Seasickness

Part 11

There are three days left of the cruise, and that thought makes Spencer want to cry or something.

He and Jon have been requested by Rosie to come to her office, to discuss Spencer's performance as a cabin steward. If Jon gives him a good review, he'll get a huge bonus from the cruise company. If he doesn't get a good review, he won't get any bonus, and will most definitely not be employed by the company ever again.

Jon knocks on Rosie's door, and gives Spencer's hand a reassuring squeeze before letting it go. They've both decided that it would be for the best if Spencer's manager has no idea about their relationship; she wouldn't say anything bad to Jon, but she might give Spencer a hard time for not doing his duties as a humble cabin steward.

The door opens, revealing the smiling, professional woman, who ushers them both in. They both enter, and take seats opposite her desk, behind which she sits down. After putting the papers she was sorting through in a drawer behind her, she clears her throat, and smiles at Jon.

"Hello, Mr. Walker. As you know, we're here to discuss Mr. Smith's performance throughout this cabin cruise. I hope it's not too much trouble?"

"Of course it isn't," Jon replies, and Spencer begins to feel like he's been ushered to the head's office in school, what with how the two adults are talking over his head. "Is it too much trouble for you, Spence?"

Spencer grins at Jon, and shakes his head. "Not at all."

Rosie stares at Spencer as though he's grown another head. "Mr. Smith, have you completely forgotten the etiquette of a cabin steward? What happened to addressing the passengers as 'Sir' and 'Madam'?"

Flushing a little, Spencer sinks lower in his seat. "Well, normally I'd use Sir or Madam without a second thought, but Jon insists that I don't use it because it makes him feel old."

Jon shoots him a look. "You still remember the reason I gave?"

"Well, yeah," Spencer shrugs, a little awkwardly. He soon stops feeling uncomfortable, however, as a smile comes over Jon's face, which Spencer can't help to return. Rosie clears her throat, and the moment is broken. She studies them both carefully, for a moment, and sighs.

"So, Mr. Walker, what do you think of Spencer's performance as a cabin steward?"

"Amazing fucking," Jon replies, casually, and then pales. Spencer stares at him, mouth falling open, and even the usually composed Rosie's cheeks flame red. "I meant. I. Uh. I meant, fucking amazing, actually. Ha. You know. He's really ... good. At being a cabin steward."

"Of course," Rosie says, faintly, and types something into her laptop. "So, you think that Mr. Smith has, ah, exerted himself well enough to deserve a pay bonus?"

"Oh, definitely," Jon nods, and Spencer's cheeks grow warm. "He deserves a promotion, really. He's definitely, um. Definitely top at his job."

"I'm sure he is top at whatever he does," Rosie replies, sweetly, typing in his statement. The two men stare at her, mortified, but she doesn't seem to notice. She looks up from her computer, again, looking rather amused. "Are there any other comments you wish to make about Mr. Smith?"

"Not really," Jon replies, looking relieved that the meeting is nearing it's end, but he shoots Spencer a meaningful look that Spencer can't decipher. "Is he going to get his bonus?"

"Most definitely, Mr. Walker," Rosie smiles, and then looks at Spencer. "With such a glowing review, Mr. Smith, I'm pleased to say that if you wish to sign up to work on another of our cruises in the future, we'd be happy to employ you."

"Oh! Wow, thanks," Spencer laughs, relieved and a little stunned.

"Well, that's all I'll need from the two of you, thanks very much for your time," Rosie says, standing up. She shakes both of their hands firmly, and then leads them to the door. "Goodbye, and enjoy your final three days, Mr. Walker."