Neptune's Ring

by Ali Spooner

  “Hi Baby,” Levi said. “Good morning ladies.”

  “Did you sleep well?” Vanessa asked, with a devilish grin.

  “Yes, I did,” Levi said as a slight flush rose to her cheeks. “Then I had a nice breakfast with Cass.”

  “That’s great,” Vanessa said. “Are you ready to go look at some pictures?” she asked.

  “Sure am,” Levi said.

  “Let’s go then,” Vanessa said, as she stood and offered Levi her arm.

  They walked to the hallway where they had taken the photographs the previous night. The walls were covered with a thousand photographs of couples and Levi worried that finding theirs would prove very difficult.

  One of the staff saw them approach the order counter and waved them directly over.

  “I have your photographs here, Captain,” she said with a smile.

  “Thank you Elisa,” Vanessa said. “Levi, this is Elisa.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Levi said, as she smiled at the young woman.

  “It is my pleasure to meet you, Levi, I have heard so much about you,” she said. “The photographs of you two turned out fantastic,” she said to Vanessa to hide her blush.

  “That is good news,” Vanessa said, as she watched the young woman open up a portfolio of photographs.

  Elisa was correct, the photographs had turned out well and it was difficult for Levi and Vanessa to choose favorites from the dozen to select from.

  “I am sorry Levi, I just can’t choose a favorite,” she said. “Why don’t we take them all and you can pick half to take back to the resort with you.”

  Levi smiled up at Vanessa. “You make things so easy for me.”

  “Not really,” Vanessa chuckled, “You still have to choose six from this batch.”

  “Good grief, you are right,” Levi said.

  “Yes I am, but at least you can do it in the cabin at your leisure,” Vanessa said.

  “No way,” Levi said, “I am going to ask Cass and Cory to assist me to choose.”

  “Smart move Baby,” Vanessa said, as she closed the portfolio and handed it to Levi.

  “I am supposed to meet them for drinks at the pool bar later this morning,” Levi said.

  “Do you have plans for lunch?” Vanessa asked, as they walked.

  “I was hoping I could steal the sexy Captain away for lunch.”

  “I will be sure to check her schedule for availability,” Vanessa said, with a chuckle. “How about lunch on the cabin balcony?” she asked.

  “That sounds lovely,” Levi smiled. “What time will you need to be back in the control room?”

  “The Harbor Master will arrive at twelve thirty, to guide the ship into port,” Vanessa said.

  “Lunch at eleven then?” Levi asked.

  “That sounds good, something light?” she asked.

  “A nice salad I think would be nice,” Levi said.

  “I will order them and will see you at eleven,” Vanessa said, then kissed Levi. “I will see you later, My Love.”

  Levi watched Vanessa walk away and walked down the hallway. She felt very lucky this morning and decided to make a stop at the casino before she went to the pool to meet Cass. She entered the casino and searched for an empty seat at a slot machine. Levi inserted a twenty dollar bill and watched the credits ring up on the machine. She placed the maximum bet and pulled the handle. Levi watched with growing excitement as the first red seven stopped on the pay line and then the second. When the third line stopped with a seven times pay seven, Levi nearly fainted from fright when the bells began to clang on the machine. She stared in amazement as the winnings continued to climb as a crowd began to form around her.

  “That is a two thousand dollar jackpot,” a casino staff said.

  “No way,” Levi said.

  “Yes, way,” she teased Levi. “If you will follow me, I will escort you to the cashier to collect your winnings,” she said.

  “Oh my goodness, you are serious,” Levi said.

  “Yes, ma’am, very much so,” the young woman said.

  Levi picked up the portfolio of photographs and followed the woman to the cashier’s office where she signed for her winnings and collected twenty brand new hundred dollar bills.

  Levi smiled brightly as she placed the bills in her pocket and walked to the pool bar.

  “Well aren’t you grinning like the cat that ate the canary,” Cory said, as she saw Levi walk up to the bar.

  “This has been a very lucky trip for me. I just hit a two thousand dollar jackpot in the casino.”

  “Now why can’t I have your luck?” Cory asked. “I just make donations to the one armed bandits.”

  “Congratulations,” Cass said.

  “Thanks, I may have to cruise more often,” Levi teased.

  “If your good luck would hold, that might not be a bad idea,” Cass said.

  “May I get you a drink?” Cory asked.

  “A cherry coke please. I need your help ladies,” Levi said, as she spread the portfolio open on the bar.

  “Wow, would you look at those smiles,” Cass said with a grin. “You two look very happy,” she said.

  “We are, but I need help to pick out which ones I want to take back to the resort with me,” Levi said.

  Levi, Cass and Cory were bent over the bar studying the pictures when Killian walked up behind them.

  “Great photographs,” she said, as she peaked over Levi’s shoulder.

  “Hi Killian,” Levi said. “We are trying to pick out some shots for me to take back to the resort.”

  “I like them all, but I really like this one and that one,” Killian said, as she pointed out two photos.

  “I like those also,” Cass said. “They look in your eyes has a dreamy look to it.”

  Levi chuckled. “Well Vanessa is my dream come true.”

  “Aww, that is so sweet,” Killian said. “I have it on great authority that she thinks the same of you, Levi,” she said with a grin.

  “I hope it is a love that lasts for a long, long time,” Cass added.

  “Me too, Cass,” Levi said, as her excitement sparkled in her eyes.

  Killian excused herself to join Vanessa back in the control room and left the women pouring over the photographs. They had picked out three favorites when Cass said, “I will be back in a few minutes,” and left the bar.

  “These really are wonderful,” Cory said. “Seeing these it makes me wonder why Kiki and I haven’t had photos done yet.”

  “It is never too late, and you have the perfect backdrops here,” Levi said.

  “I may just have to dress up and take my lady on a date,” Cory said with a chuckle.

  “With your connections, I bet you could even convince one of the photographers to come to the resort and take some photographs there,” Levi said.

  “That is an excellent idea,” Cory said. “I will speak to the Captain about that once we are docked.”

  Cass returned carrying a small bag which she handed to Levi.

  Levi opened the bag and pulled out two matching pewter picture frames.

  “These are beautiful,” Levi said as she hugged Cass.

  “I was thinking that these two photos are very close to being identical, so you could take one and leave one for Vanessa,” Cass said. “With these frames, you both would have another special memory of this trip knowing that the other had the same photo and frame in their bedrooms.”

  “That is such a sweet and romantic idea,” Levi said. “Thank you my friend.”

  “My pleasure Levi,” Cass said. “I have really enjoyed getting to know you and it makes me smile to see how happy you and Vanessa are together.”

  Levi hugged Cass again and squeezed her tight.

  They finished sorting out the photos and Cass helped Levi frame the two photos they had selected.

  “I need to go finish packing my bag, and meet Vanessa for lunch,” Levi said. “If I don’t see you before we arrive, I will see you later at the club,” she said. “Than
ks again, Cass for the beautiful gift.”

  “My pleasure, Levi and I will see you again soon.”

  Levi walked back to the cabin and took one of the framed photos and placed it on the table beside Vanessa’s bed. She placed the remainder of the photos she would leave for Vanessa on the desk and packed the portfolio in her bag with the remainder of her clothing. Levi was just finished packing when a knock came to the door and a room service staff delivered their lunch. The young woman was just leaving as Vanessa walked in.

  “Great timing, Julia,” she said, as she handed the young woman a tip.

  “Thank you, Captain, Julia said, and closed the door behind her.

  “I hear that I must get you off the ship quickly before we go broke,” Vanessa teased.

  “Word travels fast through a cruise ship doesn’t it,” Levi said.

  “It is not often that anyone hits a two thousand dollar jackpot on a slot machine and it looks even more suspicious when the Captain’s lover does it,” Vanessa said with a laugh. “Congratulations Baby.”

  “Thanks, I was so excited when it hit,” Levi said.

  “Ah, what’s this?” Vanessa asked as she picked up the framed photo from beside the bed.

  “A gift from Cass to each of us,” Levi said.

  “That was very kind of her,” Vanessa said, and what a great photo.”

  “I have one almost identical to that one that I will place beside my bed so I can say goodnight to you when we are apart,” Levi said.

  “That is so sweet,” Vanessa said, as she took Levi in her arms. “Thank you for making me a happy woman.”

  “Likewise Darling,” Levi said, as her lips touched Vanessa’s for a brief kiss.

  “Are you ready for lunch?” Levi asked.

  “Yes, I am starving,” Vanessa said, as they walked onto the balcony.

  They could see the faint outline of a landmass in the distance.

  “Is that the resort island?” Levi asked.

  “Yes, it is,” Vanessa said. “For once I wish it were farther away, so I had more time to spend with you,” she said.

  “It has been wonderful being here with you,” Levi said. “We will be spending more time together in the future, I promise,” Levi said.

  “I will hold you to that,” Vanessa said, as she smiled across the table at Levi.

  They ate the fantastic lunch and gazed across the water together as the island came to life before their eyes.

  “The island is much bigger than I originally thought,” Levi said, “seeing it from this viewpoint.”

  “There is the resort,” Vanessa said, as she pointed out the beach in front of Venus Rising.

  “Will I see you later tonight?” Levi asked.

  “Yes, it will take several hours to ensure the ship is in place and in good condition once we arrive. I will plan on being at the club around eight if that is good for you,” she said.

  “I will wait to order dinner until after you arrive then,” Levi said.

  “I sure do hate to see you leave,” Vanessa said.

  “Well we can come back here tonight or you can stay at my place,” Levi said.

  “Why don’t we plan to stay at your place for a few nights,” Vanessa said.

  “That’s fine,” Levi said. “If you want to pack a small bag, I will take it to the resort with me.”

  “You have a deal, My Love,” Vanessa said, as they walked back into the cabin.

  Levi sat against the headboard and watched as Vanessa packed several outfits in a small bag and placed it beside hers on the bed. Vanessa then moved to sit beside Levi. “I love you, Levi,” she whispered.

  “I love you too,” Levi answered.

  The blast of the horn interrupted their kiss to signal that they had entered the port and would await the arrival of the Harbor Master’s boat to guide them into port. They could feel the ship’s movement slow and then come to a complete stop.

  Reluctantly, Vanessa rose from the bed. “That is my signal to get back to work. I will see you tonight,” she said, then kissed Levi and left the cabin before the tears welling in her eyes could fall.

  Nat heard the blast of the ship’s horn and walked to the window to see the Sappho One at the mouth of the port.

  “They are home,” she said to Liz, who wrapped her arms around Nat’s waist as they gazed out at the large ship.

  PART TWELVE

  Levi sat on the balcony of Vanessa’s cabin and watched the Sappho One approach the docks, moving slowly through the smooth water. She watched as the ship was carefully moored and the gangplank was lowered onto the waiting pier. Levi would wait a few minutes to disembark to allow the excited ship’s passengers get underway on their island excursion. She picked up her bag and made her way slowly from the cabin to the busy elevators. When the main rush ended, Levi pushed the button and had a smooth ride down to the debarkation level.

  Killian was standing on the deck as the passengers filed onto the gangplank and she smiled at Levi’s approach.

  “I certainly hope this won’t be the last time you sail with us,” she said.

  “Are you kidding?” Levi teased. “You have me hooked.”

  “Good, that’s what we like to hear. We will see you very soon,” Killian said, then watched as Levi followed the crowd to the waiting trolleys.

  Nat paced like a caged cat. She was so excited she was unsure if she could wait until lunch on Friday to talk with Levi, Vanessa and Cass. Liz sensed her excitement as she watched her lover pace the office floor.

  “There is nothing that says you have to wait until tomorrow, My Dear,” Liz said with a chuckle. “However, I do think you need to at least let Levi make it back to her room before you bombard her.”

  Nat watched out the windows when the first trolleys arrived and watched for Levi. She was somewhat disappointed when Levi did not appear.

  “Come on, Nat let’s go down to meet her,” Liz said, as she took Nat’s hand in hers.

  Nat eagerly followed behind Liz as they rode the elevator down to the main floor and walked out to the trolley station.

  Levi stepped onto the trolley and smiled when she saw an empty seat next to Cass.

  “Imagine meeting you here, mind if I join you?” Levi asked.

  “Please do,” Cass said, while she took one of Levi’s bags in her lap.

  “Thanks,” Levi said, then sat beside Cass.

  “What time will the club be open?” Cass asked.

  “We open at four,” Levi said. “I will be sure to have a tall Tropical E waiting for you my friend.”

  “Ah, I can taste it already,” she said with a grin.

  “What will you do until the club opens?” Levi asked.

  “I thought I would try to catch up with Liz and Nat to see if my suite is available for the next few weeks.”

  Levi smiled at Cass.

  “If not you can bunk with me,” she teased.

  “I have a feeling your room is going to be well occupied for the next few days,” Cass said.

  “I am sure we can find some way to accommodate you,” Levi said, as the trolley turned into the resort’s drive way.

  She smiled when she saw Liz and Nat standing at the trolley platform. Nat waved vigorously when she saw Levi and Cass.

  “I think someone missed you.”

  “Now I really have to wonder what those two are up to,” Levi said.

  “From the look on Nat’s face I would say that you will find out soon. She looks like she is about to explode with excitement over something.”

  Nat grabbed Levi up in a huge hug when she stepped off the trolley.

  “Welcome home, Levi,” she said.

  “Thanks, Nat.”

  “I think she missed you just a bit,” Liz teased. “But it is good to have you home and bringing a good friend with you. Hi, Cass, how are you?”

  “I am doing well thank you, I thought I would sneak off the cruise for a visit and see if you have my suite available for a couple of weeks.”

&nb
sp; “I think we can work something out,” Liz said as she took a bag from Levi. “Nat and I would like to talk to you and Cass once you are settled back in,” Liz said, while they walked toward the elevators.

  “Very well, let me shower and get dressed for work and I will meet you in the office,” Levi said, then took the bag from Liz and disappeared into an elevator.

  “What is so fabulous that it has got Nat smiling like the Cheshire cat?” Cass asked Liz.

  “We have come up with a business proposal for you, Levi and Vanessa to consider. One that Nat cannot wait until tomorrow’s lunch to share,” Liz said, as she hugged Nat close.

  “Why don’t you come up with us and Liz can check on your room while we wait for Levi,” Nat said.

  “How long do you want to stay?” Liz asked as they walked into the office. She walked over to the computer on her desk and began to click on tabs.

  “I was thinking three weeks if you have it available,” Cass said.

  “Three weeks,” Nat exclaimed. “Have you stayed anywhere for three weeks before?” she teased.

  “Not in a long time, but Levi has convinced me to relax and recharge for a while and she suggested the resort to do just that,” Cass said, with a smile.

  “Well there is nothing like some time in the sun on the beach or around a pool, to help you relax,” Liz said.

  “That sounds like just the respite I need,” Cass said.

  Levi rushed through the shower and dressed in a uniform as she wondered what Nat was so excited about. She knew from the message that there was some form of business proposal to be made, but Levi could not begin to fathom what Nat was planning.

  Levi walked into the office, her hair still damp from the shower.

  “That was quick,” Nat said, as she grinned at Levi.

  “You have my interest peaked, Nat, what have you got in mind?”

  “Have a seat, please ladies,” Nat said.

  Levi, Liz and Cass sat around a small table where Nat had a stack of papers sitting in front of her.

  “Levi knows that Liz and I have discussed expanding business and opening a new resort,” Nat said to Cass. “Liz has been doing some research and we think we have arrived at an offer that is almost too good to pass on.”