“I know you’ve had a paralyzing fear of the ocean ever since that boating accident when we were kids but you really must try to get over that darling.” Kelly encouraged.

“She’s right Tina. The Society Islands are located in one of the most beautiful regions of the world. You’ll never regret making this trip and believe me you will be perfectly safe on the waters.” Jodi said reassuringly.

“I don’t see why we can’t island hop in a small aircraft. I’m sure the vistas are just as breathtaking.”

“Tina you are going to love the Society Islands. It’s been ages since I’ve been but Jodi’s right you must experience it from onboard a yacht at least once in a lifetime.”

“That’s easy for you to say. You’re an experienced yachts woman and you love the open seas.” Tina had agreed to take the trip but she still had her doubts that she could handle it.

“Darling I’ve got a great idea. Why don’t we get Matt and Kelly to join us … for the last couple of weeks anyway?” Jodi suggested then turned to the couple to get their buy-in.

“I’m afraid I can’t make it Jodi.” Matt was the first to speak. “I’ve got business in China for the next few weeks then to New York. I’d love to join you but it’s not anything that I can postpone or reschedule.”

Matt had barely finished making his excuses when Jodi turned her attention to his wife. “What about you Kelly?”

“Oh I couldn’t intrude on your honeymoon.”

“It wouldn’t be intruding would it darling?” Jodi had caught Tina off guard with her proposal. They had not discussed taking their friends along, but she didn’t argue.

“No of course not Kelly. We’d love to share some more time with you before you head back to London.”

“Well Kelly what do you say?” Getting her way with Tina was so easy that Jodi couldn’t hide the smirk.

“Gosh Tina and I haven’t vacationed together in years.” Kelly was warming up to the idea as was Tina.

“It has been a while … you should come. It’ll be fun. Besides I’ll feel safer on the open seas with you at the helm.”

“OK you’ve twisted my arm. I’d love to join you. Are you OK with that Matt? We had talked about me possibly going to China with you.” Matt knew Kelly well enough to know she was just asking as a courtesy.

“It’s fine Kelly. I’ll be tied up with business so much of the time you’ll probably get bored. You can join me in New York when you get back.”

“I guess we’re all set then.” Kelly concluded.

“Excellent.” Jodi said squeezing Tina’s knees as she got up to freshen their drinks.

The planned itinerary would take Tina and Jodi from Los Angeles to Tahiti. From Tahiti they would sail to Moorea and then fly from Moorea to Bora Bora. Kelly would then join them on Bora Bora for a few days before they set sail on a private yacht to Tahaa. Jodi had suggested that since Kelly was an experienced yachts woman that they should pilot it themselves for the short trips between Bora Bora and Tahaa and then on to Raiatea. From Raiatea all three would fly back to Tahiti and spend a couple of days before heading back to the States. It was to be the perfect Polynesian experience for Tina and the two people she loved most in the world until everything went horribly wrong.