Star Lounge
This was what they'd come for Leon had promised something special and Sam had asked him to dedicate it to Mercy as a treat for missing out on their original plan. There was a seated area but most of the space was standing room only, so they grabbed a corner close to the stage, her Dad came over with cocktails and left them alone talking, while they waited for the show to start.
"Missed you guys at breakfast" Brittany walked up to them smiling.
"Hi" Mercy smiled back, squeezing Sam's hand.
"Where's Matt?" Sam asked looking around the room, he wanted to drop her back off personally.
"Sam" a voice came from behind them "Haven't seen you since we woke up yesterday morning" she leaned in and kissed his cheek.
"Mercy this is…" he couldn't for the life of him remember this woman's name.
"Bree" she held her hand out at Mercy.
"Hi" Mercy looked at her hand, Bree knew by the look Mercy wasn't about to shake her hand, she dropped it back to her side.
"As I said we were together yesterday, and he…"
"Excuse me" Mercy stopped her conversation abruptly, she wasn't armed, she needed to think on this one, "I need to speak to my parents", she wondered off leaving Sam stood with the two women. He suddenly realised he'd left this important part of the puzzle out of his confession, not because of guilt, but she genuinely hadn't crossed his mind enough for him to remember her.
"We didn't wake up together" he hissed at her.
"Well, your whatever shouldn't be such a bitch".
"Unlike you, she's not a bitch, she's my wife, and be warned I do slap bitches, so please, don't fuck with me again" he pushed past them and walked over to where Mercy was standing. He stood watching her talking to her family as if that hadn't just happened, knowing he needed to get her out of there to talk, because the longer this fiasco went on the angrier she was getting.
"Sam" Stevie called as he walked towards them, catching his attention "Had a good morning?"
"Yeah" he looked at Mercy before looking back at his brother.
"Kate's getting dressed, again" he bumped fists with him "Saw that Matt last night, he was alone in the bar".
"Yeah we just met up with Brittany and her friend".
"Bar?" he looked at the well-stocked bar.
"Yeah" they walked off towards it.
"Didn't go well then?" Stevie looked around asking.
"It might have gone better, if I'd remembered to tell Mercy about Brittany's stupid slut friend".
"So why didn't you?"
"I forgot all about her" he raked his hand through his hair, smiling at Mercy when he caught her watching him "Fuck, she's brewing" he slapped his hand on the counter "The bitch told Mercy we woke up together yesterday".
"Wow, Dude, forget Leon, drag her out of here and sort that shit out".
"In front of her parents are you mad?" he frowned "She's got the best conditions for the perfect storm right now" he looked at them all stood there "And I know her parents love me and everything, but when she's upset" he shook his head "Dude I feel like the fucking target in mission impossible".
"Just be grateful the girls aren't here" Stevie laughed, trying to lighten the mood.
"Gosh" he giggled "I can see them now wiggling their little asses, shaking their heads and waving their fingers telling me, Mom ain't happy and you promised to make her happy" he mimicked his daughters voices "I swear she trained them to talk with those damn words".
"I love the cute way they do that synchronised turn, ringing their heads off with attitude before looking back at you, to let you know they mean it" Stevie laughed.
"You think that's funny, dude when all three of them get into mode, I grab the boys and we go fishing, all day" he smiled "On days like those, I really miss Dad".
"He was the best wasn't he?" they sat in their memories of their father, smiling for a time when life seemed normal.
"Ladies and Gentlemen" the commentator shouted, everyone's attention turned to the man, it was time for the show. Sam and Stevie made their way back to where Mercy and now Kate stood deep in conversation.
"Everything alright?" Stevie asked Kate.
"Yeah" she smiled taking his kiss.
Sam stood next to Mercy, sharing a look that told him shit was about to hit "Babe" he pulled her into him to whisper in her ear "I totally forgot about that bitch".
"It's fine" she touched his chest and smiled up at him.
The music started and they stood listening to some girl singing, Sam's mind couldn't take it in, his wife was being nice about this and to him that was dangerous, he knew she got off on making him feel like this, but right now he couldn't see the fun.
"I'm going to the lady's room before Leon comes on" Kate told Stevie "Coming?" she looked at Mercy asking.
"Yeah" Mercy grabbed Grace's hand and all three left the room.
Sam stood remembering the very last time they'd had any disagreement about a woman, it had been years ago but right now it felt like shit was happening all over again.
Flashback
There was so much going on for them, it seemed like Mercy had postnatal depression just after the boys were born, she went into herself a bit, maybe it was a mixture of Mommy overload and a flash of lost identity or something, but she went to a dark place. They were being civil, because it was a happy time to the outside world, their family had grown, the world knew, and everyone was healthy, but inside their home life was quite different, added to that, Mercy's constant jibes about him finding someone new, better, prettier, skinner everything she felt she wasn't, and him not being able to get her to think different, he was stressed.
They were in week 5 of their 6 week drought, both frustrated, she was going through her drama again, making him feel so small for what he couldn't or wouldn't give her, and although he knew in his heart this wasn't her, he couldn't help getting mad at her for making everything his fault.
He did the usual safe thing and walked out leaving her shouting at herself, she'd opened the door and banged it again shouting something else he really didn't want to hear. They were like the neighbours, you wouldn't wish on yourself, with all their shouting and banging, only their nearest neighbours were maybe a half a mile away.
He drove way past their usual hide outs not wanting to be in contact with anyone, he needed to think, he finally found a little bar and found an empty chair in the smoky room "Whisky" he ordered he was too mad to be polite, throwing that one down before demanding another.
"Someone's got something on their mind" this mouse haired woman sat two seats away from him smiling, he looked at her but didn't respond, he didn't want to talk to anyone "Dumb as well?" she looked at him "Is whisky the only word you know?" she asked still smiling.
"No" he smiled "I want to be alone if you don't mind".
"Oh, so there's a woman involved?"
"A wife" he laughed.
"I've been called a good listener" the girl told him.
"As I said I don't want to talk".
"Can I get you a drink then, another one of those?" Sam nodded his agreement and smiled at the bartender for his refill before thanking the stranger with a nod "Jenny" she smiled holding her glass up.
He wasn't sure when, but they got into a conversation, not really talking about Mercy in particular, but relationships were definitely the theme. The next thing he knew she was moving towards him and he was wondering what he'd said to mislead the woman "Sorry" he pulled back "I'm married".
"But you're not happy".
"Not right this second, but I love my wife, very much".
"So why are you here, with me?"
"I'm not here with you, I'm here having a drink, I have to go" he got up leaving the bar and heading home.
He got in and although he knew the situation between Mercy and he was fragile, he had to confess, she was so tame about it he knew something was wrong. She'd been holding it all in, and the day she got the, all clear from the doctor, she let him have it all, sex was so angry and cold for nearly three days, by which time he was begging her to stop punishing him, promising on his life it would never happen again.
End of Flashback
"What?" he looked at Stevie, his eyes wide, as they stood listening to the conversation in front of them "What did she say?" he stood shocked.
"About?" Stevie looked at him puzzled.
Mercy, Kate & Grace
They had their plan running like clockwork, Mercy and Kate had spent the afternoon yesterday dreaming up what they'd do if they caught site of Brittany today, now the time had come. Kate was on watch because Mercy thought Sam would be watching her like a hawk, especially now she knew Brittany was around, she'd made their excuses and they'd all left to execute it.
"They went towards those bathrooms" Grace told them as they left the lounge.
"I bet we know what they're sniffing up their damn noses" Kate hissed.
"Fits just fine with a foot up their asses" Mercy laughed as the three women walked towards the bathroom.
Grace walked in first, making sure the coast was clear, smiling at the blond leaned over the bathroom basin snorting "Party time?" she asked walking towards them, checking out the three cubicles on the way.
"You want to join the party?" the Black girl looked around sharply.
"No" Grace tapped her purse like she had her own party going on in there, set her purse on the table, grabbed her mobile and watched as Kate entered "Joining the party" she asked her.
"Sure" Kate smiled walking towards Grace, everyone looking at the door when it opened again, revealing Mercy.
"Hi" Mercy smiled at Brittany "Sorry we didn't get to talk earlier, how are you?" she walked up to her, aware of the woman standing beside her.
"I'm fine, I'm sure you've heard Matt and I might not make it".
"Sam did mention something" she looked into Brittany's eyes "I'm sorry about that, how are you coping with that?"
"I think I want to save it, but I don't think we're going to solve everything this trip".
"Sorry" Mercy's attention quickly turned to the woman standing beside Brittany "I didn't get your name earlier".
"Bree" the woman wiped her nose and leant on the basin.
"Yes Bree you were saying something about waking up with…"
"Your husband this morning, yes" she stood smiling at the situation.
"She didn't literally wake up with Sam, she…" Brittany tried to explain.
"It's alright Brittany" Mercy held her hand up "I'm sure Bree can explain herself" her eyes fixed back onto Bree "So, you were saying?"
"You're such a bitch" she slurred.
"Don't you just hate it when you have a bad trip?" Mercy asked, watching Kate move towards the empty cubicle.
"I don't have bad trips" her head spun with that last word with the force of Mercy's slap, then before she could steady herself, she was being dragged across the bathroom towards the cubicles.
"Don't" Grace warned Brittany, who was about to try and rescue her friend.
"I'm so fucking fed up with you bitches coming at me, thinking you can get away with this shit, you want to see bitch?" Mercy pushed her head down the toilet and flushed it "You'll fuck with me again" she told her over and over before lifting her head up "You still see bitch?"
Bree was gasping for air she didn't even know what was happening "What?" she asked before her head went back in the bowl.
"Please" Brittany shouted, watching her friend struggling for release "She lied, she met me outside my house yesterday morning, she just happened to be in the kitchen when Sam grabbed a coffee".
"Sorry" Bree screamed through her gasps for air before Mercy put her head back down.
"I swear to you Mercy, nothing happened, Sam's innocent in all this" Brittany carried on pleading for her friend.
"Sorry" Bree screamed, gasping for air again.
"Fucking right you're sorry" Mercy threw Bree's head back towards the bowl, hearing it hit the rim, and seeing blood "Don't want to have this fucking conversation again" she warned stepping off, followed by Grace and Kate, leaving Brittany to tend to her friend.
"You broke my fucking nose" Bree came running out into the corridor telling her, everyone passing by stopped to look at the woman shouting, her face and hands full of blood as she was ushered along by Brittany.
"Leave it" Brittany hissed at her.
"You Mercy Evans, you broke my fucking nose" Bree screamed.
"Is that the Mercy Evans?" they heard someone ask, they didn't stop to hear anymore, she had to get out of the wet clothes and get back for Leon's performance.
Star Lounge
"Excuse me" Sam tapped the couple in front of him "What was that about Mercy Evans?"
"She just broke some woman's nose in the bathroom" the woman told him excitedly.
Sam looked at Stevie, they were stuck in their spot wondering if they should go find their wives or leave them to their shit. He knew if it was him, he wouldn't appreciate her asking him for reasons, questioning his actions or being angry at him, this was saving her honour, and he understood that.
"Your call" Stevie looked at him.
"They wouldn't miss Leon's performance" he smiled looking back at the random singing on stage.
"I don't even know why I asked" Stevie rolled his eyes.
"Hey, if you want to go there with Jane, I'll support that" Sam told him.
"I'm good" Stevie waved his hand at Sam smiling
"I thought so" he cut his eye at him "Always... You're back" he smiled at their wives walking towards them minutes later "Bathroom accident?" he asked of her change of clothes, smiling at her not answering for fear of lying to him. He noticed when she shared a knowing look with Andrea, whatever it was those women were up to really was none of his damn business.
"Here you are" Gail walked up behind them "I've been looking for you all over" she took kisses from all four of them "I've just seen that Brittany girl, I had nothing to do with that, I promise" she held her hand up "Apparently some woman fell and broke her nose of something, and that Brittany's turned into a nurse, whatever you do, don't get sick".
"Oh dear" Kate smiled, just as the artist finished, and everyone started clapping, Sam and Stevie shared a look, shaking their heads at their wives pretending to be innocent little angels.
Eventually it was time for Leon's performance, his family were clapping loudly as he came on stage, encouraging him to do his best, he opened his segment thanking his parents for their support
Catch Up
Leon
Trevor had made sure that Leon went to the college of his choice, if music was going to be his calling he was making sure he had the best bash at it. Leon had changed his style over time, starting off with expressing himself through what could only be called art, which was alright in the dormitory, but he hooked up with R&B, when he kept hearing he had the voice for it from his then girlfriend, but within months his heart got broken, and that quickly changed his emotions to bitch slapping rap, he stayed there a while, anyone who's hearts been broken for the first time knows it takes some getting through.
That phase came to a quick halt when his Mom slapped the swearing out his mouth in front of his friends. He'd spent some time with Sam and Mercy that second summer of college, just after the breakup, they thought it was about the music, but the boy seemed to be trying to grow a farm in the guest house, he was stoned every night and every other word was something Mercy didn't need the children hearing.
Heartbreak was definitely the theme of the summer, everyone had to know how Leon was feeling, he was walking around writing and singing lyrics like he was going mad. Sam and Mercy were going through some hard times too, they weren't talking divorce but it felt pretty close, Sam in the middle of all that was trying to connect with Leon bring him back from a place he himself was getting to know well.
When Mercy heard them in the studio singing,she finally had enough, their relationship wasn't getting mended and Leon wasn't getting any better, no one was in any condition to help the other, she called her parents and that resulted in the unexpected slap, as Leon's group of new like-minded friends stood stunned into silence at his Mom going at him gasping at the sound of the slap echoing in the silence.
"Get out" Andrea turned to his friends shouting, they all stood looking at her, wondering if the situation was real.
"You better go" Leon warned them.
"Dude" one of them called to him, looking at the large bundle of unfinished party on the table.
"You better go" Leon stood rubbing his cheeks.
"Does Mercedes know you're carrying on like this in her house?" Andrea snapped at him, his silence giving her the answer. "I'm ashamed of you" she hissed, grabbing the large bag off the table "Clean this place up" she looked around before walking back up to the main house.
The rest of the weekend was filled with constructive conversations with his Dad, by the end of them he understood his destructive behaviour and set himself on a different path, he went back to College with a new focus and left with music as his passion again, having majored in contemporary. He met up with his friend Spence straight out of college, with a nudge from Sam and Mercedes he'd got into the business and never looked back, he'd found his niche. Leon had been offered his first solo gig on a tribute weekend, taking place on a cruise' ship, he was excited and scared, so he begged his family to be there, everyone saw it as a holiday, so of course they were going to make the trip.
End of Catch Up
Ending his appreciation speech to his family with a performance of his rendition of 'River' by Samu (originally by Leon Bridges), everyone stood listening to the heartfelt song. For the next one he dedicated it to Sam and Mercy on their fifteenth wedding anniversary singing the song he felt launched his career '24/48' by Odeal, before closing his segment by thanking Sam for the help with his words which helped him get through a difficult time in his life, before he deliver his rendition of 'Thing Called Love' by Kevin Ross, hoping he'd proved how versatile he was.
His parents couldn't help it, they almost dragged him off stage for hugs they were so proud, he finally got hold of himself, grabbed Briani's hand and walked into the cheering crowd "What next?" he asked invigorated, collecting his taps and hugs on the way out "How did I do?" he asked the people whose opinions mattered to him.
"You were great" Mercy kissed his cheek.
"I'm so proud" Sam hugged him "Well done"
"We're having a meal together at that seafood restaurant at Discovery Bay aren't we?" Mercy grabbed Sam's hand, leading the way back to their cabin to get ready, she was in too much of a good mood, but if food was what she needed right now, so be it.
"Meet on the boarding deck in an hour?" Trevor suggested, everyone nodding agreement, Leon's first formal gig was worth celebrating.
Stevie & Kate
"What happened?" he asked as they made their way back to their cabin "I know you had something to do with that broken nose business".
"That's not my story to tell it was all Mercy".
"And that's all you're going to give me?" he laughed.
"I have girl code lover" she smiled at him.
"You know I can get that information out of you by just touching one little spot?" he pulled her closer to him.
"No doubt, I mean that tongue of yours does magic for real, but girl code…" she looked at him "Seriously I can't".
"Kate" he moaned.
"No doubt you'll hear it all from Sam on your next man thing" she pulled him into the escalator and kissed him till they got to their deck "We have a forty minute challenge".
"I'll raise you in thirty" he stuck the card in the door, they didn't watch it close behind them.
Grace & Spencer
"Are you sure about this, we need to be out in an hour" Spencer asked her watching as she took her clothes off.
"We already wasted the morning talking about this, are you backing out?"
"No, I just want you to be sure" he laughed "And I need more than an hour" he went to her when she pulled his shirt, and stood watching her open his buttons.
"You've got fifty minutes, and I want to be walking like I'm no longer a virgin, when we leave here".
"That's a look?" he laughed taking his shirt off "I'll be as gentle as I can" he bent down to kiss her lips.
"Be as rough as you can" she pulled at his belt.
"You're one of those girls" he laughed.
"What girls?" she looked up at him.
"That needs a man to bruk off yuh back" he laughed "Trust me, this is going to take more than an hour" he kissed her again, knowing they were taking the afternoon for themselves.
Bree, Brittany & Matt
"What the fuck happened to her?" Matt asked watching them come into the cabin "I knew this was going to happen" he slammed the remote on the bed "I told you not to fucking bring her" he pulled a towel off the chair and handed it to Brittany.
"It was Mercy" Brittany told him "I warned her not to mess with the woman, but she went there".
"She's lucky she walked in" Matt hissed at them.
"Go clean yourself up" Brittany told her, watching her leave the room before she turned back "Matt can we talk?"
"If it involves her, no" he snapped.
"No, it doesn't, can we get out of here?" he didn't answer, he got up ready to have this conversation he'd been asking for. They got to the nearby bar and found a booth to sit in "I guess I've been thinking about what you asked, about the divorce" she confirmed.
"I'm still asking, I can't live the life you want any more Britt, it's what I signed up for I know, but it's not fun anymore, I need love, I want to love somebody and have them love me back in the same way, enough not to need another person to validate what we have".
"It's taken me a while, but that's what I want too, well not exactly that, I want you, any way you say, I married you because I love you and it took me a while to get back to that, but I still feel the same way I did the day we got married, I don't want to get a divorce, I want us to start over, together, alone" she smiled nervously "What do you think?".
"How can you just change?
"I don't need to change, we did it that first time and I thought you were into all that, I learned to get off on it to please you, I lost sight of that for a while, but I want us to have a family" she reached for his hand, smiling when he didn't move it "I want us to get serious about our shit Matt".
"Me too" he smiled "We'll talk more when we get home, I need to think about this, I mean a baby?" he looked at her smiling "That's a wish I didn't see coming true".
"Do you fancy going to Sam and Mercy's anniversary lunch?"
"I do now" he laughed "I fucking do now" he got up, finally feeling like his world was coming together again, this, if it was true, was a long time coming "But we're not going, get rid of Bree for the afternoon" he ordered.
"Done" she grinned allowing herself to be dragged back to the cabin.
Leon & Briani
"That was such a buzz" Leon pulled Briani along with him, eager to get to his cabin.
"It was good, you were good baby" she swept her hand across his chin.
"Damn we were good" he pulled her to him and kissed her "I feel like I've just hit heaven, there's nowhere higher to be than right here" he looked into her brown eyes "With you".
"You're so American" she giggled.
"Have you ever been to America?"
"On tour yes, why?"
"How would you feel about living there?"
"Why would I want to live there?" she pulled at his hand trying to understand the conversation.
"Because we've been playing house now, between here and there for nearly two years, and I wondered if you'd want to play at house with me for real as Mrs Boothe?" he knelt in front of her holding a small box up.
"Are you playing with me?" she covered her face asking him.
"Does this look like a plaything?" he opened the box to reveal the rock inside, Briani stood on the deck screaming before hugging him and accepting the proposal "And there was you thinking I was nervous about the show" he laughed.
"Oh, I'm about to make you nervous" she dragged him with her "You can call and cancel that celebration whatever it is".
"In my head it was never happening" he laughed.
Sam & Mercy
He really didn't understand her mood, they'd already shopped on the ship, he'd paid for everything but couldn't take anything because they were docked, so they were making their way up to the cabin to get dressed to meet the parents "Babe" Sam stepped towards her, they were in the elevator so she had nowhere else to go, "Can I just…"
"It's fine Sam, honestly".
"No, it's not" he huffed "I totally forgot about that, whatever her name is".
"Bree".
"She's lying".
"I know" she looked at him as the doors opened and stepped out, walked across the deck, and stood waiting for him to open their door. He'd stopped the conversation for a second, to get in for some privacy, and made to start again when they got in, he stood watching Mercy mess with her phone, before passing it to him "I owed her for that" Sam looked at the picture of him and Mike flat out on the couch at the bar, Bree posing across him.
"That bitch" he hissed "She planned it?"
"It was sent yesterday morning".
"And you said nothing?"
"Because you already explained" she turned to look at him "Look babe, I trust you, love you, and that girl was messing with me, not you, she needed dealing with, so I dealt with her, can that be the end of it, please?"
"Yeah" he looked around the room, this was something new, he'd never won an argument that easily before, and she definitely never started humming, after an argument "You alright?" he asked taking his top off, she looked at him smiled and started singing to him while helping him get undressed "Are you... I can't tell if this is..."
...I need you to be solid, promise, promise, that you won't bend or break, promise to me that you'll stay, babe
Oh-oh-oh-oh, cause, nothing lasts forever, but I will take the weather, as long as we're together, together, oh-oh. 'Solid' By Savannah Re
"Make love to me" she looked up at him, her eyes vulnerable, her arms slowly creeping up his arms and wrapping around his neck "Slowly" she tiptoed up to catch his lips with hers.
"Well this is a surprise" he kissed her back
"Please?" she whispered
"Mm, begging Mercy, makes me feel really naughty, adding singing in the mix" he rolled his eyes and wrapped his arms around her, the fact that this wasn't what he was expecting, made him want it even more, love that afternoon was attentive, slow, gentle, and passionate.
Trevor, Andrea & Gail
"It's been forty minutes, and nobody's turned up" Andrea tapped her foot impatiently, her patterned yellow sarong tied around her waist, covering her matching swimwear, hat, and sand slippers.
"Well, we're here we can find somewhere to eat surely" Trevor held his arm out "They can call us sweet" Andrea smiled and grabbed hold of his arm.
"Hello" someone called, everyone standing around looked, Andrea rolled her eyes when she saw Gail walking towards them waving "Hi" she stopped in front of them "Is it just us?" she looked around.
"Yes Gail" Trevor sighed at the afternoon he was about to have "Please be civil" he looked at Andrea, her look telling him he shouldn't be talking to her.
They left the ship and walked along the path to land in silence, Gail walking a couple of steps behind them, to give them some privacy.
"So, we were going to find that nice seafood place they booked, what about you?" Anthea asked in her best voice.
"Seafood, perfect" Gail smiled, apart from the fact that she really wasn't in the mood for Andrea's shit today, if it did hit, with her hip playing up that woman was sure to get the better of her, and if she had any chance of getting out of anything alive, she at least needed Stevie to be around "I booked a cab" she told Andrea, smiling with envy at her attire.
"Thank you" she grinned for the silent complement "That's perfect" Andrea's tone very polite.
"An agreement" Trevor raised his eyebrow, impressed, letting them into the cab before getting in himself.
They got to the crowded beach, music blasting, the smells of Jamaica coming at them at every turn, stands with ice creams, fresh fruit and mixed juices waiting to be tasted, the feel of the commercial Caribbean was there. Eventually they found the restaurant and settled on the stools to taste their wares and drink some punch. Gail was at an advantage because she wasn't drinking alcohol, Andrea on the other hand was past drunk and disorderly after two rum punches.
"What?" Andrea looked at Gail, just catching that there was a conversation going on.
"Being Grandparents to the children, we should be able to put our stuff aside for them".
"I never talk about you to my Grandchildren" Andrea snapped.
"I didn't say you did" Gail laughed "Just that we need to be civil with each other, it's the girl's 16th in a few years and we'll both be there, engagements, weddings, births and christenings we'll all expect to be there, and if there's bad blood between us…"
"There's no bad blood between us Gail, just bad minds".
"Well, I promise not to say, think or do anything bad against you ever again, and I'm truly sorry for what I did to our children".
"You should be lady" Andrea slurred "I'll think about it".
"You calling me a lady, we're halfway there" Gail laughed, Trevor and Gail ended up carrying her back to the ship.
Sorrento Restaurant
They were having dinner at 6pm tonight, at Sorrento's, they were all expecting to go to the all whites tribute night later, so for fun they were dressing up in bright colours before donning white for the event. They didn't know they'd all taken the afternoon for themselves, but that had given them enough time to prepare for the evenings event, which they thought was going to be the main tribute, but now it turned out it was going to be an all-white affair, starting at midnight.
Sam and Mercy finally got up and threw something on, they'd missed lunch and were famished, Mercy's dress was telling him their night hadn't finished yet, seemed they were both in the holiday sex mood, he followed her to the door, trying to work out how to tell her they were going to miss the party she was so looking forward to later.
"Hi" Mercy stepped out to see Kate and Stevie coming out of their cabin "Sorry we didn't make it to lunch".
"Neither did we" Kate grabbed her sister-in-law's arm and walked towards the elevator.
"You didn't?" Stevie looked at Sam smiling "Actually I can see you didn't" he nodded at Mercy.
"She made me do it" Sam laughed.
"I lost my ten minute challenge".
"I know how you hate losing" Sam laughed, watching the escalator stop on their level, taking them back down to level five for their meal.
"Oh" Gail snapped, coming face to face with them as they left the elevator "So you're still alive?"
"Yeah, why?" Stevie quickly responded before Sam gave a sarcastic reply.
"You left me to deal with Andrea on my own" she snapped, playfully tapping Stevie's arm.
"You're still alive aren't you?" Sam laughed, rolling his eyes maybe at her still being alive.
"Actually, we called a truce" Gail smiled "We agreed to be civil for the Grandchildren".
"You did?" Mercy asked surprised.
"Am I alright to say at last?" Kate grabbed her chest, smiling.
"She finally let me apologise for the way I treated you two at the wedding" she looked at Sam and Mercy "And if I so much as think a bad thing about her she's going to do me in" she laughed "I know she means it".
"I'm glad you do" Andrea's voice came into the conversation behind them.
"Be careful, she's sobered up" Trevor warned.
"Hey" Grace and Spencer appeared behind them smiling with no apology.
"Hey" Mercy hugged her smiling, she could tell her sister was a woman doing her own thing right now.
"Hi" Spencer echoed "Leon said he'll be here in a bit, we should carry on" he wrapped his arm around Grace smiling.
"That boy is always here in a bit" Andrea huffed, walking towards the restaurant, everyone following. Leon turned up looking more pleased with himself than usual Briani in tow looking just as loved up, but refusing the share the reason for their new-found joy.
"What do you think about watching a movie on the open air screen after this?" Kate asked.
"I guess we have a couple of hours to kill" Mercy looked at Sam "I think" she looked back into her glass ignoring his, don't make plans look.
Dinner came, they ate what they needed, having a toast to Sam and Mercy for fifteen years of happy married life, congratulating Leon on his first ever public performance, and hearing the story of the short conversation that closed down the sixteen year long family feud.
"I hear they're playing dominos on deck seven, that's where I'm heading" Trevor told everyone.
"I need the break" Andrea laughed "Gail and I will try not to kill each other" she looked at Gail laughing.
"Please try" Gail begged smiling, Sam and Stevie looking at each other, unsure whether to be worried or not.
"I'm joking" Andrea laughed.
"We don't fancy a movie we'll see you at midnight" Leon told his family.
"Boy you always running around, what's wrong with you?" Andrea shouted after him, watching Grace and Spencer following Briani and him "We'll see you later" she grabbed Gail by the arm and walked off.
"I really don't fancy the movie, should we go find a spot and have a drink, talk?" Stevie suggested.
"We have a spot" Mercy told him, thinking about the hideout Kate and her, had found yesterday behind the gym.
"I guess we could grab drinks from the cabin" Sam added "Watch the stars".
"Was that your tap at romance?" Kate smiled at him tapping his chest playfully.
"Come on" Stevie pulled her with him, all four making their way back up to deck 11.