by Anthology
“Ladies and gentlemen, speaking for Sunset Cruise Lines, I want to thank you all for your dedication in making The Horizon the best cruise ship on the Caribbean Seas.”
Applause filled the lounge, bringing me back to the reason we were here. I rose onto the stage and shook Captain Stefan’s hand before turning my focus back to my team.
“Grazie, Captain Stefan.” Slipping back into my native tongue, I said, “Domani sarà un grande giorno.” While my eyes scanned the room, some understood what I said, but most smiled, waiting for the translation. “Tomorrow will be a great day. Today is yours to enjoy. Please take the rest of the day to yourselves. Be good, do not get arrested, and come back ready to get down to business tomorrow.”
Everyone laughed, although I was completely serious. Giving them the night off in Fort Lauderdale could be trouble. Especially when they all knew their next day off was possibly weeks away.
As the noise rose in the lounge, I moved offstage to gather my things. Ricky remained seated with Rebecca, chatting as if they were having their own separate staff meeting. “Buonanotte,” I said before walking away.
“What do you mean, good night?” Ricky called out. “Aren’t you coming with us to the Sandbar on Ocean? There’s a bunch of us going. It’s karaoke night.”
“Thank you, but I have lots still to do.”
“Come on, boss. We need to do a good luck shot.”
“Another time. But, I’ll hold you responsible for getting my people back safely, Burrows,” I said while waggling my finger at him. A quick glance at Rebecca’s smiling face almost had me changing my mind. Before I made a stupid mistake, I walked away as fast as I could.
Chapter Three - Rebecca
IT’S AMAZING WHAT a tiny bit of hope could accomplish in an otherwise hopeless existence. From the moment I walked into Sunset Cruise Lines for my interview, I haven’t been able to wipe the smile off my face. To celebrate my new job, I checked in to a very fancy hotel for one night and pampered myself with room service, a private massage, and some new clothes. Most of the time I would be wearing the Sunset Cruise Lines uniform of a white polo shirt and khaki shorts. I still needed some formal wear for Captain’s Night, and new bathing suits were also a must. I charged it all and said fuck it…I deserved every thing I bought.
I also deserved to be happy. For the first time in a long time, I was really, really happy. While soaking in a luxurious bubble bath, I called my parents to let them know I wouldn’t be coming home. Well, that didn’t go well, and I didn’t expect it to. I did warn my family, but I guess they were all in denial. My friends all congratulated me before threatening to come see me on the ship. They promised all hell would break loose if they did, and I believed them.
On my first day, I got to the port embarrassingly early. Pathetically, I sat at the cruise terminal with all my possessions while anxiously waiting to get on that gorgeous ship. I took advantage of the time and studied the history of Sunset Cruise Lines on my iPad. I wanted to know everything about my new employers and vowed I would do everything possible to excel in my new career. A few weeks prior, this career path wasn’t on my radar. Such was life, always turning and spinning in a new direction without warning. The adventurer in me saw an open sea of opportunities just waiting for me to master.
I could only foresee one obstacle on my smooth waters: Mr. Marco Puglia. While on the subject of surprises, the kind of men who would typically catch my eye were usually blond, blue-eyed, athletic types. Who could have predicted a tall, dark Italian would pique my interest? There in itself was the problem. My new boss shouldn’t be piquing my interest or any other part of me.
But fuck, that man was fine…every damn inch of him. I’d never experienced a flutter from just having a man smiling at me. Whenever Marco let his guard down, there’d be a devilish gleam in his eyes, an adorable mischievousness. I’d only witnessed it twice so far, but each time, an unfamiliar surge of heat raced through me. I could only compare it to downing a shot of strong liquor and feeling the liquid warm you inch by inch. His aura made me drunk. I surmised that Marco Puglia was probably as dangerous as pure grain alcohol would be to my senses.
“Whatcha reading?”
“Oh my God.” I jumped at the intrusion into my less than professional thoughts. A blush I couldn’t help had Ricky raising a brow questioningly. He peeked over my shoulder and said, “I see Sunset Cruise Lines’ corporate website on your iPad, but from the look on your face I’d think you were reading a smutty romance.”
I shoved him playfully. “Shut up. You just scared me. Why are you here so early?”
“I always get here early. I get a ton done before Marco shows up to cause chaos.” He motioned toward the empty terminal. “But why the hell are you here before the dolphins?”
“I’m so excited that I couldn’t sleep. I can’t wait to get started.”
“I hope you feel the same way when we return to port next Saturday. Marco can be a tyrant when he’s given a challenge.”
“Challenge? As in me?”
Ricky took the seat beside me, nodding like he held the key to Pandora’s box. “Yes, a challenge. Marco thrives on the success of his direct reports. He feels it’s a positive reflection of his skills. But, he especially thrives on mentoring a neo.”
“A neo?”
“Yes, you’re a neo. A novice, a learner, a neophyte.”
His admission caused me to laugh. “So, I’m a science project?”
Ricky shrugged indifferently. “It’s not an insult. The world is split between those who live on land and those who live on the sea. We all know living on land is easy. It takes a strong person to live on the sea. We also know that we are outnumbered. If a neo joins our staff and becomes part of the Sunset family, then it’s world domination, one neo at a time.”
“Ha-ha-ha. That’s hilarious.”
“Ah, you laugh, but it’s no laughing matter. We can usually tell one sailing in whether a neo will make the cut.”
I met Ricky’s eyes with an amused smile. “Why, Mr. Burrows, do you think I’m not up for the challenge?”
He crossed his arms, meeting my smile with a conspiratorial smirk. “Nope, just the opposite. Rebecca, I can’t help but wonder if I’m looking at our first female captain.”
“That’s Captain Stanton to you.”
Ricky stood and saluted me with a flick of his wrist. “Yes, sir.”
***
SCHEDULING, STAFF MEETINGS, training in emergency procedures, safety, security, and first aid had me running frantic my first few days on the job. Throw in show rehearsals and getting to know the ship from stem to stern and that barely left enough time to eat, sleep, and pee. My job responsibilities included running a staff of seven. I didn’t consider them employees, just fellow coworkers. When managing some of the other counselors at summer camp, I always used the same approach. We were a team. I needed them more than they needed me. It seemed to get me off on the right foot with my staff. There was just one of the seven who seemed a bit standoffish with me. Her name was Dina, and she wasn’t as friendly as the others. I wondered if I stole her job and that was why she had an attitude. My game plan was to kill her with kindness…and watch her closely.
By the time Marco pulled us all together for our last staff meeting before setting sail, I was exhausted. I understood what Ricky meant regarding hacking it. Hell, I was determined to hack it no matter what, but it was definitely hard work. The crew consisting of the wait staff, maintenance, even mechanics had it even harder. There were some already rumbling about jumping ship, and we hadn’t even left yet.
Apparently, I was the only direct report that Marco hired. He inherited the rest of his staff. I not only felt special but nervous as well. Paper credentials didn’t impress him, only real people with easy, fun, and genuine personalities did. That worked well for me since I didn’t have any paper credentials. It was such a refreshing approach to employment. The woman who was originally hired as the entertainment staff coordinator had had
a family emergency and needed to leave Sunset Cruise Lines. Enter me. Of Marco’s staff, I was also the only neo. Contrary to what Ricky told me, Marco has not spent much time on his current science project. He left most of my training to Ricky. I know he was busy getting himself ready for sail date, but I couldn’t help but to take it personally.
During his last staff meeting, he barely looked my way. When Ricky invited him out to celebrate with us, he practically ran out of the lounge. The confidence I felt all week quickly evaporated. There must be a reason he wasn’t happy with me. I needed to know before paranoia ate me alive.
“You’ll love this place,” Ricky said in the cab we shared. “We always try to hit the Sandbar every time we’re in port. It’s the place to be if you love karaoke.” He chattered on and on about the staff and who was into whom. I listened halfheartedly, smiling and nodding every so often.
Once we got to the karaoke bar and had a few drinks, I built up the courage to ask, “Ricky, is Marco upset with me?”
“What the hell are you talking about?” he asked before motioning the waitress over to our table. “He’s thrilled with how fast you’re learning. He loved your idea of the sexy mom contest, and he agrees we need a contest for the teenagers. They’re always forgotten.”
For a few seconds, he was distracted with ordering more drinks, but once the waitress walked away, he turned toward me with a scowl. “So, what the hell are you talking about?”
“No reason.”
“Cut the shit, Stanton. Spill.”
With a sigh, I admitted, “Well, I know you said Marco takes training a neo personally and wants nothing more than to make them a success. Yet, he hasn’t spoken more than a few words to me, and most of them consisted of ‘Hi’ and ‘Bye.’ So, I worry that he isn’t happy with my performance so far.”
Ricky’s eyes flitted around, as if he was deep in thought and forgot I was there. When he looked back at my face, he took my hand and said, “You did amazing this week, honey. It’s the new job. He’s very stressed and nervous. Nerves are new to Marco. Don’t take it personally.”
My gut told me to listen to Ricky. I’d worked my ass off this week. Marco was probably nervous, and it had nothing to do with my performance.
Unless…
A thought suddenly hit me, making me wonder if Mr. Puglia liked me. He may not have interacted with me much this past week, but I sure caught him staring plenty of times. He also tended to slip back into Italian when he was around me. The realization sent both a chill and a thrill through me.
“Stop worrying,” Ricky said, mistaking my silence for lack of confidence.
“I’ll try,” I lied to my new friend. “Promise me if it’s something I’m doing wrong, you’ll tell me?”
“If it’s something you’re doing wrong, I promise to make him tell you. Okay?”
“Okay.”
“Now, can we do karaoke?”
“Yes.”
“Yay! What song?” he asked, dragging me over to the book of song choices that sat on a table near the stage.
“Anything you want.”
“Oh yay. I choose ‘Hold On’ by Wilson Phillips. I flove that song, and with our voices, we’re going to sound ah-may-zing!”
I was developing a true fondness for Ricky. He made me laugh, he encouraged me often, and he had a soft spot for me that was endearing. The fact he was Marco’s assistant was a tiny blessing in disguise. If anyone could find out what Marco’s deal was, it was Ricky. Maybe with time, Ricky could become my mole into Marco Puglia’s thoughts.
Chapter Four - Marco
RICKY WAS WAITING for me in my office, espresso in hand. He was quick to fill me in on his fun night out and very forthcoming with information pertaining to Rebecca. I’d avoided her all week, mostly to stay focused on my job. It didn’t work because, when I saw her, she stopped mi cuore...heart. Through Ricky, I learned that Rebecca took my avoidance as disapproval in her job. That couldn’t be further from the truth. She was doing fantastico. During her first week in training, I learned she could sing like an angel. The way she moved when she danced made my pants feel snug. She was funny, kind, smart. Perfect in every part of her job.
After my early morning chat with Ricky, in spite of all the work I had to get done, she was always on my mind. I should have been thinking of departing. Instead, I thought of her. Even as the morning flew by with last-minute details that needed to be checked and last-minute fires that needed to be put out, she was on my mind. Rebecca was quick to volunteer whenever a problem arose and was quick to get it solved before moving on to the next issue.
Just before sailing, I pulled my staff together for a quick pep talk. Once done, I asked Rebecca to stay behind for a few minutes. Her wide eyes betrayed her thoughts. She truly must have felt that I was disappointed in her.
“Rebecca, please sit.”
She sat delicately on one of the chairs in my office and crossed her legs while waiting eagerly for me to speak. Her khaki shorts and white polo fit her perfectly. Her hair was pulled back and displayed her smooth neck. I could smell her perfume from where I sat. Without realizing it, I skimmed her toned, tanned legs with my eyes before quickly looking elsewhere. Nervously, I cleared my throat and said, “I want to say thank you.”
“What for?”
“For joining our famiglia. You did such a fantastico job this week. I was very impressed.”
“Ricky said something, didn’t he?” she asked, and her cheeks became red with embarrassment.
“He did, and I’m happy that he did. I am very satisfied with your work.”
“Thank you so much. I really appreciate you telling me. I was worried that I wasn’t pulling my weight.”
“No need to worry. You were…” She uncrossed and then recrossed her legs, and my mind blanked of all thoughts. The more the awkward silence stretched between us, the more I couldn’t remember the words I wanted to say. Merda, I couldn’t think straight in front of this woman. “Um…you were…great,” I mumbled pathetically.
She smiled shyly. “Well, thank you. If there is anything you feel I can improve on, please let me know. I take criticism well, and I’m a quick learner.”
Our eyes met and my palms started to sweat. “Okay, um…I guess that’s it. You can go now.”
You can go now? Marco Puglia, sei uno idiota, I said to myself as she fled my office. Calling myself an idiot was too kind. I acted like un asino...donkey…no—jackass.
Ricky barged into my office and into my thoughts. “Everything okay?” he asked with a smirk.
“Sì, why do you ask?”
“Just making sure.” He fought to keep a straight face, and I wanted to hit him. He was on to me. I could tell by the way he was acting.
“Is there a reason you are here bothering me when I have so much to do?”
“Yep. I’m here to remind you the captain wanted to see you.”
“Fanculo!” I cursed, grabbed my clipboard, and ran out of my office while leaving a laughing Ricky behind.
***
ONCE AGAIN, I AVOIDED Ms. Stanton for the rest of the day, until show time when I couldn’t avoid her any longer.
Our house band played calypso music as the ship’s horns blasted into the atmosphere. I loved this part. Sailing away was a huge celebration disguised as one big pool party. The passengers filled every inch of space on the pool deck. Bambini already anxious to start their own vacations ran around, frolicking in the pools. Serious sunbathers occupied every chaise lounge on the sun deck above, eager to start their savage tans. The bar was crowded with customers wanting to enhance their good time with a frozen drink. This was what it was all about.
I watched from behind the two-way mirror that separated the pool area from the storage room that also served as a backstage area. Behind me, my entertainment staff stood in a circle, excited for their debut.
I turned toward them and asked, “Sei pronto?”
“We’re ready!” They nodded enthusiastically, and those who knew my
routine quickly offered their hands toward the center of our circle. The newer kids followed their lead, and Rebecca was the last to mimic.
Our hands piled on top of each other as I said, “Dio, please give us strength to serve these fine people exceptionally well, please protect us on our journey, and please gift us with smooth waters during our travels.”
“Amen!” they yelled, clapped and hooted.
“Eccellente. Let’s do this!”
I left them to step out onto the small stage that sat at one end of the pool deck.
Microphone in hand, I said, “Who’s ready to party?”
The passengers went crazy, anxious to officially start their vacations.
“Welcome to The Horizon! I am your cruise director, Marco Puglia, and it is my absolute pleasure to be with you on the newest marvel of the seas. Thank you for putting your trust in Sunset Cruise Lines, and with us here on The Horizon. We are committed to providing you with everything you need for a glorious vacation. Our first activity here today will set the tone for the next seven days. Before we begin to overdose on fun, I’d like to introduce my awesome staff.”
One by one, I announced the members that made up our energetic entertainment crew. As I did, they each added a personal flair to their greeting. I worked with a bunch of hams, and I loved it. The applause from the passengers that crowded the pool deck was thrilling to hear. I’ve heard it many times over my career on the seas, but this time was by far the most exciting. The Horizon was my ship, my city on water, and I loved every piece of it.
Once the staff was properly introduced, I said, “Have you ever seen a bigger display of overacting in your life?”
My question prompted Warren to do a series of front flips across the bridge that separated the two pools. Leslie, Hirrod, Dina, and Madia broke into the electric slide. The rest of them skipped along the crowd, prompting them to clap and cheer.
“Are you all done?”