Gentleman Companion Two

Lawrence walked up the gangplank, his pace slower and his breaths more labored. James, the Security Director greeted him and pointed towards the elevator leading to the ship’s stern. Lawrence soon discovered that the penthouse where he had stayed on past cruises was under renovation and he would stay in the Captain’s quarters for a few days. A new diagnosis had delayed Lawrence’s return to the ship for months. The crew waved and Angeline, the Cruise Event Director acknowledged his return while he walked along the deck.

Lawrence knew that eight dates would be boarding soon, eight new guests who would have an exclusive date with him as the Celestial Nova’s Gentleman companion. He learned that the cruise line that planned to expand the program to other ships after recognizing the success of the Gentleman Companion Program.

Lawrence knew that changes had occurred since he left. Dr. Henry, a new medical Director had been hired after leaving his stateside home following a tragic loss. Dr. Henry was aware of Lawrence’s condition, dealt with a guest who had acquired malaria, admitted a crewmember to an island hospital for emergency surgery, and closing monitored a guest who had intractable pain.

After meeting with Angeline to review the dates he soon discovered that for the first time two of his dates would be large-scale events where crewmembers would be included. Lawrence had never imagined he would be wearing a costume on a date. However, for this cruise he would be dressed as a pet to amuse children and wear a glamorous outfit for a ship global party. Soon he and his dates would waltz, travel down a mountain trail on a donkey, cook an Asian meal in a ships kitchen, dine in the Captains private Gold Key dining room by candlelight, listen to violin music, kayak down a river, and dangle their feet in warm water during a spa date.

Lawrence did not expect a former cruise date to attempt to ruin his dates or an unexpected night guest to find his confidential penthouse. He found his physical health challenged at the end of the cruise as he addressed the emotional needs of his dates.