Page 36 of In the Same Boat

You know, I’m not sure that he’s joking.

‘How was the flight?’ he asks.

‘Wonderful,’ Mum replies. ‘We’re both so excited to be here, aren’t we, Sammie?’

My instinct is to be well mannered, to fall in line and agree, but Mum has gone too far this time. I can’t hold my tongue.

‘I did not, in fact, know where I was coming,’ I say.

‘What a great surprise, eh? Your mum wanted to do something nice for you.’

Then why didn’t she?!

‘We’re both so excited to be here,’ Mum tells him. ‘Thanks so much for having us.’

‘Ah, no problem at all, I’m glad of the company,’ he says. ‘Step inside, let me show you around.’

‘Ooh, exciting,’ Mum coos.

I puff air from my cheeks. What other choice do I have but to follow them?

‘Oh, wow…’

Mum can’t hide how impressed she is, whereas I’m too annoyed right now for it to fully take hold.

‘She’s a beauty, isn’t she?’ Hank says, gazing around with genuine affection. ‘Three cabins, lovely little galley, top deck for sunset drinks, decent sound system, and she behaves herself beautifully in calm water.’

I’ll admit it, the yacht is even more impressive once we step inside. It’s modern, clean, sleek – more stylish than I would’ve given Hank credit for. I can’t believe this is his. He must have some money, to own a yacht like this.

We’re in the main cabin and I’m impressed to see that it’s a proper living space, with cream sofas built around a polished table, warm wood panelling, soft lighting and windows wrapping almost all the way around us to showcase the view. It feels less like being on a boat, more like being in a luxury apartment.

‘This is the saloon,’ Hank says proudly. ‘That’s the main living space. Galley in the back – I wanted to keep it open-plan, a proper social space, you know?’

He says ‘you know’ like there’s a chance either of us know a thing about living on a yacht. Obviously, we have no idea. I don’t even know what a galley is, but glancing in the direction of where he pointed, I’m assuming it’s the kitchen area.

‘She’s got three cabins,’ he continues, pointing down the short corridor leading away from the saloon. ‘And two bathrooms.’

Three bedrooms – the words are like music to my ears. If I’m stuck on here with them, at least I can have my own space to retreat to.

‘Then up top you’ve got the helm,’ he continues, gesturing towards the stairs.

I have no idea what a helm is, but I’d rather google it later than ask him now.

‘I got the Ruinart, but they didn’t have the rosé,’ a voice interrupts us. ‘Although neither of us drinks rosé, so I’m not sure why you wanted…’

His voice trails off as he notices two reasons why Hank might have wanted rosé champagne – me and my mum.

Nico stands there, shopping bags in hand, and he looks about as happy to see me as I am to see him – which is to say, not happy at all.

‘He’s here too?’ I can’t help but blurt.

Nico’s eyes dart between us all.

‘Dad? What’s going on?’ he asks him. ‘You said it was just going to be the two of us…’

‘Ah, well, that’s interesting, because my mum told me it was just going to be the two of us.’

‘Now, now, son, it’s my yacht – I can invite who I want, right?’