And she did. The first time, a quarter of a lap, and then again, renewed with new energy at the sight of that determined set of his jaw, she finished a half lap ahead. She laughed and slowed to a walk to enable him to catch up. He was a good sport, and she liked that about him. For an hour, they did an easy jog and fast walk combination until the sweat dripped from their faces.
“I think we’d win the wet t-shirt contest, if there was one,” Merissa said.
“I give up. You’re the winner,” said Chad.
“A quick shower and change into our bathing suits? You up for some pool time?” Merissa asked.
“Lead the way.”
Later, after sufficient rest on the loungers, the atmosphere in the place heightened and squeals of delight filled the air. Merissa looked toward the stage area. “Will you look at that?”
“You mean the four men dressed in striking suits of yellow-gold? They’re picking up instruments, preparing to waken all the sleepy sunbathers?”
“Yes. And here comes the cruise director with a microphone. Not a good sign,” Merissa said remembering the antics they’d taken part in on other occasions.
“Good afternoon ladies and gents, boys and girls. Hope you are enjoying your time in the sun. But I think you all look a little too cozy and in need of exercise.”
“Been there, done that,” said Chad as he settled back into his lounger.
“We have a competition or two for you all and are looking for eager participants.”
Chad groaned and Merissa sat up and swung her legs over to the side. She poked at his belly and watched as he tensed and the muscles sprung to life.
“Hear that? It’s a competition!” Merissa said.
“I heard. Haven’t you had enough for one day?”
“Never enough.”
“Who is this woman set loose to torment me?” asked Chad.
“The name is Merissa James. Pleased to meet and beat you at any challenge you’re daring enough to join me in.”
The game was announced and Chad groaned. “Hula-hoops?”
“Yep, it appears so. Round, golden rings meant to twist off all that fatty cream you ate at breakfast.”
“Have you done this before?”
“I’ll never tell.” Merissa stood to her feet. “Are you in? Think of all those lazy females in chairs you’d be depriving of seeing those tight abs in action.”
“If you put it that way,” he stood and held her gaze, “how can a man refuse the ladies.”
It was fun, a combination of beginners – the category Chad fell into – and a more experienced group filed to the front to strut their stuff. He almost deserted his post but when the director told them to stay for the diving competition, he pulled his fallen hoop one last time to his waist and tried again.
Large, golden hoops were thrown into the water, one at a time, and each diver had his chance to sail through the middle and come up the other side. Chad was good at this. He hit the target every time, whereas Merissa missed twice.
“Ready for some nutrition? Let’s order a loaded pizza from the snack shack and put back on all those pounds we just burned off,” said Chad.
Merissa laughed. “I love pizza far more than I should.”
They toweled off and hooked arms together. “What ingredients do you want on it?” Chad asked.
“Since we’re going for bust – lots of cheese, meat, mushrooms, peppers, olives…”
“The deluxe model. Yeah, you’re my kind of cheat-eat.”
“Cheat-eat?” Merissa asked.
“You know the girls who peck away at salad with no dressing on it, or never finish their plate of food. And heaven forbid the mention of dessert. I get one anyway and when I offer to share they take a bird-portion on their fork and swoon until I can’t eat another bite watching the whole charade. Spoils it for a man trying to wine and dine a gal.”
“Interesting – a bird’s-eye account from a man’s perspective. I’ll remember that,” said Merissa.
“Can’t see that being a problem with you. I’ve seen you eat healthy then divulge in all things irresistible.”
“I suppose you have. But this is a cruise and food is an endless supply.”
They went to an early show and hooked up with Amy and Skip. It was a comedian who combined his performance with skilled acrobatics and delighted the crowd with crazy antics. The act involved all thing round, and tonight, gold.
Eight o’clock saw them back in the formal dining room where Merissa enjoyed a medium-rare steak. She seldom ate the rich, red meat, not because she didn’t enjoy it, but more because she’d never mastered the art of cooking it to juicy perfection. Restaurant meals were never her first choice. She ate out frequently for business, on rare occasions with family, and only recently at the pub where the gang hung out. There it was wings, always wings.
Chad and Merissa chose a quiet venue for evening relaxation and sipped a soda while listening to a cello and piano duet. Merissa never drew back her hand when Chad reached for it. And later, at her stateroom door, they kissed again. When their lips parted, Merissa leaned heavily against the closed door to regain her balance. She watched him move next door to his stateroom. The timbre of Chad’s tone when he said, “goodnight, Merissa,” encircled a whole ball of emotional wax within her. The wick directed to her heart and fired up. There was no turning back now.
Island Fun
The next day, Amy and Merissa dressed in layers – a two-piece bathing suit covered with shorts and a shirt. The only identification required today was their sea pass, which helped the administration keep track of those leaving the ship and boarding again
