FERRY-LOVE-BOAT

Chapter 18

Maya's POV:

You're making me dizzy! - Andy held my wrist as I passed her in the hallway. - Stop pacing, she said she'll be here in ten minutes.

-What? - I asked, widening my eyes.

-You're nervous because Carina hasn't arrived yet, aren't you? - My friend asked me. - She's the girl from the ferryboat years ago, isn't she? The one you were devastated when she vanished?

-What? - I repeated, my voice a little shakier from being confronted by those words, but Andy didn't give in and just raised an eyebrow in my direction waiting for me to give her a concrete answer. - Yes.

-I knew it! - She pointed a finger in my direction. - You like her!

-You like her! - I said back.

-No, but you like like her! - She insisted. - It was pretty obvious from that day in the bar, the way you two were looking at each other. But now that I know there's a whole story behind it, everything makes a lot more sense. I've never seen you become so easily attached to someone before.

-I'm not easily attached!  - I immediately contradicted myself.

-Maya... You've asked me twice if you look good, you're wearing make-up for a game night, and you can't stop pacing around because the girl you like hasn't arrived yet. - She put the facts before my eyes.

-I think my heart is going to burst out of my chest. - I confessed softly. - Do you think she might like me?

-She'd be crazy not to. - Andy said back and gave me a smile.

We heard a knock on the door, and I rolled my eyes before turning around.

-Okay, stop freaking out! Just smile and open the door! - Andy pushed me toward the door and walked back into the room.

I took a deep breath before opening the door in front of me.

She looked beautiful, as usual, and I held my breath as I looked her up and down. She was wearing tight jeans and a colorful blouse that showed off her perfectly aligned shoulders; her lips were a rosy hue, and her hair was loose in magnificent waves.

-Good evening, Maya! - Her accent tickled my ears and that damn smile made my heart skip a few beats.

-Good evening. - I tried to smile back. - Come on in!

-I brought tequila. - She held out the bottle.

-Vic is going to like you a little better. - I joked back and got a giggle in response.

-I like your apartment. - The Italian woman said, looking around. - It's very you.

-What does that mean? - I asked back.

-Organized, well-styled, and... Beautiful. - She answered, looking directly at my face as she did so.

-Thank you. - I whispered the answer and looked away as I did so. - Come, let's put the bottle in with the others.

I led her into the kitchen and pointed to where she could put the tequila.

-Oh, I must warn you. - I turned in her direction. - Travis may call you Italian goddess a few times.

-What? Why? - She asked back.

-That's a question you should ask him. - I took a step forward, approaching her body and reaching out to slide my fingers around her waist. - But I think it's pretty obvious why.

I leaned my face forward and kissed her cheek before pulling away and pulling her by the hand into the living room.

-Guys, this is Carina. - I spoke loudly, drawing the attention of the firefighters who were talking loudly and giggling with red paper-cups filled with beer in hands. - Carina, this is Travis, and Travis's boyfriend, Emmett, and you already know Andy and Vic.

-Hi everybody! - She waved politely to everyone.

-Italian goddess! - Travis jumped up from the chair he was sitting in. - How does it feel to carry the weight of the world's beauty on your back?

Carina laughed out loud.

-That's pretty offensive to us, you know. - Vic immediately complained.

-You guys are jealous! - Travis spoke back.

-There's no reason to be jealous, Vic and Andy are just as beautiful. - Carina spoke with a sympathetic smile, but you could see that she was a little embarrassed.

-Ouch. - I said softly next to her and let out a giggle.

-Now that we are all here, let's start the games! I'll get the shots! - Andy clapped her hands a few times before heading to the kitchen.

I pointed to the couch for Carina to sit on, Travis sat down beside Emmett's feet - who had stolen his place in one of the armchairs - and Vic took the other available seat. I sat down next to Carina and waited for Andy to return.

-I'm going to help Andy with the bottles. - Vic said.

I just nodded and almost froze when I felt Carina's long fingers push my hair, so it'd fall down my back, and rest them on the back of my neck before she leaned over to me and spoke into my ear.

-I hope you know that it goes without saying that you are the most beautiful woman here. - She spoke softly, her breath and her touch giving me goose bumps. - You look beautiful tonight.

I turned my face away, and for a brief moment our noses touched, and I smiled.

-Not as beautiful as you. - I said back, still smiling.

Travis cleared his throat from across the room.

-What's the first game we're going to play? - he asked.

-Monopoly? - I suggested.

-Oh, dear Maya... So naive. - Travis said.

-What he meant was: what's the first drinking game we're going to play? - Emmett spoke between laughs.

-Oh... - Well, I was definitely too sober to face drinking games. - I don't know.

-Truth or dare? - Carina spoke up beside me.

-See? She's a goddess for a reason. - Travis smiled at Carina and gave her a wink.

-We're bringing booze! - Andy announced, walking back into the living room.

-And appetizers! - Vic handed a bowl full of snacks to Carina and a bowl of potato chips to Emmett.

-I brought you guys beers because I really don't think you guys should spend the whole night drinking the shots that Vic will force you to swallow. – Andy handed us our beers.