After The Silence Ch 04

After The Silence - Ch 4

Seeing with my eyes wide open now.

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. I'm not certain how many chapters this will be as I want to make Annie an ongoing MC. I do hope you enjoy.

????

Wednesday morning I woke before Claire's alarm. I kissed her softly on her cheek and hugged her. When she murmured her "Good Morning" to me, I whispered in her ear how amazing this felt. When she turned her body rolling towards me, we kissed softly, our bodies pressing together for the first time, nearly like lovers.

"Claire," I whispered against her lips. "this is more than I could want for but I am tempted."

"Annie," she kissed me once again. "Let this breath, let us breathe." She kissed me gently again, "One day when we make love, because we will, I want that moment to be so special that it eclipses moments from your past and will cause you to hopefully forget all other lovers."

We kissed once more but this time our hug seemed more intimate and lasted a bit longer as she pressed her body against mine.

"I promise but there is something I must make certain of first." She spoke softly. "You need to be aware I am close to my contract ending here."

I shivered again. My mind started, What am I getting myself into?

She continued. "I am trying to renew it but I will be off the ship for two months of vacation starting soon."

I shivered as she hugged me tighter. "I am trying to stay but one never knows Annie, I am honestly trying."

I calmed down and slowly rose from her bed. I dressed wishing her a good day, sneaking down and to my cabin where my heart pounded and strained the entire time. I changed into shorts, a jogging bra and a workout shirt, then made my way to the fitness center.

????

Just after eleven, with my mind still a blur with what Claire shared with me, I made my way to the main theater for practice.

But frustration was simple. How could I be so shortsighted to have never considered that a woman like Claire would be on a contract like mine.

I needed to focus, tonight was our own themed production show. It would feature modern movement and dance by Katya's team all choreographed by Katya with a wide range of our music composition and some classical songs.

We finished our run through and dress rehearsal but as we finished, Stefan had a bit more he wanted to see from Katya's team. She just rolled her eyes and winked at me. I smiled then agreed that we, the orchestra would support her and play through that segment.

After the second run through and when Stefan was happy, I stood with my team wishing them a great afternoon as we had not only "Dress Your Best" tonight, but we would all be performing our two shows tonight, the first at eight then at ten.

I stepped away only to see Claire and Erinn waiting on me. They both had this expression on their faces, they were in cahoots, something was brewing.

Erinn smiled as did Claire. "Can we chat?"

Don't ask me why I was suddenly cold with zero emotions.

"Erinn has an idea." I walked with them to find a quiet table in the backstage area.

"Annie, you can say no, but I would ask you to consider this." Erinn started. "The comments from the music trivia were amazing, but I know you have two shows tonight. And on some nights, you are also scheduled to perform in the Music Hall."

I nodded. "But what do you think, on night four of the cruise, Thursday, immediately after the Aqua Show is going on, you can play Music Trivia with me?"

I smiled and looked at Claire. "The response has been amazing and I would truly appreciate you for doing this. I have notified HR and if you accept, you will be compensated as well." She paused.

"You are the Cruise Director," I looked at her and then to Erinn, "And the Activities Manager, I work for you." I said flatly and then paused, I wanted this to be genuine but I was still reeling. "I love playing you know that but I do not want to fail you both."

It was Erinn who reached across and took my hands gently in hers. "We have talked this through, and we doubt that would happen."

She let go of my hands. I looked at Claire. "Okay then we run it this sailing. We can update the app and Cruise Compass listings then make a decision after this sailing."

Claire stood, "Annie, there is one other thing."

She turned to Erinn and nodded, Erinn stood and left us. When she was out of conversation range, she took my hand carefully. "You will not let us down, believe me you won't. I believe in you." She leaned forward and whispered. "I get giddy when you play." Her thumbs caressed the backs of my hands. I felt numb, confused and mad at myself.

"You truly are a beautiful and gifted talented woman Annie."

She stood without letting go of my hands. I stood and she drew me closer. She leaned down and softly kissed my lips softly. My heart beat faster and faster? But why!.

"See a public kiss, that's significant progress in our relationship." Claire murmured against my lips. "I usually don't kiss my girlfriend in public."

I worried but didn't show it. "Oh Claire." She kissed me deeper than I had been kissed in a long time. It felt magical, wonderful and perfect ... nearly perfect.

????

We made it through the eight o'clock, and the ten o'clock shows without hiccups or issues. As we exited the orchestra pit I checked my phone. I had a text from Katya.

'Can I come see you later? I could use a friend.'

I had showered and changed into a t-shirt, panties and shorts. For some reason tonight my cabin felt smaller.

At midnight, just above the gentle hum of the ship's engines, my small desk sat balancing an open bottle of pinot noir that was already half-empty.

I was sitting cross-legged on my bed, watching Katya. She swirled her glass, her eyes fixed on the wine. She'd kicked off her sneakers an hour ago, but even in a baggy sweater, she carried herself with that effortlessly. She was regal and that made her seem untouchable. Of course it did, she is a dancer.

We hadn't said ten words to each other but when she came into my cabin, all she said was that she needed a friend, so I was here.

"You're quiet as well tonight," Katya said, her voice dropping into that low, sensual register she only used when either we were alone or something was on her mind.

She looked up, a knowing smirk playing at the corner of her lips. "And you have that look. The one where your mind is a few decks away thinking of either that HR man or that Chef, who teases nearly every woman on this ship. Or it's it someone else?"

I felt the heat rise to my cheeks, taking a quick sip of wine to cover it. "This time it is none of those, my mind is spinning. I learned that someone I am interested in has their contract ending soon."

I took a sip. "Do I want to get involved with someone whose contract is ending soon?"

Katya smiled. "Which is worse, that or loneliness like me?"

Then she said, "Darling, you practically glow when Karl is near," Katya murmured, taking a slow sip. "But tonight, you look... heavy. What is it?"

I leaned back against the wall, letting the wine soften my defenses. "It's just" I needed to phrase this gently, not to sound like a philandering woman.

"Karl's dangerous," I admitted. "Not because of who he is, but because of what he makes me feel. I've spent these last days and weeks smiling and while there are harsh feelings, memories, and tears, but after Derrick, I'll not settle, I don't think I can, the hurt is too much."

I looked up, expecting Katya to offer one of her usual witty, cynical pieces of advice about men. Instead, she was staring right through me, her expression completely blank. The silence stretched between us, heavy and sudden.

"To need someone is not a luxury, Annie, to have someone true is," she said, her voice flat. Cold.

I blinked, thrown off by the sudden shift. "What do you mean?"

Katya didn't answer right away. She set her glass down on the desk with a soft clink. She reached up, absentmindedly touching the collarbone beneath her sweater, her gaze drifting to the small, dark porthole.

"Six contracts," she whispered, almost to herself. "Everyone on this ship thinks I am in love with the sea. They think I am a glamorous Russian who cannot be tamed by a normal life on land."

She let out a short, bitter laugh that didn't reach her eyes. "They think it is a choice."

I saw a tear slowly leak from her eye and trail down her cheek. "Katya? What's wrong?"

I set my own glass down, a sudden knot tightening in my stomach. I'd known her for days, we formed that friendship, but right now, she looked like a total stranger.

"If I go back to land, I die, Annie. It is as simple as that." She turned her head, looking at me with absolute, chilling clarity.

"My ex-fiancé. He is a very powerful man in Saint Petersburg. I was in the ballet, I did shows twice the size of this."

Her tears nearly doubled. "He is the kind of man who doesn't accept a woman walking away. Especially not a woman who talks to the police and the court who put him behind bars."

My breath caught in my throat. "He's in prison?"

"For now," Katya said, her jaw tightening. "But bars do not stop men like him forever. He has friends, he has a very long memory." She leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees, the absolute exhaustion finally showing on her face.

"A cruise ship is a beautiful thing. It never stays in one place. Different ports, different days and different ships with different flags while they might protect me, it's only temporary. A moving target is sometimes hard to find."

I sat there, completely paralyzed. I had been sitting here whining about the emotional risk of falling in love, while the woman sitting two feet away from me was literally running for her life.

"Katya... I had no idea," I breathed, reaching out across the small gap between us to touch her hand.

She looked down at my hand, and for a fraction of a second, I saw a flicker of raw terror in her eyes. Then, like a shutter closing, the coldness vanished. She placed her hand over mine, squeezing it gently, and the familiar, reassuring Katya was back.

"Our vault, no " one knows," she said softly. "And it stays that way. But remember what I say, Annie. If you find someone who makes you feel safe enough to need them, do not throw it away out of fear. Some of us do not get that choice."

She picked up her glass of wine and emptied it. She stood, bent forward and kissed my cheek. When she stood straight her lips flattened, then spoke, "Man or woman, love or lust, just make certain you are happy."

Sadly she turned and stepped from my cabin, the door closed behind her, suddenly I realized my friend was hurting so much more than I was.

"Oh Katya, my friend, I'm so sorry for being childish, I didn't know."

Right then and there, I promised myself and secretly promised her that I would change. All for the better, including for Katya.

????

I was falling into a wonderful routine. I would wake, work out and on calm days I would grab some food from the crew mess and eat outside on the crew deck, on other days, I would sit inside. A few of those days, Chef Newsome would tease me and I'd just smiled and at times blushed not knowing what was real.

But this specific Thursday morning he was especially flirtatious.

This time when he handed me my egg-white spinach and tomato scramble, he handed it to me with his right hand, his left hand carefully resting on the table top as he leaned forward. He had a smile on his face.

And that is when I saw it, the unmistakable, pale indentation, the distinct "cheater's ring" tan line that I recognized. I instantly stood and looked at him.

"Care to explain that?" I pointed to his finger. "You've been hiding that in plain sight all this time."

He stood there tall, gorgeous as ever, but now, he was just as bad as Derrick. I was still looking up at this 'person' who thought I wouldn't call out, nor did I want to embarrass him or myself, so I stepped closer and spoke softer.

"No thank you Chef, I've been cheated on before, and I'll not be used as the other woman. Good day." I turned and once out of the galley, I ran running to my cabin before the anger and rage overflowed. On my cabin door dry erase board I write, "Do not disturb, in a creative mood."

I wasn't. I just curled on my bed and chastised myself for even thinking I would open up to him.

Twice there was a knock on my door, and twice I didn't answer. I didn't know what I was going to do. I felt used, cheap, and vile.

????Thursday Night????

Hours later I put on a brave face. The energy in the Schooner Bar was palpable when I walked out from the Crew Only door with Erinn. We made our way to the piano for Music Trivia. There were a few folks who looked familiar, including Linh-An. She sat with Lee in the chairs at the bar smiling at me.

Erinn took the mic standing next to the piano as I took a seat at the bench. I brought up the playlist of fifteen songs from my iPad. She wanted me to play familiar parts but not the chorus of any of the songs. Then she made her announcements on the rules. After the crowd of more than sixty, jammed into the small bar, we started.

The first was Crocodile Rock, which was easy. Then we raised the level of difficulty. I played Country Roads followed by a piano rendition of Back In Black.

We were enjoying ourselves as the passengers bantered back and forth, then Erinn made the announcement. She had just learned, due to the seas and high winds, the Aqua show was postponed tonight, to come back at ten for a music trivia sing-a-long.

When we finished and the crowd dispersed, we collected the items and walked back behind the crew only door. She paused and turned as the door closed and took my hand in hers.

"There is something I would love to do but I don't know how you would react."

I suddenly felt nervous but I tried to speak normally. "Erinn, I find you absolutely attractive but ..."

She stepped closer and whispered in my ear, "I see." She kissed my cheek and stepped back looking into my eyes.

I was immediately shocked but nearly hypnotized by her. Then she stepped a bit closer. "Annie, I am amazed by you and your brilliance. Know that I am here and would love to see you as well."

"As well?" I asked, even more confused.

She took my hand and whispered, "Come, I'll explain."

I stood firm and didn't move. Erinn looked at me then asked again. "I ask you to trust me. Please come with me?"

Reluctantly I moved, stepping forward with Erinn. I was dazed, confused and frankly upset. I didn't know what was happening or if this was some sort of test but I followed Erinn. We made our way up the inner elevator to the deck just below the bridge.

When we stepped out, she took my hand. "Come on."

This hall looked familiar, I knew this corridor, we stopped at a familiar cabin door, Erinn knocked and Claire opened the door. She was mostly dressed.

"Hi, come in, I only have a few minutes. My schedule has changed with the aqua show canceled."

I stood in disbelief. "What is this?"

"This Maestro is my girlfriend, Claire." Erinn whispered in my ear.

Claire stepped forward as she buttoned up her silver shiny blouse. "This Maestro is my girlfriend Erinn but sometimes we never have time for each other."

"But I've slept with you. Not making love but you told me...!" I was furious. "You told me you wanted to love me like I'd never been loved before!"

Erinn took my hand and looked at me as the tears welled in my eyes. "We want you to love us as well, to get to know you."

The tears spilled from my eyes. "No!" I shivered, ""Why... what? I am confused."

Claire spoke, "Duty calls my dear." She kissed Erinn softly on my lips and turned to me. "I've never lied, I want you to be my girlfriend." She kissed my cheek. "Think about it."

Claire walked from her cabin and I followed leaving Erinn behind. I made my way down to my cabin and closed the door. I looked at the clock on my desk, I had less than an hour until I was to be back in the Schooner Bar for the ten o'clock music trivia.

This was an incredible mess I either found myself in or have put myself in. Either way, as I promised myself, I'll not complain. I owe that much to Katya considering what I have learned about her life recently.

????

There was a soft knock on my door. I attempted to ignore it but then I heard her voice. "Maestro?"

I stood from my bed, reached for the door and opened it. I was correct, it was Claire.

"May I?"

I nodded and stepped to the side. The door closed behind her and as it shut she reached for my hand. Her soft touch thrilled me. She gently tugged my arm pulling me closer.

"I meant what I said the other morning and last night." My eyes looked up and this British beauty. Her hair was pulled back tight in a ponytail, it didn't appeal to me but I wasn't one to say.

"What?" She asked and I shook my head. She pressed, "What's on your mind?"

I blurted out without engaging my brain. "Besides the fact that earlier, I admitted to you I am bisexual, that early this morning Chef Newsome hides his cheaters ring? Oh and this kills me Claire, you and Erinn are girlfriends?"

I paused. She stood her ground not moving. "What else?"

"I shared your bed, we cuddled, you told me not yet when I wanted to make love Claire!" I tried to pull back, she held me firmly.

"Anything else?"

"Derrick ruined my life, he is why I am here, he cheated on me behind my back because I'm boring. He despised lesbians and I hid my true self wasting away for years." I huffed.

She just looked at me, then with her left hand moved a string of my hair looping it behind my ear.

"And I think.. no, I know you are beautiful except for the way you wear your hair. I don't like it in a ponytail!" I huffed again and laughed a silly little laugh.

"Okay so, I never lied to you, I wanted to see where things go. I have a very complicated life. My schedule is horrendous. Some days I work eighteen to twenty hours, my normal days are twelve to fourteen."

She bent down and kissed my cheek. "And when I know I'm to be with you, I won't wear a ponytail, but that doesn't change how I feel."

"Claire, how am I to love you and Erinn? How are you two to love me? Is it that simple? We're just girlfriends?"

Claire stepped closer to me. "If you want but know this, I would like to date you when my work life allows. And yes, in time love you."

I looked over at the clock. "Claire, I'm sorry, but I am due on deck for Music Trivia soon and I must clear my head first."

She bent down and kissed my cheek. "I believe in you."

????

I walked through the public areas and from the Main Promenade up to Deck 6. I hadn't changed out of my black slacks, white blouse nor my flats. I walked over and sat behind the piano and opened my iPad.

I brought up Denis Rial's "Between Then and Now". I found it soothing and yet at the same time it connected me to the current situation I was in. Just over two minutes later, I started the intro to "Sweet Pain", by Alex Shimansky. Two and a half minutes later, the iPad selected the next few melodies.

I looked up from the electronic sheet music to see thirty people sitting all gathered in the seats around the tables. When I finished Darby's New Light, I paused but then listened to the applause of those slowly gathering around the bar.

I stood for a moment, "If you will excuse me I'm suddenly parched and need some water." I softly announced.

"Ma'am?" A young man and his companion offered me an unopened bottle of water. I stood and accepted their gift but waved a high sign to the waiter signaling him to come when he had a moment.

"Thank you so much, I'll have the staff bring you a bottle." I sat back down and slowly began the softest Rachmaninoff piano concerto I knew. It was his Concerto in C Minor. It was soft and calming as I was breathing and thinking yet I was over thinking.

I was lost in the electronic sheet music when out of the corner of my eye, an older gentleman and his companion, walked over to the piano taking the last two seats. They settled and smiled.

"Good evening." I whispered as I played.

"Good evening Maestro Marks." The elderly woman smiled. "We've heard you before at The Signature."

I nodded and thanked them, then asked. "Are you enjoying yourselves?"

He spoke up this time, "Maestro, to hear you here made our cruise, but to listen to you at any time would make the world such a better place."

I blushed, "Sir you are too kind." It was then I noticed a lapel pin, they both wore. "May I ask about your lapel pins?"

"Well we are Pinnacle members, since Andrew retired, we have sailed a lot. We're nothing special. Just some perks."

"Actually Maestro, " I turned to see Erinn standing there. "Mr. & Mrs. Phillipsburg aren't just Pinnacle members, they are our featured guests this cruise as they celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary."

"Ohh congratulations!" I exclaimed "and I wish you many more years." I knew I needed to recognize them, so I slowed Rachmaninoff's concerto and broke into the melody of "Happy Anniversary". I sang as best I could but then Erinn joined me immediately as did so many others in the area.

When I finished, everyone applauded the couple. It was then Erinn took charge of the mic and those in the area announcing that in ten minutes, we would start our newest version of Music Trivia and a 'Schooner Bar' only special of a sing-a-long.

I had a feeling if we could find a way to have the piano moved safely and without damaging the tuning of it, it would be moved to the Music Hall for a formal sing-a-long.

????

With a new mask of professionalism and entertainment on, while on stage, Erinn and I were a well-oiled machine, bouncing jokes off each other as she read the crowd perfectly. Our banter between each other and with a few passengers kept everyone laughing. The chemistry between us was great but it lost its spark. It still had a professional rhythm that makes a crowd completely fall in love with you.

We tallied scores for no reason but forty-five minutes later Erinn called for the final tune of the evening. That is when Mrs. Phillipsburg asked if I knew any Carly Simon.

I smiled and started the intro to her classic, "You're So Vain." Which had the entire Schooner Bar and half of those in the Next Cruise area and some from the other side of the area in Focus started singing along.

When the applause was finally finished and greetings and short usher, Erinn and I turned and headed to the 'Crew Only' doors behind the scenes.

Erinn closed the door behind us and then took my empty hand in hers. I held tightly to my iPad and my breath. She stepped closer than I could have imagined. Her eyes were beaming, her own breath was fluttering. I could only imagine what was happening in her chest.

What I did recognize was the quick transition. One second we were in the plush, and semi dimly lit lounge, and now, we were standing in a quiet, dimly lit metal corridor, the low hum of the ship filling the silence.

She held me close and as I leaned against the cool metal wall. I stepped forward feeling it. I kissed her lips softly.

I whispered as I moved from her lips. "I feel so... conflicted Erinn." But then she caught me totally off guard.

She closed the distance between us, her eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that I'd not experienced in a long time. She could see right through me. She knew exactly how lovely this actually was.

"You were incredible out there, Maestro," she whispered, her voice dropping low.

Before I could even reply, Erinn stepped into my space, she reached up, her hand cupping the side of my face, and tilted my chin up. When her lips met mine, my entire world tilted.

It wasn't a tentative kiss. It was deep, breathtaking, and heavy with a longing that didn't come close to mirroring mine. In an instant, my defenses and thoughts disappeared and all the walls I had meticulously built up since Derrick, as well as all the hesitation, completely shattered.

I was suddenly starving for intimacy, starving to be held, and I completely swooned, melting right into her arms. I wrapped my arms around her neck, pulling her closer, letting the sudden, consuming heat of the moment completely erase the ghosts of my past.

For those few minutes in that corridor, there was no fear, no rules, and no memory of pain. There was just Erinn and me, two women kissing like there was no tomorrow.

"Are you done for the night?" I asked without thinking of the consequences.

"Annie, please know I am wanting more than just our kisses. Are you ready for that?"

Up on my tip toes, again being very petite and just five feet five inches, I kissed her cheeks softly, just below her ear.

"I've never wanted to love someone more than right now, at this time."

She let go of my hand when I pulled back from her cheek and ear and walked slowly down the inner steps, down to Deck Three, and to my cabin.

When I closed my cabin door with Erinn inside, we embraced in a lovers hug, gentle, slow, loving and intensely calm. We kissed again in romantic soft kisses, just learning what the other liked.

My hands slid from her back to her sides slowly coming to rest on her hips. Her hands found mine and covered mine. She moved slowly as we were making love, and not in a hurry. She guided my hands up her sides, then down to the small of her back.

I moved carefully to the buttons of her blouse, Erinn followed suit. It was as if a symphony was playing for us in my head when we removed each other's blouses, and then slacks. We cuddled into my bed and our kisses never sped up, they remained the most sensual and spatula seductive kisses over.

When Erinn removed my bra and started kissing my smallish breasts, I murmured, "I'm sorry, I'm not a large breasted woman."

Moving to my ear, Erinn whispered, "No more. That isn't acceptable, I'm not from your hellish past but I hope to be your future. And I happen to love your breasts."

Then as of then as if the chorus and refrain neared the crescendo I realized I was floating in the clouds with loving notes. I was loved for who I am, not someone they didn't desire.

When I had removed Erin's bra and began loving her she turned the tables on me when she kissed me.

"No, not tonight, tonight is about me loving you, me capturing your needs and desires but then you shall have me as you need."

When Erin's kisses and magical movements of her fingers and her talented tongue brought me to a squealing and shaking orgasm, I pulled her quickly up to kiss her and hug her tighter.

"I need you Erinn!" Then as the grin grew across her face, and I swooned for her all over again, we hugged kissing deeper again, then soon moved to cuddle as if we'd been long time lovers.

We stepped in, her first and then me, not really fitting well in my shower. I turned on the water, stood behind her, my hands roaming her silky smooth body. I cupped her breasts in my smaller hands. I felt her press her firm and perfect bum back against me, as I slid my left hand down to cover her womanhood.

I kissed the center of her back and spoke. "Please know how much I want this and so much more with you."

Knowing that was saved for another time, we finished our shower, as best we could, and moved to curl into my bed, now the first time lovers and soon, unbeknownst to me, two women satisfied in more ways than one.

As sleep soon overtook me, I whispered, "Maybe we keep the Music Trivia sing-a-long each week."

She kissed my cheek and nipped my ear, "Hmm and the performance after as well."

"Absolutely!"

????Friday Morning????

Waking up Friday morning and finding that I was wrapped in Erin's arms as we had spooned through the night was amazing. But what was more amazing was the calmness it brought me.

She kissed my neck and whispered in my ear, "Annie?" Erinn kissed my neck once more. "What's spinning in your brain right now?"

I rolled over to face her and as I did, our lips met in a sweet morning kiss. "How this being equal to the calmest calm I have felt in years."

"How about I describe this as a bliss which I haven't felt in so long I forgot it existed."

I lifted my right leg and crossed it over hers. "How about I never want this to end with you."

Erinn, moved that wild strand of hair from my cheek and tucked it behind my ear. "And when Claire wants me instead of you?"

I lowered my forehead and touched her gently. "Well, maybe that's when I'll need Karl."

She pulled back and had this grin on her face. "I've heard he's not a very giving lover. A lover from his past had told me, but he is as single as they come."

She paused, "Be careful."

"So you're telling me you are fine with me chasing Karl as a possible lover?"

Erinn kissed me in the most loving manner I could ever consider. "Absolutely, just don't get pregnant." She winked.

I winked back as well, "Believe me, that is one miracle of life that will never happen, my girlfriend."

"Hmm then go right ahead and live my love, live before life as you know it, ends."

Now don't ask me why but just then a shiver of fear crept up my spine and exploded as soon as it hit my brain stem. Immediately I wanted to ask but I didn't.

"What did I say to draw that reaction?" Erin whispered.

"What happens when yours, Claire's or my contract is up?" I murmured as the fear grasped at my soul.

"Well, a good amount of that answer is up us." She softly kissed my forehead.

"Do you want to stay here? Do you go home? Or do you audition for another ship?" She paused, "I believe you will be extended without issues." She kissed my nose playing with me. "I have a feeling you will find out before you realize. Typically it takes three months to find a replacement. You my dear were a surprise of the Goddesses."

"But Claire told me... she ... her contract."

Erinn placed a finger to my lips. "Mine as well. It is the life we lead, we just accept it. However, I'll follow Claire wherever she goes." Erinn paused, "Unless she doesn't want me or I have a chance at being promoted."

And with that we hugged softly. We both agreed we needed to start our day. This sailing had two more full days until we returned to Ft Lauderdale only to start the cycle all over again.

????Friday Evening

We finished with the show, both performances. As the platform lowered and the applause from the passengers grew, I heard Claire start her announcements. Amie looked at me smiling, "Maestro?"

I turned to her, "Can we talk a bit later, I'm seeking some guidance, personally and musically."

Now with Amie, as our only violinist, I was going to give her whatever support she needed including any free time I have on my schedule.

"Of course." I went to make a suggestion on a location but she was a bit quicker on the draw.

"Great, allow me to clean up, shower and change into something very relaxing. Can I then come to your cabin?"

I nodded, smiling, "Of course, say thirty minutes?" Amie smiled and nodded thanking me for this time.

????

I was just stepping from the bathroom, I'd just finished drying off and had slipped on my panties, when I heard a soft knock at my cabin door. I pulled my robe on and tied the belt around my waist and looked out the peephole, it was Amie. I unlocked and opened the cabin door. Amie stepped inside and let the door close behind her.

I watched her but for some reason, she engaged the door lock when it closed.

I turned and stepped over to my bed offering her my chair. Amie smiled and moved, taking a seat. It took her a minute but it seemed she was needing to compose herself.

"Maestro, last night my boyfriend sent me an email asking me to make this my last contract."

I froze. It isn't as if I've had other musicians in my orchestra resign and move, it isn't common but it happens. I just listened as she continued. They had been dating for years and he wanted to get serious but it was difficult to have a life when your significant other lives away from you nine months at a time.

"He doesn't understand my love of music like so many others do. He feels I can find a job when we move in together." Amie paused at one point almost asking me to interject, so I did.

"Amie, I am not well versed in Asian cultures but I know a bit about breakups and the hellish news some relationships have."

She smiled and looked down at her feet.

I reached over and touched her shoulder and asked. "Amie, what is it you want? What is it your heart wants?"

I could see the hesitation and struggle, I knew all too well that that was. I shifted in my bed, moving to the side. I took the first step and patted the duvet.

"Come on."

She smiled and stood without hesitation. When she sat close to me, again, I took her hand in mine. "What is it your heart and soul wants?"

"To play Maestro? But I will move to middle America and I'll never see a real orchestra again."

I just held her hand but then she started crying a bit more. I scooted closer and wrapped my friend in my arms.

I whispered in her ear, "If you leave, I'll miss you but I will certainly support you no matter what."

And that is when she turned her head and her cheek touched mine. She whispered in my ear, "Maestro? There is something else he doesn't know."

I just held her softly and let her breathing normalize as her tears slowed.

"Annie, I think I like women." She whispered so softly, I could barely hear her. She hugged me a bit tighter. Amie pulled back a bit and slowly brought her lips to mine and softly kissed me.

Her hands caressed my back and then moved to my sides, her thumbs moved to caress the sides of my breasts, I knew she was testing the waters. But when her thumbs caressed my nipples hardening them, she inhaled and kissed me deeper, I knew she was gay, if not just bisexual,

She slowed our kiss and pulled back slowly. "I'm sorry Annie but I needed to know what or if..."

I leaned forward slightly and gently kissed her lips. "Never apologize for what your heart feels."

"Annie?" She blushed, "Can I just sleep here tonight, I don't want to be alone."

"Sure." I shifted slightly and gave her some room, Amie pulled her top off, she wasn't wearing a bra.

I moved to remove my shirt as well but I paused and looked in Amie's eyes. She nodded and smiled. Wordlessly, I removed my shirt and brought her close. She curled into me, she laid her head on my chest, slowly and peacefully she fell asleep in my arms.

????

When I woke up, I had a euphoric feeling throughout my entire being. My heart was bursting and my soul was full, but then I realized, so was my right hand. I opened my eyes to realize that partway through the evening we rolled over and I was Amie's big spoon.

As her big spoon, her bottom was firmly pressed to my body, my chest pressed to her back. And yes, my right hand had cupped her firm breast.

It felt amazing!

I carefully moved my hand from her breast. I gently swept her jet black hair from her face and neck. I listened as her breathing changed, hopeful she was slowly waking up.

I softly kissed her neck and whispered in her ear. "Forgive me, my hand traveled through the night."

She moved slightly closer to me, eliminating all chances of space between us. Her hand moved, finding mine and bringing it back to her breast.

"Please continue my Maestro, that feels so wonderful."

I carefully swept my thumb around her nipple but more so, caressing and feeling her whole breast.

"Is this what you enjoyed?" I listened and she hummed murmuring sweet sounds but then she craned her neck.

"And your kiss."

I softly kissed her neck again and found her ear lobe. Teasingly, I nipped it with my lips. She hummed, so I continued playing her body as the beautiful Asian instrument it is.

Amie moved her legs as if she was opening herself up. I felt her shift and then felt her body start to move.

I had a feeling what was happening but wanted to see if I could influence her a bit. "Go ahead Amie, touch yourself."

I kissed her neck and teased her skin with my nose. I repeated myself. "I'd love to have you cum for me while you are in my arms."

Then I heard a soft squeal then she murmured, "Maestro!"

Her breathing increased rapidly and her whole body began to move. I moved my hand cupping her breast but then thumbed her nipple and carefully pinched it.

"Maestro!" She repeated.

Again, I took another chance as things seemed to be heading in the direction of me conducting her body, and she was willingly listening to me.

"Yes, Amie, stroke your body, please me while you give me your first sapphic orgasm." I nipped at her ear lobe. I tugged her ear with my closed teeth, then Amie let out another soft squeal.

"Maestro! For you!" Then she quivered in my arms and shook against me.

I kissed her neck repeatedly, egging her on, but this time when she squealed one last beautiful time, I bit her skin, at the nape of her neck, just above her hairline, gently closing my lips over her bitten skin. Her moan was amazing, liken to one I'd never heard from a lover, ever.

????

In her afterglow, as she calmed down she slowly turned coming face to face with me.

Our naked breasts touched, pressing together. When her eyes opened she smiled wider than I'd ever seen.

"Good morning Maestro." She softly kissed my lips.

"Good morning Amie."

"Maestro, that was the most amazing feeling I have ever experienced."

I smiled and kissed her and murmured against her lips. "I can't wait to taste your nectar and kiss your body all over."

"Maestro, my body is yours to guide and conduct. I give myself to you." She whispered.

"Amie, we should talk this out, we should have a long conversation as to how you feel." I tried to caution her.

"Maestro, as I fell asleep in your arms and as I woke up with you conducting me, I knew this is where I must be." She kissed my lips softly.

I felt her body shift as she opened her legs and wrapped them around my thigh. She brought this up and pressed it against me. As she did this she kissed me deeper.

We slowly started to connect on a deeper, more intimate, but still sexual level. She gently cupped my cheeks in her hands and pulled back from our kiss.

"Maestro, I promise, I now know what I want where my heart and soul is pointed. Now I need to find the words to leave Mario."

We kissed softly. "Amie, I must tell you, I am bisexual." My hands caressed her naked back and her sides. I brought them to rest just below her ribcage. "I have another, I am very interested in as well."

"Maestro, I am yours when you have time for me and when I can be like this with you, and you alone but I understand your need to talk with me." She kissed my cheek softly.

"Amie, our evening schedules are difficult at times."

She kissed me again, "But Maestro, I am well aware, and feel this deeply."

"We have our Broadway show tonight at eight-thirty. I am playing in the Schooner Bar from six-thirty until eight. I think you are scheduled to be in Central Park. But after the show, I want you to shower and dress comfortably then carefully come sleep with me again."

"I'd be honored to be Maestro."

????Saturday Evening????

I exited from the "Crew Only" door and made my way to the piano. There were maybe thirty people in the bar area. I sat behind the piano and paused. Knowing full well and good, this session was to be classical music. I smiled knowing I could have a great time with the classics or with the singalong 70's, 80's, one 90's rock music. I'd speed up the pace and speed again soon but not tonight.

I watched as Erinn came walking out dressed very nicely in her formal slacks and uniform blouse and sweater. She approached me as if she wanted to hand me a piece of paper she was holding.

She paused and bent forward to whisper in my ear. "I'm free after the last show."

I nearly wilted. "I'm sorry I have a meeting with the orchestra to discuss assignments for next month's solo assignments." I turned and whispered in her softer ear. "I didn't know my boss had a tight deadline, sorry lover, I have homework after school."

I pulled back and winked. "Ohh Maestro, you are a tease but I want time with you tomorrow night."

I could tell by the softness of her words we were going to be together for the first time. "I can't wait Erinn."

She smiled wide and I started with the "Contemplating the Horizon by Lobeone.

????

Just before eleven o'clock, I stepped from the shower. I dried off and applied some lotion to my freshly shaved lower body. I slipped on the soft robe, I never thought I would get so much use from it.

My cell phone chimed a C#. I set up a special tone for Amie. I looked at the message. May I come now?'

I replied, 'Of course my beautiful friend'

Less than a minute later, there was a soft knock on my door. I opened my door and stepped back. In turn, Amie stepped forward into my cabin. She closed the door and flipped the lock.

I stood in the center of my cabin and reached for her hands. When Amie stepped closer she unzipped the sweat top she was wearing to reveal she was topless. To share with her my intentions, I opened the sash and belt of my robe, showing her I was naked.

Amie stepped closer and carefully wrapped her arms around me. When she kissed my cheek, she murmured, "Maestro, I am thrilled to spend a few hours with you, even if we are sleeping for most of that time."

I bent forward tilting my head slightly lower and kissed the swell of her right breast, pulling the sweat top over her body. I then proceeded to kiss her breast lower, then I took her nipple in my mouth. I swirled my tongue around it and pulled back leaving a soft gentle kiss on her exposed and hardened nipple.

"Come to bed my beautiful lover." I held her hand and walked to my bed. "Let me help you see what I want you to sleep in moving forward."

I slipped my robe from my shoulders and hung it across the desk chair. I slipped her sweat top from her shoulders. I laid it across the desk chair as well. I moved closer and kissed her lips then slipped my thumbs inside her sweatpants, pushing them down to find her nakedness.

"Perfect my love." I kissed her lips once again as she stepped from them, removing her shoes.

We slipped into bed, this time, I took the dominant position by laying on top of her. My legs opened her up as I pressed my body to hers.

"Sadly I have a very early morning." I shifted my vulva over hers. "But I need something from you before we sleep, my lover."

I moved front to back, creating the friction of sensual love. I was soaked already. My wetness and silky nectar coated her skin. I kissed her deeply when I found the perfect rhythm and spot and our clits connected in a near perfect tribbing.

She mewed into my mouth as I ground on her firmer sensing her need as well, our bodies seemed to match each other as if we'd been long time lovers.

When I broke the kiss, Amie wrapped her arms around me tighter and arched her body fully against me as her orgasm ripped through her entire body. I started shaking as my orgasm was close behind hers.

I released my body movements as Amie eased her hug caressing my naked body.

I rolled to my back bringing her with me, her head resting on my chest. I kissed her forehead.

"My beautiful Amie, I will want you as often as I can have you like that my lover."

"Of course Maestro, I am yours to love and take, I am yours Maestro."

We kissed softly, both relaxing as we closed our eyes, falling asleep.

????Early Sunday Morning ????

I stood next to Katya, our bright yellowish green safety vests on. We set up the ropes for the pathways for guests to start lining up for debarkation. It would be three hours from now that I would find myself standing at Muster Station F4, welcoming the new guests onboard as they prepared for their seven day cruise.

????

I just finished checking in a family of fourteen. The group were brothers, sisters and the accompanying spouses from Central Pennsylvania. They were celebrating their mother's ninetieth birthday. I wished them well when I looked up and froze. Standing fifteen feet away, over at F1 was a woman who looked so damn familiar but I couldn't be sure.

The man with her was holding her hand, they looked a sweet couple. But as they turned away, she looked at me and paused.

I knew her from somewhere, I swear. She must have thought the same thing, I could see it written on her face. Then quickly the man with her pulled her away but she was still looking at me.

Then I heard another passenger. "Hi we are all F4."

I turned away from the mysterious woman and went back to my job at Muster Station F4.

????End of Chapter Four????

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