Top on my priority list was figuring out when the scuba instructors would be doing their lessons so I could take a refresher course. I’d become certified for this trip about a year ago, and had been diving in Lake Tahoe as often as I could. I’d been meaning to explore other lakes because Tahoe is so cold, but it’s also extremely clear. I’d bought my equipment six months ago before I’d learned that everything was provided on the ship. The only thing standing between the deep blue sea and me was a pile of waivers to sign.
I appeared topside about an hour before dinner and the first night of dancing. Dancing was offered every night in the different clubs on the cruise ship. I was planning on hitting the disco on the lower deck later, less chance of running into unwanted advances. I had also managed to avoid Keith on my explorations of the ship, which was surprisingly disappointing. Jumping into the pool, I did a few laps before enjoying some of the last rays of the day. I was more relaxed than I’d been in years. As I finished my laps, my thoughts crept toward dancing, stifling the thought that it would be really fun to have Stephan with me in the club. His grace really evened out my flailing limbs.
The dinner bell tolled and I knew it was time to get changed and stuff my face. As I surveyed the dining room, I was amazed at the amount of people—and the amount of food. I’m not a fan of seafood and at certain dinners, such as the one for tonight, I had to request special meals. Some dinners were meant for the crew to meet the patrons and these were catered with very specific meals. I put my fork down halfway through my meal, almost uncomfortably full.
“This sure is a great cruise, isn’t it?” the bubbly woman sitting next to me asked.
“Sure. It’s my first,” I replied, smiling back at her.
“Oh! They’re the only way to travel in my opinion! All you can eat, lodging, transportation—really, just about everything is covered they’re—”
“Donna, I’m sure the girl doesn’t need a sales pitch. She’s already here. Let her enjoy her time,” the bulky guy sitting next to her admonished.
“Oh, Tom.” She waived her hand in dismissal and then turned back to me. “We just got married. I know, this was billed as a singles cruise, but I just had to see Bimini. And to go to Bermuda and through the triangle? Oh, I just couldn’t pass this up!”
“Yeah, I’ve seen quite a few couples already,” I replied, trying not to sound bitter. I really don’t want a relationship. Honest.
“Well, I’ve always wanted to go to Bermuda and Tom is just a gem. He surprised me with these tickets as a wedding present. As if I wasn’t already the luckiest lady ever!” She gushed some more about her new husband and I glanced away.
My eyes strayed to the blonde across from me. She was rolling her eyes and shaking her head. Her face contorted in what only could be described as disgust. She caught me looking and I smiled. Sighing deeply, she returned to frantically texting on her phone.
“Sugar, you look simply divine,” a sultry voice whispered next to me.
I started at the voice and looked at the man sitting to my right. I smiled.
“Really?”
“Honey, all I have to say is if I batted for a different team, Stuart here would be extremely lonely. And with the way you’ve been fondling that drink—wow! I’m half tempted to try you out.” He winked at me, taking my hand in his and kissing the back. “Maurice, and believe me, the pleasure is not all mine.”
I laughed. It was clear by the looks Maurice and Stuart were exchanging that neither of them had any interest in anyone other than each other, but Maurice was putting on a good show.
“What are you guys going to do on this trip?” I asked.
“Shopping,” Donna exclaimed. “Bermuda has some of the most amazing gems on the planet, and I just adore stones!”
Tom shook his head and rolled his eyes at me. I smiled at the two of them. I’d never seen such an odd couple, except of course the other couple at our table.
“Oh, girl, whatever catches our fancy. We’ve been on so many of these things we learned a long time ago that the best deals are the last-minute ones. Stuart’s been nagging me to go diving, but I’m just not sure. We’ve been diving in just about every location possible, but the triangle…” Maurice grimaced. “I’m just not sure about that.”
“That’s amazing! This is my first cruise,” I admitted.
“You really have to make it a habit.” Maurice glanced at Stuart. “Stuart inherited his grandfather’s estate years ago. It’s our goal to see every country there is before we turn forty and have nothing left to live for.”
“There’s life after forty,” I responded with a laugh.
“Of course, but by then things start sagging, wrinkles appear, and,” Maurice visibly shuddered, “your body starts to fall apart. We plan on experiencing life as much as possible for the next six years. Already I can see myself decaying.” He rubbed a hand up and down his arm as if to show me a withered limb.
“I think you have years before you have to worry about those things.” Stuart’s voice was slow and soothing with a slight hint at an accent. It was completely the opposite of Maurice’s quick, excited animation.
The blonde across the
