Page 27 of Escape To Paradise
I woke up when I heard the engine stop; we had arrived at our destination. I had briefly read about our itinerary, which was posted on the wall in the galley. Today, we stopped at Souffrier, St. Lucia. It was in the southern part of the island.
I looked at the wall clock—it was five-thirty in the morning. I got up from the bed, grabbed my robe, and tiptoed out of the room. I brewed coffee in the pot; this time, I chose the Ethiopian medium roast beans, which had a bold, earthy smell. There was enough for four cups of coffee, and I poured some into two thermal cups with lids. I added one packet of sugar and cream. Then, I went to the upper deck. Just as I expected, Captain Youssef was there, waiting for the sunrise. I handed him his coffee, and he thanked me.
Our view was different this time. Instead of the calm ocean, we were looking at the island itself. A cone-like mountain was jutting out from the island. It was the Gros Piton, a mountain formed from the remnants of ancient volcanic lava. Geologists had called it a lava spine. The view was breathtaking.
We docked near Jalousie Beach. With the sun directly behind us, we watched as the sunlight crept up on the island, the surrounding greenery, and the mountains, illuminating the wonderful view. The captain and I were just in awe of the beauty of nature.
“I can see that your job never gets old.”
“I know. It doesn’t.” The captain sipped his coffee. “You should go with the guests. Join them in their excursion. Pack up lunches and join them on a tour.”
“Who is going to stay here with you?” I asked.
“I’m a grown man. I can stay here. Take the girls with you. Come back before sundown.”
“Thanks, Captain.”
“See St. Lucia, I’ve been here a dozen times.”
We finished our coffee and agreed to meet again tomorrow morning for our morning cup. I felt at ease with Captain Youssef, and he was becoming a fatherly figure to me. I wished I had a dad like him growing up. I could barely remember my dad; he left when I was nine years old.When I emerged from my shower, I was determined to make the guests’ breakfast and pack their lunches.
When I got to the galley, Zofia and Kathleen were already there. I told them the good news.
“Girls, the captain wants all three of us to join the guests in their island excursion.”
Kathleen clapped her hands in glee.
“Let’s get working then!” Zofia said. “I’ll help pack the lunch.”
“I’ll make all the breakfast, and Kathleen, you make the lunches. It’s going to be sub sandwiches. Make meatball sandwiches, tuna sandwiches, and cold-cut sandwiches. Pair it with chips and a side salad.”
“I would help cook if I could, but I’ll pack the lunches and make sure the guests have water and juice to drink,” Zofia volunteered.
“That’s good! Now, time to go to work. We have little time. I’ll prepare breakfast and spare a sandwich for the captain.”
By 8 a.m., the guests started trickling into the dining area. I made bacon, eggs, omelets, pancakes, breakfast tacos and quiche. I also sliced fresh fruits and served non-alcoholic and alcoholic mimosa.
Julian had dropped by the galley area and asked for coffee; I gave him a cup of regular dark coffee with one cream and one sugar. He was yawning still.
“This is too early for me, Harper! I may need you to make me another cup after I finish this.” He tried to stifle another yawn.
“I told you. You shouldn’t have stayed up late. I did glance at the excursion,” I told him. “It’s going to involve hiking up a mountain.”
“Oh, God, I’m fucked! Make that two more dark coffee, please!” He flashed a smile.
I laughed at his reaction. He was handsome, even with his disheveled hair. I could see his stubble growing. He really had the most beautiful blue eyes, reminding me of the ocean.
“Don’t worry, I’ll keep you caffeinated throughout the excursion.”
“You’re going with us to the island?”
“Yeah, we’re making and packing your lunch.”
“Goody. I can’t wait. I’d very much like to be in your company.”
“Go get your breakfast.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
