Free Modern Girl's Guide To Vacation Flings by Gina Drayer Page A

right now. I'll call as soon as I can.
    The cursor blinked for several seconds, as if mocking her. She knew it wasn't enough, not with the way she'd been acting. But what else could she say? Fuck. How did she explain what she was feeling to her sister when she didn't really understand them herself? It was obvious from the start that she and Robert didn't have that Happily Ever Afte r relationship. They may have dated, but Beth knew deep down they didn't fit. And what they did have fell apart after he graduated from medical school. Robert was ready to move on to the next phase in his life. He wanted to sign up for the whole package—wife, kid, house—just not with her.
    Looking back, she wasn't surprised Sophia and Robert ended up dating. Beth couldn't even count the number of times she'd canceled on a social engagement, and then begged Sophia to go in her stead. Beth had practically arranged their marriage
    Unsure if Sophia was still logged in, Beth typed out another message.
    Beth: I'm glad you and Robert are together. I know he makes you happy, and that's all I've ever wanted for you. I love you, Sis. Talk to you soon.
    Without waiting to see if Sophia replied, Beth snapped the laptop shut. The chat was unsettling, and she needed to get out of the room. She was in a piss-poor mood. Not the right mindset to be social, but she couldn't stand to be alone for another minute. After pacing the long, well-lit corridors for several minutes, Beth decided just being out of her room wasn't enough. She wanted to be around people, and so she headed to one of the lounges.
    Funny thing was, the lounge at four in the afternoon was not the place to be if you were looking for activity. Irritated, Beth flopped into a corner booth, deciding that at least she could get a drink or two and read her book some place other than her room.
    Unfortunately three drinks later, Beth lost the ability to focus on the story and still had no idea what to do with herself. If this was how the next twelve days looked, she was tempted to stay drunk the rest of the trip.
    Beth surveyed the lounge. A group of seniors had gathered for pre-dinner drinks and a couple was necking in the corner. She stuck out like a sore thumb, nursing her fourth fruity rum drink all by herself. No one went on a cruise alone. The ship was like a small floating nation filled with prepackaged units of people, and she was the odd man out.
    She should have gone to dinner with Matt. He'd seemed disappointed when she'd given him an out for tonight. And despite her worry about getting too involved with him, being seen together in public would only help their cover. Beth thumbed her e-reader and looked around again.
    Palo, the server who'd dutifully waited on her for the last hour, cleared his throat, causing Beth to jump. She'd been so absorbed in her thoughts she hadn't even seen him come up beside her.
    "Can I get you anything else? I have to prep for the dinner shift, but I can get you something before I leave."
    With a heavy sigh, Beth handed over her half-full glass.
    "I should get ready for dinner," she said.
    But the thought of tonight's meal just made her head pound. She couldn't do her normal dinner rotation. She was supposed to be having a "date" with her boyfriend. And besides, the thought of spending another night with her dull dinner companions made Beth want to leap into the ocean. Maybe it was time order room service and call it a night. She would just stay off her laptop.
    Palo surprised her and sat down in the empty chair beside her. "Sweetie. You don't look like you're having much fun. This is the second day you've been in here for hours by yourself. If you're not sure what to do, I can give you some suggestions."
    "Is my boredom that obvious?"
    "Honey," he said with an exaggerated eye roll, "a hot number like you shouldn't spend a moment alone. There are things to do on this boat that don't involve bingo or shuffleboard. I know all the best events." He leaned over the table