[F4A] Strangers on a cruise
I would like to explore a story about meeting strangers on a cruise ship. I have an idea about me travelling alone and meeting a swinging couple on the ship. Here is a potential opening scene. Please let me know if this idea strikes a chord with you.
This was supposed to be a romantic getaway with my boyfriend. But I ended up going on this cruise alone after our breakup. My best friend suggested that I go on the cruise anyway. "You have already paid for it," she reasoned. I offered to bring her along, but sadly she couldn't make it. Her advice: "Just go and have fun."
So here I am, sitting at the pool bar with my half finished drink. I think about taking a dip in the pool when an older lady approaches me. Probably in her 40s I would guess, but looking great in her white bikini and white coverup. "Is this seat taken?" she asks.
"No, go ahead," I say to her. She sits down and orders herself a drink. And orders another one for me before I realize what she is doing.
"Oh, you don't have to do that," I say..
"Nonsense," she says in a southern drawl. "It's my pleasure."
I finish my current drink as the new ones arrive. She turns to me. "Do you cruise a lot?"
"No, this is my first time." I sigh. "It was supposed to be a fun trip with my boyfriend. Before, well, before the cheating."
"Oh, sweetie, I'm so sorry." She lifts up her glass. "Well, here's to making new friends and new memories."
I clink my glass against hers. "Thank you." We both finish our drinks.
"So are you here alone too?"
"Oh, no, my husband is off in the casino doing god knows what. Probably losing more money." She pauses for a moment before saying, "I am heading to the spa, if you'd like to join me."
"The spa? I can't really afford that."
"Don't worry about it," she says, standing up from the bar stool. "It will be my treat. Besides, you deserve something special."
She has a certain charm, making it impossible for me to say no. So I agree to go with her to the spa. It would not be the last time that I am unable to say no to her. Or her husband.