Naughty New Year

Our connection fades in and out this far out and I realize I’ll soon lose the signal.

“There hasn’t been any of that,” I say sadly.

“What’s with the down mood?” I hear her grunt as she struggles, probably trying to sit up with her bum ankle. The doctor ordered her to take it easy for three weeks.

“It’s a snooze fest, Beth. I don’t know what we were thinking. There are no hot single guys here, at all!”

Stressing my findings from the night, I strip off my dress while Beth encourages me to keep going out, but by the time I hang up, I know that won’t be the case.

Chapter Five

“Will you be leaving today?” the maid asks, sweeping around the foot of the bed in my tiny cruise ship room.

In a way, I know she’s making fun of me. I’m four days into a five-day cruise, and I’ve barely left the room. Once I learned about the room service option that came along with my VIP status, I opted out of the nightly buffet line. Instead, I enjoyed the solitude of my room.

It isn’t lost on me that everyone else seems to only sleep in their rooms, or that I promised this would be an opportunity for me to come out of my shell. Turns out, stepping out of my comfort zone is more difficult than I anticipated.

“Yeah, probably later,” I lie, knowing I have no intention of leaving my room until we’re safely docked in Miami tomorrow afternoon.

“Okay, because there’s a big party on the top deck. It’s for our top tier guests, and I can get you on the list if you’re serious,” she smiles, but I still feel she’s laughing at me, daring me to leave this room for once.

“Yes, I’d love that.” Raising my chin, I dare her to challenge me further.

“Great!”

Watching her leave the room, I feel duped. I expected some better response, anything that would make me feel less anxious about having to go and mingle with anyone on this ship.

I hadn’t considered how few single people there would be, because who would want to go to a closed environment to meet people, rather than a traditional club or bar? This was a one-shot opportunity, and once you realize there isn’t anyone of interest, you can’t just leave and hit another spot. Instead, you’re stuck with this crowd for five days.

It’s not completely fair to say I gauged the entire crowd, because I only went out for the first night, but it was so unbearably uncomfortable, surrounded by wrinkly retirees and couples who look to be on their honeymoon, I refused any further embarrassment.

The anxiety begins rolling around in my belly, so I make myself a cup of tea in the kettle supplied in room before drifting off to sleep, hoping to alleviate some of my new-found stress.

Unfortunately, I don’t oversleep, which I had subconsciously wished for. Then, I’d miss this night out without any guilt.

Dragging my overstuffed suitcase across the tile floor, I drop it with a loud thud before unzipping and overturning the top half. Everything is still as neat as I packed it, after only pulling out my toiletry bag, pajamas, and panties during the trip.

Digging my thin fingers through the tightly packed clothing, I feel the sharpness of sequins scrape my fingers as I reach the bottom of the plastic luggage. Careful not to completely destroy the packing, I tug the lace fabric until I hold the dress Beth loaned me for the cruise.

After curling my long hair in beach waves, and applying a small amount of makeup, I pull the dress over my hair, cautious to not disturb my fresh curls.

“Oh, my God,” I gasp to myself, looking into the full-length mirror.

How does Beth wear this thing? One wrong move and my ass will be hanging out. Twirling around, I raise my eyebrows in appreciation for what it does to my behind, creating an illusion of curves I know I don’t truly possess.

Cupping my breasts, I scoop them into the plunging neckline, which is accentuated with sequins, drawing even more attention to my best feature.

Damn, I’m sexy. Maybe more so than I’ve ever looked in my life. With a nod of my head, I silently thank Beth and slip on my strappy patent leather stilettos, which match the flashiness of the black dress perfectly.

On my elevator ride to the top of the ship, the doors open to reveal a couple waiting to join. They look to be about my age, and the guy is staring at me before his girlfriend tugs his arm, plastering a fake smile as she waves for me to continue on alone.

I can’t help but giggle at his reaction, knowing I do look as good as I feel.

The party is completely over the top, and to my surprise there is no list, so the housekeeper tricked me into coming out for my last night on the ship. There do seem to be more single people. As I eye the crowd I see groups of guys and girls, and feel like I’m in a typical club in LA for a minute.

Taking a deep breath, I catch a glimpse of my reflection on a mirrored wall and press my shoulders back, remembering how sexy I am. Sashaying toward the bar with all the sex appeal I can manage, I feel eyes following me from every direction.

“Sit here,” a deep voice says as I pass a crowded area at the bar.