Ty tilted her face upward as she stepped outside, the Caribbean sun instantly warming her skin. She smiled and sipped her coffee as her flip-flops slapped against the wood. At this early hour, the deck was empty except for a few crew members spraying it clean.

She danced through lounge chairs, headed towards the lifeguard tower. Nico was stationed atop the tower, his chin resting in his hand, head tilted, sunglasses askew. When she caught sight of him slouched over, she paused.

Grinning, she slipped out of her flip-flops. Noiselessly, she crept the rest of the way to the tower. Nico showed no signs of surprise at her stealth approach. He remained unfazed.

Steps away from the tower, Ty could hear Nico's deep, slow, and steady breathing. She gave a wicked smile as she took her flip-flops and beat them against the base, shouting Nico's name. His whole body jumped and his sunglasses fell from his face

"No running!" he yelled, whipping his head around.

Ty laughed joyously. He glowered when he saw who it was.

"What was that for?" he grumbled, retrieving his sunglasses.

"Taking an early morning snooze?" she asked.

He gave her a guilty smile. "Not all of us were able to drink five cups of coffee before we had to report for duty." He eyed the cup in her hand covetously.

"This is only my first," she said.

"Since you don't seem to need it, you should give it to someone more deserving." He dramatically yawned with a stretch to prove his point.

"And that someone would be you?"

"Come on Ty, I'm exhausted!" he whined.

"And I'm not?"

"But you're always sunshine and happiness."

She nodded appreciatively.

"And..." she prompted.

"And... you're really nice and smart and hot and funny." He paused. She beckoned for more. "And hot, did I say hot? Your eyes look beautiful. And your hair! Did you get a haircut?" She chuckled and handed up her coffee. He took a big swig. "Sweet nectar of life." He held on to the cup like it was a lifeline.

"You're so dramatic," she said.

She climbed the tower and pushed him aside to make room for herself.

"It's not my fault Johnny is my roommate," he grumbled.

"What did he do now?"

Nico spoke but she didn't listen. Instead, she focused on the sun warming her arms and leg. She closed her eyes and rested her head against the back of the seat, letting the subtle rise and fall of the boat lull her into a peaceful stupor.

"I told him that Bianca girl is a goldmine of drama," Nico said a few minutes later.

Ty's ears perked up at the name. "What about Bianca?"

"I told Johnny we need to strategize our bets around her, cause she's a full bowl of crazy."

"You picked up on that too?"

He nodded. "It's the eyes."

"It's always the eyes. But it didn't seem to keep her from attracting guys last night."

Every time Ty had spotted Bianca the night before, she had a guy by her side, lapping up her attention and doing her bidding.

"In fact, the crazy seemed to draw them in, like a moth to a flame."

"Like a fly to a web," she offered.

"A bee to honey."

"A drunk to a bar."

Nico grinned. "I told Johnny it's the perfect storm. Her crazy mixed with the guys' curious attraction to her. This is going to be the best week ever."

"For you maybe. What about me?" she complained. "I'm the one in the middle of the storm, dealing with the crazy."

"I would have pity, but I'm gonna win a lot of money so I won't pretend."

"That's because you are up against Johnny. He never wins anything."

"Yet he continues to gamble. My win, his loss."

Ty groaned. "And in this case, my loss too."

He scoffed. "Who's being dramatic now? It's not going to be that bad. Besides," he playfully bumped elbows with her, "I saw you flirting with that one guy."

She kept her face neutral. "Who? Anders?"

"No, I meant...wait! what?" His eyes grew big.

"What we had ended a long time ago."

"You and Anders had a thing?"

"Me and Anders?" She frowned in confusion. "Never! What are you talking about?"

"But you just said..."

"Drink your coffee, Nico. You're clearly not thinking right."

"But...you..."

She gave him a blank look as he tried to puzzle out exactly what they were talking about. After a moment, he gave a defeated shrug and chugged the rest of his coffee.

"I better start warming up," she said, hopping down from the tower.

"For what?"

"The group from last night booked an early water aerobics class this morning." She stretched her arms up and over to one side. "But, they partied hard last night. I'll be surprised if we see them before noon."

"Wanna put money on that?"

She rolled her eyes at his eagerness. "Johnny is rubbing off on you, and not in a good way."

"That just sounds like an excuse." He fixed her with a daring look.

She straightened and crossed her arms. "And that just sounds like a taunt."

He grinned. "Twenty bucks?"

She pursed her lips as she debated the offer. "What for?"

She was clarifying her options, but Nico grinned like he had already won.

"You said you didn't think you would see the group before noon. I think they'll be right on time."

Ty nodded as she thought about it. It was a bold statement. She knew exactly how many bottles of alcohol were consumed the night before. It would be considered a victory if the group showed their faces before late afternoon. Ty had already made sure Alka Seltzers were delivered with any room service they ordered, as well as Aspirin and bottles of water.

She looked back at Nico and the cocky look on his face sealed the deal. She held out her hand. She was going to wipe that look off his face, win twenty dollars, and have an easy morning as she waited for her party to recover.

"Twenty bucks we don't see the Hamilton party before noon," Ty said.

He gripped her hand firmly and shook. "Deal. Now run along and warm up." He shooed her with a flick of his hand. "You have a water aerobics class to teach."

"Sure," she scoffed.

She turned back to the pool but froze when the deck was suddenly flooded with voices. She didn't have to see the crowd to know exactly who was moving towards them. She gritted her teeth in annoyance as Nico let out a delighted laugh.

He climbed down to enjoy his victory by her side.

"Would you look at that?" he taunted. He glanced at his watch. "Right on time. What a beautiful sight!"

Ty knew when Nico said 'beautiful' he wasn't talking about the bathing suit-clad ladies, but the twenty dollars their arrival had earned him.

"Whatever," she grumbled.

She surveyed the group with annoyance She hated losing. Kate and Grant were leading the swimsuit-clad pack and everyone seemed to be brimming with boisterous energy.

That is everyone except Hudson. He was an easy find with his sleepy walk and button-down shirt. Ty couldn't hold back her smile. Who wore a button-down shirt to water aerobics?

The rest of the guys had on tank tops and were pushing each other around as if a seven am workout wouldn't be enough physical exertion. Someone shoved Hank and Ty watched a sick look roll over his face before he got it under control. An idea sparked and she turned to Nico.

"Double or nothing," she said. He looked at her slowly, reluctant to come down from the high of winning. "Double or nothing," she repeated, keeping a side-eye on the approaching group.

"Are you that eager to lose again?" he asked.

"Are you that worried you won't win?" she shot back. She didn't wait for him to continue the taunting. "Double or nothing on which member of the group will tap out of the workout first."

His eyes turned bright with intrigue. He looked back at the group, but this time with a scrutinizing gaze. She followed his line of sight and inwardly cheered when his eyes landed right where she wanted them to. On Hudson. He looked back at her like he had already won.

"Fine. Double or nothing, and I get to pick first."

"Fine. Who do you choose?"

"The one in the button-down." Nico grinned like the forty bucks were already in his pocket.

They looked at Hudson and caught him yawning. His gaze was sleepy as he looked around, but his whole demeanor perked up when he spotted Ty. She smiled. His response was doubly appreciated as she enjoyed eliciting that reaction from him, and because it raised her odds of winning.

"Who do you choose?" Nico asked.

"The guy in the orange tank top," she said. Nico scanned the crowd until he found Hank in the center talking loudly and flexing his muscles.

He looked at Ty questioningly. "Are you sure?"

"I am."

He looked back at Hank and shrugged. "I guess forty dollars is better than twenty."

"I do believe that is how basic math works," she mocked. She turned to greet the group before he could get a response in. "Good morning!" she said brightly.

The group returned her greeting with even more enthusiasm.

"Who's ready for some water aerobics?!" Everyone whooped and hollered, except for Hudson. Ty was sure she caught his groan among the cheers. "I'm glad to see you are all so excited for an early morning workout."

She looked at Hudson, her eyes dancing with inside knowledge about his feelings toward this particular activity.

"We wouldn't miss it. It's part of our hangover cure," Grant said. "We have a scientifically proven procedure we follow."

Kate nodded along enthusiastically. "It's actually quite simple. We balance our alcohol one to one with water, then sip ginger water in the morning with a good breakfast and workout." She described it like it was the most basic thing.

"Well, let's keep this plan in action and get moving," Ty said. "Use any chair for your things and let's get in the water!"

There was a flurry of movement as everyone discarded their things and extra clothes. The first splash came when one of the guys cannon-balled into the pool and everyone began to follow. Ty looked over at the lounge chairs and found Hudson laid out on one. She grinned and walked over to his chair.

He smiled as she neared.

"I wasn't lying about the competitive workouts." He said it quietly so only she could hear.

"You weren't," she agreed. "I guess water aerobics isn't your thing?"

If she wanted to win the bet, she needed Hudson in the pool. But she wanted to test the waters before she made her play.

"Do I look like an eighty-year-old woman?" he asked.

"Eighty?" She examined him thoughtfully. "No, but you could pass for a toned sixty-year-old." He sat up in shock. "Of course, that's only if you can actually do water aerobics," she added. "If not, I might have to bump you up to sixty-five."

"If I'm able?" he scoffed. "I wouldn't even consider it a warm-up." She shrugged like she didn't believe him. He stood defensively. "It wouldn't even get my heart rate up."

"Sure."

He laughed loudly but there was no humor in the sound. "Doing water aerobics would be like taking a leisurely stroll."

"No, I totally understand," she said. She winked like she knew he had a secret and she was going to keep it. She lowered her voice. "If the ole' hip is bothering you, you can sit this one out."

"Ha, ha!" he barked. "There is nothing old about me."

Ty grinned. It was like playing the piano. She hit the right notes and he sang just like she wanted him to. As she watched a determined resolve settle over his face, she could almost feel the weight of her wallet forty dollars heavier.

Water droplets splashed on the back of her legs and she turned to find Hank. "Are we going to get started?" Hank asked. Once closer, Hank stared curiously at Ty. "Do I know you?"

She smiled back. "We met last night in the lounge."

"Oh! Yeah," he said, shifting his voice into a smoother tone.

"I work on the cruise ship," she clarified. "I'm the events coordinator."

She hoped her status as a cruise worker would discourage any flirting, but it did nothing.

He stepped closer. "Are you teaching our water aerobics?"

"I am."

"Wow, beautiful and multi-talented. How did we luck out with such a great events coordinator?"

Ty smiled graciously. "That's very kind of you to say, but you will find everyone on this cruise ship is just as talented as me. Now, how about we start this class."

"I bet none of them are as beautiful as you." Hank was not so easily distracted.

"How about that class?" Hudson said loudly.

Hank had left little room between himself and Ty, but Hudson was able to find a way to push in between them. "Come on. Let's get in the pool."

With more enthusiasm than Ty thought possible from him, he wrapped an arm around Hank's neck and began to lead him back to the pool.

She smiled as Hudson dragged Hank into the water. She hadn't thought Hank would make a good ally, but Hudson was now in the pool and looked ready to start the class himself if she didn't hop to it.

It turned out it didn't matter whether Ty was at the front, with a mic, calling out the moves, Hudson still tried to lead. When she called for eight more, he shouted for sixteen. He called out to people for falling behind and cheered for them to keep pushing.

During the middle of the workout, while completing a rotation of four exercises for the second time, Ty laughed when she realized Hudson was counting and calling out the next moves just as loud as she was. She glanced at Nico. He looked less than pleased at Hudson's sudden commitment to water aerobics.

As soon as it became clear that Ty no longer had to worry about losing, she set her attention on winning. But she began to doubt her choice as they neared the end of the workout and Hank had completed the workout with as much enthusiasm as everyone else.

If no one tapped out of the workout early then Nico and she would have to call it a draw. But that meant she would still lose twenty dollars and she wasn't ready to accept that.

They reached the final set of moves and she got an idea. It was a little evil considering the night the group had had, but they had agreed to an early workout the next morning.

"Alright! Now for the finale!" she called out. "It's quick so try to keep up!" She looked at Hank with a taunting smile. "If you need to sit this one out, I'm sure everyone in this group will give you a hard time for it."

The group cheered in agreement.

"Alright, we got ten quick flips forwards, ten backward flips and then we'll spin ten times to the right and ten times to the left. Got that?" Ty was pleased to see the group was less excited about these moves than they had been a moment before. "We'll repeat it three times. On my count, four, three, two, one."

They didn't have a chance to think about it before Ty was yelling for them to flip and they obeyed. Anytime they popped up for air, she shouted for them to continue, loudly counting down and instructing them on the next move.

"Keep going!" she shouted after the second round and it was clear they were having a hard time telling which way was up.

She began to really worry about losing as they hit the last round of flips when Hank popped up and flailed about until he reached the side of the pool. He coughed up water as he weakly pulled himself out of the pool and collapsed onto the deck.

"And done. Catch your breath for a minute before we move into our cool down," Ty instructed as she moved over to Hank to make sure he was okay.

She tapped on his leg and he bolted up, striking a casual pose. He quickly explained he had a nasal blockage from when he broke his nose and that made it difficult to hold his breath. If not for that, he would have been able to finish. Ty nodded like she believed him.

As she moved back into position she looked at Nico on top of the lifeguard tower. His eyes were hidden behind his sunglasses but his mouth was a flat, stony line. He shook his head in disapproval and pounded one fist into the other hand threateningly. Ty shrugged like she didn't have a clue what he was upset about and turned back to finish the class.

Hank recovered in time to join the group for the cooldown and as Ty announced the end of the class he was the first one out of the pool, his energy bursting once again.

"Last one to the hot tub is a loser," he shouted.

The idea sent the group into a mad dash. Ty stepped aside to get out of everyone's way and bumped into Nico.

She grinned. "The king has left his throne to be seen among us commoners. What an honor."

"You cheated," he said.

"My lord, you dishonor me with such scandalous claims."

"You cheated."

"Hey now," she said in a more serious tone. "The ground rules for the bet were simply which person would tap out of the workout first. I don't recall you putting any other rules into place."

"I didn't think I had to," he countered.

"Well..."

"No. It was a given that there would be no fraternizing with the subjects. And you fraternized with both of them."

"Again with the big words," she grinned. "I'm so impressed."

Nico couldn't ignore the compliment and a pleased smile slipped onto his face. "Thanks. I've been working on my vocabulary. But that's not the point!" he said, firmly placing the scowl back on his face.

"And the point is...?"

"You cheated."

"My goodness Nico, I didn't cheat. I was simply doing my job as events coordinator and water aerobics trainer."

He laughed harshly. "Cheater." But his scowl began to slowly slip into a more annoyed look. "The dude had a button shirt on. How did I not win?" he complained.

"Because he wasn't the first one to tap out of the workout," Ty clarified. "That's what we said we were betting on. Were you not listening?"

"You were betting on us?" a new voice said.

Ty and Nico jumped and found Hudson eyeing them suspiciously.

A quick glance at Nico told Ty that he was tongue-tied and clueless about how to act in this situation.

"Hudson," she swooped in with a bright smile. "Great job in there. You really helped me lead the class." She laughed. "Are you looking for a job? I could put a good word in for you."

"I think there is a higher calling on my life than water aerobics," he said. "The bet?"

"Yes," was all Ty gave him.

Her answer didn't seem to annoy him as much as she thought it would. His gaze turned studious as he first looked at Ty, then Nico, then at the pool. She watched as he took in the details like he was Sherlock and this bet was just another mystery for him to solve.

"You bet I would be the first one to ditch the workout." He said it like a fact, not a hint of questioning in his voice. "Because of my button-down," he said, nodding at Nico. Nico nodded in agreement.

Hudson turned to Ty. "And you choose Hank. Why?"

"I've heard Rhinos aren't great at water aerobics. Something about aerodynamics."

Hudson laughed.

"What?" Nico asked.

"And he looked a few flips away from puking," she added.

Hudson nodded thoughtfully. "He has always been bad at keeping up with the alcohol-to-water ratio. It gets him every time."

"Rhinos?" Nico asked again.

Ty turned to Nico. "See, Hank would have been the first one out whether I 'fraternized' or not." Nico crossed his arms and glowered at her.

"Actually," Hudson said. "I wasn't going to participate at all until Ty convinced me to, so..." Something bright sparked in his eyes as he connected another dot. "And the flips? At the end?" He shook his head in disbelief. "I agree with this guy," he said, pointing at Nico, "you are a cheater."

"Ha! Thank you. I'm Nico," Nico said, holding out his hand.

"Hudson," Hudson said, shaking Nico's hand.

They both turned back to Ty with matching disapproving looks.

"I like to think of my involvement as a little nudge, in the right direction," she said.

"I want half of your winnings," Hudson said.

"I don't really think..."

"Your 'nudge' wouldn't have done anything if it wasn't for my small competitive streak," Hudson argued.

"Small?" Ty questioned with a wink.

Hudson grinned, caught in the understatement of the year.

"I agree with the man," Nico said. Ty gave him a warning look to stay out of it, but it seemed to egg him on. "You wouldn't have won without him."

Hudson held out his hand as if he expected Ty to have cash on her. She swatted it away. "Hudson was completely clueless about what was going on."

"And yet, you wouldn't have won without me." He crossed his arms definitely, as if preparing for a fight. Nico copied his stance.

"Fine," Ty ceded. They both eyed her suspiciously like that word couldn't possibly mean what they thought it meant. "I will give Hudson half of my earnings..."

"Yes!" Nico cheered, giving Hudson a victorious high-five.

"...In free drinks," she finished.

Nico and Hudson paused their celebration, considering her terms.

After a moment, Hudson shrugged. "I like free drinks."

"Free drinks and victory!" Nico shouted.

"We have a deal," Ty said, offering Hudson her hand.

She smiled smugly as he shook it and he frowned curiously as he considered her smile. After a moment, he dropped her hand and stepped back.

"Grant and Kate already paid for all the drinks for this week, didn't they?" His annoyed tone told her the question was rhetorical.

Still, Ty smiled in answer.

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

Shubh Yatra (Hindi)

*Blocks the sun from eyes as I gaze out across the open sea and turn back to you*

Yup, looks like we are off to a good start. Smooth sailing so far. What is your take, First Mate, do you concur? 🗯💭💬🛟

I mean, I have sailed some treacherous waters before and I know a thing or to about sailing.

Have a sunk a few ships before?

I will not comment on that. I will say that I have never lost a single sailor, there are always enough lifeboats for us to move to the next ship.

And if you're worried, I have lifeboats at the ready. Though I don't think we'll need them. I'm just saying, just in case something happens, I will take care of you!

In return why not give the chapter a little love: vote, comment, follow!

Well that's just stupid cute! I want one!