First Mates (3 page)

Rainy eagerly selected another sugar cookie and sipped her coffee. She brushed the crumbs from her fingers and continued to grin. When they were finished with their snack, they returned to the pool. She dozed while Winston swam laps. When he was finished swimming, he grabbed a towel and headed toward her.

He wiped drops of moisture from his torso and arms as he walked to the rail. Two female Hispanic teenagers stood at an ashtray, smoking cigarettes. They gasped when he approached, and they scanned the deck as they hurriedly doused their cigarettes. They giggled as they raced to the pool and jumped into the water.

The rippling ocean sparkled beneath the bright sunlight. The view was so breathtaking, he was amazed and thankful that God created such beauty on this earth. He took a deep breath and grasped the railing.

Rainy stirred in her slumber. She opened her eyes and his heart pumped a steady rhythm as her gaze settled upon him. He strolled to her chair and touched her face. A thoughtful smile curled her shapely lips, and he wondered what she was thinking. “Did you have a good nap?” he asked.

She nodded. “How was your swim?”

“It was great. You know, we had such a good time at
dinner last night that I was wondering if I could enjoy your company tonight, too.”

“I'd love to have dinner with you tonight.” He touched her shoulder.

“Thanks,” he whispered.

R
ainy rushed to her cabin late that afternoon. She opened her closet and scanned every dress before removing a few selections. The sapphire-blue dress would bring out the brown color in her skin. The silk taffeta was simple but striking. The cranberry dress looked good also. While chewing her lower lip, she finally made her selection.

Choosing the taffeta, she entered her bathroom and gazed at her reflection in the mirror. Piling her hair on top of her head, she wondered if she should sport a more sophisticated look for her dinner date. So many choices!

While showering, she thought about her day. This cruise was going to be so much fun! Sarah and Rachel had really done her a favor by forcing her onto this ship.

After drying herself with a white fluffy towel, she dressed for dinner. Upon opening her jewelry box, the
first item discovered was Jordan's necklace. Her fingers touched the expensive freshwater pearls.

Would Jordan want her back? The sound of his voice as he called her from England, ending their engagement, scattered through her mind like unwanted weeds in a garden.
I can't believe he actually found another woman in a foreign country! He said he didn't want me, so do I even want him back?
She shook her head, dispelling further thoughts of Jordan. They weren't going to reconcile, and that was final. She replaced the necklace and slammed the lid of her box. The sound echoed in the small room. The only jewelry she would wear was a pair of earrings.

She forced herself to think of Winston as she placed the studs in her ears. Gazing at her reflection in the mirror, she sprayed her favorite jasmine perfume over her chest and arms before she finished dressing. The wonderful floral scent tingled her nose.

While pacing her room she glanced at the clock, finally sitting on the bed and continuing to wait. A hard insistent knock vibrated through the room. Seconds later she opened the door and gazed at Winston Michaels. His dark tuxedo accented his broad shoulders and trim waist. His silk shirt was a splash of ivory decorating his chest. Waves of nostalgia washed over her as she recalled her first high school party.

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 be
fore 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.