By consensus, I am a horrible person. Almost three months ago my wife of 30 years died unexpectedly but after a long illness that severely limited her mobility. I was her caregiver for many years. She liked cruises, so five months ago, we booked a seven-day, non-refundable cruise to Alaska. I decided to still go on the cruise and to go with another woman. My children and relatives are appalled. To make matters worse, the only available woman that I knew to ask is a stripper from my local bar. Judgment has been rendered, I am an uncaring, callous man. All that said, let me tell you all about my trip.
About a week ago, right before six p.m. shift change, I called Carrie over and said, "I have a seven day cruise to Alaska booked for the fourteenth of next month and I would like you to go on that cruise with me. I know this is short notice. I don't need your decision today. Think about it for a few days. If you are at least curious, let's go for coffee next week and talk it all over."
Carrie is soft spoken, about forty, a little over five feet tall, has a beautiful body, has big auburn colored hair and can light up a room with her smile. Her look said she was at surprised and happy to be asked. I liked that. She was twenty years younger than me, but she had not relegated me to the "foolish old man" category and shot me down. We decided to meet at the closest restaurant, Tuesday, seven p.m.
I had only known Carrie for six months and only as an occasional table dance customer. We had many conversations on slow nights. I discovered, she is not much of a drinker, is not a drug user, will talk about her life, is the provider for her three daughters, likes being touched and kissed, has a cute little girl giggle and occasionally has a look that promises naughty things to come. Her body always seems slightly oiled, she is very clean and warm, she kisses easily and her pussy taste good. I sense that her body appreciates a strong hand.
On Tuesday, she was radiant but viewed me with some low level fear of, "What could I be getting my self into?" I greeted her, "Hi, Beautiful." We stumbled through the niceties. She didn't want dinner, but dessert and coffee sounded good. I asked, "Have you ever been on a cruise before?"
"No, but they sound like fun."
"Well this one is with Holland America, in and out of Seattle. We would leave Portland about nine a.m., board about 1 p.m. and sail at 4 p.m. The ship will stop for shopping four times in Alaska. But let me warn you, this isn't a party cruise. It will be more restful and reserved. Of course, there will be entertainment, a casino and way too much excellent food. I brought you a brochure."
We spent a few minutes looking at the brochure and messing with our pie and coffee. "Jim, I would love to go, but we don't know each other very well. I have to ask you directly. What would you expect from me, if I went with you?"
"I expect your company. I've already seen every part of you, kissed most of you and I would like to get to know you better. Sure, I'm male and I find you very desirable. I would hope for some touching, kissing and sex, but I'm not expecting or demanding any of that. If sex is what we both want and it happens, fine. I will not be all over you or ruin your trip. I'll make sure the room is set up with two separate beds. You know I'm playful but will always honor your "No." I hope we will be open, honest and adult with each other. I want you to go because you would like to be with me. I am concerned that you will go just for the cruise, even though you turned off because I am much older than you or not your type. I think we will have a lot of fun together, but I want to know you are thinking the same way."
Carrie let some of her tension go. "I was hoping we could go on the cruise with those expectations. I like our age difference; I trust you; and I also think, we would have a fun week."
"You will go then?"
"Yes. But, you will have to tell me everything to do to get ready."
I'm sure happiness showed in my eyes. "We have to start with two big issues, then we can work out all the little details. First do you have a passport? Second, I need a way to contact you." For the next hour, we worked through lots of unknowns, started to get comfortable with each other and set up a getting ready plan.
Carrie glanced at her watch, "I'm really enjoying this time but I have to get home to my girls." We walked to her car and she paused by her door looking up at me. Gently, I put my left hand behind her head and used her hair to tilt her head up to me. I kissed her softly on the lips. I pulled away. She did not move. I opened her mouth with my right hand and kissed her again. For the first time, I tasted her tongue. On their on, our bodies pressed together. I said, "With a little practice, we could be good at kissing." She smiled, "That second one was good. It left a warm and wet impression." I let my left hand slip to her butt and pulled her to me tightly. "You are a naughty tease and you have already made me uncomfortable." I knew she could feel the part of me that was uncomfortable. "Now get home to your girls. We'll have some time just to ourselves in three weeks."
Carrie had been surprised when I picked her up to go to Seattle. She didn't expect a classic V12 Van der Plas. She adjusted and quickly looked like she was born to ride in a big Jaguar. We boarded; we went to the greeting buffet and I gave her an overview of the ship (This was my second cruise on HAL's Vaandam.). Carrie was truly a kid in a candy store. She absolutely glowed. She wanted to be everywhere at once. She even enjoyed settling into the cabin and playfully fussing over bathroom cabinet space. For the rest of the day, we went to everything: the mandatory lifeboat drill, orientation, ship's tour, late seating in the Rotterdam Dinning Room and a couple of cocktails in the Crow's Nest. Carrie was tired, a little buzzed and happy. When I took her hand to lead her back to the room, I felt her tense a little.