“There wasn’t much new information. They just walked me through how all the events unfolded and how they were handling the rest of it,” I said.
“There’s gotta be something new,” Ana said. “They wouldn’t have pulled you away for nothing.”
“They wanted to update me and tell me we were docking in Curaçao in the morning. Early. At, like, seven,” I said.
“What?” Tommy asked.
“Luke’s fighting them at every turn, and the only way they can get him back to the Miami port is via this ship. The guards told me they have a holding tank cleared out for him below deck and that the guards on staff will be rotating around the clock to watch him and make sure he doesn’t do anything dumb,” I said.
“And when he hits Miami, then what?” Ana asked.
“The guards said Miami P.D. has been notified of everything and will be waiting. He’ll be the first one off the ship before anyone else is allowed off, he’ll be read his rights again, and then the police there will take him into custody and process him.”
“What happens then?” Tommy asked.
“I— I don’t know. A trial, maybe? I don’t know what happens from here,” I said.
“All of this sounds like a good thing, Chanel,” Rhett said. “This is really good. It means they’re taking everything that’s happening very seriously.”
“I’ve ruined someone’s life, Rhett.”
“No, you haven’t. That asshole tried to ruin yours,” Ana said.
“No fucking joke,” Tommy said.
“Chanel, look at me.”
I slowly lifted my gaze to Rhett as his hand cupped my cheek.
“I’ve always loved that about you, your caring nature and your desire to see the best in everyone. But this guy is scum. He stalked you. He shrined you. He left you notes threatening your life, and then he tried to force himself on you in a bathroom stall. He deserves to be put away. You’re doing the right thing.”
“What if they want me to testify?” I asked breathlessly. “I don’t know if I could look him in the face ever again.”
“I don’t know. I don’t know what happens from here, but if you want me to be, I’ll be with you every step of the way,” he said.
“I don’t know what to do.”
“Do you want another drink? Yours got knocked over because Rhett over there couldn’t stop jiggling his nervous leg,” Ana said.
I saw Rhett shoot her a look, and it made me giggle.
“I think I want to go back to my room,” I said.
“Do you want me to go with you?” Rhett asked.
“I’ve got this. Best friend coming through. Come on, sweet cheeks. Sounds like another night of Vin Diesel and buffalo wings,” Ana said.
“Hey, that sounds like a good night. Minus gawking at dudes. Not my thing,” Tommy said.
“Girl’s night only,” Ana said as she pulled me from the couch. “Sorry to spoil the night.”
“But that dress. And those shoes. I was going to make you keep those shoes on tonight,” Tommy said.
“Could you be any more insensitive?” Rhett asked.
“I’m simply impressed he can make Ana do something,” I said.
“All right. Joke’s over. See you boys in the morning, and don’t forget to get ready for our re-prom!”