Long Lost Love

June 5th 2025

The **Chasing Destiny** cut a graceful path through the turquoise waters, leaving **Allan-Pensacola Cay** in its wake. Once two separate islands, now seamlessly joined after a hurricane decades ago, it was a familiar starting point for Brandy and Greg. Their dog, **Katniss**, perched like a seasoned captain on the bow, her ears flapping in the salty breeze as they set a course for **Green Turtle Cay**.

Hours later, the pastel hues of the **Green Turtle Club Marina** emerged on the horizon. Greg’s eyes narrowed at the infamous fuel dock, known for being incredibly **shallow**—a fact that always sent a jolt of anxiety through Brandy. As they **waited patiently for over an hour, now truly on island time**, they were fueled up and ready to head to their overnight destination.

The **Chasing Destiny** finally settled into its **anchorage**, the gentle rocking a welcome lullaby. Katniss, ever the pampered princess, immediately demanded a **grooming** for her night out on the town. Brandy, with practiced hands, groomed the sweet Katniss. Watching the attention Katniss received, a sudden thought struck Greg. He ran a hand through his own shaggy hair. “You know,” he mused, “I could really use a trim myself.” Brandy chuckled, shaking her head. “So, I’m a full-time groomer, **barber**, seamstress, chef, and boat hand now, am I?” she teased, a loving smile on her face. It was true; her versatility aboard the **Chasing Destiny** was legendary.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery oranges and purples, the trio headed to **Sundowners**, their old stomping grounds. Their mission: to find Evie’s long-lost love, Aaron. They scanned the familiar faces and chatted with locals, but Aaron was nowhere to be found. Undeterred, they moved on to **Pineapples**, where the aroma of fresh seafood mingled with the sweet, tropical scent of “Painkiller” cocktails. With a few of the potent, rum-based concoctions in hand, they settled in for dinner. As they ate, they watched the local kids happily fishing from the nearby docks, their lines arcing into the twilight waters.

It wasn’t long before they were joined by other crews. The **Barnhart crew**, a lively bunch, quickly became fast friends, sharing tales of their own nautical adventures. Then, Joni and Tom from the **Fortuitous** pulled up chairs. They were, in a word, **crazy fun**, their laughter echoing across the open-air restaurant. Stories flowed as freely as the painkillers, and the night was filled with camaraderie and the shared joy of island life.

As the moon cast a silver glow on the water, Brandy, Katniss, and Greg returned to the **Chasing Destiny**, their hearts full from a day of adventure and new connections. The gentle lapping of the waves against the hull lulled them into a peaceful night’s sleep, ready for whatever Green Turtle Cay had in store next.