Free Joy by Victoria Christopher Murray

tour, Miss Mitchell?” the captain asked.
    “That would be nice,” she said in her most casual voice.
    She took Braxton's hand, as they followed the captain up the brass-railed staircase. “What is this?” she whispered.
    He responded only with a smile as they stepped through sliding glass doors.
    “This is the Ocean Room,” the captain said, with a sweeping gesture. “The main chamber on this yacht.”
    This time, Anya could not hide how impressed she was. The spacious room resembled a lounge in Trump Tower. Everything was ash-white, from the deep-piled carpet to the Queen Anne-style couch, matching chairs, and English lamps—even the oak coffee table had been stained to match. An ash-white baby grand piano at the far end added to the grandeur. Fine crystal glasses lined the wenge-wood bar and matched the vases filled with fresh-cut flowers that were throughout the room. The last of the day's light peeked through the full picture windows, but overhead recessed lights provided most of the light in the room.
    “This is beautiful,” Anya whispered.
    They stopped next in the master stateroom. The Royal Suite was filled with more luxuries than she had at home. The king-sized platform bed was trimmed in gold and matching cabinets were built in along the walls.
    The captain opened the double-door armoire. “Should you want to use this room,” the captain said without a hint of judgment, “everything you need is in here.” He pointed out the large-screen television, along with the entertainment center. The captain led them into the full-sized bathroom with two gilded-faucet pedestal sinks. “This is a whirlpool tub and if you should have need of them”— he opened the walk-in closet—”there are complimentary bathrobes.”
    In awe, Anya and Braxton followed the captain throughout the rest of the yacht, each room more luxurious than the last. There were two other staterooms, a library that was reminiscent of an English study, lounges throughout, and a spacious galley.
    Finally, the captain took them by a small elevator to the top deck. “This is the Solarium.” Both Anya's and Braxton's eyes opened wide as they looked around the glass-enclosed pool area with a panoramic view of the sea. The captain pushed a button, and Anya and Braxton raised their heads and watched as the ceiling retracted. “As you can see, this area is perfect for all kinds of weather.”
    Shaking their heads in amazement, they followed the captain back to the Ocean Room, which was now bathed with the flickering light of candles. One of the staff was standing behind the bar holding fluted glasses filled with sparkling cider.
    “Mr. Vance, we have dinner set for nineteen hundred hours. Is that all right with you?”
    Braxton calculated the time and looked at his watch. That would give them an hour. “Yes.” He nodded and passed a glass to Anya.
    The captain showed them the button that would summon any one of them. Then, they were left alone.
    Anya slipped out of her coat, revealing the garnet slip dress she was wearing. The ankle-length dress had a front slit ending a few inches above her knee. The velvet hugged her healthy curves and revealed her toned arms. A single strand of pearls graced her neck.
    Braxton whistled. “You are gorgeous, my love.”
    “Thank you,” she smiled, sipping her cider. She was glad she hadn't let him see what she was wearing before they'd left. Moving to the couch, she snuggled into the generous cushions. “Honey, this is incredible.”
    His grin showed that he was pleased and he sat down next to her. “I would do anything to make you happy.” He caressed her bare arms and kissed her gently. She leaned back into him.
    They silently sipped their drinks and watched the Marina homes slowly pass by, as the yacht slipped into the Pacific Ocean.
    Braxton sighed. “When I was growing up, I could never imagine something like this,” he said. Anya nodded, but remained silent. At times like these, he was talking