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8
Val
We really were getting into a routine I would miss when the cruise was over. For the last seven days I woke up with Rick in my bed. Of course, it meant waking up before dawn, and that was difficult on vacation, but well worth it.
It wasn’t all about sex. We had hard conversations, but I made sure to avoid talking about why he left. I knew even now he couldn’t handle that part of his life. His mother, Abigail, was such a sweet person, so loving and kind. I dealt with her passing differently than Rick had. I talked about her, kept her memory alive. I even named my daughter after her. A daughter you still don’t know I have.
It's funny. We talk so much, but we both know how to dance around topics we want to avoid. Like the fact that I still lived in the town where we had gone to school and had dated. Because it meant that no matter how wonderful a time we were having, it would come to an end again.
I’m not moving. Not with a grandchild coming. Rhode Island might not be Rick’s home anymore, but it is mine.
There was a time I would’ve followed him anywhere. I still love him, that hasn’t changed. But I have. I like my job, my friends, and most of all, my family. Could he still fit in my life? Or was this what Meg told me I should have, a vacation love affair?
If it is, then I wish it was with someone I didn’t love. Because I couldn’t forget him once. I can’t this time, either.
There was a knock on my cabin door, and I opened it, expecting Rick. But it was Betty.
“Hi, how are you?” I asked, unsure why she was here.
She sighed and asked, “May I come in?”
I opened the door wider and said, “Of course.” Once inside I asked, “Did you want to sit?”
She nodded and sat down. “I think…I got someone in trouble, and I didn’t mean to.”
“I’m sure if you explain what happened, they will understand.” Even though I have no idea what we are talking about.
“I’m not sure. See, it’s Rick. I saw him coming out of your room, and I know he isn’t supposed to be in passengers’ rooms. That’s not his role. He’s here to set up and break down for events only.”
“What did he say when you asked him about it?” I questioned.
Betty twisted her fingers on her lap and avoided my eyes. “I didn’t. I…mentioned it to his boss. I…I…thought…well I was only trying to protect you. I thought maybe he…” She burst into tears and said, “I was wrong. And…he’s been fired.”
“What!?” I was shocked. Rick was fired. That couldn’t be. He didn’t come and tell me. And I would’ve gone and spoken to his boss or the captain or anyone on his behalf, because he wasn’t doing anything wrong in my room. Actually, he was doing everything right.
“I know. It’s all my fault. And I can’t fix it,” she sobbed.
“Can I?” I asked.
“I…don’t know. There are rules about sleeping with passengers. I know people do it, but if you get caught, you get fired.”
“Obviously they had different rules on The Love Boat.”
“Huh? What’s that?” she asked.
That comment dated me, but I didn’t have time to explain. “Betty, you need to tell me if there are any loopholes around that rule.”
“Nope. You’re a passenger, that’s all.”
Only a passenger? “What if I was more than a passenger?”
“I don’t understand. You don’t work for the cruise line, do you?” she asked.
“No. But what if Rick and I were more than just…friends.”
“Val, I already figured it out. You’re lovers,” she stated.
“Yes. That too. But what if we were engaged, or…”
