‘Yep, Aussies are like that too,’ said Duncan. ‘You’re overseas, you’re on your own, you strike up a conversation, make friends, then you get invited places, looked after.’

‘Ah yes,’ agreed Gerry. ‘You see?’ she asked the rest of us. ‘That is how he won me – with his, how do I say? Lack of planning? I had to take pity on him.’

More laughter. More applause.

‘No, no, that is not what happened. Why are you telling lies to our friends?’ Duncan faked incredulity.

Gerry waved him off and shook her head. ‘You are so silly. That is exactly how it happened.’ Duncan leaned over and kissed her, and we’d come full circle, basking in their adoration for each other.

‘I love that story, Hannah.’ I turned my attention back to my roommate. ‘I’m guessing you got your dad back the next morning?’

‘Oh, yeah, we got him back, after the Austrians insisted on treating him to a huge breakfast in the hotel’s café.’ I liked the sound of Hannah’s dad. I was also glad to hear she had a lovely man in her life – one that would love her no matter what. Hopefully she could – or would soon – see that not all men were awful users.

I looked around the table at the three men we were travelling with. Josh. Gary. Duncan. Each so different, but they were all good men. Kind, fun, thoughtful, interesting men. They’re out there, Hannah, I thought.

Or maybe that was me talking to myself. Looking over at Josh, I caught him watching me, and we shared a smile. Yep, these were good men. And I was looking at a good man who gave me tummy twinges and knew how to kiss.

Maybe he was Prince Charming.

Chapter Fourteen

We were docked at our second-last island, Tinos, and there were only two days left of our trip – well, two and a half. Really, it was closer to three, but the end was looming, and I was intent on squeezing every moment out of those nearly three days – starting with breakfast on the bow of the boat with Josh.

Like the morning before, we were the first ones up, and we moved about the tiny galley in sync. We made a breakfast feast of tea, yoghurt with muesli, and buttered toast. Sitting up on the bow, enjoying our food in an easy silence, we watched the marina come to life.

Around us, people emerged from below their decks and squinted at the morning sun. There were boat chores to do – taking out the rubbish, clearing the deck of things you can trip over – you know, boat chores. There was probably a lot more to it than that, but even after a week of sailing, I still didn’t know my bilge from my poop deck.