(I strongly suggest you read the first two chapters before reading this one; everything will make more sense. At a minimum, read Chapter 2 first. To set the stage, Jeremy is taking his daughter, Morgan, and her roommate, Chloe, on a cruise during their winter break from college. The night before they left, Chloe and Jeremy slept together.)
The first full day of the cruise was a day at sea. I woke up early and smiled to myself as I thought about last night; I still couldn't believe the events that took place. After a quick shower, I headed to the buffet.
As usual, there were an incredible number of options for breakfast. I opted for a fresh-cooked omelet with vegetables and a toasted bagel, some smoked salmon, juice, and coffee. I found an empty table outside and really enjoyed eating a nice breakfast under the sun looking out at the beautiful, blue ocean. After a few minutes, I was surprised to see Chloe and Morgan walking toward the table.
"What are you two doing up so early?" I asked.
"Chloe made me get up. She said it was too nice a day to waste it in bed sleeping," Morgan whined.
I laughed.
"She's right. Look at this beautiful scene!"
"Yeah, yeah," Morgan grumbled. "Coffee. I need coffee. Where is coffee?"
"Sit down," Chloe said, laughing. "I'll get you some coffee. You need anything else, princess?" she said sarcastically.
"Not yet," Morgan replied. "Coffee. Did I mention I need coffee?"
Chloe chuckled as she turned and walked away to help her tired friend.
"Rough night?" I asked.
"Just up too late. And awake WAY too early. We were at the club dancing and having a great time last night. I didn't expect my obnoxious roommate to wake me up so early," she said as she folded her arms on the table and laid her head down on them.
Chloe returned with coffee for Morgan and a full breakfast for herself. Chloe and I talked while Morgan alternated between taking gulps of coffee and laying her head back down on her arms. We planned to get some sun today - though I would move to the shade after just a little sun - and check out some of the pool activities planned by the staff.
"Hey, neighbor!"
I turned and smiled at Molly and Marty.
"Hey, guys. How are you?"
Chloe lifted her head when she heard me talking.
"Sleeping beauty over here is my daughter Morgan, and this is her friend Chloe. Molly and Marty are in the cabin next to me."
Morgan forced a smile as she waved and gave a quiet, "Hi."
Chloe had a big smile on her face as she said, "Hi. Nice to meet you."
We all chatted for a few minutes before Molly said she was heading to a spin class in the exercise facility. Marty said he was going to work out.
"Wow, that sounds good," Chloe said. "Do you think they still have openings for the class."
"I don't know," Molly said, "but let's go find out."
Chloe looked at Molly and softly said, "watch this."
Then she looked at Morgan and said, "C'mon, Morgan, let's go take a spin class! Sounds like fun, doesn't it?"
"Yeah, it does," Morgan said. "About as much fun as a root canal. Go. Have fun. Think of me. Pretend I'm right there with you."
Everyone laughed.
"I'm going to change in the hopes they have space available," Chloe said.
"Great," Molly replied. "I'll go and see if I can sign you up. I'll bet they have space - I saw a LOT of bikes."
After they left, Morgan and I talked for a bit as she started to wake up.
"How do you stay skinny if you never want to exercise?" I asked her.
"First, I should probably thank you and mom for good metabolism. Second, I DO like doing some exercise - I just hate running and spin classes. I already signed up for a couple of dance classes."
"Okay... I just wanted to make sure you weren't staying thin by forcing yourself to throw up after meals."
"Geez, that's gross, Dad. No, I don't have an eating disorder."
"Okay, that's good to hear. You know, just because you're an adult doesn't mean I never worry about you."
"I know, Dad. You know, I worry about you, too."
"You worry about me? What's to worry about?"
"You never talk about a social life. Do you ever date? Are you getting any ass?"
I broke out laughing.
"Thank you for your concern, but I don't think we'll have this conversation. I'm doing just fine, thank you."
"Okay, Dad, but let me know if you need any help. A lot of my friends say they go for older guys."
I decided this was not the time to tell her I know at least one of her friends who goes for older guys.
"Thanks, sweetheart, I'll keep that in mind."