Seeking Escape

30. Just How Much I Mean It

*** Joyce's POV ***

I'm trying my damnedest to keep my shit together. I'm on a fucking boat which makes me uneasy because of my past but also because I have a habit of getting seasick. I'm with a stranger who has slept with my boyfriend on more than one occasion and just kissed him in front of me and her husband. And I'm alone with her.

I press my fingers into a pressure point that I learned helps to relieve the nausea and try to ignore the gentle sway of the boat as I follow Cynthia around the incredibly lavish yacht. She gestures as we pass things. "Bathrooms are in the cabin to the left. Sleeping quarters to the right in case you need a mid-afternoon quickie. Did you bring a swimsuit?"

"Uh no. Quinn didn't tell me what we would be doing." I replied.

"He's probably hoping to get you naked." She teased. "There's a hot tub that we can use later. I just laid out a little lunch spread so we can soak in some sun and gab for now."

"Lovely." I responded through gritted teeth at her little insinuations and jabs.

She gestures to the sunken seating area at the ship's bow. She lounges on a cushion, looking like she is laid out for a photoshoot. It's hard not to find her beauty intimidating. She's full in her breasts and hips, but trim everywhere else. Her hair cascades in soft blonde waves with natural bounce. Her skin is tanned and flawless, her lips pouty and polished. She exudes class and confidence.

Since we are shaded by a canopy she removes her sunglasses and takes me in as I sit awkwardly across from her. I can't imagine what she's thinking. She smiles at me. "You are beautiful. I can see why Quinn is attracted to you. Neil too. He says you work together?"

I am stunned. I wasn't expecting this gorgeous woman to understand Quinn's attraction to me. I barely understand it. She looked at me expectantly and I realized she asked a question. "Uh yes, but not directly. He is a librarian and I'm in student affairs."

"Huh. I tried the college thing a while back. Couldn't decide on a major and had shit advisors so I quit." She admitted.

"That definitely can happen. I act as an extra layer of defense." I responded.

"I've thought about going back actually." She threw out there casually.

"You should. I did." I told her.

"Really? You're so young." She said.

I held my breath, deciding how much I wanted to divulge. Quinn trusted her. "Yeah, um, I started out of high school, but then I had some pretty major setbacks. Even after, I didn't go back for awhile because I was so screwed up."

She nodded, her face serious. "Quinn mentioned that you had something serious in your past. I won't pry, just wanna make sure you are seeing someone to work through it."

I dropped my chin. "Uh yeah. For going on seven years."

I felt a warm, soft hand grip mine firmly. I looked up to see Cynthia leaning close to me. The gesture was warm and reassuring. "Lift your chin, Joyce. You are a survivor."

I could tell by her conviction that she was too. I squeezed her hand back just as we heard the men approaching. Quinn's eyes fell on me the second that I came into view. Cynthia let my hand go and Quinn cocked an eyebrow. I blushed in response.