Page 21 of Escape To Paradise
“He’s not my type still.”
We hopped onto the rental van and headed back to the boat.
***
Zofia had rented the van again. This time, we went to the market. Each of us did a supply run and then loaded them into the van. At the yacht, Paul helped carry the heavier load, like the sack of rice and bottled water. We were still shopping based on the previous chef’s menu. But after this charter, I would have to make my menu and shop accordingly.
Zofia had hired a local cleaner to help clean the rooms. That task took a whole day. I reviewed the menu and did the prep work with Kathleen. Our twelve guests would be coming in tomorrow, and I was already excited about the next charter. Our route would take us to the neighboring islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, and then back to St. Vincent, the Grenadines, and Grenada.
I woke up around five in the morning the following day. As usual, Kathleen and Zofia were still sleeping. I wanted to catch the sunrise again while drinking my coffee. I brewed a dark Italian Roast and drizzled cane sugar, and put half-and-half on it. Taking my coffee to the upper deck, I was surprised to find Captain Youssef looking out into the horizon again.
“Do you like watching the sunrise?” I asked as I approached him.
“I do. I talk to my late daughter sometimes. She should be around your age.” His eyes were misty as he glanced at me.
“I’m sorry to hear that. Do you want this cup of coffee? I just made it.”
“Are you sure? You don’t mind?”
“I can grab another cup later.”
Captain Youssef accepted the warm cup of coffee and sipped on it. “It’s very good.”
“Yeah, it’s dark roast. About your daughter… you said I was around her age?”
“She died twenty years ago. She should’ve been around twenty-eight or twenty-nine by now.” His eyes were on the horizon, waiting for the sun to come out.
“Do you mind if I ask what happened to her?”
“She was killed in Gaza. A bullet took her life. She was eight years old.”
“I’m really sorry to hear that. “
“It’s been a long time ago. They say wounds will heal over time, but apparently mine hasn’t.” The captain sounded sad. “But every time I look at the sunrise, I’m reminded of new beginnings. Her death was the reason we left my country.”
“I’ve lost a family member too. And it’s just been a year, and the pain is great. But I imagine the pain will always be there.” My voice started to crack.
“I’m sure we’ll meet them again in the next life.” Captain Youssef sounded hopeful.
“I’m sure we will.”
We stood there until the sun had come out, illuminating the sky.
“Well, it’s been good talking to you. I hope to see you again at another sunrise. Thank you for the coffee.” He smiled and turned to walk back inside.
I lingered for a few more minutes. I took my phone out and called my mom. As usual, it went directly to voicemail.
“Hey, Mom, you wouldn’t believe where I am right now. I’m in the Caribbean. I’m in Grenada. I work on a luxury yacht as a chef, and the crew is wonderful. There’s this captain. I think you’ll like him. He’s a very gracious and kind man. He lost his daughter. We watched the sunrise together. Anyway, I must go to work now. I love you. Goodbye.”
Around ten in the morning, the guests started boarding the yacht. Five of the guests were from one family, three were couples, and then a single guest. The single guest was the tallest in the bunch. Standing at probably six feet three inches, he towered over everyone. With his muscular physique, blonde hair, and blue eyes, he was quite the sight. He was wearing a bright Hawaiian shirt and a white hat. He caught my attention right away. As he boarded with his one travel bag, he smiled at me.
Kathleen and Zofia smiled as he passed by. Zofia whispered to me, “Wow, what a cutie.”
“Definitely a ten,” Kathleen smirked.
“You girls,” I chided them.
We each introduced ourselves to the guests. When I introduced myself, the tall guy introduced himself as Julian. Out of everyone, he was the only one who stretched out his hand to shake hands with the crew. He seemed very charming and affable.
