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“Did your wife make it?”
He shook his head. “No. Her sister is getting married next week. They are doing a bunch of wedding stuff.”
“Ah, saved by the cruise,” I joked.
“Exactly. The timing couldn’t be better. You look bummed. Is everything okay?”
“Of course,” I said. “It’s just been one of those wild weeks. I’m looking forward to some downtime.”
“You really outdid yourself with this one,” he said.
“Good,” I said. “I wanted to do something big. It has been a hell of a year. Everyone has been doing some amazing work.”
“How’s the new assistant working out?” he asked.
I almost choked on my crab. It was guilt. Then I remembered Brian didn’t know about us. “Good,” I said. “Really good. She has picked up on the job pretty quick. She’s been a huge help. She isn’t Mabel, but she’s damn good.”
We chatted a bit more, stuffing ourselves with the crab. I had to take care of some issues with the captain. On my way to my room, I stopped by the pool to see if she was still in the water. She had disappeared. I went back to my room to change for dinner. Tonight was a formal dinner for the whole staff. I hoped it blew their socks off.
There was a seating chart for the dinner. That had not been my doing. I had some input, but the bulk of it was arranged by HR. They wanted to make sure everyone was comfortable and got to sit with people they knew. I may have requested Macy sit at my table since I was the only one she really knew. Granted, that had been before I knew she was going to dump me.
I made my way into the ballroom, being sure I stopped and greeted everyone. Macy was already seated at the table by herself. I hated seeing her alone.
“Is this going to be okay?” I asked and sat down.
“Do you bite?” she asked.
“Only the crab legs.”
“I suppose you arranged this too?” she asked.
“The seating chart?”
“Yes.”
I shrugged. There was no point in denying it. She already thought I was a liar. “I did, but to be fair, I did before, well, you know.”
“Understood,” she replied.
“Have you had a chance to make your way around the ship?” I asked her.
“I think I’ve covered the bulk of it,” she said. “It’s pretty big.”
“How’s Handcock?” I asked casually.
She gave me a look. “He’s fine.”
“Good,” I said, smiling. “I would hate for you to take out your frustrations with me on the cat.”
“I would never,” she said. “Handcock is a good cat. Mostly.”
She was talking to me, but it was pretty clear she wasn’t enjoying it. I noticed her constantly looking around like she was looking for a getaway. I backed off and quit trying to make small talk. The six-course meal was served. After every dish, I asked her if she liked it. She was polite but unenthusiastic.
After dinner, there was dancing, but I didn’t dare ask her to dance with me. Instead, I politely danced with several of the women on the staff. Macy had disappeared from the ballroom at some point. I retired early and headed for my own room. She happened to be going into her room just as I rounded the corner. We stared at each other for several seconds. Hope bloomed. Maybe, just maybe, she’d forgive me and come into my room.
She opened the door and disappeared inside. The hope disappeared with her just as quickly as it had blossomed. I let myself into my room and shrugged off the jacket and tie. I checked my phone and saw the missed call from my mom. I didn’t know if she was asleep but I called her back.
“Hello,” she answered.
