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There was a large envelope on the dresser as well. I opened it and pulled out a black eye mask with gold glitter trim and gold ribbons. It looked more like one you’d wear for a fancy masquerade ball, not with a bikini. Almost a shame that it wasn’t going to get any use.
I tossed it back on the dresser. No way in hell was I going to any singles’ events. This was time to reconnect with my daughter, not hook up with random men. God, I hope they have better activities than this or I’m going to regret not bringing a book.
There was another paper on the nightstand. I walked over and scanned it. What the hell! It was more of the same shit. Everything was geared arounds singles. That couldn’t be right. I mean, I was single, but Abby wasn’t.
I grabbed my cell phone and dialed her number again. It was late, perhaps I was interrupting some romantic alone time, but really, she should’ve checked on me when I first arrived.
Abby answered. “Hi, Mom. How’s the cruise?”
That was an odd question. “You tell me. Have you even seen anything outside your cabin?” I asked.
“Yeah. About that, Mom. Don’t freak out, but Timothy and I aren’t on the ship,” she said.
“What? You missed the boat? Why didn’t you tell me? If you guys were running late, I could’ve gotten off too! We could get a refund for the tickets,” I said. I wasn’t sure that was true, but at least I wouldn’t be stuck on the ship alone.
“There’s no refund needed. Timothy and I never bought tickets. At least not for us.”
“I don’t understand. What are you talking about? You and I have discussed this cruise. We went shopping for clothes for it and everything. Of course, you have tickets!” I said.
“Nope. We just let you think we did,” Abby admitted.
“Why the hell would you do something like that?” I snapped, anger and confusion filling me.
“Because you needed this escape. You’re a beautiful, sweet person, and you deserve to find love, just like I did,” Abby said.
“You’re not making any sense.”
“If you come back in ten days and tell me that none of those guys were Mr. Right, then I’ll understand why you’re mad at me. But on a ship full of single men, one of them has got to be your type,” Abby said.
“All the men here are single?” I asked.
She chuckled. “Yes, Mom. It’s a singles’ cruise. Everything for the next ten days is about connecting with others and finding true love.”
I’m going to kill you when I get home.
“What made you think I would enjoy a singles’ cruise?” I grumbled.
“Nothing. But what you want and what you need are two different things. I know you always say, ‘mother knows best’.”
“Yes I do. And you’re not my mother,” I said firmly.
I heard Abby giggling as she said, “But I talked to Grandma about all of this, and she agreed. And she even chipped in to pay for the cruise. So, if you’re going to yell at me, you’ll need to yell at her, too. Oh, also your besties Kathleen and Meg chipped in too. Seems everyone thinks you need this cruise.”
Everyone was in on this and no one told me?I think my friend list just got shorter. “I’m not staying on this ship. First stop, I’m getting off and flying home.”
Abby sighed. “You’re not even giving this a chance. You might have fun.”
“I know what I like and what I don’t.” Being manipulated is something I don’t like.
“And we think we know you better than you know yourself. Grandma told me that you used to be wild when you were younger. Maybe you can channel your inner horny teenager and let loose for a while. Just don’t tell me any of the details, please,” Abby said.
“Don’t worry, Abby. There won’t be anything to tell. Good night. You’d better enjoy yourself, because when I get back, we are sitting down for a long talk. And you’re not going to like it.”
“Love you, Mom.”
“Love you too, Abby.”
Timothy chimed in from the background, “Have fun, Val!”
I ended the call and tossed my phone onto my bed. Channel my inner horny child? Mom, what the hell did you tell Abby? I wasn’t that bad. I had been…in love. Seems like I will need to sit down with more than just my daughter when I get home. It was like no one stopped long enough to think about me and what I like.
I couldn’t believe this. A singles’ cruise. No wonder men were approaching me. They are all probably out trying to collect notches on their belt.
They could try all they wanted, but I wasn’t going to become one of their conquests. I’m not a prude, but I don’t do one-night stands. Sex is beautiful when it is between two people who share a real connection. It was going to take more than ten days for me to develop that.
I loved Abby for trying to do what she thought would make me happy, but she didn’t seem to understand. I am happy. Even if I don’t have a man in my life, I’ve absolutely been in love before. It’s just been a really long time.
I picked up my melting daiquiri and downed it in one long gulp. Then I went back to the bed and laid down, not bothering to undress. I was beyond tired. Maybe if I closed my eyes, I’d wake up and find this was all just a dream.
What a waste of money, because I’m not leaving this cabin for anything except to fly home where I belong.
