Page 78 of The Cruiser
She did try very hard to love the sea, but a wicked storm, one where we almost capsized, was the final nail in the coffin. Since her, it’s been an uphill battle. Plenty of women are happy to lounge on a yacht; I can round up fifty this morning without trying hard. But once the afternoon sun dips and the art of suntanning is revealed to be their only skill, it’s in their eyes. Okay, this was fun; now get me back on shore.
When Vandana and I stood together on the prow of Catch Me, I don’t profess to know what she was thinking. Don’t want to flatter myself into believing any of her thoughts involved me. But her body language spoke volumes. I can tell if a woman is comfortable on a boat. With that, and the capacity to understand me, Vandana’s already leaps and bounds beyond anyone else.
Now comes the challenge. The ultimate test. Being out on the water.
Because loving me means loving the ocean.
“You’re right, my friend,” I say. “About substantiating. I’ll ask the hard questions on Wednesday. We’re taking Liberté out for the day.”
“You’re skipping the first day of the show?” He’s in shock.
“One day away won’t make a difference.”
“Where are you off to?” he asks.
“Toward San Remo. Away from the crowds. I’ve arranged it all. Your only task is making sure tonight runs smoothly with Khaled.”
Olivier clears his throat. “I have full confidence the best man will win.”
Later, I’ll think back on this conversation. Was bringing up Tatiana his roundabout way of warning me?
“How’s the hand doing?” I ask.
“Oh … Uh, fine. Just a sprain.”
“Overuse does have its consequences.”
“Ha, ha,” he says, dryly. “Talk later.”
I hop into the shower, feed the troops, and start my morning the usual way: an espresso on the deck while watching fair Monaco come alive before me. It makes me ache for Vandana’s presence. I’m tingling with all the things we have yet to do to each other.
It’s not too early to send a message.
MdRC: Good morning. I hope you slept well.
VH: Hi! I slept like a baby. Thank you for last night. Very special.
MdRC: C’etait parfait.
VH: I hope that’s a compliment.
MdRC: I have to teach you French.
VH: Good luck with that. Your parents are lovely BTW.
MdRC: They said the same about you.
Maman’s actual words to me before we left? I’m a flying idiot if I don’t pursue Vandana. A boat will never love you, Morgan; her well-oiled argument was trotted out yet again.She offered to take Vandana out for lunch today, to meet some of the Cap Ferret ladies. Not even a day and she’s revving in fourth gear. As bad as those Regency-era mothers pawning off their daughters to the highest bidders.
VH: You excited for tonight?
MdRC: Yes. And a little nervous.
VH: Me too.
We banter back and forth about nothing and everything, and I feel lighter as I set down my phone. I’ve already forgotten last week, when living one day at a time was all I could look forward to. No point dreaming about the future if you step into it and nothing’s changed.
Suddenly, the future is full of promise.
I kick my feet onto the table, humming U2’s Beautiful Day. The tuxedo twins join me on the chaise lounge, each picking a side; black and white purring machines rumbling against my thighs. I’m already thinking of all the ways I can spoil Vandana. A spa weekend at Cap Estel. Docking at La Guérite in Cannes for a candlelight dinner. Grand Prix. Nikki Beach in Saint Tropez. The madness of drunken table dancing at Anjuna Beach. So much to share. Monaco is an elite kingdom for those who can afford it, and I love everything about my surroundings. Tonight, after the meeting with Khaled, I’m taking her to the Hotel de Paris for drinks. I think she’ll get a kick out of being an American in the Bar Americain. If the timing feels right, I’ll test the waters with a few questions. While I don’t wish Vandana any more grief or heartbreak, that fool husband of hers makes one part of this easier. If he prefers men, their marriage is irreparable. But how do I convince her to leave a thriving business behind? Or relocate here? It’s a near impossible task, but I’ll never forgive myself if I don’t try. When Olivier brought up the past, it was a reminder of all the things missing from my life.
I’m tired of being alone. I can do better. I can have better.
Vandana is as close to the best as I’ve ever seen.
If she’ll have me, I’ll rearrange my life to make it work with her.
And, if I can teach her to caress the dark, intimate hole of my ass at just the right moment, then maybe there truly is perfection in this world.
