The Jeddah Yacht

يخت جدة

The Red Sea hides wonders.

Coral reefs the tourists don't know. I've charted these waters for thirty years.

Victoria wants to see them all.

I'm Captain Mahmoud.

Fifty-six, Egyptian, working Saudi waters since I was young. My yacht serves the wealthy who want privacy.

Victoria is different.

She's forty-nine.

British marine biologist, funded by a Saudi prince to study the reefs. She's here for science.

"Take me to the remote sites," she says.

"They're not on any map."

"That's why I need a local captain."

We sail for two weeks.

She studies coral; I study her. The way she lights up underwater, the way she treats my crew with respect.

"You're not like other wealthy clients," I observe.

"I'm not wealthy. My patron is."

"But you act like you belong on these waters."

"The sea accepts everyone. That's why I love it."

"Why marine biology?"

"Because the ocean doesn't judge. Doesn't care about size or beauty standards. Just competence."

"The surface world was unkind?"

"The surface world can be cruel to women who don't fit."

"You fit perfectly on my boat."

It slips out before I can stop it.

"Captain Mahmoud—"

"Forgive me. That was inappropriate."

"It was honest. I prefer honest."

We reach a reef she's been dreaming of.

Pristine, untouched. She cries seeing it.

"Thank you," she whispers. "For bringing me here."

"Thank you for seeing its value."

The first kiss is on deck.

Under Saudi stars, the water black around us.

"This is complicated," she says.

"The sea is never complicated. Only people are."

"I'm leaving in a week."

"Then let's not waste the week."

"Is this wise?"

"Wisdom is overrated."

She comes to my cabin.

Private, intimate. The boat rocking gently beneath us.

"Beautiful," I say.

"Mahmoud—"

"Let me show you a different kind of depth."

We make love while the Red Sea cradles us.

Her body soft and warm, yielding to the waves and to me.

"Ya habibi—Victoria—"

"Right there—"

"The sea approves."

Six months later

She comes back.

Not for research—for me. The prince funds a permanent study. She stays.

"Happy?" I ask.

"Finally found the reef I was looking for."

"Which one?"

"You."

Alhamdulillah.

For seas that connect.

For captains who guide.

For depths that become love.

The End.