You and I

by Jacquelin Thomas

  “I guess you need glasses then,” Jillian retorted. “That man over there is fine.”

  Laughing, Cherise agreed.

  Jillian’s husband walked up and grabbed her by the hand. “Let’s test out the water.” They left.

  “You have a huge family,” Steven said, when Ivy disappeared with her daughters in tow.

  “You have no idea. The others haven’t come down yet,” Cherise responded with a chuckle. “It’s a bunch of us.”

  His eyes widened in surprise. “It’s a family reunion?”

  She nodded. “In a way. It’s just mostly the siblings and cousins that go on the cruise. We leave the elders at home, but then they go on their own cruise as well. This year, they are sailing to Mexico in October.”

  “That’s pretty cool,” he said.

  “Elle has five—no—six brothers and four sisters. I have three brothers and one sister. She and Julian, my brother that’s here on the ship, are twins. He’s the only one who came this time.”

  “Wow,” Steven murmured. “I always wanted siblings. I’m an only child.”

  Cherise smiled. “There were times when I wanted to be the only child in the family.”

  He laughed. “Well, it looks like you all are pretty close.”

  “We are,” Cherise confirmed.

  “Steven, why don’t you join us?” Brennen asked, when he climbed out of the pool. “We have dinner reservations at Torino’s.”

  “I’d love to,” he answered.

  Cherise rose to her feet. “I think I’m going to check out this pool. How about you?”

  Steven shaded his eyes with his hand. “Is that an invitation?”

  “Sure,” she responded.

  Elle and Jillian watched in amusement as Cherise strolled toward them with Steven. They paused at the pool and Cherise stepped in, wading toward the middle.

  He did a surface dive and sank into the water near her.

  Cherise felt the water shift as he dove in. She pushed wet hair out of her eyes and moved away as he playfully splashed water in her direction.

  “Two can play at this game, mister.” She burst into laughter.

  After frolicking in the water with Cherise as if they were children, Steven climbed out to get something for them to drink.

  “Looks like the two of you are getting along well,” Elle whispered in Cherise’s ear.

  “We are,” she whispered back.

  Elle pulled herself out of the water. “I’m going up to check on Briana and take a nap. I’ll see you all at dinner.”

  “Your cousin’s leaving?” Steven asked.

  She nodded. “She wants to go check on her baby.”

  Cherise splashed water on Steven and swam away.

  “Oh, you want to play games, huh?” Steven raced behind her. “Wait until I catch up with you…”

  He left the threat floating on the wind.

  Steven smiled to himself as he watched Cherise frolicking in the pool with her cousins. He still couldn’t get over how many Ransoms were on the ship. He liked that they were all so close.

  As mesmerizing as the ocean surrounding them was, Steven couldn’t take his eyes off of her. He thought of her smooth, deep mahogany complexion, big brown eyes and the way her long hair waved up when wet. She was an extremely beautiful woman. Not thin but not too heavy either, curvy and thick. Just the right size.

  Tapping him on the shoulder, Cherise asked, “What are you thinking about so hard?”

  Steven snapped out of his reverie. Standing waist deep in the water, he confessed, “I was thinking about you, actually.”

  “You just don’t quit, do you?” Laughing, she playfully splashed water at him.

  “I’m serious.”

  Cherise shook her head. “Let’s not get serious about anything. We’re on vacation—let’s enjoy this time together. We should be having fun.”

  Steven thought Cherise looked almost sad when she’d said that, but the expression quickly dissipated. He told himself that it was only his imagination.

  Chapter 3

  Cherise took digital photos of historic St. John’s Cathedral in Valletta, Malta, stepping gently over the engraved marble tombstones covering the cathedral’s floor, marking the final resting places of knights.

  Steven was following behind her, taking pictures with his camera. Every now and then, he would open a sketchbook and start drawing with intensity, absorbed by his vision.

  He was clearly an art lover. Cherise soon discovered that they both shared a love for art history. They toured the Grand Master’s Palace, which served as the office of the president and the seat of the Maltese Parliament.

  “Are you interested in seeing the Auberge de Castille?” Steven asked Cherise. “I read that it’s one of the finest architectural works here in Malta.”

  “Sure, I’d like to check it out,” she responded. “You’re an architect, so you definitely can’t leave Malta without seeing it.”

  “According to the guide, the building houses the office of the Prime Minister.”

  Steven pulled Cherise closer to him as they neared a group of seedy-looking guys standing near an alley. He didn’t release her until they were back with other passengers from the ship.

  When he placed his muscled arms around her, Cherise could only define it as feeling as if she’d come home. She felt safe with him.

  Cherise received a text from Elle and said, “My cousins have had enough of history. They are going to Ta’Qali Handicrafts Village. They want to see the glass-blowing factory.”

  “You’re sure you wouldn’t rather go with them?” Steven asked.

  Cherise planted her hands on her hips. “Are you implying that since I’m a woman, I want to spend my day shopping?”

  He laughed and held up his hands in defense of an attack. “Not at all. I just know that you’re on a family vacation, and I don’t want to keep you from spending time with them.”

  “No, we’re going to the Auberge de Castille,” Cherise stated in a tone that brooked no argument. “They’re planning to spend the rest of afternoon soaking up the sun on the beach. I’ll meet them then.” She was enjoying her time with Steven. She could see her family anytime.

  After touring the Auberge de Castille, they visited a nearby art gallery.

  Cherise and Steven grabbed a bite to eat. After they finished, they strolled along the cobblestone streets toward the port.

  “Malta is absolutely beautiful,” Cherise murmured. “The buildings here are nothing like I’ve seen before.”

  Steven agreed as he finished off his drink. “This is more of an Arabic architecture. You need more than one day to really explore the city. I wish I could see more of the architectural design.”

  “I think I’d like to come back here one day, but not on a cruise.” Cherise checked her watch. “I guess I need to head down to the beach for some family time. What are you getting ready to do?” She silently hoped that he would be willing to join her.

  “I don’t have any plans,” Steven responded. “If I’m not imposing, I’d like to spend the rest of my day with you.”

  She grinned. “I’m so glad you said that. Did you bring a swimsuit?”

  He nodded. “I have one in my backpack. I’m always prepared.”

  Cherise warmed beneath his gaze. Steven seemed almost too perfect, but then she had only known him for a couple of days. She knew that he lived in Los Angeles, too, and wondered briefly if they would stay in touch once they got home. She hoped so.

  Cherise tried not to let the rivulets of water streaming down Steven’s face to his hairy chest distract her from all the beauty around her. He was a very sexy man indeed, she had to admit. When he caught her staring at him, he grinned knowingly.

  Clearing her throat, she turned away.

  “It looks like you two are really clicking,” Elle whispered in her ear.

  “We’re enjoying ourselves, but I have no expectations beyond this cruise. We have a good time together, but it’s not like he wa
nts a relationship.”

  “Are you open to it, if he does?” Elle asked.

  Cherise smiled. “I’ll take it day by day.”

  Elle swam over to her husband while Cherise sought out Steven.

  They got out of the water and sat down on towels.

  Cherise and Steven talked about the new project he was working on and her desire to land the position as a senior counselor at the center.

  “Watching you with your little cousins, I can tell you’re good with young people,” Steven said. “I think what you’re doing is great, Cherise.”

  “I know from experience what they’re going through, so it’s easy for me to relate.” She picked up a handful of sand, relishing the grainy texture as it slid through her fingers.

  Elle and Brennen walked out of the water dripping wet, and joined them twenty minutes later.

  “So what did you buy when you guys went shopping earlier?” Cherise asked Elle.

  “Believe it or not, I didn’t get a thing. Jillian picked up some stuff though. She left one boutique with two bags of shoes.”

  An hour later, Steven stretched and yawned. “I’m tired, so I think I’m going to head on back to the boat and take a nap.” Brushing sand off of his swim trunks, he added, “I’ll see y’all later tonight.”

  Cherise stood up to give Steven a hug. “I’ll see you later.”

  “I’d be careful if I were you,” Ivy muttered as she straightened her hat. “You and Steven have been spending a lot of time together.”

  “He’s a nice guy, Ivy,” Elle interjected. “Let Cherise enjoy herself. You should be doing the same thing. That guy Montel has been trying to get your attention from the moment we stepped on the ship.”

  “Hmph,” Ivy uttered. “He can keep right on trying, but I’m not interested.”

  Picking up her tote, Cherise said, “Ivy, I’m just having fun with a handsome man. I don’t have any illusions about anything. I’m here to have a good time on my vacation. You should try it.”

  Ivy groaned and walked away, shaking her head.

  Elle and Cherise laughed.

  It was time for them to head back to the boat, so they gathered up towels, totes and children.

  Inside the ship, Cherise followed Ivy into the suite. She sank down on the edge of the king-size bed. “I am so tired.”

  Ivy dropped down beside her. “Cherise, I’m really glad you and Steven are spending time together. He seems like a real nice guy. I just say the things I do so that I can keep my family from trying to set me up with a guy.”

  “Steven and I have a good time together and I enjoy his company.” Cherise strolled into the bathroom and jumped into the shower.

  Afterward, she climbed into bed and fell asleep as soon as her head hit the fluffy pillow. Cherise slept until Ivy woke her up an hour later. She and the girls were already dressed for dinner.

  Later, Ivy stuck the last hairpin in Cherise’s upswept hairstyle. “You look gorgeous,” she told Cherise. “When Steven sees you tonight, I’m not sure you’ll be able to get rid of the man.”

  Laughing, Cherise turned away from the mirror to face Ivy. “I don’t know about all that.” Deep down, she hoped her cousin was right, but she didn’t want to get her hopes up.

  “Just wait until he sees you.”

  Cherise stood up and took off her robe. Reaching for the magenta dress she was going to wear to dinner, she added, “Ivy, I have a confession to make. The truth is that I really like him. Steven and I seem to really click. I can’t explain it, but we have so much in common.”

  “Steven seems like one heck of a catch,” Ivy said. “And from what I’ve heard about him, it sounds like he’s definitely husband material.”

  As she zipped up her dress, Cherise broke into a smile. “You need to follow your own advice, Ivy. Have you even said more than two words to Montel?”

  “I’m not interested in him. There is only one man I’d like to spend time with right now and he’s not on this boat.” Ivy headed to the mirror to inspect her appearance. “Montel is nice, but he comes with a lot of drama.”

  Cherise folded her arms across her chest and asked, “So what’s up with him?” She watched Ivy apply her makeup like a pro.

  Without missing a beat, she replied, “Oh, he has seven children by five different women for starters.”

  Ivy applied her lipstick, and her look was completed.

  “Oh, yeah, that’s straight crazy,” Cherise said. “You definitely don’t need that. As for Steven, I’m just going to see what happens, Ivy. I’m taking it one day at a time.” Cherise powdered her face and applied a clear gloss to her lips.

  She stole a peek at the clock. It was almost time to head downstairs.

  Some of their relatives were waiting in the lobby when they stepped off the elevator. Cherise spotted Steven among them.

  “You ladies look beautiful,” he said.

  “Thank you,” Ivy and Cherise chorused.

  Steven placed Cherise’s hand on his arm and led her into the dining room. Speaking low enough for her ears only, he said, “Cherise, you are truly a sight. Your dress looks like it was inspired by the South Seas.”

  Cherise smiled. “Thank you,” she murmured softly. She had never met a man who was able to find beauty in almost everything. Even me, she mused silently, and the thought pleased her immensely.

  Cherise woke up early and headed straight to the gym. She was surprised to see Steven already there working out.

  “I didn’t know you’d be here this morning,” she told him.

  “This is how I usually start my day,” Steven responded. “I figured I’d do the same while on vacation.”

  She nodded in agreement. This was something else they had in common. Cherise made a point of going to the gym at least three times a week.

  Cherise got on the treadmill beside him. “Don’t be offended, but I don’t usually talk when I’m working out.”

  Steven smiled, then stuck a set of earphones in his ears.

  She did the same.

  Once Cherise was in her zone, Steven ceased to exist while she focused on her workout. She was determined to maintain her weight while on the cruise, although all the wonderful food didn’t make it easy.

  The ship was slowing down as it pulled into port. They had arrived in Tunis, Tunisia. Cherise finished her workout and then went through a series of stretching exercises.

  Steven joined her as she was finishing up.

  On the way back to their suites, Steven said, “Brennen invited me to join you all today. I hope you don’t mind. I don’t want you to think that I’m trying to monopolize your time.”

  Cherise smiled. “No, it’s fine, Steven. I enjoy your company and would’ve asked you myself.”

  They made plans to meet in thirty minutes.

  Ivy had just walked out of her bedroom when Cherise entered the suite. “We need to make sure we dress modestly to respect the traditions of this country,” she told her.

  Cherise nodded. “There’s so much history here in Tunisia. I know we’re not going to be able see everything, but I definitely want to visit the ruins of Carthage.”

  After a quick shower, Cherise selected a modest maxi dress with a thin shawl to drape around her head and shoulders. She slipped on a comfortable pair of sandals and stuck a pair of sneakers into her oversized tote.

  They met everyone in the lobby area of the ship.

  Cherise couldn’t stop smiling when she spotted Steven. Cherise knew the truth. She was falling in love with Steven.

  The passengers traveled from the ship via coach to the Tunis city center, but Steven’s first glimpse of Tunisia was one of sun-kissed beaches and deep blue seas. It was paradise.

  As they strolled the streets of Ville Nouvelle, Steven found himself sketching pictures of Cherise surrounded by French architecture, sidewalk cafés and patisseries.

  They wandered through the colorful medina and souks, savoring the sights, sounds and smells enveloping them. He found that
Cherise wasn’t afraid to try new cultural delicacies and was an avid explorer, preferring to take in the historic attractions instead of shopping.

  “What are you drawing now?” she asked, walking over to where he was sitting.

  He showed her his artwork.

  “Is this really how you see me?” Cherise wanted to know.

  “It is.”

  She smiled. “You’re very talented, Steven, and you have an incredible eye for beauty. I’m sure that pastor is going to love the ideas you have for the new church. I also like what you came up with for the new shopping center.”

  All of a sudden he reached over, pulling her into his arms and out of the street. A man on a bicycle came to a crashing halt, falling. Steven went over to check on him.

  If he hadn’t pulled her out of the way, the man would’ve hit her. Cherise could tell that something was wrong with the back wheel of the bicycle. When Steven walked over to her, she inquired, “Is he okay?”

  “He’s got some cuts and scrapes, but he’ll be okay. How about you? I didn’t mean to just grab you like that.”

  “It’s fine,” she told him.

  Her smile always made his heart perform a tiny flip. Steven found himself losing control of his emotions bit by bit. He wasn’t able to put a name to what he was feeling, but it was something he hadn’t experienced before in his life.

  After four hours of sightseeing, Cherise and Steven returned to the boat to rest up before meeting the others for dinner.

  Cherise and Ivy settled down in the living room to talk.

  “I’m so glad I came on this cruise,” she stated.

  Ivy smiled. “Me, too. I’m actually having a good time, even though you abandoned me for Steven.”

  Cherise laughed. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s fine,” Ivy responded with a slight wave of her hand. “The girls and I have spent some quality time as a family.”

  “Have you heard any more from Charles?”

  “He sent me an email. He’s upset because I didn’t tell him that we were going on a cruise.” Her mouth turned downward. “Like I need to clear my schedule with him.”