That was how she stood in front of a private yacht in Spain. Taking a deep breath of the salty air, Reine smiled. This was going to be fun. As Reine walked up the gangplank, she saw a familiar face heading toward her.

“Oh, hey stranger,” Seb grinned and pulled her in for a hug. “I’ve missed you, girl.”

“I know! It’s been ages.” Reine said. They separated, and an overzealous Kerry nearly knocked over Reine. Her tail wagged furiously. Reine reached down to pet her, “well, at least you still like me.” She cooed, rubbing the dog’s tummy.

“Ciaran’s on-board already,” Seb explained. “I wondered why you didn’t come together.”

“I haven’t seen him in a while,” Reine admitted.

Seb’s mouth dropped open, but before he could say anything, the crackle of a loudspeaker interrupted them.

“Hola, sailors!” Elladine’s voice was loud and clear, “We’ve got a busy schedule ahead of us, so if everyone can finish embarking, we get underway.”

“Oh, we better hurry,” Seb said, grabbing one of Reine’s bags. “We’ll catch up properly on the ship.”

Reine had hoped to chat with Seb for a few minutes, but Viv beckoned him over. “I best see how Viv is getting on. But we’ll speak soon.”

Reine walked into the kitchen to see Seb, Viv, and Iona standing over a bowl of oranges chatting away. Seb smiled, “Hey, Reine.”

Viv looked apologetic. “Sorry, I pulled Seb away from you.” She reached over and pulled Reine into a hug. “It’s so good to see you again.”

“What were you guys talking about?” Reine asked.

“I was just congratulating the big star here on his fame,” Iona said cheekily. Seb blushed. “The most sought-after person out of all of us. What’s your secret?”

“To ignore every interview request and sulk the whole time if you end up in one accidentally,” Seb answered.

“That’s genius,” Iona smirked. “It gives off that whole ‘bad boy’ vibe you’re now known for.”

Reine was barely listening as Viv, Seb, and Iona caught up. Her attention was brought back to the present when Seb touched her arm. “Hey, everything, OK? You seem a little off.”

Reine shrugged, “I’m fine, I guess.”

“Wait,” He took Reine’s arm and exchanged a knowing glance with Viv, who turned to Iona, and they walked out of the kitchen with a pitcher of sangria.”What happened?”

“We got into an argument. Ciaran left and saying that we needed a break. We haven’t spoken since. That was almost two months ago.” Reine explained. Seb’s eyes widened in shock.

“You’ve been living in limbo for that long? No communication?” he asked.

Reine looked at him. “Yes to your first question, no to the second.”

“Did you try to contact him?”

“No,” Reine admitted. “I left the ball in his court. I was tired of doing everything to make us work. His actions speak louder than words, if he wanted to be with me he would have said so.”

“How do you feel about that?” Seb asked.

“I’m ready to move on,” Reine said honestly. “I want someone who will stand with me and for me.”

Nicky and Elladine suddenly emerged from the glass doors that lead into the yacht. “Looks like everyone is here,” Elladine said happily as she mentally did a headcount. “We’re so glad you could make it for this holiday. We need to come up with a name to christen this boat.”

Reine smiled. “How about Floaty McFloatface?”

Elladine giggled, “Ooh! That’s got a lovely ring to it.”

“It’s settled, then.” Nicky said with a chuckle, “Everyone welcome aboard the SS Floaty McFloatface.”

“You know SS stands for steamship, right?” Bill asked. “I’d say this one’s diesel engine.”

Nicky groaned, “Let’s leave it. Steamship sounds cool.” His attention turned to Reine, “We noticed Ciaran arrived before you. Is everything OK?”

“No, but it will be,” Reine said.

“OK, love,” Elladine said, putting a comforting hand on Reine’s shoulder. “Give me a shout if you need anything.”

“Thanks, Elladine.” Reine walked away to find her cabin.

To her surprise, Ciaran was there. She figured he’d probably get another room. He looked up at her. “Hey…”

“I didn’t know you’d be here… in the room, I mean,” Reine said. “I saw Kerry earlier and knew you arrived before I did.”

“You cut your hair… like all of it,” Ciaran said, his face furrowed in dissatisfaction.

Reine looked at him in disbelief, “Is that all you have to say?”

“I didn’t think you would come. We never told anyone we were having issues.” Ciaran said.

“Why wouldn’t I? I put on the group chat I was coming, but I didn’t see your reply.” Reine shook her head. “Issues? Is that how you are going to downplay it?” When he didn’t answer, she sighed. “Whatever, I’ll just ask Elladine for another room.”

“I didn’t feel like explaining it,” Ciaran admitted. “And I had Bill do the RSPV and set things up so I could bring Kerry.”

At that moment, she realized that there was no going back. Ciaran had found someone else to champion for him. Reine knew she was no longer in love with him. It was over. She turned to walk out the door. “Of course, you didn’t,” Reine shot over her shoulder angrily as she stepped out with her luggage, “God forbid, you ever take responsibility for yourself. But don’t worry, your pretty little head about it. I’ll speak with Elladine.”

As she stalked down the hallway, she almost ran into Rafi. “Oh, sorry I didn’t see you there.”

Rafi looked at her luggage. “You OK? I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but…” He asked, reaching for her bag.

Reine chuckled derisively. “Yea, It was more awkward than anything. Ciaran couldn’t even be bothered to put it into the group chat that he was coming or tell Elladine that we weren’t together.” she shrugged, “No matter, I need to speak with Elladine about getting another room.

“I’ll walk with you then,” Rafi said, taking her satchel. They walked to the small office on the ship.

Elladine’s eyes widened when she saw Reine with Rafi carrying her bags. “What’s wrong?”

“Elladine, I didn’t know Ciaran was joining us. But he didn’t tell you we broke up two months ago. Are there any empty rooms available?” Reine asked.

“Of course hon,” She reached over and plucked a key from a cabinet. “Here.” Elladine pulled Reine into a hug. “I’m sorry I didn’t know.”

“Well, I was going to tell everyone when I got here,” Reine said, “I didn’t see Ciaran’s RSPV, so I didn’t see sense in getting into it over the group chat. Sorry for the inconvenience.”

“Yea, he had Bill send me an email yesterday. Don’t even worry, there were still a few extra rooms even with the lot of us,” Elladine smiled. “you just concentrate on enjoying your holiday.”