"Hurry up Nana!" Corey screamed masking his laughter as he watched her struggle.

Not everyone was having a terrible vacation. Corey and Nana were up to their usual shenanigans and now they were trying to outrun the ship's casino owner

"They stole the chips! Someone grab them!" the owner called out frantically.

Several bystanders looked on in confusion as an overstuffed and suspiciously bulged grandmother clanked quickly away.

Nana hurried to make a sharp turn as they skidded down the hall. Gold chips fell out of every cranny in her body. Her breast and stomach jingled every time she moved.

Corey laughed grabbing Nana, "how dare you accuse an elder of such things!" he called back.

Nana smiled waving her hands above her head, "I'm a leprechaun!" she stated proudly.

Corey wrinkled his nose as coins slipped out from between her legs, "ain't nobody want that gold" he teased.

At the same moment, Kaya was coming around the corner, her thoughts were so heavy she missed all the commotion around of her.

"UMPH!" a loud smack rang through the hallways as everyone collided into each other.

"What the...?" Kaya groaned as she saw stars.

The casino owner panted finally able to catch up with them, "you should be arrested!" he scowled at Nana.

Corey jumped up defensively, "how dare you, talk to this sweet elderly lady like this," he said pointing a finger in his face.

Kaya looked at Nana wondering what the hell they had done, "This is my grandmother, sir, I'm sure we can figure out what's going on" she stated.

"This lady has been running around the casino tables stealing chips and then to make matters worse she faked choking while this man tried to sneakily run past security" he explained shaking his head with disgust.

"Or maybe her die-bee-tic ass thought it was actually chips" Corey replied putting his hands on his hips.

The casino owner pointed to Nana's crotch, "Im sure that's where she's hiding the stolen chips" he stated.

Cory rolled his eyes rudely, "leave this old treasure box alone! The only thing she's collecting up there is ghost and cobwebs" he said angrily, "but if you want to check be prepared to find your tombstone" he shrugged.

Kaya groaned picking up as many chips off the ground as she could angrily snatching them from Nana's hands, "We apologize this won't happen again" she gritted.

The casino owner left but not before mumbling a string of profanities under his breath.

Kaya turned angrily to Corey, "how could you do this? I know my grandmother couldn't do this all by herself. I know this nonsense started with you, and worse she could have been arrested!" she yelled.

Corey gasp pretending to be hurt by her accusations, "First off it's not like they are going to arrest her and sentence her to life? I mean that would be like putting her in jail for five minutes ...Nana's already turning to dust as we speak " he joked.

Nana stood quietly in the corner snoring with a smile on her face as drool fell down her chin.

Kaya screamed in frustration, "I CAN'T DO THIS RIGHT NOW!" she sobbed.

Corey stopped talking, he had been too angry and busy to notice how much pain his friend was actually in. He held her as she crumbled into tears in his arms, "Hey I'm sorry for being an ass" he whispered.

Snot dribbled down Kaya's nose blending with her tears,"I just need my friend" she bawled.

Corey wiped away a tear, "I guess...I was so angry at you not for cheating or lying or anything to do with your marriage. I was upset because I didn't understand why anyone would throw away such a good blessing. I spent my whole life looking for a partner like yours and you throw yours away like it's nothing... when people like me are dying from loneliness" he confessed with embarrassment.

Kaya looked up at Corey startled, "what do you mean? You are the friendliest person I know. You can't be lonely" she said in disbelief.

Corey laughed but it sounded bitter and sarcastic, "I'm going to be twenty-nine in a few months almost thirty and I have never dated anyone. My lifestyle is too bold and my daddy issues scare away any men that want a real relationship" he sighed showing a side of vulnerability that Kaya had never seen.

Kaya raised an eyebrow, "what about all those hot hook-ups you're always bragging about? " she asked.

Corey gulped, "I guess you're not the only one who pretends... The only hot and sweaty hook-ups I've ever had is in my dreams after I've passed out from spending a long dry boring weekend at home on my couch...binge eating and watching I Love Lucy reruns" he sighed.

Kaya smiled, "why didn't you tell me?" she asked.

Corey rolled his eyes, "How do you tell your married friend that you're single as fuck and desperate?" he asked blatantly.

Kaya shrugged, "I guess we both should be more truthful and don't worry you will find someone" she promised.

Corey chuckled, "that's exactly what you say to someone will be lonely forever" he turned to Nana, "Time to start buying some cats, you in?" he asked.

Nana rubbed her chin thinking hard, "I don't like litter boxes but as long as you feed me warm milk...I think I can do it" she licked her hand as if it was a paw.

Corey raised an eyebrow and whispered to himself, "Lord help her" he said shaking his head.

Kaya walked over to where lunch was being served, she was starving since she skipped breakfast.

Her eyes longingly surveyed over crowds of people looking for Keith. It felt strange to be separated as if she was living without a limb. He had always been her best friend and they did everything together but now it felt surreal to even think about being alone.

Corey nudged Kaya pointing to the other side of the ship. Kaya perked up as soon as her eyes snagged on Keith's familiar outline. He was sitting with a few employees including Esme. It took all of Kaya's strength to not walk over to him.

Keith smiled at everyone although this was the last place he wanted to be. It was taking all of him not to run over to his wife. Her familiar scent lingered on his clothes and wrapped around his mind.

He toyed with his fork although the food was delicious he wasn't hungry.

"We will be on the sweet seas of San Diego soon and we will dock in an hour. Make sure you try ziplining and take lots of photos" a friendly voice announced on the intercom.

The big ship slowly bobbed up and down as the clear waves carried them smoothly along.

Keith's eyes lingered on Esme who was purposely ignoring him after the incident the other night. Keith groaned remembering that she had saved his life and he owed her everything.

He gently scooted closer to her and whispered, "let's have a conversation" he instructed.

Esme flinched, "No!" she hissed, "and don't try to order me because last time I checked I was fired" she said coldly.

Keith looked at her amused, "I don't remember saying that and if I did was dead drunk" he joked.

Esme adjusted her baseball cap on head, smoothing out her wild Latin curls "I don't think this is a joking matter" she said sternly.

Keith sighed giving in, jokes weren't going to make this situation better, "I'm sorry" he apologized.

Esme huffed, "I've heard that before," she said not moving. He could see the hurt behind the frown as her usual bubbly demeanor iced over with hatred.

Keith got up clapping his hands. All of his employees looked at him expectedly, "I have an announcement to make. I messed up with my dear friend Esme not once but several times. However, this remarkable woman saved my life the other night. I will never be deserving of such a great friend but I was hoping that a public apology would be a good start" he smiled looking at Esme.

Everyone clapped and cheered. Esme blushed trying to hide behind someone but Keith gently pulled her up and into his arms. He hugged her, "I will miss you" he whispered in her ear.

Esme looked at him confused , "what do you mean?" she asked.

Keith cleared his throat addressing everyone again, "Mrs. Toronto no longer works for me. You are now looking at the new boss of our company" he said raising a glass.

Esme gasped tears forming, "Are you serious?" she shrieked.

Keith nodded, "I've been a businessman longer than I've been a good husband. There is no one else more qualified that I trust than you, to run my company. I'm going to go home and fix my marriage, I'm done" he promised.

Esme giggled joy bubbling over her ivy greens eyes as she hugged him again. His muscular arms embraced her like a perfect prism and he melted under her touch.Their hug lingered longer than it should have as Esme rested her head on his chest enjoying the sound of his deep calm breaths.

Her happiness was light and contagious and Keith couldn't help but laugh too as she danced around the lunch table, "I'm the boss! I'm the boss!" she chanted.

The rest of the workers cheered and celebrated.

Keith glanced across the hall catching Kaya's brown warm eyes. She bashfully looked away acting like she wasn't glaring at Keith the whole time. He smiled not regret his choice at all to come home.

Esme pulled him to the side, "thank you" she stated happily, "but I just have to ask...did last night mean anything to you?...the kiss?" she asked.

Esme bit her plum lip drawing it down up into her mouth as she peered fondly into Keith's eyes. Ridges of light cascaded into her glowing mint irises. Keith felt her shifting like tectonic plates and he knew how desperately she wanted to hear that their kiss meant something.

Keith took her hand gently, "It means we will be good friends, but I'm here with my wife. Who I love and that's not going to change. I wish you success and love because you truly deserve it but it won't be me because I found my soulmate" he smiled thinking of all the ways he loved Kaya.

Esme grabbed his neck pulling him into her soft warmth for a more intimate hug, "okay friend, I support your happiness and I won't ever cross the line again" she swore. Her eyes fluttered in a daze as time stopped and stared at them with chemistry and just.

Keith pulled her away gently taken by her sneaky passions, "goodbye Esme" he said bowing, "or should I call you boss?" he winked.

Esme's face crinkled and broke with so many emotions. She truly loved him but someone beat her to the punch. She was going to miss their long talks, the laughter they broke out into while they were in serious meetings, and the way Keith believed in her when everyone else saw a sexy ditz.

Keith held up a finger, "don't you dare cry!" he said firmly watching her lip tremble, "this is a good thing" he reminded her.

Esme nodded sniffling, "okay okay!" she said trying to pull it together, "but I'll miss you" she whispered twiddling her thumbs.

Keith groaned, "I will too!" he said giving her a quick handshake, "now go before I change my mind," he said giving her a gentle nudge.

Esme walked away slowly and sadly, and as soon as she left Keith's smile dropped and he touched his chest. He didn't understand why it hurt so much to and felt like someone had literally kicked the air out of his lungs. He wiped off a bead of sweat, shaking off the strange feeling.

He would never tell this to Esme but he secretly adored her ardent conventions and raw passions. When they looked at each other it was like pure energy bouncing off each other; rackets balls. It felt nice to have someone fight for him for once his life, to know he meant something to even a friend.

"You okay sir?" a friendly passenger asked.

Keith didn't realize that he was shaking. He quickly collected himself. He felt drunk but at the same time airy. He has never felt his heart race this heart before, or his stomach fluttering in his spine "yeah" he muttered.

"Maybe some land will do you fine, we are about to dock in San Diego" the person offered.

Keith closed his eyes finding the regular tempo of his breath, "yes of course" he said shaking the feelings off, like it was an itchy sweater.

Keith checked his pocket. He felt the small shiny metal outline of a ring. He smiled remembering what he had planned to do. Before the trip Keith had bought a new diamond ring for his wife.

It was beautiful and engraved with her father's name underneath the band. He had originally planned to surprise her and renew their vows. But now since every sin had come to light he was going to propose to her again, and have their fresh start.

Keith remembered how rushed and non-romantic the first proposal was and in his heart, he felt bad. He had simply suggested the first time through text "that they make it official" and then rushed off to his job. It was a shitty proposal if you could call it that, and yet Kaya still had agreed to marry him.

This time he would stop the world's rotation for her. He would have music, lights, romance and everything she ever dreamed of. He couldn't wait for tomorrow night to get down on one knee. This time without shortcuts.

Kaya had to admit that touring the little shops and beaches in San Diego was taking her mind of things. Her heart had panged with jealousy when she witnessed Esme and Keith hugging but she had no right to say anything.

Kaya stood near the dock fixing the lens on her camera as she took photos with Corey and Nana.

"Let's talk please, and before you say no I think I have a right to talk about the STD" Ben insisted popping out of nowhere.

Kaya jumped she didn't even see him walk up to her, "I'm not going to say no" she yawned wearily, "let's talk" she agreed.

"I'll catch up later!" Kaya told Nana and Corey.

Corey hissed his teeth, "paint my ass, Ben, then eat it. We will call this masterpiece "cake" he yelled walking off.

Ben walked alongside Kaya politely no one spoke for a moment, "I am so sorry for not being honest with you. I don't identify with Keyon and never really did but that doesn't mean..." Kaya's words were cut off.

"Shut the fuck up!" Ben snapped grabbing Kaya and kissing her feverishly.

Kaya stood still like a stone wall as Ben dived deeper into his mouth. Her eyes naturally closed falling into the rhythm of Ben's rough and rugged lips. Her hands slipped into his pockets as easily as art came to her. He moaned softly as his tongue skimmed her teeth.

Ben pulled away satisfied, "I just came here to tell you that tomorrow is the last day of this trip and I want you to get off the boat with me" he proclaimed.

Kaya who was recovering from his life-sucking kiss stuttered, "Whhhhaaat?!" she yelled in disbelief.

Ben put up his hands, "hear me out okay! Think of all the ways we've hurt your husband, and think of all the things you can't give him. Be realistic even if you guys fix your marriage he will always be sacrificing more.

With me, at least we are on the same level. I like you for the person you showed me everyday in art class. The deep, confident intellectual beauty with a little bit of brokenness. So tell me, who is the person that Keith loves?" he asked.

Kaya stood insecurely he had several valid points, "I can show him the new Kaya and he will accept and love me!" she said stubbornly, "we can make it work and I want it too" she explained.

Ben shoved his hands in his pocket, shrugging, "I think you and I both know that's not the truth. Tomorrow I want you to get off the boat with me, I'll be waiting at the Westgate entrance for you around six. If you don't show up then I'll be like a ghost and you will never see me again" he promised looking out at the warm and sunny coast.

Kaya looked up at Ben bringing his gaze down as she pressed her hand on his chin, "then I suggest you disappear now" she said pushing past him.

Ben grabbed her hand unwilling to let her go , "hey why are you so angry at me? We had nice moments, you act as if loving me would be the worst thing ever" he said offended.

Kaya pushed his hand away, "no loving you would be the worst thing ever for Keith... Even if we divorced seeing you with me would destroy him. I'm tired of breaking things. And yes in another time I could've loved you because you get me better than anyone else but I'm married" she shrugged coldly.

Ben laughed bitterly, "Well keep in mind marriage is a special bond and thanks to you now we share one too," he winked.

Kaya nodded looking away, "just get a life," she said walking away.

Ben kicked a rock angrily, "don't act like you care" he huffed, "see you tomorrow" he said tipping his hat.

Kaya sulked dragging herself back to her room. Corey, Nana and her had a wonderful time in San Diego despite Ben's abrupt interception, but yet his words lingered like a stained truth.

Kaya yawned ready to take a nap before game night. She was secretly hoping that she would get the chance to run into Keith.

Kaya kicked off her shoes and then stopped. A fresh bouquet of red roses was resting on her counter top table near the bed.

She was ready to throw them away but stopped when she saw a tiny card in Keith's handwriting that said, "Tomorrow night I will stop the world for you,... let's leave this vacation the way we started! Husband and wife.
            With love, Keith,
"Meet me at Westgate entrance at 6 pm".

Kaya took a deep breath, it was getting closer to the end of this crazy experience and it was time to choose. She took a big whiff of the sweet smelling roses and smiled happily. This was an easy decision for her and she knew her choice. She would never make the same mistake again.

She snuggled into bed keeping the roses close by her side letting the orange warmth of sunset glide across her window.

For the first time in a while, she slept like a bear in bliss. Sometimes things could work and people could go through hardship to get to their happily ever after.

Her dreams were filled with the sweet watery kisses of Keith by her side. The visions of a starting a family and Ben someone far away, like a mirage in the distance.

Little did she know Ben was working hard to make sure that dream never came true...

Who will she chose Ben or Keith?

Authors note: I kind of secretly ship Esme and Keith...but wow I can't wait to find out who she chooses and I hope it all works out. What are your thoughts? Any team Ben's out there?

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