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“This is... quite lovely,” Harper admits as we settle onto our blanket.
“Don’t sound so surprised.”
“I expected something tackier. Heart-shaped everything and photographers lurking in the bushes.”
I laugh, opening the picnic basket to find wine, cheese, fruit, and chocolate. “The night is young. The heart-shaped chocolate-covered strawberries might still make an appearance. I doubt there is anything lurking the bushes though.”
“God help me.” She’s smiling as she accepts a glass of wine.
As darkness falls, the sky transforms into a blanket of stars more brilliant than any city dweller ever sees. Harper tilts her head back, I can see the wonder in her eyes.
“It’s incredible,” she breathes. “You can see the entire Milky Way.”
“Try the telescope,” I suggest, adjusting it for her. “Jupiter and its moons should be visible tonight.”
She leans forward, peering through the eyepiece with fascination. “There it is! I can see three—no, four of the moons.”
I watch her rather than the stars, captivated by the pleasure on her face.
An astronomer circulates among the couples, offering insights about visible constellations and our galaxy. When he reaches us, Harper engages him in a detailed discussion about light pollution.
“Your girlfriend knows her stuff,” the astronomer comments to me after their conversation.
Neither of us corrects him. Instead, Harper sips her wine, a small smile on her lips.
“She’s brilliant,” I agree, not looking away from her. “I’m learning from her.”
The astronomer moves on to the next couple. Harper turns to face me.
“You didn’t correct him,” she observes.
“Neither did you.”
She takes another sip of wine. “Maybe I’m getting used to the title.”
“Girlfriend?”
“Temporary cruise girlfriend,” she clarifies, but her tone is lighter than her words. “It expires in 48 hours.”
“Unless renewed by mutual agreement,” I suggest, keeping my voice casual despite the sudden tightness in my chest.
She laughs softly. “Is there a form for that? Terms and conditions?”
“I’m sure legal could draw something up.”
We’re joking, but there’s an undercurrent of seriousness that neither of us acknowledges. Instead, we turn our attention back to the stars, sharing the telescope.
“Tell me something about yourself that isn’t in your corporate bio,” Harper says after a comfortable silence.
I consider the question. “I wanted to be a marine biologist before I joined the family business.”
She looks surprised. “Really?”
“Really. I was fascinated by ocean ecosystems. Had all the Jacques Cousteau books, spent every summer diving with my grandfather. Even started a marine biology program in college before my father forced me to switch to business.”
“Do you regret it?” she asks.
“Sometimes,” I admit. “But I’ve tried to bring that perspective to Cole Tech. We might not always get it right, but we’re trying to balance progress with protection.”