The room featured a queen bed with a flat screen TV mounted on the wall opposite the bed. The decor was tastefully done in shades of pale green and peach. On the far side of the room, he could see sliders out to the deck. To the right, a small bathroom was visible through an open door.
Rob grabbed Ben’s hand and led him back through the living room and dining area then walked through the doorway on the left. The spacious master bedroom was decorated in the same shades of green and peach, but was larger and featured a king bed, built-in desk, and large closet area. The luxurious master bath boasted a whirlpool tub, separate shower, and large marble vanity. The wall above the tub featured a large mosaic seascape.
“Wait until you see the balcony,” Rob said excitedly, “it’s amazing.”
Still holding hands, they walked through the living room to the sliding doors and out to the balcony.
“Holy crap!” Ben exclaimed. “It’s huge.”
The balcony ran the full width of the suite and overlooked the pool deck. It also wrapped around to the side of the ship, where it would overlook the ocean when the ship was at sea. In addition to a round table with chairs, there were also four lounge chairs and, hidden away on the side of the balcony that overlooked the sea, a hot tub.
“I’ve never seen anything like this,” Ben told Rob, smiling. “And you get to spend three weeks here, huh? Tough life.”
Rob laughed. He could tell by the look on Ben’s face that he was just giving him a hard time. “Hey,” he replied, “someone’s gotta do it.”
They stood at the balcony railing, watching people mingle near the pool. It was a sunny day, around seventy degrees, and a few passengers were in the pool and several more were sunbathing.
Ben put his arm around Rob, hugging him close. “Is this okay?”
“It is. We’ve only known each other for a few days, but this feels really comfortable. And for the record, I love hugs.”
“Noted.”
“Oh, did you want something to drink?” Rob asked, gesturing into the cabin. “I’ve got a stocked mini-bar. There should be beer, vodka, bourbon, and some sodas.”
“A bourbon on the rocks would be great, thanks.”
Rob turned to head into the suite and Ben followed. Rob went to the small bar in the dining area, opened the mini-fridge, and pulled out the ice bucket. Filling two glasses with ice, he used the tiny bottles of bourbon and vodka to make drinks for each of them. He turned and saw Ben sitting on the sofa waiting for him.
“This is a really nice room,” Ben said, looking around.
The decor was done in shades of off-white and tan with a few accents of chocolate brown and teal, and featured a pair of upholstered chairs along with the sofa and a coffee table. A large screen TV hung on the wall opposite the sofa, and colorful paintings were hung on other walls.
“Yes,” Rob agreed. “They did a great job with the decor. It’s all very tasteful and well done.”
He handed a drink to Ben and sat beside him on the sofa. “Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?” he asked. “I was thinking of going to the Poseidon Steakhouse. It’s in Seaside Cove and they have an outdoor seating area which might be nice.”
“Poseidon, like the ship that flipped over in those movies? That’s a bit morbid, isn’t it?” Ben asked, his eyes wide in mock surprise.
“Actually, I think they mean the Greek god of the sea,” Rob replied, laughing.
“In that case, I’d love to,” Ben said, smiling.
“Is around eight o’clock, okay?” Rob asked.
Ben nodded and sipped his drink.
Rob reached for the phone on the end table and pressed ‘3’ for the suite concierge.
“Would it be possible to get a reservation at the Poseidon Steakhouse tonight? Something around eight, if you have it,” he said when someone answered. “No, it will be for two of us. Mr. Rockingham in cabin…I’m sorry, hold on a moment please.
“What’s your cabin number, Ben?”
“10234.”
“Mr. Rockingham in suite 10234,” Rob continued. He sipped his drink while he waited and then said, “Yes, eight thirty will be fine. Thank you.”
As he hung up the phone, he turned to Ben and said, “We’re all set.”
