After The Silence Ch. 02

After The Silence - Ch 2

A/N - Please enjoy this fictional series. The idea and character came to me while researching a potential vacation. It brings together my love of music, vacations, and the ability for one to express themselves through love. I'm not certain how many chapters this will be as I want to make Annie an ongoing MC. I do hope you enjoy.

Learning the ropes

Tuesday evening, day three of the cruise, we had just finished our second performance of the Broadway show. The passengers absolutely loved it. Katya's team, most of which were the ensemble and the cast, were phenomenal. That was based on what Stefan was whispering in my headset, the applause from the passengers and the smiles on everyone's faces.

We settled backstage. Geoff, our Musical Director, called for a meeting with the cast and the orchestra. Not surprising, the two groups, the musicians and the performers, didn't really mingle. It was the exact same dynamic I'd experienced in my past theaters. But when Geoff walked into the backstage area, all the separate conversations stopped. There was a strange expression on his face, one I couldn't quite read.

"Listen, Katya, Annie, everyone," Geoff began, looking around the room. "You were amazing tonight. I hope you really listened to the passengers' applause, because you earned every bit of it."

He paused as a wave of smiles and nods went through the crowd.

"Unfortunately," Geoff continued, his tone shifting, "I am being called away. In the morning, when we arrive at Coco Cay, I will be departing the ship to join our sister ship. I am needed there. I wanted you all to know before I left that I have the utmost confidence in you and your capabilities."

I shot a quick look at Katya. Her expression was completely blank, her professional mask firmly in place.

"Annie, Katya, Stefan... can I see you in private for a moment?" Geoff asked. He turned and started walking deeper into the inner pathways of the ship, leading us into a quiet, crew-only stairwell that was completely empty.

We stood there for a moment, waiting.

"This is a positive conversation, believe me," Geoff reassured us. "I feel so strongly about the three of you that I know I'm safely not needed here. In the long term, should you need anything at all, go straight to Claire. But honestly, I doubt there's anything you three won't be able to handle yourselves."

There was a brief pause as we absorbed the weight of it.

"Claire, Henrik, and I have already spoken with the Captain," Geoff added, turning his eyes to me. "We all feel you three will absolutely thrive. Any questions?"

"No, sir," I replied, finding my voice. "I understand. I'm certain Stefan and Katya will guide me if needed, so we don't have to bother Claire."

And with that, Geoff was off to a final meeting, disappearing through the interior hallways.

I turned to Stefan and Katya, the lingering adrenaline of the show and that announcement both had my blood buzzing through my veins. "Well, I don't know about you two, but I need to relax a little bit."

They both looked at me strangely, probably expecting me to be panicking about my boss leaving on day three of week one. But right then, a spark of an idea hit me. In the distance, I saw one of the Activities Crewmembers walking up the crew steps toward the passenger decks.

"Hi! Pardon me," I called out.

The woman stopped and turned around. "Yes?"

"Are you aware... is there anything happening up in the Schooner Bar right now?"

The woman smiled warmly. "As a matter of fact, I am heading there right now to host a late-night trivia session."

I smiled. "Do you mind if I join you? I'm in the mood to relax, and I'd love to play some."

She looked at me curiously, taking in my theater black slacks and vest with my crisp white blouse, but nodded. "Sure, come on up."

I smiled and waved a quick goodbye to Stefan and Katya, following her up the stairs.

While we were making our way up the steps, she introduced herself. Her name was Erinn, she was from the 'West Side'. I instantly loved her fun British accent. When we reached the maritime-themed Schooner Bar, she immediately headed toward the piano and began setting up her laptop on a small podium next to the piano.

"I've got a short, twenty-question music trivia scheduled. It takes fifteen usually twenty minutes depending on how rowdy or calm the passengers are. Each time it is different." Erinn explained, looking up at me. "What was it you were interested in?"

"Well, I'm still a bit riled up from the show," I confessed, leaning against the polished wood of the piano. "I usually relax by playing, and I was hoping I could play on the piano after you were finished with your trivia."

Erinn's eyes widened, a massive grin spreading across her face. "Really? Well, let's see... There is nothing quite like surprising the guests on a Tuesday night. Let's have at it, then!"

Oh her accent thrilled me, frankly, straight to my lady parts. I shivered inside.

Erinn walked over to the cabinet behind the piano, opened the door, and pulled out a wireless microphone. She gave me a quick wink and moved to address the passengers who were lingering in the lounge, waiting for the trivia to start.

"Well, welcome to the ten o'clock music trivia, everyone! We'll get started in just a few minutes, but first, I have a quick question." She paused, leaning a bit closer to me. "Annie, right?" I nodded.

Erinn turned back to the crowd. "You see, Annie," she turned and looked at me and winked, "is the pianist for our ship's orchestra, and she was wondering if she could play a bit for you all after trivia. So, by a show of hands, who here would stay and enjoy some live music by our new Maestro Annie?"

I turned around, scanning the cozy, dimly lit lounge. To my absolute surprise, almost all of the twenty-five or thirty passengers sitting with their cocktails shot their hands into the air. I looked over at the bar itself. There were fifteen waiting for drinks and another eight seated at the tables around it.

Suddenly, a man near the bar called out, "What if she played the trivia question songs live?"

Erinn looked over at me, caught off guard. I shrugged, a competitive thrill rising up in my chest, then whispered, "Let me see the list."

I leaned over and scanned the twenty song titles on her laptop screen. Turning back to the passenger who had challenged me, I gave him a confident smile. "I'll be honest, I don't have my tablet with me for what she has laid out for you, but I bet I can get by with most of them from memory."

I turned back to Erinn, lowering my voice playfully. "Just promise me I won't get fired during my first week."

She winked at me, switching off the mic for a second. "I'm certain they'd rather have live music than whatever tinny files are playing on my laptop. We'll make do. Fair?"

Seeing the passengers clapping softly in anticipation, I chuckled and took my seat on the piano bench. "Okay, Erinn. Let's have a go!"

????

Erinn Bells

By the second trivia question as Annie played, the energy inside the Schooner Bar was absolutely infectious. What was supposed to be a standard, twenty-question trivia night had completely morphed into a roaring live concert. Passengers were crowded around the nautical wood railings. They were sitting on the arms of chairs, sharing as best as they could with five actually sitting around the piano, each of them singing as best they could to whatever song Annie threw at them next.

The seats at the bar were packed and everyone was looking at us, enjoying this impromptu live musical moment. I looked to my right and the area near Focus was filled as well. Passengers were streaming to the bar from The Boardwalk area as well.

I pulled out my cell phone, and furiously typed out a quick message to her. 'You'll never believe this, can you come up to the Schooner Bar?'

I watched the text message bubbles popping 'What is it?'

'Claire, the new Maestro is playing the music trivia live from memory and the lounge is completely overflowing. It's amazingly, a madhouse!

Annie appeared to be having the time of her life, completely abandoning the laptop I had offered as I conducted the crowd with her microphone. During a brief instrumental break while her fingers danced across the keys, I gave her a massive grin.

Annie Marks

Nearly forty-five minutes later, and as the trivia was long forgotten and as I held the final, theatrical chord of 'Piano Man' as a sing-along, the room erupted into rounds of cheers and applause. People who had been tapping their cocktail glasses against the tables stopped and applauded as well.

Erinn laughed into the mic, "Well, that was more than the twenty questions I had but I think we've completely lost count of the scores! Give it up one more time for our brilliant orchestra pianist, Maestro Annie!"

The passengers again applauded. I beamed, my cheeks flushed with a beautiful, radiant warmth as I bowed my head modestly from the bench.

Just as I started to slide off the bench, the crowd parted at the top of the stairs, near the entrance. Three crisp white uniformed officers stepped into the lounge, Captain Jonathan, Captain Henrik, and Claire.

Erinn nervously switched off the microphone and leaned down, whispering to me, "Uh oh, Annie. I messaged Claire a bit ago, telling her how great you were. I didn't think she'd bring the Captain with her!"

My heart did a quick, nervous flutter as my eyes locked directly onto Claire. She was standing right beside Captain Jonathan, looking absolutely striking in her dress white uniform, a proud, knowing smile playing on her lips.

Had she used Erinn's message to show the top brass exactly what kind of musician they had just hired. And was I in trouble?

Captain Jonathan stepped forward, a massive, booming smile on his face as he looked at me. "Maestro, I must ask, what exactly is going on here?" He winked and smiled.

I exhaled slightly.

"We were enjoying an evening walk when Claire insisted I had to see this for myself. I didn't expect to find my new orchestra director to moonlight as a pub pianist on her first week."

I took a slow breath, standing up from the piano bench. I didn't try to hide behind a polished corporate excuse. I just offered a genuine, honest smile.

"I have to admit, Captain, it's entirely my fault," I said, my voice clear and completely human. "We just finished the show, and after Geoff's announcement backstage, my adrenaline was absolutely reeling. I've always been this way."

I paused. "I can't just go to sleep after a massive show. Playing the piano, throwing myself into the music without any boundaries... it's the only way I know how to truly relax and let off steam."

The Captain looked at me for a long second, then let out a rich laugh, nodding in deep respect. "An honest artist. I love it. Well, Maestro, you didn't just relax yourself, you made the night for all of these passengers. We've been watching. Look at them all, what more could a Captain ask?"

From the far back I heard a woman. "Sing one for us Captain Jonathan, like you did a few weeks ago!"

Suddenly there was a booming round of applause.

Beside him, Claire finally stepped closer to the piano. That sophisticated, quiet aura she carried seemed to soften just a fraction as she looked down at me, her blue eyes flashing with that intense, lingering heat.

"I told you on night one that I wanted to hear you play in here, Annie," Claire said softly, her low alto voice carrying a private warmth that was meant just for me. "When Erinn messaged me, I knew I had to see it. But I had no idea you could turn a standard trivia night into a standing-room-only concert entirely from memory. It was... magnificent."

The Captain looked at me and smiled. "Can you do Sweet Caroline?"

I looked at Claire and she nodded her head. I stood and motioned my hands trying to quiet the bar. Then I sat, I closed my eyes. I took a deep breath and exhaled.

I opened my eyes, the keys blurred for a millisecond before snapping into perfect focus. All the noise of the packed lounge and hallway seemed to fade into a dull hum. I didn't have sheet music, but I didn't need it.

This specific song, we all know so well and have played it so many times, and in so many ways. Its chord progression was burned into my DNA.

My left hand dropped first, striking a low, resounding bass note that rumbled through and shook those up sitting at the piano.

I looked up and three of the five smiled right away.

Then the next three notes instantly silenced the lingering chatter in the room. Then, my right hand came alive, weaving those unmistakable, bright, staccato chords into the upper tone register.

????????Dun-dun-dun????????????????

The instant that opening hook left the piano strings, a collective gasp ran through the Schooner Bar, followed by a surge of excited whispers. I didn't look up at the crowd yet. I kept my eyes on my fingers, letting the rhythm take over, building the tempo with a steady, pulsing energy. I added a rolling crescendo, letting the music swell, mimicking a full horn section with just my ten fingers.

I looked over at Captain Jonathan, he smiled as the energy in the bar was living, itself breathing. It grew with every note I played.

Right before the first verse was about to start, I finally raised my head. My eyes bypassed the smiling and happy passengers, and saw through the bar staff, and locked directly onto Claire. She hadn't moved an inch.

Erinn practically lunged forward, thrusting the microphone right in front of Captain Jonathan's face just as the music dropped into the verse.

The Captain didn't hesitate. He took the mic with a booming laugh and sang out, his rich voice echoing through the lounge: "Where it began... I can't begin to knowing..."

But my eyes never broke. She was still leaning slightly against the railing, her arms crossed over her crisp white uniform, watching me with an intensity that made my throat go completely dry. A slow, deeply appreciative smile spread across her lips as she watched my hands fly.

I gave her a knowing, playful look, completely losing myself in the thrill of the performance, and threw my whole weight into the final, driving transition chord.

The entire bar erupted. Passengers were literally high-fiving each other, drinks were raised in the air, and they sang, they sang with the Captain.

I just grinned, locked into the groove, driving the song forward. As we approached the chorus, I looked back toward Claire, the music pounded in my chest, realizing that whatever walls I had built up to keep myself safe were officially crumbling right here on Tuesday night.

When the song came to its final chorus, the Captain looked at me and nodded. He mouthed a quick, "That was fun."

I looked over at Claire, she was smiling. But damn I felt something so strong I nearly trembled.

????

Captain Jonathan chuckled, handed the microphone back to a wide grinning and thrilled Activities Manage in Erinn. He offered me a sharp, respectful nod before Henrik guided him toward the exit to resume their evening schedule.

The crowd slowly began to disperse, lingering in small, buzzed groups, talking about the trivia night that turned into a "impromptu great little concert", as one woman called it.

I stayed on the bench for a long moment, my hands resting lightly on the keys, my chest heaving as the adrenaline finally began its slow, heavy comedown. My skin still felt hot, flushed from the performance.

I gently played a few bars of Shivers by Heim Lawson. I looked up and saw Erinn talking to Claire, they both looked happy. Erinn departed as Claire walked over to and stood next to me.

"You look like you've just conquered a small kingdom," her low, smooth voice murmured. I looked up. Claire had a wide smile on her face. She stood closer than I expected. The professional, untouchable distance she usually maintained seemed to have vanished with the music.

"I think the kingdom conquered me," I admitted, my voice a little breathless as I stood up from the bench, my legs feeling slightly like jelly. "I didn't mean to cause a scene on my first week, Claire. Truly, I'm sorry."

Claire let out a soft, light laugh, stepping just a fraction closer. The faint aroma of her perfume drifted between us, cutting through the heavy lingering smells of many different alcoholic beverages.

"Annie, you didn't cause a scene. You gave this ship exactly what it needed. And you gave the Captain a reason to look at me and say yes, we have an eye for extraordinary talent."

Her blue eyes locked onto mine, unblinking, carrying that same intense, simmering heat from earlier. Slowly, she reached out, her fingers brushing almost imperceptibly against the sleeve of my white blouse. A sudden, sharp spark shot up my arm.

"Get some rest tonight, Maestro," Claire whispered, her voice dropping to a private, velvety register that made my heart do a dangerous flip. "We have a long week ahead of us. And I have a feeling you are going to keep surprising me."

"Claire?" I was going to walk and get a bit of fresh air. "Would you join me on a lap around the ship? I'd like to see the moon overhead."

She gave me a nod. "Follow me, I know a perfect place."

We walked from the Schooner Bar, out the sliding glass doors and out to what is the Boardwalk. Then down around the Aqua Theater and down a set of "Crew Only" stairs. But when we stopped we were in the aft of the ship.

I looked up and saw the moon brighter than I had ever seen. Claire stood beside me and I shivered all over.

"Why did you do it?" I asked her.

She turned to look at me. "Do what Maestro?"

I stepped a half of a step closer to her. "Save me at lunch on Sunday with Henrik?"

Claire smiled. "You know what you are doing don't you?"

I stepped a bit closer. "I absolutely do and I can't hold it back Claire."

And I didn't. I stepped that last step forward and up on my toes, I softly kissed her cheek. I pulled back ever so slowly. I looked up into Claire's eyes. I shivered again.

"I'm sorry but I was closeted for too long." I moved my hands to her waist and back up on my toes, I kissed Claire full on the lips.

Inside sparks flew and my heart exploded but when she purred and kissed me back, I swear I had a small orgasm.

We broke the kiss. Claire stepped back and took my hands in hers. "Let me show you back to your cabin. I have an early day and you have a very busy day tomorrow Maestro."

She winked and pressed her hand into the small of my back leading to Deck 3.

????Wednesday????

I woke up a bit earlier than usual. But when I woke, believe me my entire body still tingled. I swear even my hair was tingling. We were arriving at Coco Cay today, Geoff would be departing. Katya's team and mine had a rehearsal at eleven for tonight's show. After lunch the orchestra and I have rehearsal for the Veteran's Tribute scheduled for Friday.

But I had an idea as I woke, I would need to run past Claire and Henrik.

Now, like all crew members, we had additional responsibilities. Mine was to shadow Katya this week. Then I would be assigned an additional responsibility as a "gangway escort". Truly I was a traffic cop for getting folks to and from the elevators to the gangway.

So I was up just before five. Again, I was going to take advantage of the fitness center for the crew, I would need the stamina. Frankly, I am used to playing a few times each week but this would be six or seven nights straight, for six months. I needed to increase my stamina and strength.

So I dressed in shorts, a sports bra and a loose top making my way to the fitness center. I was determined to maintain my petite body shape. Once in the fitness center I started with a light stretching routine. From there I made my way around the circuit of machines.

Again, I was all about tone and stamina, not lifting heavy weights but repetitions. I'm not a stranger to working out like this but then again, I am not a true Olympian weightlifter. I started with the universal machine, the bench press, focusing on the slow movements for resistance. After the fourth of ten reps, I slowly exhaled and suddenly felt the tingle on my lips.

Ohh god, her kiss felt so good. I shook my head and got back to focusing on what I was doing.

When I finished my second ten rep set, I moved over to the lat pull-down. Again, tone and resistance. I kept my form precise, feeling the squeeze in my shoulders, my breath matching the steady clank of the weight plates. I slowly worked through my set. I was half way through the second set when I heard the door open and then a distinct giggle.

I pressed through my second set before looking over. And when I did, oh my goodness! There was Katya and Karl, whispering to each other as they stretched.

"Hey you two!" I called over as I stood and moved my way over to the abdominal workout machine. This time I set the pin selecting an additional plate. For some reason I wanted to feel the burn.

I pushed myself knowing I could, the first set was thirteen reps and as I started the second set, out of the corner of my eye, I saw Karl on the free weight bench press. I don't know what it was, but something in me shivered.

When I finished with my last set, I stood and walked over to the line of elliptical machines. I bent forward stretching once more but as I stepped onto the machine. I turned to look at Karl, again. Damn my body hummed.

I pulled my EarPods in, unlocked my phone and selected a thirty minute workout playlist.

I started slowly, but like the treadmill, once I got my arms and upper body and legs into a groove rhythm, I was off and moving. After ten minutes, I had a good sweat going, but just shy of the twenty minute mark I was floating on air making my way towards the "final turn" in my workout. I quickened my pace as I came close to the end of my workout. I pushed harder.

My mind drifted right back to the aft of the ship last night. The cold ocean breeze, the bright moon. The amazing and intense blue of Claire's eyes right before I stepped up on my toes and completely changed the rules by kissing her.

My mind was swirling between Claire and seeing Karl.

I pushed the elliptical faster, my ponytail whipping against my neck. I was running toward something new, something completely untamed, and for the first time in my life, I wasn't afraid of the speed, I was only afraid of falling.

When I hit the thirty minutes mark, I slowed ... significantly bringing the pace down to a cooldown walk. After three minutes, I stopped and stepped from the elliptical, wiping it down.

I walked to the side and slowly lowered myself to the floor to stretch. Then I saw her walk to me.

"Hey, get up." Katya called to me. "Hurry come with me. Let me show you something."

I stood as she took my hand and without letting go, she walked me out of the fitness center and outside to the crew deck. The sun was rising and she pulled me to see it and then stood with me on the deck.

"Now slowly stretch, that was a tough workout." Katya whispered as she stood behind me. "Concentrate on your calves and hamstrings. Here, let me help."

I felt her touch and how she placed my left leg forward and moved my body as I stretched. When she changed my stance I shivered.

"I not make a pass at you while we are here, not like this, I'm not wanting that from you. I need your friendship first."

We shifted, well she shifted me to really stretch my quads. Still behind me, Katya held my hips and moved me slightly forward, slowly bending my body nearly in half. After a ten count, I stood back up. Her hands were still on my hips.

"You are tiny as dancer, but the most perfect posture." She whispered in my ear.

I turned, "Katya, I need friendship, I need someone to hold my secrets when I need to share."

We locked eyes. "I'm here for you da same." Her hands glided from my hips, to my hands. She winked, "That doesn't mean I'm not attracted to you but I need you friend first."

I stepped forward and hugged her. I returned her need by whispering. "Your beauty is immense. But yes, I need your friendship and vault of secrecy."

We separated then she winked, "But you must know, there is someone, a man, who is infatuated with you." She winked. "But we must hurry, the gangway will open at seven-thirty and we need to be in place at seven. Go get ready, have some breakfast, hurry my friend."

I nodded and walked from the crew deck to my cabin allowing her words to reverberate in my mind. "a man who is infatuated with me." without knowing how I did it, I made my way to my cabin to get ready for my day.

I showered dressed in the relaxing t-shirt, zip up tracksuit jacket and matching pants uniform I was given. I made my way to the crew dining area. Just something simple, a croissant and maybe some fruit. Little did I know that there was something 'cooking' and waiting for me.

????

Entering the still-new-to-me crew galley, I realized I didn't have much time, only a few minutes, really. I quickly gathered a croissant, a small bowl of fruit, and a cup of coffee before scanning the room. Spotting a small booth along the back wall, I decided to sit there, facing the entrance just in case Katya walked in so I could wave her over.

I was only part way through my croissant when the galley chef, Chef Newsome, himself walked over and interrupted my rushed meal.

"Pardon me, Maestro. Is there something else I can prepare for you?"

I raised my eyes, and they fell upon the most indescribably beautiful man I had ever seen. I swooned at his smile, literally, my heart did a little flip. I was instantly hypnotized by his sharp jawline, his thick, toned forearms, and of course, those deep, dark brown eyes.

I swallowed hard, hesitating for a second. I slowly stood, out of respect, and as I did, I found myself looking up, my head craned back just to meet his gaze. I felt a fierce blush creeping up my neck, and I knew he could see it.

"Chef, forgive me, but I must hurry this morning. I have gangway duty starting at seven-thirty."

He nodded, that incredible smile lingering. "Then tomorrow morning, I shall cook a special breakfast for you. Anything you like, before I begin prepping dinner."

I froze again, swallowing the sudden lump in my throat. A man, this incredibly beautiful man, was offering to cook a breakfast just for me. "Chef, if... if it wouldn't be too much trouble, a single egg-white, spinach and tomato scramble with just a small amount of cheese would be wonderful. But please, don't go to any trouble on my account."

"Only one egg Maestro?" I nodded, "Consider it prepared," he said smoothly. "What time shall I have it ready for you?"

"About the same time, Chef. I'll have rehearsal tomorrow morning with the orchestra, but I like to get in some private practice time beforehand. But please," I blushed again, completely charmed, "don't go to any trouble!"

He gave me a slow nod and a warm smile. "Tomorrow morning then, Maestro." He turned and walked away from my table, stopping to check on two others before finally disappearing back into the kitchen.

Suddenly, the alarm on my phone rang, vibrating against the tabletop. I looked down, it was seven-ten. Realizing how little time I had left, I grabbed my things and hurried back to my cabin to brush my teeth, before running down to the gangway on Deck 3 to meet Katya.

With Katya's assistance, I learned the ropes of gangway escort, or as she called it, "playing traffic cop". The only real hiccups were the passengers needing special assistance. We would assess their needs, then typically send them down to Deck Two via the elevator for their departure. The other passengers walked down one flight of steps to exit.

Claire swung by twice to check on us, but by ten o'clock, I was released. The ship's security took care of the rest as the morning rush to CocoCay finally thinned out. For me, it was off to the theater for practice.

Finding my way through the inner pathways and once needing to ask directions, I made my way down into the empty orchestra pit. I pulled the score for the evening's production show from my newish backpack. I was near the end of the piece when I paused, flipping back three pages to check a transition. I thought I heard footsteps behind me, so I turned and looked to my left.

I saw her then. I slowly slid from the bench, stood up, and walked over to her. She looked magnificent, even in a simple tracksuit. Her hand reached for mine. Her soft touch was electrifying, stimulating, and yet completely dangerous.

"I don't know the protocol," I stepped closer, my voice a low murmur, "you are in my hierarchy."

"I only have a few minutes," Claire whispered, stepping into my space. "Most of the guests are off the ship, but I am in meetings most of the day. When I heard you playing... and I needed to see you."

"I woke up with my soul still tingling from last night." I felt her thumb stroke the back of my hand. "Claire, you need to know... it's been years since I have been with a woman. I am bi..."

Her soft kiss muffled my voice as I felt her lips press firmly to mine. She pulled back very slowly, I looked into her eyes, dark with affection. "I haven't had a woman thrill me like this in months." She kissed me gently again, a sweet, lingering promise. "One secret traded for another. But this isn't a competition."

I moved forward and kissed her softly, but then gently backed away. "I have rehearsal."

"I'll find you later, after the production show... if my schedule allows," she said.

"I'd like that, Claire."

Almost as soon as she appeared, she disappeared back into the catacombs of the ship.

????

Just as rehearsal was about to start, my cell phone buzzed. It was a text from Karl, 'Can we meet for a late lunch? Say two?'

I quickly replied. Two-thirty would be better.

I put my phone down and dove into the music. The rehearsal was good, they were great, I needed to practice more, that was all there was to it. But the theater was being used later today for events. With Stefan guiding us technically and me directing, and with a bit more practice to be flawless.

Sitting right at the front of the stage, in the first chair, was Amie, our lead violinist. Every time I raised my baton, Amie's eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that made the music feel almost personal. She was brilliant; her fingers floated, then danced across the strings when the tempo lifted. The way she smiled at me after a flawless transition stayed in the back of my mind. But I had to compartmentalize who I wanted in that part of my life, if anyone at all.

????

Just before two-thirty, I arrived at the crew galley, it was quiet, the main lunch rush completely over. Karl was already waiting and led me into a corner of the dining room to an empty table.

"I told Chef that I had a friend who missed breakfast," Karl said with a handsome grin as we sat down.

A moment later, the double doors of the galley swung open. A younger chef walked out in a crisp, white coat and apron. He was tall, though not quite as imposing as Chef Newsome, but his expressive eyes and his walk had an aura of absolute confidence and perfection.

"Karl, my friend," the chef said, his voice carrying a rich, warm Hindi accent. He immediately turned his full attention to me, his eyes sweeping over me with unapologetic appreciation. "And you must be Maestro Annie. I am Rohan, Chef Newsome's Sous Chef."

Chef Rohan asked if I had any allergies to food. When I said I didn't, he gave a polite nod and walked back toward the kitchen.

He returned shortly with two plates each covered with a silver flat domed cover. "I wanted to personally ensure you ate lunch after having such a minimal breakfast, so I heard." Rohan said, lifting the silver cover to reveal a perfectly seared pork chop with potatoes, gravy on the side, and steamed carrots.

He leaned in a bit closer, his voice dropping to a smooth, dark purr. "Chef Newsome shared with me that for a woman who plays with such passion, only the best."

My throat went dry. "Thank you, you and Karl, you shouldn't have."

Karl gave me a knowing look and smiled. "Well I am doing this selfishly, I'm getting some alone time with you."

That made me blush, a deep crimson red.

I looked at my watch, Karl and I had been talking for nearly ninety minutes. Our conversation stretched over several topics but relationships never came into play. I knew he would want me to direct this, so I did.

"Karl, I'm older than you but..." I took a sip of water. "There are things you must know. I am not looking for love." I sat a bit straighter.

"I'm just going to say, I am a vibrant woman who loves the silence when it is just perfect, but loves the noise when it is needed." His eyes never left mine.

"I'm a complicated woman, and yes I'm here for an emergency six month contract. I'm not sure what happens afterwards but this, what we have for now is a friend zone thing."

He smiled and blinked and I continued. "I think that is the best way I describe things except to add, and this is very important to me to make sure you understand, I'm bisexual and I understand if that is a showstopper I get it, but in the future if you and I turn into something, which, I am not sure I want, at all, you need to understand that about me."

I paused and let that rest with Karl. I bared part of my soul but he needed to know the truth.

He was silent, I couldn't read his silence after I had shared with him, but his silence didn't frighten me, but it did leave things... unsettled.

????

Later that night, when it was just past nine thirty when we had finished with the production show. Down in the pit I heard Claire above us making her announcements to the passengers. The team moved our instruments from the stage and the platform was raised. The orchestra had all departed except for Amie, she was milling about.

I curiously looked at her, that is when she spoke up.

"Maestro? Could we have a brief moment?" Her voice was soft but it was rather firm in her tone.

"Of course Amie."

"Maestro, a bit later we are to play on the promenade, starting at ten-thirty. As you can imagine there isn't space for the piano on the skyway bridge over the promenade."

I nodded and Amie continued, "What would you think if we played and you accompanied us from the Schooner Bar. Would it be too far away?"

I paused for a moment, "It is a phenomenal idea, however, the essence of any piece would be lost with the distance issue, yes, the passengers wouldn't draw in the whole of the music." I paused holding up my finger, "But let me see what can be arranged for a future cruise."

They all nodded and smiled. "Amie?" I called to her as they were all walking away. " A moment please?"

She turned and walked a few steps back to me. I wanted to take a slighter firmer tone, controlling this conversation but not giving her too much hope, if that is what her intentions are but this was the wrong location.

"Amie," I stepped a bit closer to her, the perfume she wore was light and uplifting. "I see the way you look at me at times."

She blushed immediately and lowered her eyes, "Yes, Maestro, you are an amazing woman." Again the softness in her voice was so alluring and thrilling to me.

"Amie, let's walk very slow down this path, let us slowly see if feelings grow from my end. I need you to let me find them on my end but I will say, you are a beautiful woman as well."

Her head rose and she locked eyes on me and smiled. "Yes Maestro, I will water the delicate bulb and watch as I hope she grows and blossoms into the most beautiful orchard."

????

The last two days had passed like the wind, a whirlwind. As Claire said her schedule was incredible. We snuck a few moments but each of them left me wanting more and nearly breathless. I hadn't seen much of Karl, but twice Katya had reminded me that he had eyes for me.

????Saturday night????

I made my way from Deck Four to the Royal Theater. They, Caire and the activities team, were about to run through the finals of the passenger karaoke contest. It was down to the final four, and Claire had sent me a message; my presence was requested by Captain Jonathan.

Captain Jonathan was going to "judge," though it was ultimately the passenger applause that would "crowned" the winner.

As the music played in the background for the fourth and final contestant, Erinn approached me and gave me instructions. "Claire is going to have some fun teasing the passengers to get Captain Jonathan away from the judges table. Do not worry it is all prearranged.: She put her hand on my shoulder, "Claire will tease him some more ad libbing. That is when the stage crew will raise your piano, then you can go sit, and when you are ready, just nod. He'll let you know when he's ready to sing."

I nodded. "And Annie?" I looked up at her, and she was smiling. "He loves doing this, so please have fun with it, just like you did in the Schooner Bar." She winked and walked away.

It went exactly as she had explained. Claire came out from behind the curtain with the mic in her hand, instantly getting the entire theater on their feet. She teased the audience, demanding more and more applause to convince Captain Jonathan to come out from behind the judges' table and sing. The applause from the passengers grew and grew until it was absolutely intense.

That was my cue. As Captain Jonathan stood up and walked over to Claire, I made my way to the piano. He looked over at me and nodded.

"So," he addressed the passengers, but kept his eyes on me. "Maestro? What do you have in your bag of tricks?" He smiled, walking a few steps toward me. He lowered the mic slightly and whispered, "What do you think? Don't Stop Believin' or Livin' on a Prayer?"

I replied back, "I'll do an intro and count you in if that is alright? You know, a little fun Sir?"

He smiled wide and nodded his head, a shared, playful moment between us. I adjusted my posture with an exaggerated classical poise and looked over at him. He gave me a sharp, commanding nod. He was ready to rock.

I murmured to myself, Time for a little fun

Instead of hitting the rock chords, I brought my hands down with delicate perfection and launched straight into the soft, intricate, completely proper opening bars of Bach's Prelude in C Major. The first notes floated gracefully through the air, sounding pure, academic, and entirely out of place for a Saturday night karaoke finale.

The Royal Theater fell completely silent. A wave of confusion like no other rippled through the room. I looked over at Captain Jonathan. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see his face, he was smiling wide, but looked slightly bewildered.

I winked and then he did, catching on.

He raised the mic to his mouth and, in a clear, booming voice, spoke over the music. "I do not think I know that rock song, Maestro."

The passengers erupted into laughter, as did nearly everyone else. I didn't break character for a second, keeping my eyes fixed forward with the utter seriousness of a concert pianist. I counted the ninth bar, then the tenth, and right on cue, I transitioned.

My left hand abruptly slammed down onto the low keys, shattering the classical silence with the heavy, driving, unmistakable rhythmic beat of Bon Jovi.

Dun-dun-dun-dun... dun-dun-dun-dun...

The sudden shift was like a jolt of electricity. The theater went absolutely crazy with applause.

I heard him say, "Well, that's better!" which caused another massive wave of cheering and laughter, so much so that he completely missed his intro. Captain Jonathan burst into a wide, booming laugh himself, pointing a finger at me in pure appreciation before instantly snapping back into character. He gripped the mic and brought it to his lips, completely locked into the groove.

I smoothly backed up the tempo, looping back to start the initial four-note riff again, and away he went.

As his deep baritone filled the room with the opening lines of Livin' on a Prayer, I stole a quick glance toward the wings. Claire was standing by the curtain, a radiant smile on her face, shaking her head at my little stunt.

The crowd was already singing along, completely captivated. We were officially "Halfway theeerrree."

Captain Jonathan truly loved doing this. I could see the pure joy on his face. As the song slowed and the music came to an end, with the passengers applauding and singing along at the top of their lungs, I realized this was twenty times more enjoyable than last Tuesday at the Schooner Bar.

It turned out to be the absolute anthem of the evening. As Captain Jonathan finished and the applause thundered, I stepped off the stage, walked backstage, and slipped away down the corridor to Deck Four, the private crew deck.

The moon was high above, casting a silver glow over the water, and the warmth of the Atlantic Ocean air felt amazing against my skin. Though there were others out on the deck, it felt like it was just me in the silence of the world.

????

I heard the door to the inside open and close several times, catching the faint whispers of other's conversations. I didn't pay attention to any of it, not until I heard my own name being whispered into the dark.

I turned slowly in the dimly lit space to see Claire standing there. "Will you walk with me for a moment?"

I just nodded and followed her. We moved through the interior corridors of the ship and, after taking a freight elevator up, we emerged onto the top deck, just outside of the mini-golf and the surfing simulator. Instead of walking toward the back of the ship, we ascended another set of steps, climbing all the way to the top.

The midnight air was warm and slightly humid. The moon lit the night sky, making everything feel intensely real and nearly perfectly romantic.

"You were wonderful earlier," Claire said, stepping a bit closer to me. "It wasn't contrived or fake, and the Captain loved it. I'm supposed to let you know he wants that added to the week's entertainment schedule whenever he is free."

"I'm honored, Claire. I never knew this would be so fun, yet so exhausting." I tried to search the night, looking for her eyes in the dark. I wanted to see them, but instead, my hand found hers.

"Claire, I need to tell you... there is someone wanting my affection. I asked her to slow down because I needed to see things through, here with you." I gently caressed the back of her hand. "This seems special to me, and I want you to know. Well, I don't want to hide anything, not from you."

"While I appreciate that trust, you don't need to..."

I took a chance, up on my tippy toes, I pressed my lips to Claire's. Not in a forceful manner, but as softly as I possibly could. My hands rested gently on her hips as I stepped into her embrace.

I pulled back slightly, breaking the kiss, but when Claire stepped even closer into my space, I knew right then that something was growing between us. She kissed my cheek softly, her breath was warm against my skin, it was as if she was whispering in my ear. But then she did.

"This is not a no. This is a slow down, but I am interested." She pressed a second kiss to my cheek, followed by a softer, lower whisper. "Come with me. But no questions, and I ask that you fully trust me."

I held her hand gently as we moved out of the shadows. Our fingers didn't separate. Back inside, we navigated the inner catacombs of the ship's private pathways, descending from Deck 16 down to the Officers' Corridor just below the Bridge. We walked down the quiet hallway and turned to the port side.

From her pocket, Claire pulled a key that opened the door to her cabin, or rather, her suite. I opened my eyes to her world, a living room, an office, a separate bedroom, and a queen-sized bed.

"I have an early day," Claire said softly, turning to me. "I am inviting you to spend the night, to cuddle with me, and to allow this to grow."

In the dimly lit space, with the main lights turned off, we spent the next few moments carefully undressing one another. Claire stepped deep into my personal space, her hands moving to the zipper of my jacket with agonizing slowness. It was incredibly intimate, filled with sensuality but not sexual.

Piece by piece, our clothing was removed and set aside.

This wasn't a frantic, hasty pace to any of it; instead, it was soft, reverent, a breathless appreciation that forms beneath one's soul.

When we were both down to our panties, there was a quiet, tender moment for one more kiss before she admitted she needed to remove her makeup and get ready for bed. Once we had both cleaned up, we curled into her bed, covering ourselves with just a single top sheet against the air conditioning.

With one final, soft kiss in the dark, she murmured, "Annie, this is the pace I am seeking for now."

"This is just perfect for me Claire." We cuddled a bit closer, our bodies aligning perfectly, and closed our eyes, relaxing into a sound, peaceful sleep.

????Sunday Morning????

I woke up before her alarm sounded. I glanced over at her clock; it was just after four-thirty in the morning. Claire stood up from her bed, stretched, and made her way into the bathroom. I couldn't help but smile, a quiet giggle escaping me as I sat up and began dressing. When she emerged a few minutes later, I could instantly smell the fresh peppermint on her breath.

I stood and moved toward her, stepping into her space one last time before the day took over. "You have a crazy day ahead of you," I said softly, "and I do as well, playing traffic cop, as Katya calls it."

Claire smiled beautifully. She leaned in, tilting her head, and kissed me softly on the lips. "I will see you later, Maestro. I promise I will see you later."

I gave her a reassuring nod and quickly stepped out of her suite. Navigating the quiet morning hallways, I made my way down the corridor, found the internal freight elevator, and took it straight down to Deck Three. Once I was safely back in my own cabin, I turned on the shower, stepped into the warm water, and smiled wide as I murmured to myself, "One week down, with many more adventures ahead."

????End of Chapter Two????

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