First Mates

by Cecelia Dowdy

  He touched his head. “I got a haircut. The barber-shop was pretty crowded, but I convinced them to squeeze me in.”

  A warm glow radiated from his face as he looked at her. “You look nice.” I’m glad I took the extra time in preparation for this special date.

  She returned his smile, hoping her voice wouldn’t falter. “You look nice, too.”

  He cleared his throat. “I’m glad they have some formal dinner nights on this cruise. It gives us a chance to dress up.” He chuckled softly. “I love having a pretty lady with a fancy dress on my arm.”

  Her heart raced with excitement as they strolled to dinner. The dining room was extravagant. Each table was decorated with white tablecloths and a vase of fresh flowers. The lights were dimmed, and the soft glow of candles permeated the room.

  Most of the women wore formal dresses in different colors. It seemed as if a rainbow exploded and the shades randomly settled around the tables.

  The waiter showed them to their seats. “You look nice tonight, ma’am.” The waiter attempted to pull her chair out, but Winston beat him to it. She thanked him as she settled into her seat.

  “You look so beautiful tonight,” he mumbled as they opened their menus.

  “Thank you.” That’s the second time he’s complimented me tonight.

  The waiter returned minutes later. “Our special tonight is filet mignon with baby potatoes.” He took their dinner and drink orders before leaving the table.

  Rainy smiled. “I find it hard to believe we spent the whole day together. We’re acting like we just met.”

  Winston gazed around the festive room. Subdued voices mingled in the background. “I know. The formal clothes, and the candles—” he tilted his head toward the lighted tapers “—make things seem different. But I’m the same guy who was wearing swimming trunks this afternoon.”

  She giggled and relaxed into her chair. “I’m glad we’re having dinner together.”

  “Me, too.”

  The waiter returned minutes later with their food. He placed the dishes on the table and removed the silver covers. “Enjoy your meal.”

  He cleared his throat, looking slightly nervous. “Do you mind if we pray over our meal together?”

  She nodded, pleased by his request. “I’d love to.” She bowed and closed her eyes, listening to his strong voice as he thanked the Lord for the food and for this day of life. He prayed for their safety while on the cruise. He prayed for God to heal Rainy’s aching heart. After saying “Amen” simultaneously, they started their meal.

  The scents of juicy steak and buttery potatoes wafted through the air. The clinking of silverware against china filled the room as the other diners enjoyed their meals. After they had their apple pie and ice cream for dessert, they took a long walk on the deck. Several couples passed, still wearing their formal evening attire. A warm gentle breeze blew over the water.

  Winston leaned against the railing. “You know we’re docking in Cozumel tomorrow.”

  “Yes, I can hardly wait. I’m ready to get off this ship for a day.”

  “Would you mind if we spent the day together?”

  She smiled and touched his muscular arm. He reminded her of a schoolboy asking for his first date. “I wouldn’t mind at all. As a matter of fact, I was kind of looking forward to spending the day together tomorrow.”

  She was rewarded with his huge grin.

  “You know, since both of us live in Miami, I think we’ll be seeing a lot of each other once we dock,” he commented.

  They continued to stroll around the deck as the calm, soothing silence enveloped the beautiful night with tranquility.

  Later that night, as they watched the comedy show, Rainy laughed so hard that tears came to her eyes. After the show, they returned to the upper deck.

  Scents of luscious berries, fruits and desserts wafted around the deck as the crew prepared for the midnight buffet. As the workers carved a mermaid-shaped ice sculpture, Rainy prepared a plate of food and they sat at a table to enjoy their late snack. “I’m going to gain ten pounds by the time this cruise is over.” She patted her full stomach.

  He perused her from head to toe with his hazel eyes. “I don’t think gaining a few pounds will hurt you at all.” She flushed with pleasure. She sometimes worried about her weight and it was nice that Winston liked her appearance.

  Early the following day, she met Winston for another breakfast date. As she slathered butter and syrup over her hotcakes, she caught him staring at her.

  A fluttering ripple of butterflies seemed to move through her stomach. He quickly looked away, focusing on his plate of scrambled eggs and bacon. “What’s the matter?” she asked before taking a bite of sausage.

  “I’m just concerned that I’m monopolizing your time on this cruise. I know you came here to relax and everything and…”

  She shrugged. “And what?”

  “Well, I just hope you don’t mind spending so much time with me. We barely know each other.” He gazed at the other passengers enjoying their breakfasts. “This ship is full of people and I don’t even think you’ve had the opportunity to mingle with the other guests.”

  I can’t believe he seems to be on the verge of apologizing for spending time with me. A horrifying thought entered her mind. What if he’s only spending time with me because he feels sorry for me? What if he wants to be rid of me for the rest of the cruise so that he can meet other women?

  She sliced her fork through the stack of pancakes, but she’d lost her appetite. “Look, if you’re having second thoughts about spending the day together—”

  “No,” he said quickly, “it’s not that. I just don’t want to make you feel like I’m pushing myself on you. If you get tired of my company then you’ll need to say something, because…” He glanced toward the windows before looking at her again. “Because, I haven’t had such a good time in ages. I’m glad I met you, and I enjoy your company.”

  Mentally sighing with relief, she gazed into his hazel eyes. “I’m glad we met, too. I’m looking forward to seeing Cozumel today.”

  After enjoying their meal, they boarded the small boat with other passengers for the short ride to Cozumel. The crewman announced the last boat returning to the cruise ship would leave at midnight.

  They strolled the crowded port area, gazing into store windows. Natives walked the streets, speaking only Spanish. Rainy gazed at her surroundings in wonderment, knowing it would be impossible to see everything in one day.

  She admired Winston’s strong legs as she walked beside him. “I’m going to need to get a few things for some people at home,” he said.

  “Me, too. Why don’t we go shopping first?” After they visited several stores, she checked her watch. “We’ve only been gone for a few hours, and I already feel beat.” She clutched her bags of gifts as they continued to wander the streets. She pulled her gift list from her tote bag. Every name was crossed out except for one. Winston’s name was the last one on the list. She crumpled the paper and when they passed a trash can, she threw it away. I don’t want him to know I’m buying him a birthday card!

  He entered a sandwich shop. “I’ll get a few cold drinks.”

  “Okay, I’ll be in there in a minute. I still have a thing or two to buy.”

  He chuckled as he entered the shop. “You’ve already purchased enough gifts for half the city of Miami.”

  She left him for a few moments and found a secluded gift shop. She found a pile of greeting cards and she flipped through them. A card with a striking picture of the ocean caught her eye. After reading the greeting, she decided it was perfect for Winston. The words were warm and simple and she was sure he would like it. After purchasing the card, she signed it and carefully placed it into her purse.

  After she joined Winston in the sandwich shop, they decided to spend the rest of the day on the beach. They found a local man to transport them to the best swimming location. He recommended a shallow beach where they could play with the colorful fish.
The local welcomed them into his car. The engine sputtered several times before it finally started.

  Minutes later, they were transported to the most exquisite beach Rainy had ever seen. She removed her T-shirt and shorts and stepped into the gentle cool royal-blue water. The fish swam around her legs, and she opened a bag of stale bread she’d purchased from the shop and fed the small critters.

  As the day progressed, she watched Winston slice through the water like an expert. A few times, she noticed his frown as he looked to the horizon.

  Too soon, their romantic day was over. She closed her eyes as they took the boat back to the ship. She could barely lift her legs as she climbed the ladder onto the large boat. She noticed it was seven o’clock. “Dinner is casual tonight.”

  He touched her arm as he walked her to the cabin. “I’m glad about that. I don’t have the energy to put on a tux tonight.”

  When she returned to her room, she took a long hot shower, hoping the water would soothe her aching muscles.

  Winston’s hard knock announced his arrival. “Hey, beautiful,” he greeted. As they strolled to the dining room, they saw that the place was cluttered with passengers. The buffet was almost empty, and harried crewmen bustled from the kitchen with steaming trays to replenish the food supply. The noise level reached a deafening pitch, and Rainy wondered how they would communicate during dinner.

  A server approached, leading them farther into the room. “We only have one dinner seating tonight instead of two. Just sit wherever you can. I’ll be around to get your drink orders later.”

  They walked through the crowded dining area until Winston spotted a couple leaving a table. They plopped into the chairs. Another couple occupied the remaining two seats. After they got their food and said a quick prayer, they attempted to enjoy their meal. She struggled to stay awake as she ate her crab cakes and salad. She declined dessert, and Winston suggested strolling on the deck before heading back to their cabins.

  Rainy sighed as they walked outside. She leaned on the railing and stared at the dark sky. The moon was an ivory circle amid the blackness. Clouds floated by, enshrouding the moon with their shadows.

  “Isn’t it pretty?” she asked, tilting her head toward the sky.

  “It’s a perfect night. A wonderful end to a perfect day.” As he escorted her back to her cabin, she yawned.

  “Tired?”

  “Yes. I know I’m going to sleep good tonight.” When they arrived at her cabin, he caressed her cheek. Rays of warmth and passion clouded her fatigued brain, and she was reminded of the dangers of being alone with a man. She swallowed as she gazed into his hazel eyes.

  “You have circles under your eyes. You need to get to sleep.” He crowned her with a warm smile. “Good night.”

  She paused. “Good night.” She watched him until he was no longer in sight. She closed the door and walked to her dresser. The boat gently swayed as she touched her cheek. She tried to remember the last time she’d been so happy. As she dressed in her pajamas, a frightening thought entered her mind. The last time I was this happy was when I started dating Jordan.

  He’d romanced her like an expert. He took her to expensive restaurants. He showered her with expensive gifts and roses. He made her feel like a queen. However, that special feeling was burned to ashes. She still had his engagement ring in her jewelry box. She didn’t even know the proper protocol about such things. Was she supposed to return the ring since she was no longer getting married? Jordan had not asked for the ring back, so she didn’t know what to do with it.

  Her fatigue lifted for a few moments as her anxiety returned. She wrote her confusing thoughts in her journal. She was concerned about her budding feelings for Winston Michaels. She was still upset about Jordan’s betrayal. When she was finished with her journal entry, she lay on her bed.

  She prayed to the Lord with her whole heart. She prayed for guidance in her friendship with Winston. She prayed for her memories of Jordan to disappear. She also prayed for the safety of her friends and family. She whispered “Amen” before she fell asleep.

  The next day when Rainy awakened, she opened her curtain and gazed at the ocean view through her window. Rays of platinum sunlight filled her room with warmth. She still wasn’t sure if Winston was the right man for her. She paced and considered her situation, running her fingers through her hair. She plopped into a seat as she made a decision. I think I need to stay away from Winston for a few days. The last thing I need to do is to get deeply involved with him, only to have him hurt me the way Jordan did.

  She lifted the receiver and dialed a number. “Room service? I’d like to order French toast with maple syrup and a double order of coffee.”

  She replaced the receiver, still agitated. Maybe the coffee would clear the cobwebs from her brain. She barely tasted the meal, she was so preoccupied with her thoughts about Jordan and Winston. When she was finished, she changed into her bathing suit and packed her beach bag with her reading material.

  She locked her cabin and walked the ship until she found a secluded lounge chair on the lower level. She lay down and closed her eyes as visions of Winston Michaels swam through her head. Heavy footsteps pounded on the gangplank, shaking her chair.

  “Hi, beautiful.” His gentle tone caressed her ears. Her eyes fluttered open and she surveyed Winston from head to toe. He sported a pair of pale blue swimming trunks and a beige T-shirt emblazoned with “Cozumel” in black letters.

  She blinked, trying to clear her foggy brain. “Are you going to the pool?” she asked as she started to smile, before recalling the decision she made earlier. She quickly looked away.

  Winston scratched his head, baffled. Rainy Jackson was a woman of mystery. If he didn’t know better, he would have thought she wasn’t happy to see him. “What’s wrong?” He sat in an empty chair.

  “Nothing,” she spat, toying with the book in her lap. “I just really need to be alone today.”

  He hesitated, running his hand over his face. “Oh, okay.” He stood and continued to stare at her tight-lipped expression. “Bye.” He stomped away so fast he almost fell on the wooden deck.

  Minutes later, he dove into the swimming pool. He pumped his arms through the water, swimming as hard as he could. He pushed himself until his arms were aching for rest. He tried to erase everything from his mind as he drove his body to exhaustion. I can’t do this anymore!

  He stopped and climbed the steel ladder out of the pool. He gasped huge gulps of air as he grabbed a towel and hobbled to a lawn chair. Once his breathing returned to normal, he toweled the water from his body. The scorching sun matched his hot, angry mood. He signaled a waiter and ordered a large glass of water and a glass of iced tea. He gulped both beverages and ordered two more.

  A feminine voice tinkled in the hot humid air. “I’m surprised to find you here alone.” His gaze traveled over the shapely cocoa-brown woman as she sat in the vacant chair beside him. Her black-and-white striped bikini hugged her physique like a second skin. She smiled and fluttered her lashes, her large dark eyes probing into his.

  “I’m Carol.” She presented her hand, showing long, red, talon-like nails.

  He accepted her hand. “I’m Winston.”

  “Winston. That sounds like a nice strong name.” She continued to stare. “And you look like a nice strong man.” She pulled some sunblock out of her large bag. “I saw you swimming all those laps in the pool. You swam like Satan himself was after your soul. I just love it when a man is fast at doing physical things.” She popped the top on her lotion and poured a generous amount into her palm. “So tell me, where’s your girlfriend this morning? I was starting to think you two were joined at the hip.”

  “Excuse me?”

  She giggled as she slowly rubbed lotion over her flat abdomen. “You know, the woman you’ve been with over the past few days. I’ve been dying to introduce myself, but she’s always with you. I haven’t had a chance to speak with you until now. She’s not coming anytime soon, is she?” She
stopped rubbing the lotion as she gazed around the deck, her dark eyes full of anxiety.

  “It was nice meeting you, Carol, but I really need to get going.” Carol’s silence was rewarding as he took his exit.

  Rainy pushed her book aside. “Oh, what have I done?” Winston’s hazel eyes had flickered with pain when she made her announcement. A cold knot of guilt settled into her chest, and she was anxious to remove the burden. Her hand flew to her mouth as tears coursed a smooth path down her cheeks.

  Lord, help me with this pain. When her breathing calmed, she signaled a waiter for a glass of ice water and napkins. He placed the large frosty glass on the table. She drank the water and pulled several napkins from the holder. She blew her nose. “I need to find Winston,” she mumbled as she stood.

  She hurried to his favorite swimming pool, gasping when she witnessed a beautiful woman chatting with him. Rainy strutted away so fast, she barely noticed the passengers in her path. She returned to her secluded hiding place and reclined on the white deck chair. As she closed her eyes, the ocean breeze whispered over the ship and she relaxed. Shadows of sadness filled her mind as she drifted away into blessed sleep.

  Chapter Four

  As Winston abandoned Carol, he walked on every level of the ship, carefully avoiding Rainy’s secluded hiding place. He finally found a secluded spot of his own. The nursery overflowed with energetic children. Several blocked his path as they invited him to a game of hide-and-seek. He plodded through the nursery and entered the empty discotheque. A lone waiter stood behind the counter. “We’re not open yet.”

  He waved the comment away. “I just want to sit for a minute.” I know Rainy wouldn’t dare come into this place. The floor was streaked with dark marks and dirty cups, and glasses littered the tables. He sank in a vinyl chair and dropped his head in his hands, closing his eyes. The boat swayed as they made their way to their next destination.