The evening stars

Yacht

The airplane gently touched down, and Sophie felt a slight vibration from the landing gear making contact with the runway. The pilot announced their arrival, and the flight attendant invited them to leave the plane. When they descended the gangway, they were immediately greeted by the warm, humid air of Miami, filling the atmosphere with a sense of tropical adventure.

At the foot of the ramp, a black car with a driver was already waiting. Sophie quickly looked around her surroundings — everything here seemed unfamiliar, yet delightful. Alex, as always, maintained his calm and confidence, as if everything was happening according to a pre-planned script. He nodded to the driver, who opened the back doors of the car for them.

— Where are we going? — Sophie asked curiously as she got into the car and fastened her seatbelt.

Alex, taking a seat next to her, smiled his signature mysterious smile.

— It's a surprise, — he replied calmly.

Sophie rolled her eyes and huffed.

— I don't like surprises, — she said, narrowing her eyes slightly. — I usually don't like them.

Alex looked at her, slightly tilting his head.

— Don't worry, — he replied gently, his voice sounding confident and reassuring. — You will definitely like this surprise.

The driver smoothly started from the spot, and the car quietly drove through the streets of Miami. Outside the window, palm trees rushed by, people in swimsuits, and endless beaches created an atmosphere of something new and exciting. Sophie, still a bit nervous about the uncertainty, tried to relax, feeling Alex confidently holding her hand.

The car stopped in front of the harbor, and Sophie got out, stunned by the view that unfolded before her. The water gently lapped at the dock, reflecting the sunlight, while yachts of all sizes stood around them — from small to enormous, each with its own story and personality. Sophie slowly surveyed the harbor, admiring the luxurious boats shimmering in the sunlight. Her gaze lingered on the snow-white yacht, gently swaying on the waves, and she could hardly believe that it was all real.

Alex stood nearby, watching her, enjoying her reaction and pure joy. Her face was glowing with delight, her eyes sparkling, and he couldn't help but smile.

— Why did we come here? — Sophie asked, not hiding her curiosity, her voice filled with wonder.

Alex, pleased with her reaction, leaned in closer and said with a gentle smile:

— Don't you have any idea yet?

Sophie furrowed her brows, trying to make sense of what was happening. And then it struck her.

— Are we going to live on the yacht all these days? — she asked with incredible joy, her voice becoming slightly louder.

Alex nodded, admiring her delight.

— Yes, — he confirmed with a warm smile.

Sophie let out a sharp breath, her eyes wide open in shock and happiness.

— I can't believe it! — she gasped, releasing the handle of the suitcase she had been gripping all this time, and suddenly wrapped her arms around Alex's neck. Her body trembled with overwhelming happiness. Alex laughed and hugged her tightly in response, feeling her joy transfer to him.

They headed towards their yacht, which, although it was of medium size, looked luxurious and cozy. Sophie was thrilled as she looked around at everything. Inside, there were several cabins, a spacious living room with a large television, a kitchen equipped with everything necessary, and several rooms whose purpose she didn't quite understand.

— That's just incredible, — Sophie said, still unable to believe what was happening. She curiously examined the interior of the yacht, occasionally returning to the thought that this was all really reality.

— When did you learn to sail a yacht? — she asked, turning to him.

Alex smiled, recalling:

— When I was into surfing, my father's friend suggested that I learn. He had several yachts that he rented out, and I found that interesting. Since then, I occasionally take a yacht when I want to disconnect from everything.

— Disconnect from everything? "This is exactly what I need," Sophie smiled, imagining how they would sail together on the waves, leaving all their troubles behind.

Alex stepped closer and gently kissed her on the forehead, then whispered:

— Welcome to our little paradise for the next few days.

Alex stood at the helm, confidently steering the yacht through the calm waters, his face illuminated by the soft light of the setting sun. The wind played with his hair, while the sound of the engine quietly receded before the rhythmic lapping of the waves. Sophie, leaving him alone for a moment, went to the kitchen, where she began to arrange fresh fruits on a small table and pour champagne into the glasses. The bright colors of the fruits — green grape clusters, pineapples, strawberries — were like echoes of a summer evening, enhancing the warm atmosphere around. The glass glasses clinked softly as she set them on the table, and Sophie paused for a moment, feeling a mixed sense of calm and excitement growing in her chest.