First Mates. Cecelia Dowdy

the paper squares into her palms.

      “It just hurts so much. Sometimes I’m fine and I don’t think about Jordan at all. Other times, Jordan will just pop into my mind suddenly. I just don’t understand why it’s taking so long to forget him.”

      She gripped her armrest and gazed at the sea. “I can’t believe I’m acting like this in front of you. You’re practically a stranger.”

      His fingers brushed her shoulder, wanting to offer her comfort. “Don’t worry, I’m not trying to find fault with you. I can tell that you’re hurting. Jordan’s obviously a fool. You said last night this happened a few months ago?”

      She nodded as she blew her nose.

      “Well, that’s not very long ago. It takes time to get over these things.”

      Children continued frolicking in the swimming pool, splashing tiny drops of water onto the passengers. She seemed to be thinking—weighing his words of advice. “Have you ever been in love?”

      He sighed. “Yes, a long time ago. Things didn’t work out between us. We were both young and in college. She joined the Peace Corps after she graduated. It’s been years since I’ve heard from her.”

      He continued. “Tonya was my first love. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if we’d gotten married.”

      “How long did it take for the pain to go away?”

      He smiled fondly, remembering. “I don’t remember. I do know it took longer than a couple of months. Just give it some time. I’m sure you’ll forget all about Jordan soon enough.”

      He returned to his seat. “I know we’ve just met and everything, but I enjoy spending time with you.” Her dark brown eyes widened at his remark. She leaned back into the chair and put her napkin aside.

      “Winston—”

      “No, you don’t have to say anything. I just feel that there’s a connection between us. I don’t like seeing you sad. I think we should do something to get your mind off of Jordan.”

      She shrugged. “Like what?”

      He chuckled. “Like having some fun. Why don’t we play some games? There’s lots to do on this ship to keep us busy, I’m sure.” He helped her out of the chair and they walked to the shuffleboard game. A cruise director taught them how to play. Delight erupted in her laugh as she learned to ace the match.

      Later, they sat in the Jacuzzi and enjoyed the rushing water as it tickled their brown skin. They visited all three pools on the ship so that Winston could swim his laps. Drinking fragrant cups of steaming coffee in the café, they watched the ocean view.

      He ran along the lower deck, and she vowed to catch him. “You can’t get away from me. I was a track star in high school.” She flew down the deck, grabbing his arm as they shared a rich hearty laugh.

      They stopped on the terrace as they enjoyed cookies for afternoon teatime. Rainy grinned as she gazed at the vanilla and chocolate cookies, coated with sugar. “These look great.” She pulled a chocolate cookie from the tray. “They feed you an awful lot on these cruises!”

      As he poured coffee, they watched the sea before munching on their snack.

      The workout room was nearby, and he spotted a group of women sweating through an aerobics class. The instructor yelled so loud, he could hear her through the window.

      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.

      Chapter Three

      Rainy 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