Chapter Four
Day 4: Tuesday
Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands
59 Nautical Miles from San Juan, Puerto Rico
Andrew
I start my morning on the bridge with Pieter. Coming into Saint Thomas is one of my favorite views in the world. The Russo family has had a house, Bella Vista, on the island for over forty years. In fact, you can see it on the mountainside as we pull into port. After many family vacations, special events, and even Ally’s wedding, this place holds a special place in our hearts. It’s all those memories and feelings that make coming here so extraordinary. That’s why I’m ecstatic that DJ agreed to another excursion with me.
It’s also why my conversation with my sister earlier this morning was critical. The unspoken assumption is that when we’re in Saint Thomas, we go to the house for the day. It’s a place to retreat, unwind from the job, get away from the guests, and just recharge, even if it’s only for eight hours. I asked Ally if I could have the house today, alone with DJ. I also asked, really, I begged and pleaded, for her not to broadcast the request to anyone else, including Andi. I’ve never taken anyone to Bella Vista. Ally was sure to tease me before finally admitting that they weren’t planning on going since they were here last week, and both were going to be tied up in meetings this afternoon. Score! Now, I just have to get “AJ and DJ sitting in a tree” out of my head.
I watch from the bridge as we approach Charlotte Amalie. There are two ports in Saint Thomas where the cruise ships dock. When you come to the island, the ships either go to the right or the left of Hassel, the small island in the bay. We’re veering to the right side into Long Bay. Fulfilling DJ’s request of going up in the gondola will be easier from this port since it’s within walking distance of the ship. This morning, the water is very still and more turquoise than blue. Small sailboats and catamarans are anchored in the bay as we crawl past them closer to port.
Pieter is working with a new officer, and he guides and gives directions for docking the ship. Ropes have been thrown to tie us off, and now we wait to clear customs. It’s 7:30 a.m. I still have time to meet Ally for breakfast.
“Headed to Bella Vista today?” Pieter asks.
Pieter has been to the house many times, including for Ally’s wedding.
“Yes, sir. Looks like we’ve got another beautiful day in paradise. ”
“Eighty-nine and nothing but sun,” he reports.
“Did we ever figure out something to do for the girl who hurt her arm?” I inquire.
“We booked the gondola experience for the entire team at no charge. They were very appreciative.”
“Fantastic. Those are the points of differentiation that will continue to separate us from the rest of the pack.” I explain to Pieter, aiming the message more for the other officers on the bridge. “Creating wins and exceeding guests’ expectations must run through the DNA of every crew member. On top of that, I’m sure they’ll fill their social media pages with pictures and videos. Really appreciate your help with that, Captain. Thank you, sir.”
“Have a great day at Bella Vista, Mr. Russo.” Pieter keeps it formal since we’re still on the bridge.
“You as well, sir.”
Checking the time, I pick up my pace as I’m sure Ally is going to hound me for being late. Since we haven’t really spent any time together on this trip, I can only imagine the deep dive that I’m going to be subjected to regarding my cruise crush.
My plate runs over with eggs, corn beef hash, a croissant, and some sausage links as I join her at the table.
“Hungry or Hangry?” Ally asks.
“Both! I’m starving. Plus, I only eat hash when Marcus is cooking.”
“Must have been all those calories you burned running back to the ship last night?” She smirks.
“It was crazy. All is going great, and then the tire blows. Thank God we didn’t hit another car. Then the bottom dropped out, and as you saw, we were drenched.”
“Sooooo…I want the deets…tell me everything,” she demands like we’re twelve-year-olds at a slumber party in Tina Rizzo’s basement.
“Ally, it’s going to sound crazy, but I think I’m falling for her.”
Her face gets serious because she’s processing the statement. She knows I’ve never said that about anyone.
“Seriously?!” she questions.
“I know. It’s just been, it’s just been an incredible three days, or is it four? I don’t even know.”
“So, what does she do?”
“She’s a writer. That’s all I know.”
“Ok, where’s she from?”
“I know she likes to go to someplace in Maine.”
“AJ, come on. Her parents?”
“No idea. Well, actually, she texted her mom from San Juan yesterday.”
“Have you told her what you do?”
“No. ”
“So, let me get this straight. You know that this girl writes, but not where she works. You don’t know where she’s from. No info on her family other than her mom can text, and she has no idea that you are going to be the next CEO of the very cruise line she’s on?”
“Nailed it.”
“And you don’t see an issue with this?”
I pause and think about it. She makes a valid point. I really don’t know that much about her. I mean, I know she likes to travel, try new foods, and explore. She likes to hold hands, is flexible, and enjoys anything eighties. The woman can dance, hold a conversation, and she appreciates nice things. I also know she likes to moan when I pinch her nipples, but I won’t share that with Ally.
“You’re right to be concerned. If roles were reversed, I’d be questioning you as well. There’s just something so genuine and authentic about this woman. Ok, did you just ‘know’ when you met Marcus?”
“I guess because we were both a little older, we were able to dive into the important things quicker than I had in previous relationships. We jumped right into faith, goals, and values. We also found out quickly that the sex was incredibly good.”
“Thank you for that.”
“Seriously, I think the older you are, you can forgo all the bullshit stuff that gets in the way. If you’re both on the same page, you can have real, honest, and meaningful conversations about what you want, where you’re going, and who you want by your side.”
She’s making a lot of sense. I don’t want to freak DJ out since we’ve only known each other for roughly seventy-two hours.
“Ok, thanks for the chat. I’m meeting her at eight-thirty, and we are going to jump off a little early.”
“So, how are you going to explain why you don’t have to wait like everyone else?”
“I’ll think of something.”
“And when you have to use your black key card to get through to crew quarters to exit early?”
“I’ve got fifteen minutes to figure it out.”
“Have a great day at the house. Try to dive a little deeper today to see if this is more than a fling for the week.”
“Will do. I’ll talk to you later.”
As much as it pains me to say this, Ally’s right. Explaining why we can get off early and how I have access to the crew areas is going to be a challenge. Think, AJ…what are you going to do? Would it be a big deal if she knew I worked for the cruise line? I mean, I don’t have to mention I’m going to be the next CEO or that my family owns it…no…that’s not going to work. Shit! Everything leads back to keeping my profession a secret. Ah! I’ve got it, but I’m going to have to cheat a little.
“That woman was so nice,” DJ says as we walk along the empty dock at 8:41 a.m.
I had Kathryn “run” into us at the piano. As she would for any guest, she asked how we were enjoying our cruise. I used the opportunity to ask her if we could get off the boat slightly early so we could get a jump on our day. She led us through the crew corridors, and then she waved us past security.
Fuck! I don’t know how this woman continues to look so incredibly hot every day! She’s wearing white linen shorts that come to mid-thigh and ? sleeve classic floral top. The square neckline plunges, exposing her cleavage, beautiful and sexy, creating a stir in my groin. Her red toenails are on display through her woven sandals, and she slays her signature dark sunglasses. Smoke show!
“Let’s take a selfie,” I suggest since we’re the only ones on the dock, and it’s a great picture of the ship.
“I can’t believe they let us off early. They never do that.”
All I can do is smile.
“Hold on!” She stops and looks at me.
“What?”
“Did you do that?” she questions in a serious tone.
“Did I do what?”
“Did you know her?”
At this point, I have no poker face and have no intention of blatantly lying to her.
“Maaaybe…” I slow-roll my response.
She’s processing this information. I don’t know if she wants to hit me, turn around and go back to the ship, or kiss me.
“You ok?” I inquire cautiously.
“You continue to baffle and amaze me.”
“I hope that’s a good thing.”
“It is. It’s just that some of the shit you’ve pulled creates this incredible mystery around you.”
“Examples, please.”
“Your black room key, two floral deliveries, and thank you so much for the one waiting in my room last night, the massage table, friends who happen to own restaurants in San Juan, and your obvious relationships with several crew members…it’s mysterious and exciting all at the same time.”
“I will answer any question you have, even if it means breaking our agreement from our first dinner together.”
Please don’t ask what I do…for the love of God… Pleeease !
She pauses.
“You have obviously cruised a lot. Is that how you know all these things? ”
I got this one.
“Yes, I’m a lifer. I love cruising. My parents started me young, and I was hooked forever.” Whew! If she only knew.
“Are you rich? No, don’t answer that. That’s none of my business, and I have no idea where that came from.”
“Would it matter?”
“No, it’s just a stupid bubble thought that got out. I’m embarrassed for even thinking it, much less asking. Seriously, do not answer that question.”
I can tell she’s bothered, and I don’t want this exchange to dampen the mood.
“Hey, you ok?”
“Yes, I’m just really embarrassed.”
I turn to her, take my sunglasses off so she can see my eyes, and grab her hand. “It’s ok. The last thing I want is for you to be embarrassed or uncomfortable. I’ll answer any question you have; nothing is off the table. Yes, I cruise a lot, and because I do, there are perks. And financially, I’m more than comfortable.”
She stares at me, hopefully appreciating my honesty and sincerity.
“You didn’t have to do that,” she whispers.
“I know. I only hope I don’t have to turn in my membership card to the Mysterious Club?”
“Not at all.” She smiles, leaning into me.
With the crisis averted, we make our way to the gondola.
“I’m not sure about this,” she hesitantly says, staring at the small gondola box. “I thought it would be bigger.”
“Up to you, but I can tell you the view is worth the trip, and I will hold your hand the entire time.”
She reluctantly gets in the gondola, and we start moving 700 feet up to the top of Paradise Point. She’s very tense as she leans her head into my chest.
“How long does it take to get to the top?”
“About seven minutes. You ok?”
She turns slowly, leaning her back into my chest. The gondola gives us a 360-degree view as we climb the mountain. I can see Gem of the Seas below, and it looks like there’s another ship docking next to it.
“Look at the different shades of the water,” she comments with awe in her voice.
“That’s definitely one of the things I love about this island. Hey, look at that.”
I point to a small spot that’s moving quickly and then lifting above the turquoise water.
“Is that a seaplane?”
“Yup.”
The car starts to slow down as we approach the observation deck, and it begins to rock back and forth.
“Whoo. What’s going on?” She’s clearly concerned.
“It’s ok, we’re almost at the top.”
The platform is empty as we make our way to the railing. The view is nothing short of spectacular.
“This is beautiful. Thank you for bringing me here,” she says.
“Selfie?”
“Absolutely!”
It takes me two pictures to get the perfect angle so I can be sure the ship is in the background.
“What’s next?” she inquires.
“We’re going to Bella Vista.”
“I didn’t see that in the top attractions of Saint Thomas. What is it? A beach?”
“It’s off the beaten path, and it’s not in any tourist book.”
“Well, Bella Vista means beautiful view, sooo…another overlook?”
“Kind of.”
“You are definitely keeping your mysterious card, sir.”
We jump back in the gondola to begin our journey back down the mountain.
Delaney
I’m still not sure how he got us off the boat early this morning. There’s more he’s not sharing, and I’ve decided not to push. I did set the rules at our first dinner about not talking about work, so I can’t be upset about it. But the more time I spend with him, the more I want to know.
Khaki linen shorts, a white, long-sleeve linen shirt rolled to his elbows, a vintage watch, and his tan leather loafers round off his island look today. And like yesterday, the top two buttons are undone, giving me a peek at his bare chest. Yummy! A rush of heat comes over me when I look at him, and it’s definitely not from the sun.
The view at the top of Paradise Point was breathtaking. Now, I’ve got to psych myself up for the journey back down in what I can only describe as a death box. I hate small spaces. Especially if those small spaces are elevated, moving slowly down a mountainside, being held with only a four-inch cable. What was I thinking when I asked to go on this excursion? I try to focus on the man standing behind me and the view ahead.
I see a gondola approaching as it’s headed up the mountain, full of young women with matching jackets…Shit! It’s the gymnastics team.
Double shit! There’s a second one right behind it. I spin quickly into AJ and drop to my knees, my face planted inches from his crotch.
“Ahh…what are you doing?” he asks. “I don’t think we have time for that,” he says, laughing.
“Stop it. Just tying my shoelace,” I say, then realize I’m wearing sandals .
Triple shit!
“But you don’t have shoelaces.”
“Ah, ya, I have an itch on my toe.”
I slowly spin my head, peeking above the window to try to see if any more cars are coming with team members.
Holy Fuck! Another one?! How big is this damn team?
“Hey, isn’t that your friend from the lobby? I think she’s waving at you. In fact, the whole car is waving.”
I stand up just in time to see the car as it passes us. I give a quick and awkward wave, avoiding eye contact. I can’t even imagine what AJ is thinking right now.
“That was weird,” he observes.
Yup. Sure was. I have no idea how I’m going to wiggle out of this.
“Shut up and kiss me,” I demand.
He wastes no time responding to my request. God, I love his lips. I hope this is enough of a deflection for him to forget about what just transpired in the gondola.
“I’ll kiss you anytime you ask, but that was weird as fuck.”
I guess not enough of a deflection.
“She told me she was traveling with a bunch of people, so I guess she told them to wave?”
“Do you want to wait for her at the bottom?”
“No, I’ll catch up with her later. Let’s go to…Bella Vista?” I reply, making sure I pronounced it correctly.
We get off the gondola and walk through the gift shop. He stops abruptly at the counter.
“What?” I ask.
“Magnet.”
He reaches up and finds one with the gondola. “This one?”
It’s perfect. Not only because it represents our excursion but because he picked it.
“Yes. Thank you for remembering. I would’ve totally forgotten.”
He smiles and grabs my hand—I love it when he does that—and we approach a large, black SUV, and the driver meets us at the door.
“Good afternoon, Joseph.”
“Welcome back, sir.”
I just stare at him. “I know. You know some people.”
“Well, in this case, I’ve known Joseph my entire life.”
“Really?”
“Yes, I’ve been coming to Saint Thomas since I was a kid.”
More mystery and excitement.
The SUV makes its way through the busy street and then begins a slow climb up a winding, narrow road. The cars traveling down the mountain slow down and allow us to pass because the road is so narrow. I can see the metal rooftops as we climb. Occasionally, there are breaks in the tree line that allow us to see down to the harbor.
The car slows as it approaches a private drive protected by a metal gate. Joesph rolls down his window and enters a code on the keypad, and the large gate opens. Almost like entering another world, the SUV creeps along a narrow driveway lined with manicured greenery and grass that rivals Walt Disney World. We wind toward a spacious stone courtyard in front of a beautiful home.
“Where are we?”
“Bella Vista,” he responds.
“Do you live here?”
“Occasionally.”
“AJ, is this your house?”
“This house has been in my family for over forty years. I grew up coming here, and it holds a very special place in my heart, and I want to share it with you.”
And he chose to bring me here? He wants to share it with me. This man should write a book, The Art of Wooing, by AJ Imakemweak.
“Come on, let me show you around.”
The large wooden doors swing open, and immediately, I can see through the house to the panoramic view of the entire harbor below. The tiled floor leads us down into a sunken living area with two large sofas and accent chairs. Beautiful local artwork adorns the walls that rise to the fifteen-foot ceiling with exposed wood beams, and an endless stream of natural light fills the room. Fresh floral arrangements are scattered throughout the living area and on the kitchen island.
“Let’s go outside,” he suggests and motions.
He slides open the clear doors to what can only be described as an oasis. I hear the waterfall from the rock formation falling into the infinity pool.
“The refrigerator is stocked as requested. Is there anything else you need, sir?” Joseph asks.
“No, we’re good. Thank you so much, and please give Maria a big hug.”
After waiting until the gentleman leaves, I ask, “Ok, AJ, who was that guy?”
“Joseph and Maria are the property managers. They maintain the house in between visits.”
“Do they live here?”
“No, they literally live two houses down.”
The back yard is simply stunning with the large rectangle pool and waterfall, the view, and tall sculpted bushes that provide privacy and seclusion.
“Are you expecting any other visitors today?”
“No, just you and me. Why don’t you take a moment to look around, and I’ll make us some lunch.”
“You’re going to cook for me?”
“You sound surprised.”
“At this point, nothing you do surprises me anymore. ”
“Well, don’t get too comfortable. I’m sure I’ve got some surprises still up my sleeve. We still have another three days on this cruise.”
AJ heads to the kitchen, and I go outside and sit in a lounge chair. My mind is racing through a list of random thoughts. One, this is by far the largest residential home I’ve ever been in, outside the White House, but that’s also an office building. Two, it’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. Three, he’s rich. Not that that should matter, but it’s definitely a bonus! Four, I wonder what he’s making us for lunch. Five, just stop thinking, DJ, and be present. Enjoy this moment with him.
I walk inside to see AJ in his element. I pull up a counter stool at the largest kitchen island I’ve ever seen. Seriously, I could do a floor routine on this thing. “Look at you, all chef-like.” He looks absolutely adorable in a white cooking apron. #sexychef
“Why, thank you very much. Hope you’re hungry.”
“And what exactly is on the menu this afternoon, sir?”
“We’re starting with a fresh Caprese salad. I’m using burrata instead of just mozzarella slices. Then I’m adding fresh basil from the garden to add a little color and finally flavoring it with olive oil and balsamic glaze to cap it off.”
The man has got some skills.
“As we move into our second course, homemade pasta and…”
“You’re making homemade pasta?” I interrupt.
Pointing to the kitchen table in the corner, he shares, “My Nonna taught me how to make pasta on that old wooden table. The room’s changed a lot since then, but the memories are still here.”
“That is the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard.”
“Well, I never thought of it as a pick-up line, but it’s the truth. She taught me how to gently work the dough, crank it through the pasta machine, and then hang it to dry. Then we’d spend hours perfecting her sauce recipe, adding pinches of salt and Italian spices. She never used measuring cups, just a pinch here, a dab there. That’s how I learned to cook. What about you? Do you cook?”
“I don’t have anything that can top what you just shared.”
“It’s not about that. It’s just about two people getting to know each other a little better, that’s all,” he assures me.
“I suck at cooking,” I declare, laughing. “Seriously, I burn mac and cheese and can barely put together a PB I don’t question that. The specifics and details of his life are the gaps Jess wants me to dive into. If I thought this was going to be something after Saturday, maybe I would be more inclined to dig deeper, but at this point, I’m just enjoying my time with him. He’s just my cruise crush, right?
Andrew
“Javi, really sorry about the other night, man. The woman I was with has no idea who I am, and I’m hoping to keep it that way, at least for now.”
“No problem. Hey, heard a rumor that you’re getting promoted…” he says, sliding me a drink.
“Yes, officially next week.”
“Congratulations, bro.”
“Thanks.”
I see her approach the bar, and I immediately feel a smile take shape on my face. I can still taste her on my tongue, and like a drug, I want another hit. I stand up to meet her, and we hug.
“Hey, how was dinner?” I ask.
“Very good. What did you do?”
“I stopped by The Pit and grabbed a burger and some fries.”
“Did they have Horsey sauce?” she snickers.
And she has done it again. A quick one-liner, and she leaves me wanting more.
“Have you sung yet?” she asks, not skipping a beat.
“No, but I think I’m coming up.”
We listen to a group of twenty-something-year-old women sing “Girls Just Want to Have Fun ” by Cyndi Lauper. Honestly, they’re not bad.
“What are you going to sing?” she prods.
“Not a chance. It’s going to be a surprise.”
“Ohhh…a surprise. I can’t wait.”
“Ok, that was impressive, ladies,” announces the emcee. “Next up, to sing an eighties classic, is AJ.”
I hear the familiar piano intro, and the crowd goes wild.
“Highway run into the midnight sun, wheels go ‘round and ‘round, you’re on my mind,” I sing as the audience joins in. I see DJ beaming as I belt out one of my favorite songs, “Faithfully.” I’m not Steve Perry, but my voice is surprisingly not too bad. I have the whole crowd singing, “Whoa-oh, oh-oh,” as my performance ends. I get a huge round of applause, and I’m met with high-fives and fist pumps on my way back to my seat.
“That was incredible! Seriously, that was very unexpected,” she admits.
“I like to keep you on your toes.”
“Mission accomplished.”
We spend another hour listening to others butcher some of the greatest songs that were ever written.
“Interested in going for a stroll up on deck?” I ask .
She nods in agreement, and we head up to deck 15. The air is warmer than our first night. The moon is almost full, and the sky is decorated with sparkling diamonds. We hold hands. It’s comfortable and easy – like we’ve been doing this for the last ten years. I guide us to the railing.
“This has been an unforgettable day. Thank you,” I say.
“This day was nearly perfect,” she replies.
“Nearly?”
“I never give five stars,” she giggles.
“Fuck’s sake! Tough crowd”
“I’m just playing. It was extraordinary, and I’ll undoubtedly be adding this to my highlight reel,” she confesses.
“Highlight reel? I’ll take that. And to think we still have a couple of days left…”
I lean down and gently kiss her lips as I hold her waist and pull her close. Her arms wrap around me, and she rests her head against my chest as we watch the waves crash against the ship. She fits perfectly in my arms, and her head nestles comfortably beneath mine. Her perfume, a warm, spicy vanilla scent, engulfs my senses. I try to take a mental picture to capture us in this authentic moment.
“What are your plans tomorrow?” I ask.
“I signed up for a hiking excursion.”
“A hiking excursion?” I repeat.
“Yes. A friend of mine recommended hiking Sage National Forest. She said it was a great hike with really good views of the island. What are you doing?”
“I was going to hang at the pool.”
“And now?” she asks with hope.
“Well, I heard Sage National Forest has a great trail, but I’m guessing the excursion is already full.”
“Good thing I signed you up when I got back on the ship,” she says, smiling.
“Seriously? How did you know I didn’t have plans or would say yes?”
“Let’s just say I was willing to offer sexual favors…” She smirks and raises her eyebrows.
“I should have held out longer.”
“That’s a fact.”
I can’t help but kiss her again.
“Would you like me to take you back to your floor?”
“Yes, please.”
I leave her with one more kiss when the elevator doors open. It’s been another fantastic day. There’s no doubt that I’m falling for this woman, and the reality that we have only three more days left is sinking in. She’s in Atlanta, and I’m in Fort Lauderdale with no chance of relocating. What am I doing? What happens on Saturday? Too many questions and no answers. I need to sleep because I have a hike tomorrow.