Sea Legs Part 1

Sea Legs.

KG MacGregor.

To Jo Atkinson, with thanks.

Acknowledgment.

I set out to write this novel during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), November 2008. My goal was to get 70,000 words on paper in just thirty days, which translated to roughly 2,500 a day. Piece of cake.

Except that I hit the wall at 48,000 around November 20th and spent the next six weeks rewriting those words so I could comfortably proceed. That left me barely a month before deadlinea"hereas where I have to pause and thank Karen, Ann and Steph for allowing me to rudely ignore them on my visit to the Pacific Northwest so I could writea"and in a state of mild panic. When the due date came, I wasnat quite ready to let it go, but I figured I could stew on it a bit more while it was in the editoras hands for the first pa.s.s and make my tweaks later. Thatas when I learned that Katherine V. Forrest was slated to edit the book. One does not turn in a book that needs tweaks to the esteemed Ms. Forrest. So this one was a bit late.

Itas impossible to overstate what Katherine brings to the editing process. She approaches each ma.n.u.script as both the readeras advocate and the writeras champion. You have her to thank for the visuals and for the crisp delineation of what might otherwise have been a confusing ensemble.

Thanks also to Jenny for her technical help, to Karen for her meticulous proofread, and to all the folks at Bella for their commitment to putting out great books.

About the Author.

KG MacGregor was born in 1955 into a military family in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Following her graduation from Appalachian State University, she worked briefly in elementary education, but returned to earn a doctoral degree in journalism and ma.s.s communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her love of both writing and math led to a second career in market research, where she consulted with clients in the publishing, television and travel industries.

The discovery of lesbian fan fiction prompted her to try her own hand at romantic storytelling in 2002 with a story called Shaken. In 2005, MacGregor signed with Bella Books, which published Goldie Award finalist Just This Once. Her sixth Bella novel, Out of Love, won the 2007 Lambda Literary Award for Womenas Romance, and the 2008 Goldie Award in Lesbian Romance. In 2008, she proudly announced the return of the Shaken Series with its first installment, Without Warning.

To KG, there is no better praise for her work than hearing she has created characters her readers want to know and have as friends. Please visit her at www.kgmacgregor.com.

Chapter 1.

One look and Kelly Ridenour was in love.

At over a thousand feet long and thirteen stories high, the Emerald d.u.c.h.ess was the largest ship in the Emerald Cruise Lineas fleet. It gleamed against the sparkling Biscayne Bay, a waft of silver smoke streaming from its towering stacks and dissipating into the bright Miami sky.

Yvonne Mooney snapped a photo from the taxi as it crested the bridge leading to the cruise terminal. aThere she isa"our home away from home for the next twelve days.a A finger in the air, Kelly counted the rows of windows to the ninth deck, which was one of three decks lined with balconies. Her stateroom was in that row, somewhere aft, three levels from the top. aYou might have to drag me off that ship when we get back. January in Rochester sucks.a aThatas why this was the perfect Christmas present for Steph and me to give each other.a aAnd me to give myself.a Yvonne crouched to keep the ship in her viewfinder, snapping off another photo as the taxi circled the port. aNow I just have to get Steph off her Blackberry for a few hours, and weall actually have a vacation.a Kelly chuckled at the image. aYou probably should have kidnapped her and made her come down early to go diving with us.a The last time she had gotten together with Yvonne and her partner was over dinner at a local Irish pub. Steph, a real estate agent, had spent most of the evening texting a t.i.tle company to finalize plans for a closing.

aProbably not a good idea. Stephas not into all the water stuff. I bet she spends the whole twelve days on this cruise with her nose in a book.a Kelly marveled at how Yvonne and Steph had endured for eighteen years despite having so little in common. They even looked like total oppositesa"Yvonne tall and athletic with short spiked hair, and Steph pet.i.te with long tight curls that seemed to have a life of their own.

aAt least weall all be warm for a while,a Yvonne added. aSteph reminds me every winter that it hardly ever snowed where she grew up in Memphis.a aItas amazing you got her to move to Rochester.a aThatas nothing. Natalie moved all the way from Mississippi just to be near us. All she cared about was getting out of Pascagoula.a Natalie Chatham, whom Kelly hadnat yet met, was Steph and Yvonneas longtime friend from college. She had decided at the last minute to come along on the cruise, and accepted Kellyas offer to share a cabin. aI canat wait to meet her.a aJust donat expect her to get in the water. Sheas a bigger princess than Steph.a aIam telling your girlfriend you called her a princess.a aShe wonat care. Both of them would consider it a compliment. And when it comes to being prissy, neither of them holds a candle to Didi or Pamela. You arenat going to believe those two.a Kelly snickered to herself as the cab entered the line to the luggage drop-off. She happened to like prissy ladies. She just didnat want to be one. aWhat time are the others getting here?a aTheir plane is supposed to land at two fifteen, but who knows if theyall be on time? Steph called while you were in the shower this morning and said Rochester got five inches of snow last night.a aNow arenat you glad we came down early?a In their three extra days, they had managed a deep sea fishing trip and a dive cla.s.s at John Pennekamp State Park, where Yvonne had picked up her resort dive certificate. Kelly had gotten her PADI Divemaster certificate thirteen years ago when she was in the navy and stationed at Key West. aAt least the two of us will be on that ship when she pulls out.a Yvonne stowed her camera in its bag. aWeare not due to leave until five oaclock, but that storm socked the whole northeast. I wouldnat be surprised if they held us in port for the late arrivals.a aI may not care if we sit in port the whole time. That shipas a beauty.a aExcept if we sit in port, they wonat open the casinos. We have to be in international waters for that.a Kellyas jaw dropped in disbelief. aDo you mean to tell me youad rather sit in a dark smoky room with a bunch of machines than out on a sunny deck watching women walk by in bikinis?a Yvonne c.o.c.ked her head to the side. aNow that you put it that wayaa The taxi came to a stop at the luggage drop, where the shipas porters hurried to remove their suitcases from the trunk. Yvonne had already tagged her two bags with the color-coded labels from the cruise line so they could be delivered to their stateroom.

Kelly intercepted her duffel, which didnat have a tag. aI can carry this one.a aYou ought to send it up with the baggage handlers,a Yvonne said, gesturing toward the cl.u.s.ters of pa.s.sengers making their way to the terminal. aWe could be in line for an hour or more.a aMineas not that heavy. I didnat pack much.a aHow can you go on a cruise for twelve days with just one bag? Oh, wait. I know. You didnat have Steph Sizemore helping you pack and making sure you had three changes of clothes for every day.a aPrecisely,a Kelly said. aI learned in the navy how to pack light and wash out my own clothes.a Yvonne eyed Kellyas bag and the backpack she had slung over her shoulder. aDidnat you pack some dress clothes for dinner?a aI have a few things. I promise not to embarra.s.s anyone.a aOh, I wonat be embarra.s.sed. But given the size of that bag, if I see you in more than three different outfits Iam going to be impressed.a At the entrance to the terminal they showed their pa.s.sports and boarding doc.u.ments, and followed the mob up the escalator to check-in. True to Yvonneas prediction, the line snaked through the terminal, several hundred pa.s.sengers deep. Most seemed to be couples, tired husbands in khakis and polo shirts, laden with shoulder bags, and wives in the first of their colorful vacation attire. It was no surprise that several children were in tow, as this was their holiday break from school.

A cheery woman in a tropical skirt and blouse greeted them. aIt isnat as bad as it looks. We have over thirty people working registration. Youall be on board sipping a rum runner in thirty minutes.a Kelly dropped her bag and kicked it gently forward in line. aTell me again who all these people are. There are six of us, right?a aRight. Thatas you, me, Steph, Nataliea Steph and Natalie have been best friends since college. Theyare like soul mates.a aDonat you ever get jealous?a aNo way. Natalie does all the things with Steph that would drive me insane. You know those people who shop until they drop?a Kelly nodded.

aWell, I shop only until I feel like killing somebody. But those two could go for days without coming up for air. And they trade recipes and pore over all those interior design magazines.a aI like those magazines too.a She shrugged at Yvonneas incredulous look. aWhen I worked with my dad, we used to do a lot of remodels. I like to see what other people are doing.a aThatall give you and Natalie lots to talk about. She bought a house last year that needs a lot of work.a aShead better be careful. Once I get started, I go crazy with ideas.a With a sudden burst, they wound around the ropes and moved up another twenty feet.aSo itas you, me, Steph and Natalie. Who are the other two?a aDidi Caviness and Pamela somebodyaI donat remember her last name. Didi and Natalie own what most people consider the nicest womenas clothing store in Rochester. Of course, Iam no expert on that. Iam just repeating what Steph said.a aAnd Pamelaas her girlfriend?a aYeah, her new girlfriend. Theyave been together about six months. Before that, Didi and Natalie were together for six years, but they split up a couple of years ago.a aI take it theyare still friends as well as business partners, or they wouldnat be cruising together.a aThey got along better than ever after they broke upa"until Pamela came along. Natalie was hoping she and Didi would get back together, but Iam not so sure thatas because sheas still in love with her. I think itas because Pamela lives in Manhattan and wants them to move the shop there. Didias really hot for that idea, but Natalie isnat.a Kelly groaned. ad.y.k.e drama. Letas hope everyone behaves for the next twelve days.a aThey havenat killed each other yet.a aThatas a pretty good sign, I guess.a Yvonne chuckled as they moved up in the line again. aItas a great sign if you ask me. I probably would have killed Didi myself if she hadnat been Natalieas girlfriend.a aWhat? Is she bad news?a aNot really. Most of the time sheas nice, and sheas fun to have around. But sheas a real clothes horse. I bet she brings twice as much stuff as any of us, and sheall be immaculate whether sheas at a formal dinner or sitting on a barstool by the pool. She always looks good, and she knows it. Her problem is she canat turn off her fashion critique and sometimes that gets old.a aSometimes?a Kelly looked down at her attire, a white cotton shirt with the sleeves rolled up, olive green, knee-length baggy shorts and Birkenstocks. aI bet she has a field day with me. I should have worn one of my old navy uniforms. At least my shorts matched my shirt.a Yvonne laughed and looked her up and down. aI think you look fine. This is supposed to be a freaking cruise, not a fashion show. Just donat wear a silver watch with gold earrings like Steph did the last time we all went out together. I thought wead never hear the end of it.a Kelly tugged at her ears, which she had never had pierced. aNo danger there. Do you think shead like to see my tattoo?a aYou have a tattoo?a She tugged her collar back and leaned forward to show a small black and yellow design at the top of her shoulder blade.

aAw, man. Youall have to show that to Steph. Iave been trying for years to talk her into letting me get one.a aThis oneas a Sea Bee. Our whole unit got drunk one night in Key West, and we all woke up decorated. Thank G.o.d I had the good sense to pick a little one.a They finally reached the front of the line, parting briefly as they checked in at separate stations. Kelly strode to the far left counter and came face to face with the reservation clerk, a young woman of Asian descent wearing a form-fitting dark uniform.

aWelcome to the Emerald d.u.c.h.essaa Kelly noted the familiar hesitation as the clerka"Kim from Taiwan, according to her nametaga"waited for her to introduce herself.

aHi, Iam Kelly RidenouraKelly Ann Ridenour.a Her plain clothing, short hair and lack of makeup or jewelry often kept strangers guessing as to her gender, especially since her voice was deeper than that of most women.

aIs this your first cruise, Miss Ridenour?a aFirst one with Emerald. I took a couple of short ones back when I was stationed at Key West. Iam looking forward to the eastern islands.a She handed over her doc.u.ments and waited while the woman completed her check-in.

aThis is our most popular itinerary. And weave put in a special request for perfect weather just for you.a aThatas great.a So was Kimas smile, now that Kelly had a chance to study it. aI bet you enjoy sending people off on their dream vacation.a aEspecially since Iall be coming along too.a She handed over a business card. aIf thereas anything you need on board, donat hesitate to call me at Guest Services.a aWill do,a Kelly answered, wondering if aanythinga included dinner companionship. She stepped toward the gangway and waited for Yvonne. aThat man who checked you inadid he give you his business card?a Yvonne stowed her paperwork and draped her camera bag over her shoulder. aYeah, and he even said I could call him on board if I needed anything.a ad.a.m.n! I was hoping my lady was flirting with me.a As they entered the shipas majestic atrium, still decorated with a towering Christmas tree, Kelly drew a deep, satisfied breath. Kim or no Kim, this was going to be the best vacation of her life.

Yvonne grabbed her elbow and pointed to the balcony two decks above. aIam going to drop my stuff off in the room and see if their planeas in. Then we should meet up there and watch for them to come aboard.a Kelly grinned. aIall be there, and Iall have a rum runner in each hand.a Natalie pressed her forehead against the window of the plane so she could follow the south Florida coastline directly below.

She hoped her last-minute agreement to come along on this trip wasnat a colossal mistake. When Steph and Yvonne had first floated the idea for a twelve-day cruise to the eastern Caribbean, it sounded like fun, but the more she thought about it, the more she worried whether she could put up with lovebirds Didi and Pamela for that long. In the end, her decision to buck up and make the trip was more a matter of choosing to be miserable with friends in the tropics instead of miserable alone at home in the snow.

Not that she didnat like Pamela Roche just fine. The youthful New York designer knew she was stepping into an awkward situation with an ex-lover when she had started dating Didi, but she had been nothing but sweet and friendly to Natalie during her frequent visits to their shop. That didnat change the fact that Natalie still had feelings for Didi, feelings that were trampled every time she saw the two of them fawning over each other, as they were doing right now up in the first-cla.s.s cabin.

aWhat are you thinking about?a Steph asked, hooking her arm through Natalieas. Ever the good sport, she had traded her aisle seat for the center so she and Natalie could sit together.

Natalie sighed. aIam starting to wonder if this was a good idea.a aOf course it is.Only an idiot would choose snow in Rochester over warm sand in Barbados.a She tightened her grip as though sensing Natalie needed a boost. aYvonne and I were thrilled when you said youad come. You and I are going to hit every store in the Caribbean, and who knows? You might just get lucky with someone on the cruise.a aYou mean if sheas rich and gorgeous and wants to worship the ground I walk on?a If seeing Didi and Pamela as a loving couple wasnat bad enough, there was also the matter of Didias near-constant badgering of Natalie to sell her half of the store so Didi could move it to New York. Natalie had always known it was Didias dream to hit the big time as a Manhattan fashion maven, and Natalie might have supported it as a life partner, but she wasnat ready to see Didi walk out of her life for good. Eight years ago when they first became lovers, she had invested her entire savings in Didias dream, to say nothing of her sweat equity. Now that it was successful, she wanted to celebrate the triumph with Didi and know their financial future was secure.

aPlease tell me Kelly isnat twenty-eight-years old,a she said, an allusion to Pamela and the fourteen-year age difference between her and Didi.

aShe looks like sheas more our age. Sheas been working for the city a couple of years and before that lived in Buffalo.a aHow did you guys meet her?a aKelly hurt her knee or something and came into Yvonneas clinic for physical therapy. They hit it off and started hanging out.a Steph looked at the book bag at her feet. aIf you get bored Iall lend you some of my lesbian books. Nothing beats a hot, steamy romance.a aOh, please,a Natalie interjected, shaking her head in the direction of the forward cabin. aItas bad enough I have to put up with those two.a Steph lifted out of her seat to look at Didi and Pamela. aHow did they manage to end up in first cla.s.s? I thought we all booked at the same time.a aDidi called back and upgraded with her frequent flyer miles,a Natalie answered. aShe said she wasnat going to ruin her vacation by traveling cattle-cla.s.s. I hope we donat have to put up with that princess routine the whole time weare here. I get my fill of that at work every day.a In fact, she hoped to avoid the lovebirds as much as possible, though she wouldnat mind a few chances to get off with Didi on her own. Who knows? She might even be able to talk some sense into her.

Steph stretched across her lap to peer outside as the plane banked over the coast and bounced through one of the billowy white clouds that dotted the sky above Miami. aAre we there yet?a aAny minute.a She patted Stephas back affectionately.

Steph and Yvonne were her dearest friends in the world, the ones who had practically saved her life by encouraging her to move from Pascagoula to Rochester twelve years ago. Mississippi was no place for lesbians, they said, something they all knew from their college years at Ole Miss. Thank goodness for Yvonneas softball scholarship and her eventual return home to Rochester, where Steph and Natalie had followed and made a new life. Other than the fact that people commented on her southern drawl every single day, she felt perfectly at home in Upstate New York.

As the plane touched down, Natalie checked her watch and noted they were forty minutes late, but still had plenty of time to get to the ship. Not bad, considering their earlier doubts they would get out of Rochester this morning in the snow.

Didi and Pamela were waiting in the lounge as they exited the jet bridge. Both were dressed to the nines in smart wool slacks and sweaters, with tasteful jewelry, and what Natalie thought was a tad too much makeup. Pamelaas outfit was cut for a girlish figurea"low waist and clingy topa"which seemed to accentuate the age difference between her and Didi. Either that, or Natalie was just bitter about her ex seeing a much younger woman.

aWe had the most marvelous shrimp in lobster sauce,a Didi exclaimed. aDid you guys get something good in the back?a aVery funny. We split a granola bar and washed it down with a bottle of water.a Steph reached out and mussed Didias perfect hair. aAnd by the way, I intend to eat whatever I want for the next twelve days and I donat want to hear any s.h.i.t from anyone. Iave been eating lettuce for a whole month so I could splurge.a aI think you look terrific,a Natalie said, remembering how Didi used to jealously whine in private when she gave compliments to others. Steph had worked hard to avoid extra calories all through Thanksgiving and Christmas so she could enjoy the shipas bountiful cuisine without guilt, and she deserved heaps of praise. aIn fact, youave never looked better.a They trudged with the crowd to baggage claim, arriving just as the carousel started to churn. Bags belonging to cruise pa.s.sengers were already tagged for delivery to their stateroom. All they had to do was pick them up and place them on the luggage cart next to the cruise line representative.

Natalie spotted her brown tweed Hartmann bag and wormed her way closer to the belt. Just as she reached for the grip, Didias hand came out of nowhere and s.n.a.t.c.hed it away. aThis oneas mine, Nat. I figured youad bring yours too, so I tied a ribbon on the handle.a Glumly, she stepped back. Matching luggage had seemed like a good idea three years ago when they were a couple. Now it was just another caustic reminder of a relationship gone sour.

aHereas yours, Natalie,a Pamela called cheerfully. aIall get it for you.a She tugged it off the conveyor and set it beside Didias.

aThank you.a It was impossible not to like Pamela, but equally impossible to feel good about Didi having someone so nice for a girlfriend. aI have one more if you see it, a matching grip.a aSo does Didi. And she brought her big garment bag too.a Of course she did. Didi never went anywhere without half her wardrobe. Natalie decided to step back and let Pamela retrieve the bags. She bit her tongue to keep from congratulating Didi for finding someone who would help her in her golden years. aWe deserve to celebrate these next twelve days, Didi. Our holiday season was off the charts.a aIt was a good year,a Didi said. aCould have been even better on Eighth Avenue.a Natalie sighed. aGive it a rest, okay? Letas just call a truce and quit talking about this while weare here.a aUnder one condition,a Didi said, swinging around to look her in the eye. aYou promise weall talk seriously about it when we get home. And I donat mean just me asking you again and you saying no. I mean we sit down and talk about what itas going to take for you to say yes. Iam prepared to make you a generous offer for your half of the business, but I canat do that if you wonat listen at all.a As far as Natalie was concerned, a truly generous offer would have to include Didi ditching Pamela and coming back to her. Whatever their differences, they could start fresh and work things out. Once they got their relationship back on track, Natalie might even consider moving their shop to New York.

aWeall talk about it.a aYou promise?a aI said wead talk about it,a she said tersely, feeling instantly guilty for her tone. aI promise weall sit down together when we get back to Rochester. Letas just have fun with our friends while weare here.a She reached down for her bag.

aThat oneas mine.a aNo, it isnat. Yours has thea"a She peered closely at the tags and compared cabin numbers. aIall be d.a.m.ned,a she muttered under her breath. It wasnat enough that they were cruising together. Didi and Pamela were in the adjacent stateroom.

Chapter 2.

Kelly nodded approvingly as she entered the stateroom, which was neatly appointed with built-in modules in rich cherry laminate. Immediately to her right was a small bathroom with a toilet compartment and a shower stall. The twin beds, separated by a nightstand, were decorated with cheery aqua spreads that matched the drapes leading out to the balcony. A small couch and coffee table lined the wall between the beds and the sliding gla.s.s door. On the opposite wall alongside the closet were a vanity, a column of drawers, and a desk with a small television mounted above.

It was hardly s.p.a.cious, but it was more room than the navy had allotted four crewmen in its barracks at Key West. She unzipped her duffel bag and removed her toiletry bag, which she placed on a shelf beneath the sink. Chuckling to herself, she wet her hand and flattened the cowlick above her brow.

Next she laid out her clothes methodically, sorting underwear and pajamas from beachwear and exercise gear. Then she pulled out three crisp white shirts, which she had neatly wrapped in a plastic laundry bag to prevent creasing. The last few itemsa" khaki chinos, denim carpenter pants, two pairs of dress slacks, a black dinner jacket and a black silk vesta"had been similarly stored, and emerged wrinkle-free.

She stowed her things in the large bottom drawer, leaving the top three empty. She figured her roommatea"Nataliea" would appreciate the extra s.p.a.ce, as well as the convenience of not having to bend over in tight quarters. Natalie could have her choice of beds too.

Her last act, the one she had looked forward to most, was to remove her watch and place it on the vanity. Time wasnat going to rule her for the next twelve days.

After checking to make sure she had her key card, which was also her ID to charge purchases on the ship and to get back on the ship when in port, she headed down two flights to the Internet cafe that surrounded the grand atrium. Yvonne was already poised on the rail of the balcony so she could watch the new arrivals as they came aboard.

aDid their plane get in okay?a aYeah, I just talked to Steph. They landed about an hour ago and were getting off the bus out front. They should be coming through any minute.a Kelly looked down as two women entered. aNow thereas an odd couple if I ever saw one.a One had bright red hair and was bubbling with excitement and awe. The other, plump with brown hair, was considerably younger and more reserved. She was laden with carry-on baggage, including an enormous camera bag with a familiar book sticking out the top. aDidnat I see that book on your kitchen counter the last time I was over?a Yvonne squinted to get a look. aI think Steph has that one. Itas one of those lesbian erotica anthologies.a aSo itas a safe bet those two are part of our family.a aIad say so. Theyare an odd pair.a Kellyas jaw dropped when a shapely woman with long blond hair entered. aPlease tell me thatas Natalie.a Yvonne snorted. aNot quite.a A second woman, elegant and forty-ish, Kelly guessed, with short hair stylishly coiffed and shining with blond highlights, emerged through the doorway to stand with her.

aThe younger one is Pamela, and the one who looks like sheas waiting for someone to carry her up the stairs on a throne is Didi.a aI have to admit, they make a striking couple,a Kelly said as the two women stepped onto an elevator and disappeared from view.

aIf you make a pa.s.s at Pamela, Didi will be the one doing all the striking.a She chuckled. aI consider myself warned.a aThereas your roommate.a Yvonne waved in vain trying to draw the attention of two women who had just entered the atrium.

Kellyas eyes went first to Steph, then to a tall woman with short black hair. aNatalie looks like a runner.a aThat isnat Natalie,a Yvonne said as a man appeared and took the tall womanas arm. aNatalie has on the beige sweater.a Kelly shifted her focus to a slender woman with thick brown hair that fell to her shoulders and framed her face.From two levels up, Natalie appeared to be quite attractive, but not as remarkable as either Pamela or Didi. She might have been prettier if not for what looked like a scowl. aIs she always so happy?a aTo tell you the truth, sheas been pretty cranky lately over this business with Didi. Letas hope this trip doesnat make it worse.a aI wonder why she decided to come.a Yvonne shrugged. aShe and Didi still work together every day, so I guess she thought she could manage a vacation. Besides, she and Steph are best buds. Iam surprised you didnat end up rooming with me.a From the slump of her shoulders, Natalie looked tired on top of cranky. She also looked like someone who needed all the friends she could get, something Kelly understood. If she could help get Natalieas mind off her troubles and return home to Rochester with a new friend, that would make this vacation all the more memorable.

aIam going to run down and meet Steph in our stateroom. Why donat you head out to the deck for a drink and weall bring Natalie out so you can meet each other.a aOkay, but try not to get distracted by your girlfriend and forget about me.a Natalie frowned as she walked past Didi and Pamelaas stateroom. Over a thousand cabins on this bucket and she had to draw the one next door.

Her mood, which had been dour since rising at four a.m. to five inches of snow, got a lift when she entered the stateroom.The designers had struck the perfect chord for efficiency and comfort, throwing in a cheery decor to boot. She crossed the room to the sliding gla.s.s door and stepped onto the balcony, which gave her an expansive view of the towering hotels of Miami Beach.

aGorgeous, isnat it?a To her left, Didi and Pamela were standing at the rail.

A wave of nostalgia enveloped her as she nodded silently. Though she had seen Didi and Pamela together many times, she was more jealous than ever to know they were here for a romantic getaway, while she would be the odd one out for the entire trip. Steph had promised to keep her company, since Yvonne wanted to play in the casino and go diving with her new buddy, but hanging out with a friend didnat measure up to watching the Caribbean moon on the water with a lover.

Shaking the thought from her head, she went back inside, noticing for the first time a watch on the vanity. That meant her roommate had already been to the cabin.

She opened the closet and studied the dark suit, white shirts, black dress shoes and sneakers. No skirts or dresses. No pumps.

No brightly colored tropical shirts. aGreat. Iam rooming with a funeral director.a Unable to resist, she went through the drawers until she found the rest of her roommateas thingsa"cargo shorts, more b.u.t.ton-up shirts, tank tops in several colors and a pair of board shorts like a teenage boy might wear. Not much varietyano flair at all.

In the bathroom, she found what looked like a manas shaving kit. Awash in guilt for her nosy actions, she nonetheless peered inside. There was only a razor, sunscreen, baby shampoo and dental care items. No makeup of any kind. No face cream. No moisturizer. How did any woman live without moisturizer?

A knock at the door startled her, causing her to drop the bag. Quickly, she picked it up and stowed it back on the shelf.

Steph was at the door. aYou like your stateroom?a aItas nice. Where are you?a aWeare below you, but we donat have a balcony, just a big window.a aThen youare welcome to come up and use ours, if you donat mind being next door to Pamela and Diva.a aYou mean Didi.a aWhatever.a Steph laughed with conspiratorial mischief. aMaybe you and your roommate will hit it off and you can keep them up nights with your moaning.a Natalie shuddered and opened the closet door to show Steph the plain attire. aI donat think so. Something tells me she isnat my type.a aThatas how Yvonneas closet would look if I didnat buy her what I wanted her to wear.a She closed the closet and opened the door to the hallway. aLetas go up and see everybody. Yvonne said we were all meeting on the pool deck for drinks. Itas time to get this party going.a aYouare absolutely right,a she said with growing resolve. She started out the door, but abruptly turned back and removed her watch, which she set beside the other on the vanity.

Steph was gasping for breath as they reached Deck 11 via the carpeted stairs. aI canat believe how out-of-shape I am.a aYou can use this vacation to get back into an exercise routine.a aWhy would I want to do that? When Iam not eating I plan to sit in a deck chair and readaand I might take the elevator from now on.a aSilly. It was just two flights.a aThereas Yvonne at the rail.a Natalie spotted the familiar face, but couldnat make out the woman behind her. All she could see were long legs clad in dark green cargo shorts and sandals.

Yvonne waved and nudged the woman with her elbow.

The woman straightened up and smiled in their direction, her appearance nearly stopping Natalie in her tracks. She was tall and slim, with dark brown hair no longer than an inch anywhere on her head, and her white shirt hung open over a black tank top. aAre you sure thatas a woman?a she asked Steph, trying not to move her lips as she fixed a smile on her face.

aBe nice.a Steph slipped her arm around Yvonneas waist and turned to make the introductions.

Natalie didnat wait. aYou must be Kelly.a aGuilty,a she said, proffering her hand, her crystal blue eyes fixed firmly onto Natalieas. aAnd that makes you Natalie. Iam glad you decided to come along.a aYesayes, thank you,a Natalie stammered. aI appreciate your offer to share a cabin.a aItas not much, but I think weall have plenty of room. Besides, I canat imagine weall be staying in when thereas so much to do on the ship.a Natalie was rapidly planning all the things she would do to keep busy. Hanging out with Didi and Pamela didnat seem like such a bad idea after all. aAnd so many ports. I bet we hardly see each other.a aExcept weall be like the cows that come back to the barn every night for dinner.a A delightful visual, Natalie thought.

A waiter stopped to offer frozen drinks in commemorative gla.s.ses.

aThis roundas on me,a Kelly said cheerfully. aI recommend the rum runner. Thatas the red one.a Natalie plucked one from the tray and raised it in a toast. aTo good times.a aAnd new friends,a Kelly replied.

Kelly tucked in her shirttail and zipped her chinos, which hung loosely on her waist. The pants were holdovers from when a knee injury had forced her to take a break from running. She had gained eight pounds in twelve weeks, but had lost it quickly when she returned to her exercise routine.

Giving up on her cowlick, she stepped out onto the balcony to wait for Natalie, who was dressing for dinner in the bathroom. How she managed to get organized in that tiny s.p.a.ce was a mystery, but Kelly appreciated that not everyone had jettisoned modesty issues as she had after four years in the navy.

Natalie was an interesting sort, much prettier up close than she had appeared from the balcony over the atrium. Her hair was smooth and shiny, a reddish brown that set off gorgeous green eyes. Though Kelly wasnat usually big on girls in makeup, Natalie wore just the right amount, highlighting her natural features instead of redrawing them. She had a generally trim figure, but on closer inspection, curvaceous hips and high, round b.r.e.a.s.t.s. Not that Kelly noticed.

They were off to an awkward start, it seemed. After their meeting by the pool, Natalie had clung to Steph as if they hadnat already spent the whole day together. Even during the lifeboat drill, she made small talk with her ex rather than taking the opportunity to get acquainted. It was hard not to wonder if she found something about Kelly off-puttingawhich had to be her appearance, since there was nothing else.

It was a common reaction, one Kelly had accepted years ago as a consequence of her choice to buck the norm and be comfortable in her own skin. Even as a child she had resisted her familyas efforts to dress her like other girls, going so far as to cut her own hair. The latter earned her punishment, which she had gladly endured to preserve her self-image. Still, reactions of people like Kim at check-in and Natalie always stung a bit at first.

Natalie emerged from the bathroom in crisp linen pants and a sleeveless top. She tied a long-sleeved knit top around her shoulders and stepped into a pair of sandals. Her feet matched her hands, long and graceful, with bright red polish on the nails. aAre you ready?a aSure. You look very nice.a Their eyes met briefly before Natalie looked about for her purse. aThank you. I brought things I could mix and match so I wouldnat have to wear exactly the same thing twice.a aIam sure weall all be wearing the same things,a Kelly answered, thinking she would have to wash clothes every four days or go naked. aAnd even when I put on something different, itall probably look a lot like what I had on the day before.a aI think Didi and Pamela brought enough to change five times a day without wearing the same thing twice. I canat imagine where they put it all.a aI saw Pamela out on the balcony. I didnat realize they were right next door.a Natalie huffed. aItas one of those cosmic jokes G.o.d likes to play on Natalie Chatham.a aIf itas any consolation, I donat snore, take up a lot of s.p.a.ce, leave my stuff sitting out or hog the bathroom. In fact, Iam a lot like a c.o.c.ker spaniel, except I donat get my ears wet when I drink.a She appreciated the small smile the witticism earned her.

aI will try not to do those things eitheraexcept when it comes to taking up a lot of s.p.a.ce. Iave used every empty drawer and hanger, and my stuff is all over the bathroom.a aItas all right with me.a She held the door for Natalie to walk into the hallway. She followed single-file down the narrow corridor to the mid-ship stairwell, where they descended to the main dining room on Deck 5. The others were already seated at a round table by the window.

As they walked through the dining room, they pa.s.sed the odd pair Kelly had seen earlier. Kelly nodded a greeting to the younger woman, and noticed her red-haired companion beaming at Natalie, who walked past oblivious.

aSorry weare late,a Natalie said, reaching for the chair next to Steph.

Kelly glanced out the window, where the sky was ablaze from the setting sun. Natalieas view was partially blocked by the drapes. aSit here, Natalie. The viewas better.a Natalie smiled shyly and took the offered seat.

aNice pants,a Didi said, eyeing her chinos. aThirty-two long?a aThirty-one regular,a she cracked, not missing Didias condescension over her wearing menas pants. aDonat start with me on fashion. Everything I know, I learned in the navy.a aOh, how interesting!a Pamela said. aWere you on a ship like this one?a aI didnat spend much time at sea, and never on a lady like thisaship, I mean. I was stationed at the air base in Key West for most of my tour.a aWhat did you do?a Steph and Yvonne poked each other in the ribs after they asked the same question at once.

aI was in the Sea Bees, the construction arm. Mostly I helped put up buildings on base. And I had a six-month tour in Dubai working on an airstrip.a Natalie looked at her with curiosity. aIt must have been disappointing to join the navy and spend the whole time working on something that didnat have anything to do with the ocean.a Kelly shook her linen napkin and draped it across her lap as she scooted forward in the chair. Her head twisted from side to side as she addressed everyone at the table. Only Didi seemed indifferent to her response. aNot at all. Iad just finished my a.s.sociate degree in construction engineering and it seemed like a good fit. I might have made a career out of it if my dad hadnat gotten sick. I came home to help run his companya"he was a general contractora"but then he died a few years ago and I sold out my half to my brother and moved to Rochester.a aNow thereas a novel idea,a Didi said. aSelling half of a business to a partner.a Natalie shook her finger across the table. aYou promised to park it.a Didi threw up her hands. aSorry.a Kelly recalled what Yvonne had told her about Didi wanting to buy Natalieas half of the business, and she regretted her choice of words. aThis weather really takes me back to those years in Key West. It sure was hot in the summer, but I didnat miss that snow at all come January.a Didi groaned and related the mess theyad had this morning getting out of Rochester. As she spoke, Kelly chuckled to herself to realize she and Pamela had changed clothes for the sail-away party and again for dinner.

Through dinner, the six women chatted amiably about their plans, not only for the ship, but in the various ports. Kelly was glad to hear that Yvonne was up for pretty much anything in the water. Steph said she might consider snorkeling from the beach, but not from a boat. Didi, Pamela and Natalie wanted nothing to do with the water, other than to lie beside it in the sun.

aWould you like to try my creme brulee?a she asked Natalie, who was picking over her chocolate torte. aYou donat seem too happy with yours, and this is way too much for me.a aAre you sure you donat mind?a Kelly pushed the dish toward her. aHelp yourself.a Natalieas face lit up as she took a taste. aThis is way better than what I ordered.a aFinish it.a Kelly poured Natalie another cup of decaffeinated coffee from the decanter and watched as she added cream and artificial sweetener. It pleased her to make Natalie happy. aDoes anyone have plans for tonight? I think thereas a magician performing at eight oaclock.a aI think Iam going to hit the casino,a Yvonne said. aI donat know how the rest of you are even awake.a aSteph and I are going to the shopping gallery to look at swimsuits,a Natalie said.

Didi pushed back and waited for Pamela to stand and take her hand. aWeare going back to our cabin for a private party.a Kelly noticed from the corner of her eye that Natalieas lips had tightened. aAs your nearest neighbor, all I can say is I hope youare serious about the private part.a The indignant look on Didias face was priceless, but it was nothing compared to the satisfied smirk on Natalieas.