"Salud!" they all said.
They took sips and settled into their chairs.
"This is where I need to get married," said Vanessa. "This place is so beautiful and so romantic."
"This would've been the spot, but girl, your family and Greg's family would have a fit if you didn't do it at home," said Lillian.
"I know, but I think I will have my honeymoon here or on Aruba. I will have to find out how much it will cost."
The ladies all looked at each other and smiled.
"I'm going to be a stowaway in your bag," said Elaine.
"I hear you," said Sabra. "I think I could even live here with no problem. I will get me a job renting beach chairs and umbrellas. Nah! That's too much work, chasing after people up and down the beach. I will have to think of something else."
"Yep. When I retire, I would get me a hut here for the winter months, and stay in Michigan in the summer," said Yvette.
"That sounds like a good plan," said Julie, "count me in. Make it a two-bedroom hut, but find one with a bathroom, please."
The ladies laughed and sipped on their drinks, reclined and enjoyed the wonderful scenery of water, boats and people at play.
About an hour later, the guys from the boat appeared.
"Hey, mamacitas," said Carmelo. “Cómo estás?"
"Great. We just getting our tans on," said Lillian.
"Speak for yourself," said Elaine. "I'm already beautiful brown."
"And that you are," said Nate.
"Well, you ladies are looking gorgeous as ever ... muy hermosa," said Carmelo. He looked over at Sabra. “You are looking extra good today, mami."
"Boy, I done told you about calling me that," she joked. "And I look good every day. What are you guys about to do?"
"This volleyball pit is looking lonely. You ladies care to play?" asked Tyrone.
"I'm not that good, but why not? Come on ladies, let’s play," said Elaine.
"But it's so hot," said Lillian, “and my skin is so fair," she said in a fake southern accent with her hand to her forehead.
"That’s why they have that great big old ocean for you to cool off in. Come on," said Elaine.
The ladies got up and played volleyball, and had a great time. They all ran into the ocean afterwards and then back to their chairs.
"Mind if we join you?" asked Ralph.
"Sure! Grab some chairs and find a spot!" said Yvette.
The guys found chairs for themselves, then motioned over a waitress. "What are you ladies drinking?" asked Carmelo.
"Bahama Mamas," they all said in unison.
"Can you bring us ..." he counted, "thirteen Bahama Mamas?" said Ralph.
“No problem mon. I will be right back," replied the waitress.
She brought the drinks back and everyone sipped their drinks while talking and admiring their beautiful surroundings.
"Thanks, Ralph," the ladies said.
"No problem, mon," he replied with a fake Bahama accent.
"Now which one of you guys is the groom- to- be?" asked Vanessa.
"That would be me," Ralph said, raising his hand.
"Vanessa here is our bride- to- be ... let’s have a toast!" said Julie.
"Girl, if you aren't the toastiest person I know," said Yvette shaking her head.
"Just raise your damn glass and toast," said Julie. "To the bride and groom to be. Salud!"
"Salud!" shouted everyone.
"Also, Happy Birthday to Sabra, she can finally use that AARP card."
"You could've kept that one," Sabra said with a playful sneer.
"A-a-r-p, a-a-r-p," chanted Elaine. Everyone including the guys joined in.
"Ok, knock it off. Salud!" said Sabra.
"Salud!"
About a half an hour later, Phil looked at Lillian and asked, "Would you mind taking a walk with me?"
"Sure. Be back in a few," she said to the ladies.
"Take your time," said Sabra, “and don't do anything I wouldn't do."
"Well Phil, you might be in trouble then," said Vanessa.
"Oh really," said Sabra, "you just shut the hell up," and they all laughed.
Phil and Lillian took off walking down the beach.
After they had walked some ways, they found a little beach bar and sat on some stools. "Would you like a drink?" he asked.
"I just need some water for now. This sun and that alcohol is making me a little light-headed."
He ordered her some water and found them another spot in the shade.
"Are you a spiritual person?" he asked her.
"Yes I am. Very," she answered.
"So, you know that us being on the plane and then on this island is nothing but God trying to tell us something?"
"Funny you should say that. I was thinking the same thing, but I didn't want to put it out there."
"Well, I'm hoping we get to know each other better, because so far, I'm really liking what I'm seeing ... and I'm not even talking about how gorgeous you are."
"I’m going to take that compliment. I've been checking you out too. I liked what I saw on the plane. I was just in a funky place because of events that was going on in my life at that time," said Lillian.
"I'm just so happy that you are in my life now, and I'm not planning on letting you go," said Phil.
"So, what happened to the young lady you were seeing? “asked Lillian.
"I stopped seeing her shortly after I got back. She couldn't handle me traveling so much, and she was just too needy for me," answered Phil. "She was a good person, but not the one for me, which is why I never committed to her, and she couldn't handle that. I was always upfront with her, I never led her on."
"So, you are free and single now?" asked Lillian.
"Yes I am. You probably think I'm lying, but I never stopped thinking about you." He took her hand in his. "I hope you will give me a chance."
"We'll see how you act," she replied.
He laughed, "fair enough."
"We'd better head back. My girls will call out the Bahama police on you if I'm not back soon."
They headed back to the spot where they left everyone, hand in hand.
After a day of sun and fun on the beach, they found a van and made their way back to town. They talked to the cab/van driver and asked him where a good place was for them to go where they could party with the locals. He told them a place and they made arrangements for him to come pick them up at nine. They had to be back on the ship by 4 a.m.
The ladies went shopping while the guys went back to the ship. They promised they would meet up with them later.
The ladies had a good time bargaining with the locals and the street vendors. Lillian bought herself a tricolor, silver necklace with a matching bracelet, beautiful gold bracelets for all of the ladies, and a colorful sarong. Yvette purchased a matching ankle bracelet and necklace made out of shells. Elaine bought t-shirts for her kids and a silver ring for Darlene. She knew Jayden wouldn’t really care about the trinkets that were for sale, so she made a mental note to take him shopping when she got home. Sabra found a good deal on her favorite drink White Hennessey, and purchased a couple of bottles because she couldn’t find it in the states. Vanessa gave an adorable child that was singing and dancing for money, a dollar, and bought her and Greg matching t-shirts, an ankle bracelet for herself, and a watch for Greg. Julie bought a rum cake, t-shirt, and sundress.
Soon it was time to return to the ship. The time approached for the captain's party, so they showered and changed into their formal attire.
The women looked stunning in their evening wear! Lillian was wearing an ivory, mermaid dress that dipped low in the back with small rhinestones all over. Yvette wore a blue cocktail length rhinestone dress with spaghetti straps. Elaine had on a yellow chiffon dress, knee length in front and draped to the floor in the back. Sabra wore a form-fitting peach beaded cocktail length dress. Vanessa chose a blue, off the shoulder, floor length glittery dress. Julie had on a sea green, off the shoulder, sati
n maxi dress, accented with a gold belt, jewelry, and shoes.
"Damn, we look good for some old babes," said Yvette.
"Speak for yourself, old babe," said Sabra.
"Yeah," said Elaine.
They headed for the Seashore Bar where the reception was being held. They all took a picture with the ship's captain and some of the officers. They ordered drinks by colors, not even caring what was in them.
"I'll have one of those green ones," said Vanessa.
"I’ll take a pink one," said Yvette.
"I’ll have another blue and an orange one," said Sabra.
There were hors d’oeuvres served, but the ladies were famished, so they headed to the dining room.
They took their seats and shortly afterwards the guys arrived. What a sight they were! They all had on tuxes and looked good enough to eat. As they passed the table, the ladies applauded.
"Very nice. Good job", they each said.
The guys bowed, then approached them and everybody exchanged hugs. They said hello to the other ladies seated at the table. Sabra received an extra-long hug from Carmelo.
"You ladies look beautiful, and I must say that this is the best-looking table on the ship," said Phil, not taking his eyes off Lillian. The guys all nodded in agreement.
He approached Lillian, "and you look exceptionally nice."
"Thank you," she replied, slightly blushing.
The maître d’ came over to the table and talked to Yvette.
"Doctor Shaker would like to invite you to dine with him at the captain’s table."
Yvette looked surprised. "Me?"
"Yes. Do you accept his invitation?"
She looked around at everyone. They looked back at her.
“Why yes, of course I accept,” said Yvette as she rose from her chair.
“Bye,” she said as she waved and walked away, turned and stuck out her tongue at her friends, and followed the maître d to the captain’s table.
When she arrived at the table, all the men stood up as the waiter pulled out her chair to sit down next to the doctor. She observed that there were a couple other passengers at the table, but it mainly consisted of the ship’s officers.
“What would you like to drink?” asked the waiter.
“I will have what he’s drinking,” answered Yvette, as she pointed to the doctor.
“Excellent choice,” said the waiter, as he poured her drink. She leaned over and asked,” so what are we drinking?”
He smiled and said, “some very good champagne that I think you will enjoy.”
Questions were exchanged around the table. The doctor leaned over to her and said, "You are looking very lovely this evening."
"Thank you," she answered. "And you are looking very nice yourself," as she admired him in his white uniform.
"Thank you. I was wondering if you would like to attend a show with me this evening? The Cirque du Soleil show is excellent."
"Well, I was planning to go out with the girls, but I did want to see that show," she hesitated, "Sure. I would love to go with you tonight."
"Are you sure your friends won't be upset with you?" said Dr. Shaker.
"I'm sure they will be alright."
"Wonderful," he said and smiled at her.
After dinner, she returned to her table. The ladies were just getting up to leave.
"Well, look who decided to join us. Did you have a good time?" asked Sabra.
"Yes. It was very interesting. So, what are you all about to do?" asked Yvette.
"We are going to change clothes and hang out with the guys. The boat doesn't leave till six a.m., so we still plan on going to that club on the island called the Zoo that the driver told us about."
"Sounds wild, but I'm going to hang out with Doc and go to the show on the ship instead, if you all don't mind," said Yvette.
"I don't blame you," said Vanessa.
"You sure?" asked Lillian.
"Oh yes. You all have fun ... and be careful."
Clubbing
The ladies changed into their party clothes and met the guys on the dock. They put on their cute sundresses and the guys wore an assortment of linen outfits, short sets, and nice shirts with jeans. They piled into the van that showed up as promised, and headed to the club.
When they got there, their van driver went to the door with them and talked to the doorman.
"This is Adam and he will take good care of you. We will be back to get you at three a.m. Here is my card, and please call if you need to leave earlier."
"Don't forget about us! And thanks" said Julie to the driver.
"No problem, mon. I will not forget about you."
They knew they were far from the ship, but they trusted that the driver would keep his word.
The club was bumping. The music was songs they knew, but all to a reggae beat. The people of the islands were grinding and moving their bodies ever so sensually. Phil took Lillian by the hand and led her to the dance floor. Carmelo grabbed Sabra. Vanessa grabbed Ralph and Nate. Elaine was grabbed by one of the island guys. The other guys found women to dance with and very soon got Julie up too. Throughout the night they all danced, drank, and had a great time. Three a.m. came too soon and it was time to go back to the ship, where they had to be back on board by four a.m.
"We can't miss that ship. Let's go everybody," said Vanessa.
As promised, the cab driver was there to take them back. The guys paid him and everybody pitched in and gave him a hefty tip.
"Thanks guys. That was so much fun," said Sabra, after they arrived back to the ship.
"We had fun also. Thanks, ladies and see you in the morning," said Nate.
"Good night," said Elaine.
"Phil took Lillian's hand, "Are you ready to turn in right now?" he asked.
"Not really," she answered.
"Want to hang out with me?"
"Definitely!"
"See you later," Lillian said once again to her friends.
Julie was starving, but nobody else was hungry, so she went to the Lido Deck to see if there was anything open to eat. She was told the pizzeria was opened twenty-four hours, so she went there and she ordered a couple slices of pizza. She found a seat facing the ocean and sat there staring, wishing that the cruise would never end. Then she realized that she missed Kevin and couldn't wait to see him.
"Did you leave any pizza for me?"
She looked up at her friend Ramone, from the casino.
"They just made a fresh pepperoni one," she said. "go get you a slice, and grab me another too, please?"
He smiled. "Hungry, huh? What did you do to work up that appetite at four a.m.?"
She told him about the club and how much fun they had.
"So, what did you do?" she asked.
"I went to the Crystal Casino on the island with my boys and donated a few dollars earlier, then we went parasailing and snorkeling, then came back to the ship to see a show. I had a good day with my sons."
"That's nice that you and your boys have a good relationship. How old are they?"
"They are twenty-one and twenty-five. My twenty-one-year-old is joining the military, and we just wanted to spend some time together before he leaves."
"Aww, that's nice. Sounds like you had a fun day."
"We really did. They ditched their old man when we got back. I don't blame them. There are some beautiful women on this boat, including you."
"Why, thank you," she said, "but they’re not looking at old women like me."
"You're more than welcome," he said. "You are not that old and believe me, those young guys are checking you out. You have really kept yourself up, whatever your age is."
"Thank you again," she replied. They ate their pizza and continued talking about their day.
"So where are you from?" asked Ramone.
"'I’m from Michigan. And you?" answered Julie.
"I live in California. If you are ever in L.A., you must come to my cafe."
"You own a cafe?" she as
ked.
"Yes, I have a small cafe off Rodeo Drive." He gave her a card. "Make sure you call me when you are in the area."
"Rodeo Drive? Must be pretty swanky."
"It's off Rodeo Drive and it's very quaint, “he said with a smile. “But a lot of celebrities stop by."
"So you always carry cards with you when you are on vacation?"
"Yes. You never know who you might meet, and honestly, I've been carrying this one card around in hopes that I would run into you again."
"Thanks for the card and the invite, and when I get to L.A., I will definitely come to your cafe," said Julie.
"And if that guy you are seeing back home turns out to be an idiot and lets you go, please get in touch with me."
"Will do, "she said with a smile, while thinking, Kevin had better be glad that I only do one man at a time, because if that man looks at me with them green eyes again…!
Sabra said goodbye to the guys and Carmelo asked, "You ready to turn in? Can we talk for a minute?"
"You know we plan on getting up pretty early and I am kind of tired, and it is four a.m..." she replied.
"Just placate me for a second," he asked.
"Okay. See you guys in a little while," she said to her friends.
After they walked a bit, Carmelo said, "You have to know I'm really digging you, Ms. Sabra."
"I've really enjoyed your company these few days too," she said.
He found a recliner chair and sat in it. He pulled her to the chair and positioned her between his legs and put his arms around her waist. She laid back on his chest.
Why CAN T I Be A Cougar?? Page 18
