The door to the closet Ty was currently occupying opened, letting in a stream of light and with it, another person. The closet was generous in size and the intruder didn't notice Ty sitting against the side wall as they stepped in and shut the door behind them.

"This is such a waste of time! What am I even doing here?" a deep voice muttered.

A utility light cast a dim gray glow over the closet and Ty watched as the tall guy pulled at the ends of his hair before dragging his hand down his face.

"How immature are they? There are a million things I should be doing this week but no, I'm stuck on a cruise ship. Without Wifi."

Ty paused for a moment, taking in the guy's frustrated mutterings, before returning to the crossword puzzle she had been doing.

She had encountered stranger things.

She thought it best to let him finish undisturbed. She returned to her puzzle, fully intending to remain unnoticed until her companion began spouting a different language.

"Das ist so bescheuert! Sie verstehen nicht, dass manche Leute für so ein Leben arbeiten müssen. Was für ein Haufen Mist!"

There was a break in the talking and Ty couldn't help herself. "No, I'm looking for a six letter word, vegetable often mashed."

The man jumped and turned toward Ty.

"What the - ?" he started to say.

She stopped him with a finger. "Before you rant in another language I feel the need to inform you I only understand English and Spanish."

Now that he was facing her, she could see he was much younger than his slacks and button-down made him seem. Probably no more than a few years older than she was. He stood, silent, his mouth hanging partially open.

"What are you doing in here?" he asked.

"Good guess, but I think the answer is potato." She filled in the small boxes.

"Who are you?" he asked.

"Ten letters, shark," she replied.

It distracted him for a moment. "Hammerhead," he snapped.

Ty tried the word out and smiled. "That's right. Now you're getting the hang of it. What about 4 letters, strongly recommend."

The crossword was torn out of her hand. "Do you often hide in closets, hoping to catch unsuspecting prey?" the guy accused.

"Only when they barge in ranting," she countered with a jovial smile. The guy seemed ready with a comeback when her words hit him. An embarrassed look crept over his face. "Or when they're speaking in German," she shrugged. "But other than that, never. That would almost be as weird as locking oneself in a closet and speaking in a different language."

"I got it," the guy snapped. "I'm the crazy one here."

"You said it, not me."

"Urge," he said. She frowned. "A four letter word that means to strongly recommend," he explained. He handed her crossword back.

"Thanks!"

She filled in the boxes and moved on to the next clue. A moment later, her companion joined her on the floor.

"Forty-three down is Iris," he said after a moment. She scanned her puzzle to find the coinciding clue. "Do you think I'm wrong?" he asked.

"I'm just checking. I only have a pen." He was right.

"Forty-four is style and forty-five is Achilles," he said.

"Who are you hiding from?" Ty asked, her gaze still on the puzzle.

"Who says I'm hiding? Forty-six is - "

"Ficus, I know. And you did."

"I thought you only spoke English and Spanish?"

"You started in English."

"Where did you learn to speak Spanish?"

"You're avoiding my question."

"I never could get the hang of Spanish," he said. "I can speak four languages, but somehow Spanish still eludes me."

Ty turned towards the guy, an entertained laugh playing on her lips. He stared her down, his look turning defiant. She held his gaze past when it began to feel uncomfortable. She could see him beginning to squirm and she couldn't hold her laugh in anymore. It filled the small space like ringing bells.

"What's so funny?" the guys asked.

"You are." She gave one last chuckle and turned back to her puzzle.

"What do mean?" he asked defensively.

"I find you funny."

He gave her a leveling look. "And why's that?"

The tension in his voice sounded like he was barely holding onto his chill.

Ty abandoned her crossword to the floor. "Why? Because you are clearly a smart, accomplished person but something has you hiding in a cleaning closet."

She watched his expression, trying to gauge whether any of her words rang false.

"My guess is family," she added.

"What gave me away?" he asked with a smug look.

Ty added cocky to his list of qualities for him. "Hammerhead." He gave her a questioning look. "Ten letters, shark," she clarified.

Understanding landed in his eyes. "Why family?" he asked.

"Because there's nothing that can drive a person towards insanity like family."

"Yours too?" he asked, intrigued.

She shook her head. "My job has offered me a front row seat to dysfunctional family bonding."

He sighed.

"They can't be that bad," she said.

He gave her a studied look. "Probably not," he admitted.

"Just today they are?"

"I think it's more the situation than the day that has me running towards insanity."

"Sorry to break it to you, but I think you're already there."

"Where?"

"Insanity."

The guy's head went back as his deep laugh rolled around the closet. Ty couldn't help but smile. His laugh made his polished and mature first impression almost extinct. She readjusted his age closer to her own.

"Well, I am talking to a stranger in a closet," he said, defeatedly. "Are you even real?" He reached out to touch her arm.

"Don't worry, you're not that far gone," she said.

"That's only slightly reassuring."

"If it helps, I'm in here too."

"Do you have a hyper excited bachelor/bachelorette party you are hiding from as well?"

"No. Is that what you are hiding from?"

"No, I'm hiding from a herd of rhinos," the guy said flatly, keeping his face completely blank.

Ty's face lit up in surprise. "On a cruise ship? Must be some wedding party."

She grinned as the guy gave a loud, surprised laugh. It took him a moment to regain his composure.

"Only some of them are rhinos," he clarified.

"Who's the lucky couple?" she asked.

"My brother and his soon-to-be wife. They decided to have a joint bachelor/bachelorette party and drag their friends on a seven-day cruise."

"They sound like the worst!" she groaned. The guy gave her a surprised look. "Making you take a vacation and have fun. They definitely win the worst sibling award," she added with a playful smile.

He gave her a flat look. "It sounds like a good idea until you're stuck on a boat with thirty over-excited people who consider six am competitive workouts fun."

"And you don't like competitive workouts?" She got another flat look. "I'm surprised. Based on your physique I thought you'd be into that?"

"You were checking me out?"

"You invaded my space. I was just thankful you didn't weigh seven hundred pounds." The guy gave Ty a smug grin and she knew that was her cue. She quickly stood. "Well this has been...interesting," she said, grabbing her crossword.

Her companion quickly scrambled after her. Being on equal ground she found he was at least a foot taller than her.

"Are you leaving?" he asked.

"My fifteen minutes are up."

"Fifteen minutes?"

"Enjoy your cruise."

"You can't leave me," the guy said, desperation clear in his voice.

Ty paused, her hand on the doorknob. She turned and gave him a strong look. "You got this! You are strong and accomplished! You can do anything. Even face an early morning workout," she said in her best pep talk voice. "And if that doesn't work, say something in German."

She was gone before he could respond.

The office Ty stepped into was a beehive of activity, everyone buzzing with their tasks. She carved a path towards the back, her eye on the large desk. The guy behind the desk flashed her a winning smile upon seeing her

"Ty," he said. Her name rolled off his tongue, a flirty ring to it.

"Johnny." She mimicked his tone but without the same result.

"Have you come to confess your love for me?" Johnny was a perfect combination of tall, tan, and handsome. He knew it. Every girl on the ship also knew it.

"Not today," she said.

He gave her a coy smile. "I'll wait."

"I wouldn't hold your breath."

"I can be patient. I know you love me. You're just scared to admit it."

"On second thought, hold your breath for a long, long, long time."

"Denial is just one step towards acceptance," he sang.

She laughed. Johnny's games were the second best entertainment on the ship, right behind the on-board production Mamma Mia.

"Is Louie in?" She eyed the partially open door behind Johnny's desk, through which she could hear a faint voice.

"Leaving me for another man?" Johnny asked dramatically.

"It would never work between us."

"We'll never know if we don't try."

"No, I know. You're a player."

"How can you say that?"

"Jessica, Ashley, Megan," she said, ticking off the names of girls she had seen cry over the pretty boy before her.

"Your point?"

"Kat, Renee, Charlotte, Danielle..."

"Point made," he said, hastening to cut her off. "Louie will see you now."

She smirked victoriously as she slipped through the office door, shutting it quietly behind her. The office was controlled chaos with its neat piles everywhere. She slipped into a vacant chair and waited. The chair behind the desk was turned away from her, its occupant dishing out firm orders.

"It's not an option. It will get done in the next hour. Is that clear?" The chair swiveled around and the phone landed in its base with a loud crack.

"Hiya boss," she said.

"Have you looked over your assignment details?" Louie asked, not bothering to look at her.

"No hello?" she asked.

"If you wanted pleasantries, you shouldn't be working on my cruise ship," he said harshly.

"There's that Italian charm I love. Your wife must miss you so much."

Louie finally met her gaze. Even annoyed, he looked handsome and fifteen years younger than he was.

"I don't know why I keep you around," he grumbled.

"Because I'm one of your most reliable employees. And if it ever got bad enough, I'd kill for you."

He looked at her ponderously. "I don't know if that outweighs the fact that I have to deal with you."

"You love me and you know it."

"Did you look over your assignment for this week?" he asked.

"I did. It's a big group."

"Who has spared no expense to have a good time. Bali Cruise Lines has guaranteed they will deliver. This group's happiness is your sole focus this week."

"Your wish is my command."

"I'm serious. These people are new money and expect everything with a snap of their finger."

"I've fine-tuned my ears to demanding snaps." Louie gave her an apprehensive look. She gave him a reassuring smile. "I got this. Keep their wallets empty and the drinks flowing."

"I support the empty wallets, but keep the drinks under control. We don't need another Henley Family cruise."

"So, that's a negative on poolside brawls."

"Ty, don't let me down."

"Come on boss, have I ever?" He hesitated slightly. "Don't answer that. I'm outta here," she said, jumping out of her chair. "I have work to do, unlike some people who think they can coast on their youthful Italian looks."

"I should fire you."

"You're such a charmer," she said. "I'm off before I fall under your spell."

The ground beneath Ty's feet thrummed as she left the offices. The ship's main lobby was alive with energy as the passengers marveled at their surroundings. The crystal staircase, the chandeliers, the sweeping view of the ocean the large windows showcased. Standing sixteen stories high and a block and a half long, the Bali cruise liner was a sight to behold. Within its steel walls, a small city existed, complete with a theater, spa, and numerous stores.

An expert at moving through crowds, Ty swiftly made her way to the captain's lounge, eager to leave the congestion behind. She was greeted by a boisterous voice as she entered the lounge.

"A little more to the left. A tiny bit more. Perfect! Now for the balloons."

She smiled patiently. In the hour she had been gone, Jules had already added her own touch to the decor.

"Tommy, I think that's good enough," Ty said.

The tall man up on the ladder gave her a grateful look.

"But this is a party," Jules argued. "A celebration! Of love! What says love more than a banner and balloons?"

"Champagne," Ty answered. "Very, very expensive champagne. Please tell Adrian to have thirty flutes filled with the bubbly to greet our guests."

"Got it," Jules said.

Balloons and banner forgotten, she set off with purpose. Ty watched her go, her petite frame bouncing, her long, blonde curls swaying.

She turned back to Tommy. "Take it all down."

"The banner too?" Tommy asked.

"All of it."

Ty left Tommy to undo all of Jules's work and did a once-over of the room. The Captain's lounge was extravagant in its own right. Located at the front of the ship, more than three-fourths of the walls were glass. Under Ty's instruction, her crew had upped the party vibe.

They had dimmed the chandelier for a more intimate atmosphere. The dance floor gleamed. Servers in vests and bowties waited with trays of appetizers and champagne. Music with a heavy beat played quietly, sending a pulse through the lounge.

Ty's lap around the room was slow as she stopped every few feet to perfect a decoration or have one of her crew add a detail. She was just completing her loop back to the entrance when high and excited voices danced their way to her.

As people appeared to accompany the voices, Ty quickly observed what the rest of her week would entail. Leading the pack was a group of twittering women. The dress code was comprised of bare legs and flawless hair. Commanding the center spot was a woman with the sash hanging over one shoulder giving her the title of Bride. Here was Ty's main focus for the week.

Bringing up the rear, the guys were a sea of sport coats and polo shirts, their deep voices playing harmony to the women's.

Ty greeted the crowd, her best smile in place. "Ladies and gentlemen welcome! On behalf of Bali Cruise Lines, I would like to welcome you to the Captain's lounge. Let's get this party started!"

She ushered the group into the lounge with a sweep of her arm. Her words inspired a round of cheers as the group took her words to heart, instantly filling the lounge with loud and excited voices.

Ty watched as her team expertly executed their roles. Within five minutes, every member of the party had a drink in hand and appetizers were making the rounds. Jules flitted along the border of the room, her eyes attentively searching for anyone needing assistance. The DJ had turned up the music and people were starting to sway.

Over the years, Ty had learned to quickly size up her customers. She paid attention to a rigid couple, a pouty teenager, a fussy mom and adjusted her approach accordingly. Within twenty minutes, between demanding snaps, alcohol consumption, and flirty looks, she had an idea of what her week would be like. Busy, demanding, and sure to have a few curve balls.

She waited for the bride and groom to finish off their first drink before she approached them.

"Good evening, how is everything going?" she asked, her voice coming out high and airy.

Her friends joked her customer service voice was as distinct as Batman's.

"Fantastic!" the bride said.

"I'm so happy to hear that," Ty said. "I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Ty and I am your events coordinator for the week."

"I'm Kate and this is my fiancé Grant," the bride said, gesturing to the tall guy beside her.

They were both younger than Ty had predicted. Late twenties. Kate was barely as tall as Grant's shoulder and that was in five-inch heels. They also contrasted in looks. Kate was fair with curly blonde hair while Grant had dark eyes, and dark hair.

"It's nice to meet you," Ty said, shaking their hands. "I just wanted a moment to welcome you. It's my job to make sure everyone is having a great time. We have some fantastic events planned for your week. If you do have any needs, please don't hesitate to let me know."

"Thank you," Kate said. "We're all so excited for this week."

"Not everyone," Grant said.

Kate's smile faltered. "That's his own fault," she hissed. She shook off her annoyance and took a sip of her drink.

"Actually, maybe you can help," Grant said to Ty.

"How can I be of service?" Ty asked.

"My brother doesn't seem to understand the concept for fun," Grant said. "He thinks we're trying to torture him. Do you think you can fix that?"

Ty's smile widened. "I can try my best."

"Great, he is somewhere around here," Grant said, searching the lounge. "There he is, Hudson."

Ty froze when she recognized the guy sauntering towards them. It was her Closet Companion from earlier. He looked different under the brighter lights, but she was sure. Her eyes darted to Kate and Grant realizing they must be the overexcited brother and future sister-in-law he had mentioned.

This was going to be entertaining.

A small frown settled onto Hudson's face when he saw her like he was trying to figure out a riddle. Only a few feet away, dread jumped onto his face. Riddle solved. She could see his jaw tighten as he approached.

"You beckoned brother," he drawled.

Ty held back a smug smile. Her first impression had been dead on. He was polished and cocky. On the other hand, her impression of his looks had been wrong. The utility light of the closet hadn't done his features justice. Like his brother, Hudson had dark eyes and dark hair. While these features were warm and friendly on Grant, they were striking and distinctive on Hudson. Aloof and intriguing

"I hate to pull you away from all the fun you were having," Grant joked.

"Loads of fun," Hudson said dryly. He determinedly kept his eyes on his brother.

"Well, don't worry because I'm about to introduce you to the person in charge of all the fun this week. Ty," Grant said.

She watched as Hudson hesitated for a moment before he grit his teeth and looked at her. She had a bright smile in place when their eyes met and not a single hint that she recognized him.

"It's nice to meet you. I'm delighted to have you aboard!" she said, offering him a cheery handshake. "I'm the event's coordinator this week and my number one priority is to make sure everyone has a great time." Her tone rose and fell, her words almost coming out as a song.

Hudson studied her with uncertainty as he slowly shook her hand. She knew the customer service version of herself he saw before him was very different from the person he had met in the closet.

"I'm glad we have you," Kate said, pinching his cheeks. "Hudson here doesn't know the definition of fun or vacation."

He pulled away. "Would you like the Oxford or Webster definition?" Hudson quipped.

"Either one works here on The Bali Cruise Line," Ty said.

His gaze snapped to her in surprise.

"As you can see, my brother," Grant said, giving Hudson a slap on the back, "could use some help in the fun department."

"Whatever you do, keep him away from post-it notes and spreadsheets," Kate said. "Hudson, we are here to have fun."

"Dude, look around you," Grant said. Hudson begrudgingly complied. "You got drinks, beautiful women, and sun. What more could you need?"

Hudson bit back his first response. "You're right," he said, forcing a smile. "I just need to get out of work mode."

"Yes, you do!" Kate said. She grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing tray and handed it to Hudson.

"Dude, you're always in work mode," Grant said. "Take a break. Relax. Enjoy the view."

Ty didn't miss that Grant's eyes were taking in the view of the dance floor and not outside. Hudson gave an almost imperceptible grimace when he followed Grant's line of sight.

"Now drink up," Kate said. She fixed Hudson with a pointed look. "Chug, chug, chug, chug!" Grant joined in the chanting and Hudson quickly emptied his glass.

"Feeling better already," Hudson said with a weak smile.

"That's what we want to hear buddy," Grant said.

He threw his arm around Hudson and messed with his hair. Kate wrapped her arms around both of them for a group hug. Ty watched, entertained, as Grant and Kate danced around a harassed-looking Hudson.

"Now let's get on the dance floor!" Kate pulled Grant along with her. "Hudson, there are plenty of single ladies you can be dancing with!" she called back to him.

"I'm right behind you," Hudson called after them.

He waited until they were swallowed by the crowd on the dance floor before turning on Ty.

"Events coordinator?" he asked. His tone was accusing like she had lied to him before in the closet.

She kept her bright smile in place. "That's my job!" she sang. "I have some amazing events planned. I think you are going to really enjoy your week."

He crossed his arms and narrowed his gaze. "What else do you do?"

"I teach water aerobics. There are lots of water events. If you are interested, I can give you a schedule," she said innocently.

He puffed up his chest, his demeanor taking on a more powerful feel, but Ty's smile didn't falter. He clearly wanted to discuss their previous meeting but didn't want to be the first one to mention it. But Ty wasn't interested in doing the heavy lifting for him. If there was something he wanted to say, he could use his big boy words.

"And that's all you do...?" he asked, like a lawyer leading a witness.

Ty gave him nothing. "It is, but it keeps me busy. I put a lot of work into making sure our passengers have a fantastic time while they are with us!"

"It's a very big ship," he said, suddenly changing tactics.

"It's one of Bali Cruise Lines' biggest. It has sixteen decks and holds more than four thousand passengers. If you would like an official tour, we offer them a few times a day. I'd be happy to arrange one for you."

His expression turned sour. "No, that's fine."

He stared at her like he could make her comply with that simple action. She stared right back with a cheerful smile.

She was impressed with how long he held her gaze, but eventually, he gave in. His gaze shifted to their surroundings. She watched him take in the scene of loose bodies and glistening drinks and could see the annoyance in his expression.

He finally turned back to Ty. "Did you plan all of this?"

"I did. What do you think?" she asked,

He shrugged. "Does it matter what I think?" He pointed to the messy dancers. "They clearly think you did a fantastic job.

She gave him a devilish smile. "Dankeschön."

She caught a glimpse of his shocked look as she walked away.

**********************************************************************

Anchors away! This ship is about to sail off! ⚓️🚢

Get on board or I'm leaving you on the dock!

If you have baggage and you want to drop it off here, I'll take it off your hands. Or if you have thoughts about the chapter you want to drop off that works too. 🗯💭💬🛟

Am I hyped for this book?

Answer: *runs around the deck waving my sailor hat and randomly jumping at times* YOU BET YOUR BUCKET HAT I AM!!

I mean I was already a huge fan of the original but this one is just *chef's kiss*

Is it weird to write author's notes for my sister's book?

Yes, but since I've embraced my weirdness ages ago this honestly seems totally normal to me now. What would be weird is if I did nothing but be like: Hey guys, I hope you liked the chapter. Please comment if you want.

*shudders* Gosh that was weird.

See! Normal is weird to me. Or is normal just a conception created by people who are afraid to embrace their weirdness and so they have pressured the rest of world to confirm to a certain type of action because they lack self-confidence?

You know, light hearted thoughts! Anyway! Let's board the ship and sail into the big blue!

Vote, comment, follow!

Tell me how to say 'Safe Travels' in your language and what that language is!

Yup this is stupid cute!