She was right of course. Nicki was right, and Jax smiled at the thought of her name and the fact she judged things better than he. Still the smart doctor, the in charge first mate, but now also Nicki. He would have to return to the travels of the giant some other time. It did not work for a contest. 

She had to tug on his soul even more this Nicki. She wanted poetry. If only he could give her some. Instead he would read and drink and let all of this wash over them in a night of booze, books, and balls. 

Jax took a swig. He gulped it down and held the bottle up for her to see what a generous amount he had taken. He took a breath and read.

“I stood upon our western shore
And heard the ocean's billows roar, 
And saw them toss and tumble o'er 
Each other in their glee; 
And fret and foam and froth and dash, 
Right on, and on, as if they'd smash 
The rugged rocks, and play and splash-- 
These children of the sea!”*

He closed his eyes leaned his head back and repeated the last line. “These children of the sea.”

He licked his lips and chuckled at that. Keeping his eyes closed he waved his hand making sure she knew it was her turn. He had looked at her enough to see her with his eyes shut and the warmth of her voice, the drink, the way her name Nicki wander through his mind, let him begin to drift. Slower breaths, heavier eyes, roll of the waves cradled in a ship he loved let Jax begin to feel sleep overcoming him. He had not slurred yet and if she managed another maybe he would too. But he if got a few peaceful winks inside Nicki’s, oh how he would repeat her name in his mind, cabin, he knew he won. He won, this child of the sea. 

*Old Ocean by William Wendell Riley