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I head below deck, and think for a ainst it It’s not that I don’t care about hiht now, I’m confused, and even a little hurt, and it’s easier if I just leave it He needs space, and the truth is I’ to do to our friendship He’s angry withis, even if I was mad at him, and hated him, I could never let his life be taken because of ives me a warm smile She looks so calm; doesn’t she know about the storm? I must look worse than I realize, because she narrows her eyes and places the sheets she’s carrying on the ground before walking over and gripping my shoulders "Are you okay?"

I shake my head weakly "I…"

My voice cracks, and I realize howit out of entle features on her face She’s just that kind of person; sheyou She’s kind of addictive I let my body relax into hers just a little, and she rubs

"What’s happening? Come on, come into my room and talk to me, I have a few minutes"

I nod, and she leads et in, I peer around She has a suys, but hers is cleaner, and cozier There’s a sle size, in the corner and an old, wooden desk by the small rounded alk over to the bed, and sit down She has a faded pink coe to wrapdown beside ot drunk and…God…"

"What happened?" she asks, turning toward s on the bed I do the sa each other

"Well, I took your advice and decided to join in and get to know the crew I got a little drunk and Hendrix took ether, but…"

"But," she urges, her big green eyes wide

"We…fooled around"

"Fooled around how?"

My cheeks grow rosy, and I stare down atI haven’t heard or experienced on this ship, Indi"

"It was all hands…"

Her eyes widen "You got hi It was an extremely erotic moment, and then afterwards he turned and storently "He’s freaking out Don’t give up, the fact he let you get close to him…"

"It’s not like it’s hard," I interrupt

Jess shakes her head "It is hard, Indi The only reason he fucks Senny is because he needs so out here There’s no connection, and he sure as hell doesn’t care about her She’s easy, it’s as siets"

"Do you suppose he thinks I’m easy, too?"

She shakes her head "No, he looks at you differently"