Cupid's Cruise

Will love set sail?

The morning sun was shining out onto the ocean waters. A newly built dock stood firm over the crashing waves. There was a pristine white cruise ship ready for people to board. On the side of the ship read the words Cupid's Cruise. The ship had three different levels, which were lined with rooms. Workers were waiting atop the ramp to direct everyone where to go.

I stood at the bottom of the ramp with my small black suitcase sitting by my feet. I had a pair of dark ray bans covering my eyes. My brunette hair was styled into beach waves that laid against my chest. My eyes made their way down to look at my outfit, a simple floral dress and a pair of flats.

It was not till this morning that the realization of my Valentine's Day had set in. Every year I typically spent the holiday with my best girlfriends. We would go out to dinner, drink wine, then come back to my place and watch sappy movies. This year, my best friend Rachel won two tickets for a singles Valentine's Day cruise. It was a one night, two-day stay where the ultimate goal was to mingle the days away.

The company that started the Valentine's Day cruise two years ago has a promise that you will meet someone special while on board. Rachel was all for the idea. She thought she was going to meet the love of her life. This was also when she decided to drag me along because I never believed in love at first sight.

Rachel stood next to me. She stood tall and proud with one hand resting on her hip, looking like she was ready to conquer the world. Rachel wore a skin-tight blue dress with a pair of black heels. Her blonde hair was pulled into an updo.

"Meg, are you ready for this?" she asked looking over at me.

"Promise you won't abandon me?" I asked fiddling my fingers against the luggage handle.

Rachel let out a breathy laugh and grabbed my hand, pulling me up the ramp. I rolled my eyes and followed behind her. Once we reached the ship, a worker checked us in by our names. We both received a key card for our rooms. The worker gave us the basics of how we were free to do whatever we wanted while on board. They encouraged drinking and mingling. The workers would host events and games that anyone could join in on.

"Looks like our rooms will be next to each other," I sighed in relief.

"Yeah! Let's go settle in then check out the top bar," Rachel exclaimed.

The cruise ship was already filled with singles. People were walking around, drinking, and chatting with one another. On our way to our rooms, we passed a dining area and a dance floor. Rachel would not stop pointing out every male she thought was attractive. I knew she didn't respond to my promise comment for a reason.

When we found our rooms, we both went into our own. The room was small with only a white bed, dresser, and side table. Bathrooms were attached and had a very small shower, sink, and toilet. In order to fit as many people as possible into one cruise ship, the rooms had to be tiny. We would only be sleeping in them for one night, so it did not matter to me. I set my luggage down near the dresser and unpacked a couple items. I made my way to the bathroom and looked at my reflection.

"Just take the experience and run with it. You are twenty-six and haven't had a relationship in two years," I mumbled to myself.

After feeling slightly more confident, I headed out and knocked on Rachel's door. She came out of her room grinning ear to ear. Once again, she took the lead and led us to the top bar. The very top floor of the ship had an outdoor bar area. There was a lot of seating and beautiful greenery. A handful of people were up here. Some were around the bar drinking, while others were standing around talking. Rachel and I found an open section at the bar to stand.