After some time had passed, Rob asked, “Do you want to get some lunch?”
“Yeah, I could eat.” Ben pointed across the main street toward the water. “It looks like there may be a few restaurants down that way.”
“Okay, lead the way.”
They checked out the menus posted outside each place they passed until finally picking one. The building was made of stone and the dining room had high ceilings and a fireplace in the corner. They were seated near windows that overlooked the water.
Rob seemed a bit quieter than usual, but Ben didn’t make a big deal out of it. He thought Rob might be thinking about how the cruise would end in a couple of days and so let Rob have his space.
After a delicious lunch of fresh seafood and some local wine, they strolled back to the ship.
“So,” Rob started, “The other day you said that you’d need to make a decision about whether or not to make some kind of public statement about us. Have you thought any more about that?”
Ah, so this is what’s spinning around in that brain of his.
“I have actually, but I didn’t want to make a decision on my own. I mean, it really does affect both of us, so I think it’s a decision we should make together.”
“Thanks, but isn’t it more about you and your career?”
“I’m flattered that you think that, but you’re important to me and I don’t want to do anything that might negatively affect us. You and I agreeing on what’s best for us is so much more important to me.”
Rob grinned, “You’re so caring, thinking about us and not only yourself. I’m fine with you making a public announcement, if you think that’s the best way to go. Just get it all out there in the open, otherwise folks might get the idea that you’re scared or ashamed or something. And I don’t think that’s healthy.”
“Why am I not surprised that you were thinking that way? You try to hide it, but you’re a very brave man, Rob. You want to face things head-on and just deal with them so that it’s all open and aboveboard.”
“Hmm,” Rob interrupted. “I sense a ‘but’ coming.”
“Not at all,” Ben said. “I agree with you. I might not have a year ago, or hell, even a month ago. But in the short time I’ve known you, you made me realize that I don’t want to hide this. I’m not afraid as long as you’re in my corner.”
“Whew!” Rob gasped with relief. “Good. I’m glad that we agree on this. If you had said no, I’d have gone along with you, but I really do feel this is the best way to handle it. This has been bugging me all day. I’m glad I asked you about it.”
“I know it has,” Ben said. “You’ve been unusually quiet; I knew something was going on in your head. I just wasn’t sure what. But I was trying to give you a little time to work it out. I was probably gonna say something later if you didn’t bring it up.”
“You know me so well, already. That’s just more confirmation to me that we’re doing the right thing. Are you gonna talk to Amanda about this when you see her next week?”
“Definitely.” Ben assured him. “It’s the first order of business as far as I’m concerned. She’ll probably suggest some kind of statement on social media pretty quickly. So I need to ask you, do you have a problem with me starting this while you’re still on the cruise with Sam? I’ll wait if you’d prefer, but part of me just wants to tell the world as soon as I can.”
“I’m fine with that. Just text me and give me a heads-up or something so that I know it’s gonna happen, okay?” Rob asked.
“Absolutely. I promise I won’t blindside you. Can I use a photo of us? Maybe one of the selfies we took in Tuscania?” Ben looked hopeful that Rob would let him use a photo of them together.
“Yes, you can use a photo of your choosing. And I guess I should let my brother and sister know so that they don’t learn about it in the news or something.”
“Good idea. And I’ll call my brother and Kyle. I guess I should tell Caroline, too.”
* * *
Ben was sitting in the living room of Rob’s suite, checking his texts and emails. Rob had decided to take a nap when they got back, but Ben hadn’t felt tired. He saw a text from his brother and decided that this might be a good time to tell him about Rob.
He dialed his brother’s number and when Michael answered he said, “Hey Mikey, got a minute?”
“Of course,” Michael groaned at the childhood nickname. “What’s wrong? Not enjoying your cruise?”
“Actually, I’m having a better time than I ever expected. I ah...well actually, I met someone and wanted to let you know, since it’s possible you may see something online or something.”
“This sounds serious. Did you meet while you were promoting your movie or on the cruise?”
Ben paused and took a breath, “I met him in Barcelona, and it turns out we were both on this cruise.”
