Lara

Chapter 10

"Ahoy there!"

I look up to see Colin coming down the dock towards me.

The other day when he texted me about going on a "real" date I was conflicted. On one hand, I'm not here in France for that much longer, but on the other hand, I want to live without regrets. And who in their right mind wouldn't accept a date from a hot British actor?

So, I had texted him back with, *So glad we "bumped" into each other again. I'd love to.*

And he had answered back with, *We wrap up filming in the next couple of days. Are you busy Wednesday? I'm staying at Saint-Malo and I'd love to take you out on my boat."

*Enticing! Are we talking about a yacht Mr. McNeil or a rowboat?* I was indeed imagining a small sailboat and meant it as a joke. I may or may not have a little bit of a sailboat fantasy. And I might have a tiny J. Crew obsession as well. Come to think of it, a J. Crew model on a sailboat is most definitely a fantasy of mine.

But he had responded with, *Ms. Sloan only the finest for such a lady as yourself. A yacht of course. Hopefully, that's ok.*

I knew what response he was looking for and had texted back *A yacht! What more could a girl ask for?*

And that's how I found myself on the docks of Saint-Malo, the gentle sea breeze rustling my striped summer dress.

"Colin, you look like you're ready for a day on a yacht!" I look at his ensemble as he approaches - Khaki shorts, button-up shirt, Sperry shoes. Wearing an easy smile, and Ray-Ban sunglasses, he looks like he just stepped out of a J.Crew ad.

He pulls me into a quick embrace and then points up to the giant yacht anchored at the dock beside us, keeping his arm around my waist. "So, are you ready for an adventure?"

"I am." I smile up at him and take a deep breath as he takes my hand. To an adventure, I think to myself.

I'm nothing short of amazed as Colin gives me a tour of the boat. There's a full dining room, expansive bedrooms, even an entertainment room. It's fully staffed and the two of us are the only passengers for the whole day. One of the staff appears and hands us both a glass of champagne.

"I was thinking of dinner on the deck here later versus the dining room since it's a beautiful day. And I know you have a two-plus hour drive home, so you just let me know when you need to leave."

I nod, still taking our surroundings in.

"Thanks for meeting me here in Saint-Malo, by the way," he continues. "It's a tight schedule we're on with filming and I wasn't sure what we could do in Locquirec anyways. Certainly not this right?" He motions around him. 

"No," I answer simply, not sure what to say. I may be out of my league here, I can't help but think.

"Well, cheers Lara to an actual real date," he says, extending his champagne glass into the air to meet mine.

Another waiter comes by with a tray of chocolate-covered strawberries. Damn, why do I feel like I'm on an episode of the Bachelor right now? I think to myself. Looking around I can't help but wonder what his everyday life might be like.

"So, do you usually have your yacht closer to home?" I ask. "And where is home for you, by the way? I never asked."

"I have a confession to make," he answers. "The boat belongs to a friend of mine who owes me a favor."

"I'm not any less impressed just so you know."

He laughs. "Glad to hear it. I would love to own something similar one day but it's a lot of upkeep and I travel too much. And to answer your question, home for me is in London, although I spend a good amount of time in Scotland where my family lives."