Chapter 15 Blossom #2
“Okay, baddie!” she stated, snapping her fingers at my attire in approval. “Try not to hurt them too badly on this ship today.”
I giggled as I ran my hands along my dainty curves.
Dressed in a two-piece blue-and-brown swimsuit with a matching mesh cover, I knew I looked cute.
When TJ and I vacationed, he hated for me to show skin, and I was so happy to be free of that now.
Today wasn’t about showing off my assets, but more about finally doing what I wanted.
“We’re going to have so much fun!” Stacy beamed as she and I made our way to the upper deck.
A day party was taking place, and we were ready to drink, dance, and catch a vibe.
“We really need to make this an annual thing, friend. There is no reason why we’re not enjoying life more.
We work too hard not to enjoy the fruits of our labor. ”
As the sounds of the “Cupid Shuffle” grew louder, I agreed with everything she said.
I’d been such a homebody because of TJ. I never had a reason to go anywhere due to him not having time, and I stopped doing things and going places on my own because I wanted to be available to him.
The more I thought back on everything that had transpired during that relationship, the more pissed off I became at myself.
I’d let that nigga knock me off my square. Never again!
“Here, take this.” Stacy wasted no time handing me a drink.
I giggled as I sipped the golden, fruity-tasting cocktail. I was sure Stacy was going to feed me more drinks as the day went on. I needed to be careful and pace myself because I knew the liquor would sneak up on me.
“Now remember what we talked about… We’re going to let our hair down and enjoy ourselves. Now come on and hit the dance floor with me!”
Not giving me time to argue, Stacy grabbed me by the wrist and led me to the middle of the dance floor.
The skies above us were the clearest blue I had ever seen, giving the sun complete access to everyone on the deck.
There was a slight breeze, but nothing strong enough to cool the slight glisten on the hundreds of people all around us.
I surveyed the crowd, impressed that there was still so much room to move freely on the deck.
This was my first time on a ship, and while I was scared out of my mind, I was enjoying myself.
Moving and grooving to the “Electric Slide,” I held my drink in one hand, throwing my head back in laughter as Stacy tried her hardest to teach the white man beside us how to do it. I didn’t know if he was drunk or had two left feet, but he was fighting for his life.
“You have the most beautiful laugh.”
Still swaying my hips to the beat, I glanced over my shoulder and locked eyes with a nice-looking man. Dressed in an all-white linen button-down with matching shorts, his chocolate skin radiated under the sun. His head was bald and shiny, with his beard well moisturized.
“Thank you.” I smiled softly, turning to give him my attention. “I have so much to be happy about.”
“I hope I can add to that.” He smirked, stepping closer. I tried to hide my frown once his cologne hit me in the face. I wasn’t sure what it was, but the smell reminded me of clothes that were beginning to mildew. “I’m Joey.”
“Blossom.” I lightly shook his hand. Drawing back, I put a little distance between us. “I hope you enjoy your trip.” I glanced around until I was able to locate a restroom. “If you’ll excuse me.”
“Wait.” He grabbed my wrist, stopping me from walking off. “You single, right? Let me get your number or something.”
“I’m actually coming out of a relationship,” I spoke honestly, trying to release myself from his grip. “I’m not looking for a friend or conversation, to be frank.”
His smile faltered, and I could tell he didn’t like taking no for an answer.
My heart paced rapidly as I stared into his eyes because I didn’t want him to cause a scene.
Finally relenting, he let me go, nodded his head, and walked off.
Blowing out a sigh of relief, I watched as he walked back over to the bar.
Tapping Stacy on the shoulder, I told her I would be right back.
Assuring her I was fine, I made my way through the crowd and toward the opposite end of the deck.
The smiling and drunk faces caused a chuckle to slip through my lips, and I knew then that I needed to limit my drinks since I truly was a lightweight.
After locating the restroom, I eased inside, finding it empty, and was pleased at how fresh and clean it was.
The cruise ship itself was immaculate, proving the company had maintained the wear and tear of carrying thousands of passengers every year.
My cabin was extremely spacious with a great view of the ocean too.
All the amenity areas were polished and felt brand new, and the multiple eateries felt like real five-star restaurants.
After handling my business, I trekked over to the sink to wash up.
“Girl, your eyes are already low.” I giggled at myself as I eyed the mirror.
Tussling my small curls, I dried my hands and applied more gloss before heading back to the party. Opening the door, I let out a small squeal as I was pushed back inside.
“I’m saying, lil’ mama, why a nigga can’t get to know you and shit? You think you’re too good for a nigga?”
“Joey?” My eyes bulged as I backpaddled away from him.
“What the hell are you doing in the ladies’ room?
Scratch that, I don’t even know you for you to be pushing up on me.
” I stopped once my back hit the wall and eyed him.
Now that we were under the fluorescent lights, he wasn’t even all that attractive.
“Please leave me alone and enjoy the rest of your trip.”
Ignoring me, his eyes flickered as he took slow steps toward me.
Frantically, I looked around for something to protect myself with in case I needed it.
Catching me off guard, he grabbed me by the arm, slamming me into his chest while he peered down at me angrily.
I tried my hardest to snatch away from him, but he wasn’t letting go.
I began to scream as I attempted to wiggle from his embrace, but he placed his hand over my mouth to keep me quiet.
“I’m not going to hurt you, baby,” he spoke in a low tone as he moved in closer. “I just want a little kiss. Just one and—ahh!”
He was snatched away from me, yelling as a hand wrapped around the back of his neck before he was smashed into the nearby wall.
I didn’t waste any time seeing who’d come to my rescue or what was going to happen next.
Instead, I hightailed it out of the restroom in shock at what had just occurred.
I was terrified as I shuffled away, looking back to make sure no one was chasing me.
People eyed me curiously as I all but ran across the deck, but no one tried to stop me or see what was going on.
Once in the main area again, I immediately spotted Stacy where I had left her.
Pausing to catch my breath, I waited until I was calm before I made my way back over.
“’Bout time you came back! I thought I was going to have to come find you!” she shouted over the music. Her smile fell slightly as she took me in. “You okay?”
“Y-yeah…” I stuttered as I glanced around. I didn’t see Joey, and I hoped I wouldn’t again for the duration of the trip. “I think I have a little motion sickness. Do you mind if I go lie down for a second?”
Scanning me once more, I could tell she knew there was more to it, but she didn’t hound me.
Instead, she grabbed my hand and led me back to our separate cabins.
Leaving the main deck, I thought I saw a familiar face but knew it was just my mind and adrenaline playing tricks on me.
As we continued to pass happy passengers, I calmed myself, thankful I was able to get away from the creep.
I wished I’d been able to thank whoever it was that came to my rescue, but running felt more important during the incident.
Seeing people participate in a conga line, I silently vowed to have a better evening on the ship once I was rested.
Even with the scare involving Joey, I wasn’t going to let it stop me from having a good time.
We still had so much to explore on the cruise ship, plus the islands once we docked.
My hope was that no one else would try something so malicious as he had attempted.
I just had to be more mindful about running off alone because no matter how nice everyone appeared, Stacy and I were among strangers.
After I got a quick nap in, Stacy and I were glued to each other the rest of the day.
Between the open bars, buffets, and partying with the passengers, I would say the day had been amazing.
I hadn’t thought any more about the brief incident in the restroom and was able to ball out with my best friend.
Now that she had retreated to her cabin for the night, I decided to decompress.
When I noticed a hot tub near my cabin earlier, I knew I was going to make my way back over once the cruise quieted down.
“Hmm,” I groaned as I threw my head back and sank deeper into the hot tub. The entire area was empty, and I was so thankful none of the passengers had the same idea as me to try out a hot tub during the wee hours of the morning.
Sipping on my champagne and biting into one of the ripe strawberries, I relished the warm bubbles tingling all over my body. “There’s nothing better than this.”
“I got a cool nine that begs to differ.”