Chapter 1
I was getting quite anxious as I waited at the boarding ramp for my fiancé. My baggage is already on the cruise ship and they are due to pull the ramp back in fifteen minutes.
I had just pulled my cell phone out to send another text to Jane who is supposed to be here for our engagement trip when my phone alerted that I had an incoming message from Jane.
Jack, I’m sorry but I am not going to make it. I met someone at college this year and I feel like he’s a better choice for my lifestyle. I am dreadfully sorry to hurt you this way. But really, it was time that we both move on.
Suddenly, it felt like someone had just kicked me in the gut. My mind was racing fitfully when the boarding man told me I needed to board the ship now. “Your luggage is already in your cabin,” he reminded me.
Like a lemming in a stupor I boarded the ship mindlessly.
I somehow made it to my cabin. I called room service and ordered a quart sized bottle of whiskey.
“Don’t forget your safety briefing on the main deck as soon as the ship leaves port,” the room service person reminded me.
Moments later, I felt that the ship was now in motion.
I didn’t really feel like being around other people right now.
But I knew the safety briefing was mandatory and needed.
I grumbled softly as I opened my cabin door to go down to the main deck.
I heard a chuckle next to me and saw a very attractive older woman next to me.
She looked to be 10 or 15 years older than me. But quite attractive.
“Oh come on Hun! Things can’t be that bad. You are on a cruise ship, after all,” the woman chuckled pleasantly. If I had planned on this trip being a solo, maybe I wouldn’t feel this grumpy now.
“I haven’t had a good day,” I told the woman as I pulled my door closed.
“I was supposed to be on this cruise with my fiancé but she dumped me today while I was waiting to board the ship. If my luggage hadn’t been already delivered to my cabin, I wouldn’t be here now,” I advised the gorgeous woman with a voluptuous body and coal black hair.
“Well, we’ll just have to see about making the rest of the day better for you,” The woman told me.
“My name is Veronica,” she told me. But just call me Roni,” she added.
My name is Jack I answered her. But I doubt I’ll be very good company today.
I just want to get shit-faced drunk and sleep till noon tomorrow,” I told her.
“Well, maybe I have the same desire,” she replied with a wink.
We stood together while the ship steward went
through all the safety topics with everyone crowded around. Evidently, this same briefing is given on all of the decks at the same time. Since we were in back of the crowd, we managed to slip away before all the rest of the people.
“Look, why don’t you take a nap. Then we can go have dinner together. I can tell you my sad tale of woe like you told me yours. If you still want to get shit-faced after that, I will happily join you.
I don’t know why I took Roni’s advice. But I did lay down for a nap. Even though my mind was racing, I was exhausted from the turmoil inside and fell asleep for a two and a half hour fitful nap.
I awoke up a little groggy but a little more clear minded. Fuck Jane! If she could do this now, she was not worth my time or my emotional wellbeing. But we’d been seeing each other for 2 years when she wasn’t away at school. If she had other interests, she should have told me.