” I said, and my voice sounded as cold as I felt on the inside. “I love you. Give Mom a hug for me.”
“We love you, too. And I’m…”
He sighed. I almost thought he was going to apologize, but I knew he was too proud for that.
Besides, he’d meant every word he said.
“I’m sure the show is exciting. Maybe when I watch it, I’ll understand more. But… this isn’t a real career, Ember. It’s a phase. A detour. You’re smarter than this. And I just want you to know you always have other options. You can always change your path.”
My ribcage constricted at the thought of them watching the show.
Just like when I’d accepted the offer, I knew this was my chance to let them into my world. It was my only opportunity for them to see what I did and truly understand it, to value it, to value me.
Which meant I needed to tighten up.
Because if I did get their attention, if they really did watch the show? I wanted my parents to see their daughter working hard and making moves.
Not making a fool of herself over some boy.
“Bye, Dad,” I whispered, and then ended the call.
I’d almost forgotten Eli was there until he blew out a breath. “Okay, then?”
I nodded, but my eyes were welling when he pulled me into his massive chest for a hug.
“Ag, shame, liefie,” he said, kissing my temple before he pulled back. “Listen, your old man doesn’t know what he’s missing. You’re killing it here. And tonight, it’s about you, me, and enough drinks to forget he even called, neh?”
He gave me a playful nudge, eyes twinkling warmly, before standing up and offering his hand.
“Now put on one of those lekker little numbers you packed and let’s go dance.”
I nodded again, wiping my face when he released me. Eli was right.
It was my night off, and I was determined not to let my father’s words ruin it.
PRE-PRODUCTION CONFESSIONAL
CLOSE QUARTERS
SEASON 4
BERNARD EVANS: SECOND STEWARD
BERNARD
Look, I love a flirt, but a boatmance? Never had one, never will. Mark my words.
PRODUCER
You wouldn’t pursue it, if there was someone on board you were attracted to?
BERNARD
From the crew? Not a chance.
PRODUCER
Why is that?
BERNARD
It’s messy, innit? Shitting where you eat. We’re crammed in together 24/7, stress levels through the roof. Even if you fancy someone, it’s got disaster written all over it — one likes the other more, someone catches feelings when the other’s just after a shag, you split and then have to act professional? Yeah, right. Like that ever happens.
PRODUCER
Do you think a boatmance can ever make it past the charter season?
Bernard laughs loudly, shakes head.
BERNARD
I’ve never seen a boatmance last a full season, let alone beyond it. We’re all from different places, working jobs that keep us moving. Plus, let’s be real — everyone’s young, fit, and up for it. Trusting your partner to stay faithful on another yacht? Mate, you’re asking for heartbreak. What do they think is gonna happen? It’s not like any of us are buying a house with a white picket fence anytime soon.
PRODUCER
So I guess it’s best to just have a little fun and leave it at that, then?
BERNARD
If you want a bit of fun, find a local. But if you actually want a season without drama? Don’t shag the crew. Best bet is to keep it professional.
PRODUCER
And if you don’t?
Bernard shrugs.
BERNARD
Then you’ve only got yourself to blame when it all goes tits up.
“Fucking hell, Leah, that arse deserves a standing ovation!” Bernard said loudly over the music, splashing water at Leah. She was twerking her ass in the hot tub, hands braced on the edge to keep her steady as she danced. I hollered, too, marveling at how talented she was at making her booty shake while the rest of her torso was perfectly stable. She was blessed with juicy curves, and as a more athletic build myself, I was mesmerized watching her move.