There is an old saying that no good deed goes unpunished. This is a story about how my good deed was wonderfully rewarded.
It all started on a cruise ship. I like to take an ocean cruise the first week of December because the cost for an inside cabin is reasonable, especially when you travel solo and you have to pay for two people in the room. I had done this several times and, while I'm not a big fan of traveling solo, it does get me out of the cold mid-west winters.
I prefer the early seating for dinner and a request for a table of six or more. You meet interesting people and I've never been disappointed. On past cruises, I've done karaoke with a table mate and joined some for land excursions.
The first night on one particular cruise was like no other and none since.
When I arrived at my assigned table for dinner, there were three others already present. Across and a few chairs down was an attractive middle aged woman who was having some difficulty talking and kept coughing like something was caught in her throat.
We shared eye contact and I watched her carefully, wondering if the situation might worsen. It did. She stood up and looked straight at me with sheer fear and panic in her eyes.
Fortunately, due to my work, I'm required to be certified in first aid and CPR. I immediately ran behind her and performed the Heimlich maneuver. One pull and out shot something and her breathing returned to normal.
I've taken many classes over the years and this was the first time I actually put my training into action. She smiled and said, "Thank you so very much." Then she handed me the drink list and said, "Anything you want."
I looked at her in a bit of a shock. I've never been given something like this before and I wasn't sure how to respond. I looked at her and replied, "Thank you..."
She reached out, shook my hand and said, "I'm Jan and I'm serious. You can have anything you want."
"Larry, and thank you again but I'd feel better sharing something with you. Do you like a dry red wine?"
"Yes I do."
"How about we get some recommendations from the sommelier."
"That would be fine but I'd still like to do something just for you."
"Let's chat after dinner."
By this time others began to arrive except one chair was still empty and she informed the head waiter that her friend would not be joining us.
I took that chair next to Jan and introductions were made that included the home city. Jan was from Dallas and her absent friend hailed from Denver. She informed us that Cindy was still in Denver due to a major snow storm and wasn't able to make the cruise. Fortunately, she had booked everything through the cruise line and had purchased the trip insurance.
All of us were seasoned cruisers and had done this particular cruise several times. I offered up that I like port days because the gym and pool was less crowded. There were a few gamblers and some trivia enthusiast. Jan reported that she enjoyed the music and the variety of the shows. She turned to me and said, "Do you like to dance?"
"Yes I do but I'm not very good. I can do some swing and of course a slow dance."
"Care to give it a try tonight?"
"I'd be very happy to dance with you."
The food, as usual, was good and the conversation entertaining that ranged from work to other vacation destinations and such. Jan and I enjoyed a nice dry red wine and some small talk. I learned that Jan was a computer tech specialist and worked for a repair company. A few people at our end of the table took that opportunity to ask questions especially regarding new systems and upgrades.
After dinner, we drifted to the atrium where a combo was playing. Jan ordered two Manhattans and we chatted. I learned that she and Cindy were close childhood friends and they like to get together a few times a year with a cruise being one of them. She took out her phone and pulled up a picture taken a few months ago that showed the two of them. I looked at two very attractive women. Jan is a curly brunette and Cindy is a red head. "Wow. I'll bet you two turned heads wherever you went."
Jan laughed and squeezed my arm, "You're very kind."
A band started playing one of my favorite songs by Elvis; Can't Help Falling in Love.
"Care to dance?"
We joined the crowd and I took Jan in my arms. I'm 6'3" and she came up to my chin. We maneuvered around the floor and I softly sang along with the soloist. Jan looked up and said, "You have a nice voice."
"Thank you. It's one of the few Elvis songs I can sing.
We danced, chatted, drank, and had a very nice time. I really enjoyed her company and finally I said, I'm sorry Cindy can't make the trip but ... ah ... If you like, I'd be happy to take her place."
She smiled and said, "I was trying to think of a way to ask you if you wanted to do just that."
"I should tell you two things about me: I don't gamble and I'm not a shopper."
She leaned up and gave me a light peck on the cheek and said, "That makes two of us."
