First Mates by Cecelia Dowdy Read Free Book Online Page B

mentioned that she joined the Peace Corps.”
    She nodded. “You said her name was Tonya.”
    â€œThat’s right. Well, I started drinking even more after she left. I managed to graduate from school and start working, but it took me a while to admit that I had a problem and to do something about it. I joined Alcoholics Anonymous and I started to lean on God. During my college years and a short time after that, I had almost abandoned God and I paid for it. I fell by thewayside. But then I joined a church in the area in which I’d relocated and I visited my pastor.” He finished his water and he began to rip the foam cup into tiny pieces. “Anyway, Pastor Jake reminded me that we’re all sinners. When we mess up, we just need to confess our sins and ask God to forgive us.”
    Winston continued to speak and Rainy continued to listen. He spoke of his battle against alcoholism and the trials and tribulations in his life where he felt he had no choice but to drink. He also revealed that due to recent circumstances, he’d been tempted with the solace of alcohol again.
    Her mind was crowded with so much information that she thought her head would explode. Questions and concerns scattered throughout her brain so fast that she didn’t know which to ask first. Weak sunlight spilled through the window, announcing the dawn of a new day. She rubbed her forehead, gazing at the bottle. “When did you buy the bottle of Scotch?”
    He sighed. “I didn’t buy it. My co-worker purchased it for me as a gift. I guess he didn’t realize that I didn’t drink. He gave it to me right before I made the trip to the ship.” She sighed, running her fingers through her hair.
    â€œRainy, I know you’re ready to go back to your cabin. You look tired enough to fall asleep on your feet. But before I walk you back to your room, I need to ask you something.” He fumbled with the torn cup. Rainy gazed into his troubled hazel eyes and nodded for him to continue.
    â€œI want to know if you’re mad at me. I still want to date you and everything. I just hope what I’ve revealed to you tonight won’t be the catalyst that’ll end our spending time together.” She abandoned her chair and sat beside him on the bed.
    â€œI’m glad you told me about this. It just shows that you’re willing to tell me the truth. As you said, we’re all sinners and we need to admit to our transgressions and lean on God for support. It’s hard being a Christian and living by God’s rules, but with His help we can overcome our weaknesses.”
    He nodded. “Amen to that. Part of my problem with my alcoholism was that I did put God on the back burner, not relying on Him for support. I feel that my faith is so much stronger now.”
    She closed her eyes, sending a silent prayer to God to help Winston with his weakness. She opened her eyes and they shared a brief hug.
    â€œHow about you walk me to my room, Winston? I’m so tired.”
    â€œI know you are.” Glancing around his small cabin, she was again reminded of the reasons why it was not a good idea to be alone with this gorgeous man for long.
    â€œCome on.” He helped her up, and they walked to her cabin. “I’ll see you later on today.” He gave her a small smile before she entered her room.
    She took a long, hot shower. She washed away the dirt and sand accumulated during their daylong excursion on Grand Cayman. Lying between the crisp cotton sheets, Winston’s testimony played in her mind. Relief flowed through her veins as she clutched her pillow. He trusted her, and she now knew he was a Christian. He had his struggles, but he now leaned on God to get him through the rough times.
    Before sleep claimed her in its deep depths, she remembered another question she wanted to ask Winston. He said due to recent troubles he was tempted to drink again. She wondered what recent