First Mates by Cecelia Dowdy Read Free Book Online Page A

sitting on the boat, enjoying their meal. “Feed me? Why?”
    He shrugged. “I know how much you want that pie, and feeding it to you will make me so happy.”
    He removed the fork from her fingers before feeding her the first bite of luscious pie. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the sweet, tangy flavor. Winston relished the next bite. Back and forth they enjoyed the sweet treat until the fork scraped the crumbs from the plate. With a large ivory napkin, he brushed the crumbs from her lips. They then strolled to an outdoor deck.
    The glowing sun dipped in the sky, turning the luminescent day into fading twilight. He placed his arm around her waist as they watched the horizon.
    As the golden globe finally dipped over the horizon, she closed her eyes, basking in the happiness of being with Winston.
    Soon, they walked back to the beach. Rainy’s footsteps were weary as they managed to find the last ferry to the cruise ship.
    Passengers’ voices chimed with delight as they talked about their day, the velvet blackness of the sky a testimony to the late hour. Rainy and Winston’s silence was filled with peace and comfort.
    After they entered the deck of the cruise ship, Rainy walked around, suddenly full of energy. “I guess I shouldn’t have had all that coffee during dinner. You know there’s no midnight buffet this evening.”
    â€œDid you want to spend the rest of the evening together? We could sit on deck and have something to drink.”
    â€œThat sounds like a good idea.”
    â€œWhy don’t we go back to our rooms and drop our stuff off,” he suggested. “I’ll walk you to your room first.” She nodded. They walked to her room, and she dropped her beach bag into her room and then she accompanied Winston to his room. She followed him into the cabin, anxious to see his private quarters. As soon as she entered she saw the empty bottle and she stopped, shocked.
    â€œWinston, what’s this?” His smile melted as she lifted the empty liquor bottle.

Chapter Five
    W inston cringed as she gazed at the empty liquor bottle. Rainy’s mouth dropped open as she fingered the thick container.
    â€œWinston?”
    â€œI think you’d better sit down. It’s going to be a long night.” He pulled out a chair. After she sat, he opened a large bottle of water. He poured the beverage into foam cups.
    She leaned her elbow against the desk, cupping her chin in her hand. Had God led her to this room tonight to show her that Winston was a phony Christian like Jordan?
    â€œI know you’re probably upset and surprised, but could you just hear me out? Promise me you won’t pass judgment about anything until I’m finished speaking, please?” His hazel eyes were full of warmth and compassion, and she forced herself to open her mind and heart, and listen to his words.
    â€œI know I haven’t told you a lot about myself since we’ve been on this cruise. I know all about you and your life on the farm. You’ve told me about how you came to accept Christ when you were twelve.” He paused and stared through the window.
    â€œWhen I went away to college, it was the first time I’d ever lived away from home. I was nervous. I just wanted to continue to make good grades in school and I missed my folks.” He sipped his water.
    â€œWell, when I was away at college, I found that I was nervous before exams. My roommate suggested that I try having a few drinks before I studied the night before a test. I was never a drinker before because my parents forbade it. However, I went ahead and tried his advice once. I found that the alcohol did relieve some of my anxiety.”
    He paused for several seconds before continuing. “Anyway, from that moment on, I found that whenever I wanted to drown my pain and sorrows, I drank alcohol. Remember that woman I was involved with, the one I told you about earlier on the cruise? I’d