Chapter Twelve
Day 3: Monday
San Juan, Puerto Rico
909.26 Nautical Miles from Fort Lauderdale
Delaney
I pull back the blinds on my balcony, and I’m greeted with nothing but the royal blue Caribbean waters. The stateroom attendant brought me my coffee and croissant as he has each morning. I enjoy sitting outside and watching the world float by. If I had been on this cruise three months ago, I would have told you it was the best cruise of my life. The ship is nothing less than spectacular in every sense of the word.
Marcus has outdone himself with every meal he has prepared for the Russo family and me. Yup, we’ve had dinner together for the last two nights. At first, I thought it was weird, but since they asked, I really couldn’t say no. I have enjoyed our meals together. They’ve asked me tons of questions about the Olympics, and I’ve learned so much more about what it takes to run a cruise ship. The “special tour” around the ship yesterday with Mr. Russo and the captain was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The pools are spread out and gorgeous. And these are by far the best lounge chairs ever! I spun through the game room last night on my way back to my room and saw a Ms. Pac-Man machine, and it made me smile. A little secret, I packed my Ms. Pac-Man T-shirt for this trip. Yes, I have officially declared it as mine. If he wants it back, he can come and get it.
Even with focusing on my review, dinners with the family, and relaxing in the spa, it’s been difficult being here without him. Not knowing if he wants to see me. Not knowing if he still loves me. Not knowing if I’ll ever see him again. Mr. Russo (I still can’t call him Andrew as much as he pleads), Oli, and the twins have been nothing but supportive the past two days. They include me in their meals and conversations, never making me feel like an outsider. It almost makes me feel like I’m part of the family. Andrea even said I could call her Andi.
It also scares me. What if Andrew wants nothing to do with me? I feel like I would be breaking up with not just him but his family. Last I heard, he was still in Rome.
The water is smooth this morning, and I notice birds flying off in the distance. The morning floats by as I reminisce about the last time I was in San Juan, just two weeks ago .
“So, you headed into town?” Ally asks.
We run into each other down on Main Street. It’s the area of the new ship that has shops, bars, restaurants, an art gallery, and a gelato stand.
“I think so. AJ was my guide and took me to some local spots that I want to revisit.”
“Did you meet Daniel at Raices?” she asks.
“Yes. How did you…?”
“Daniel has known our family for over thirty years,” she answers. “We all try to stop in when we’re in town. I know my parents will be there this afternoon.”
“Are you going too?”
“Marcus and I have a date at the spa this afternoon. It’s easier to get appointments while the ship is in port, so we thought we would take advantage of the lull.”
“Not your first rodeo,” I state, and we both smile.
“I think they are leaving around 12:30 if you want to join them,” she adds.
“I’m thinking a solo stroll through Old San Juan is on tap this afternoon. I may find my way into some of the shops. I’m looking for a new leather bag.”
“Sounds like we’re both going to enjoy the day. We’ll catch up at dinner,” Ally says.
“Have a great time at the spa. Can’t wait to hear all about it,” I reply.
I never had a tough time traveling alone before Andrew. I never had a hard time wandering and exploring cities, eating by myself, or just being by myself. As I stroll along the worn cobblestone of the old city, I realize that has changed. I don’t want to travel, eat, stroll, or even shop alone. Not that I can’t. I just don’t want to.
The week with Andrew didn’t highlight what I was missing; it highlighted what I wanted. I want to explore new cities and eat interesting foods with someone who wants the same. I want to do all those things with Andrew.
Weaving my way through the narrow streets, I make my way toward the water. I recognize the tall column, Plaza del Totem. That means the fort is just down the stairs and to the left. I begin to notice the kites flying in the open field. The blue water serves as the perfect backdrop to the old fort.
As I walk along the sidewalk, I feel a strange pit in my stomach as I approach a particularly worn bench. It’s our bench. The bench he declared just two weeks ago was ours. Did I ever imagine I would be back here so quickly? Did I ever imagine how the person I was with then was the person I wanted to be with forever? I place my hand on the back of the bench, remembering that day.
I sit on the bench and take in the view. The kites. The blue water. And the old fort, Castillo San Felipe del Morro. The sun warms my skin, and I take it all in. It’s almost perfect…
“Excuse me, miss, I think you’re sitting on my bench,” I hear from behind me. I turn slowly, recognizing that voice immediately .
“Actually, sir, I believe you declared that this was our bench,” I correct and turn back around, wishing I could see his facial expressions. Butterflies have returned to my stomach. The good kind.
He comes around and creates a shadow over me. I have missed him so much.
“How did you know where to find me?” I ask.
“I know some people…” he replies with a grin.
“Seriously, how did you know I was here?” I push.
“I ran into Ally and she told me you were exploring the city. I took a chance you’d come here. I know it’s the only place I want to be today and was hoping you felt the same way,” he explains.
“I guess we both had the same idea,” I say.
“Hi, I’m Andrew James Russo III,” he introduces himself.
“Hi, I’m Delaney Jameson Fitzpatrick,” I reply.
“May I join you?” he asks in his serious voice.
I nod. I’m barely able to control myself, but I stay calm.
“What do you do, Andrew?” I ask.
“I’m the CEO of Pinnacle Cruise Line. Maybe you’ve heard of us or even sailed with us?”
“I have,” I reply casually.
“And what do you do, Ms. Fitzpatrick?” he inquires.
“I’m a travel writer and blogger.”
“Sounds interesting. Anything else?”
“I’m an Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics.”
We both finally turn our heads and look at each other. My heart feels like it’s going to beat right out of my chest.
“Hi,” he mouths slowly and smiles.
“Hi, you,” I whisper.
“I’ve missed you so much. I thought I’d lost you forever.”
He reaches for my hand, and I give it to him. I’ve missed his touch.
“I’m so sor—” I begin before he cuts me off.
“Stop, just stop. There’s nothing to be sorry for. I have spent the last two weeks thinking about you, and I realized that regardless of how we started, I know how I want our story to end. I want to explore new cities and eat interesting foods with you. I want to make love to you in as many countries as possible. I want to wake up every morning being the intentional partner you need and supporting you in any way I possibly can, emotionally, physically, and sexually. I’d also like to take as many outside showers with you as possible. I want to prioritize us. Also, and totally random, I want my Ms. Pac-Man T-shirt back.”
We both smile, but I feel the tears rolling down my cheeks. He’s not just a man. He’s my man.
He pulls a green box out of his bag. It’s not a small box, so everyone can pump the brakes .
“What’s this?” I ask.
“It’s for you,” he replies.
“Should I open it here?”
“Can’t think of a better place.”
As I examine the vintage green box, I notice a faded logo on the side that looks like a gold crown. I open the box, and I recognize the timepiece immediately. My head snaps up.
“What is this?” I whisper. I feel my eyes begin to well up again.
“You know what it is,” he replies, now holding my hand.
“This is the Rolex your grandmother gave your grandfather, isn’t it?”
He nods.
I pick it up and read the back. “ Mi Prima Amore ,” I whisper, barely getting the words out.
“Delaney, you are my first love, and I want you to be my last.”
The floodgates have opened, and I can’t hold back any longer. I reach over and wrap my arms around his neck, hugging him as tightly as humanly possible.
“I love you, Andrew James Russo III.”
We both smile and kiss like we haven’t seen each other in years. I got on a ship three weeks ago and met my cruise crush. I got on a ship two days ago and found my first love, my last love. Primo Amore. Ultimo Amore .