Wish Me Luck, The Sequel

"What about our loans, savings and everything else?" I asked.

"All taken care of. I split the savings and paid off the joint credit cards. You still owe on the ones with your name only on it. I took the CD savings. You have the equity of the home. You can either sell it or live here," she said.

"Damn! You've been planning this for the last eight years, haven't you?"

"Yes, I hated what you did to me. I was a good wife to you but you just had to go screw around. I didn't know love could turn to hate so quickly but I vowed to stay with you until the kids were gone."

"But, we still made love and did things together. Didn't it mean anything to you?" I asked.

"Every time we had sex I pictured you fucking Marie I felt as long as we were married I would do my wifely duty ... but I have to tell you it was a chore more than anything that I enjoyed. I want you to know that I never cheated on you, even though there are many chances that came up over the years. I knew how to say no, something you were obviously unable to do."

"Is there any chance at all that you might reconsider, Lynn?" I asked.

"None, zip, zero! I have lost my love for you and I'm not about to try to find it again. It's finished and I'm starting over the same as you."

She handed me the dissolution papers and said, "If you don't like this, we can fight it out in court. That would be messy, expensive, and would hurt the kids. All I need now is your damn signature!"

I have to be honest here. We got married early in life and I did sow some oats. I got wise and straightened up ... that is until I met our neighbors, Marie and Ed, at a party. Lynn and I had had an argument earlier in the day and it carried over to the party. When I found out just how easy Marie would be, I set up a meeting with her at her house for a few weeks later.

To this day, I don't know for sure how Lynn knew I was there. But no question that Marie and I were fucking hot and heavy when she walked in and caught us cold. Marie thought that her husband phoned Lynn and told her I was there -- they were swingers ... not really big time but they did have somewhat of an open marriage.

It's funny when I think about it now. I figured Ed wanted in Lynn's pants and when he wasn't able to do it, he phoned her to tell her where I was. Ed and Marie were divorced about two years ago when Marie left town with a lawyer from Denver she met at a bar. I've never talked to Ed since, and seldom see him.

Lynn and I went through a very rough couple of months back then and Lynn did say she was going to leave me, but that was eight years ago. I will admit that love is an odd thing. I always thought I loved Lynn but throughout the years, it seemed to change. I guess when two people stop communicating and trying in a relationship it does slowly disintegrate. That's what happened between Lynn and me. We both just stopped trying.

I went ahead and signed the papers. What the hell was the use in fighting it? Even if I could talk her out of it, the marriage was over anyway, so why drag it out.

She left to do her thing -- whatever that was -- and I decided to sell the house and find me something smaller. After looking around for a few weeks, I found a nice two bedroom condo in a better than average area. I never told her about the cruise tickets -- hell, it had nothing to do with her anymore. The cruise wasn't for another three months and, of course, I didn't buy the insurance that would allow me to just return the tickets. I would either be finding a date or going on the cruise by myself.

Later, thinking about what she had done -- and how long she had been planning it -- I have to confess that I was rather dumbfounded. I thought about it and decided that I didn't hate her ... but I damned sure didn't love her either. It was somewhat of a strange feeling. For those who have been through it, they might understand -- it was something you had to experience.

For the next few months I went on with my life, such as it was. I still had the kids and, even though I no longer desired Lynn, I was still lonely. My small Insurance business was doing fine. I had two great secretaries who were licensed to sell insurance and I paid them well. They got their wages plus a percentage of any business they brought in. They deserved all they got and did a nice job of covering for me, even protecting me at times.

They felt sorry for me and were really surprised at Lynn wanting a divorce. As I mentioned, it was kind of a shock even to me at the time. The gals in the office didn't know of my past affair. I had kidded with them in the past but never anything overtly sexual. It was just too close to home and they both were married with nice families. I knew better than to screw up the business. Not to mention that I liked both of them and their husbands a lot.

My house sold sooner than I would have expected and all I was waiting for was the final decree that my marriage was over. It would probably be while I was on my cruise or soon after. I kept in touch with my kids but at first, it was hard talking to them. They did their best at trying not to side with either one of us.

I decided to go on the cruise alone. I couldn't see myself asking just any woman if she wanted to go to the Bahamas for a week. Most of the women I knew were married and I didn't feel like I wanted to take the divorced ones ... or that they would even go. I figured it would give me a chance to just take it easy for a week and meet some new people.

I live in Ohio and would be flying to Cincinnati, and then on to Florida. I didn't worry about the business. I knew it was in good hands. Besides, it would only be for seven days. It seemed strange taking my two tickets and boarding the plane. It was after all a package deal.

If there was a stranger at the airport who needed a flight, I'd almost be willing to give them the ticket. I felt it was just a waste of money. I did find out after I was in the air that even though it was a package vacation, the airline would have refunded the ticket. Boy, was I ever dumb -- why didn't I at least ask? I figured I could cash in the return ticket when it was time to return after the cruise.

It felt good as I got on the plane. It was like I was leaving all my cares and woes behind. The flight to Cincinnati was quick but it was just a short stopover. We picked up more passengers and left for Florida. I was hoping that some good-looking woman would sit next to me but it didn't happen. The seat was empty. I had the ticket for it in my pocket.

I've traveled many times alone on business trips but this time it felt different. I had plenty of time to think about my mistakes and decided that it was time to truly start over. At the airport, there was a bus to take all the cruise passengers to the ship. The porters took care of my luggage and I got on the bus.

I arrived at the ship and was shown to my quarters or cabin if you prefer. I was told my luggage would arrive shortly. I had to laugh when I opened my cabin door. It only had one single sized bed. I couldn't believe it. I never thought to ask about the beds when I ordered my tickets. I guess I made the big mistake of assuming I would have at least a full size or at the worst twin beds.

I thought about Lynn and how mad she would have been. It was supposed to be an anniversary cruise for us and we wouldn't have even slept together. It was really kind of funny now that I thought about it. I really wasn't cheap; I just bought the best priced deal. For those who have never been on a cruise, other than your cabin, everyone is treated the same on board.

When my luggage arrived, the kid asked if I wanted the upper berth opened up. Not knowing what the hell he was talking about I just nodded an okay. He reached up for a latch, and, lo and behold, another bunk slowly opened up. It was clearly on some kind of piston that made it open slowly. When he left I laughed at my naiveté. Still, I could see the huge argument I would have had with Lynn. Shit, the way I felt now I would have made her climb up to the upper bunk. That would have pissed her off. I laughed to myself at the image of her generous butt as she climbed up the short ladder.

I pushed the bunk back up -- I could see it was a head-banging hazard -- and I put my clothes away and took a shower. After I was all spiffed up, I headed for the Captain's reception. There were free drinks and it was a good opportunity to meet some of the other guests. Everyone was drinking and having snacks as the ship slowly pulled away from the shore. We all ran to the side of the boat and waved at the people watching us leave. I was waving like crazy to the people on shore even though I didn't even know anyone. I guess I got caught up in the excitement.

I was meeting all types of people. For some it was, like me, their first cruise. Others had clearly been on many cruises. I learned a lot about what to do to make the most of my cruise. I took some time and just roamed around the ship and to see what all was going on. It was a huge ship. I stopped at the casino and did a little gambling. I decided that I could lose up to two hundred dollars a day at most. I was having a pretty good time at the slots: I would go up about a hundred and then lose it.

At dinnertime, everyone was seated at the same table each day they ate in the main dining room. Our table seated eight people. Harold and Mary were an older couple who took a cruise most every year. Then we had Mark and Susan, our newlyweds. The last couple seated at our table was Marsha and Brenda. By what I could figure out, they were just good friends who decided to go on a cruise together. I wondered if they were lesbians but later I found out they were married and Marsha won the trip in a drawing at work. Her husband didn't want to go so she asked Brenda.

Of course, there was an empty seat and I because Lynn wasn't there. When asked about it, I told them my partner couldn't make it tonight. I didn't want to tell anyone I was alone yet. The food was fantastic. We had anything and everything on our menu. It was all included in our cruise fare. After dinner, I headed back to the casino. After I had lost about a hundred dollars, I went over to one of the lounges to see if there was a good dance band.

I was told by Harold earlier to get a card for all my buying of drinks or anything else. I wouldn't have to carry money around; they would put all my drinks on the card and I could pay it when I got home. I decided that made sense.

I headed for the lounge and the waitress asked me if I was alone. When I told her yes, she asked a couple of people at a table if they minded if I joined them. That was how it was on this cruise. The people waved me over and I sat with them and enjoyed the entertainment. Later a band started playing music and I spotted Marsha and Brenda. I asked them to dance and they accepted and invited me to their table. I bought a couple of rounds of drinks and enjoyed the company of the ladies.

I found out that not every woman on a cruise is on the make. Marsha and Brenda were two nice women who were just out to have a good time. I spent most of the evening with them. I even ended up telling them I was alone on the cruise and why. I guess the drinking did that to me.

After awhile, they said they were headed for their cabin and I went to the casino to gamble a little more. I lost another fifty dollars and decided it was time to call it a night. I had a rather busy day. I headed back in my room and got undressed and climbed into the bottom bunk. I had a little too much to drink to try the top one. I still thought it was funny that I ended up with bunk beds.

After a good nights sleep, I headed out to breakfast. We were all there but our newlyweds. We all kind of laughed, figuring we wouldn't be seeing them very often. Marsha and Brenda asked if I slept well and I told them about my bunk beds and they said they had bunk beds too. They were going to take turns sleeping in the top bunk. Our older couple, Harold and Mary, said they had a full size bed. Harold said he hoped our newlyweds had at least a full size bed. We all laughed at that.

The second morning our ship docked on one of the islands in the Bahamas. We could either stay on board or get off and see the island. We were told they had two beaches, both with beautiful clear water. One was for nude beach goers only; the other was more family oriented. I asked Marsha and Brenda if they were taking in the beach and they told me they were but it was the one with clothing. They told me that if their husbands ever found out they went to a nude beach they would be divorced. Besides they told me their bodies looked much better covered up; we all laughed at that.

I saw quite a few people heading over toward the nude beach. I had to ask myself, "Why not? I'm alone, and I might as well enjoy the sights."

There were giant boulders separating the two beaches. The nude one was kind of on a turn or curve from the other beach. As I got past the rocks, there was a small hut to check clothes and rent towels. I was given a basket to put my clothes in and a key on a string for the basket I was assigned. The key was on an elastic band I could slip around my wrist. They even had towels, one of which I quickly put around my waist as I walked onto the beach.

It had beach chairs, umbrellas -- blankets if you wanted -- and it even had a Tiki Bar. They served all kind of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. They jotted down your key number and you would pay for whatever you ate or had to drink on leaving the beach area.

I strolled along the beach and saw a number of attractive bodies as well as some that would have looked a lot better in a bathing suit. Most people seemed pretty open about showing their wares. I was glad I had my beach towel on until I was able to rent a chair and sit down. It took awhile for my erection to recede. This was totally new to me -- I was amazed that most of the men didn't have hard-ons. I guess you got used to it but that seemed almost impossible to me. I do have to admit I enjoyed the lovely ladies. A number of couples didn't care what they did on the beach; I guess I was a lot more innocent than I would have thought.

There was a pickup game of volleyball going on close the water line. I had to laugh to myself as I watched the tits and cocks bouncing up and down. I'd thought that it would be erotic but it was funny.

I walked down to the water to cool off a bit and saw two women on a large beach towel making out. One was tall and skinny with tiny breasts with small nipples. The other was what I would call voluptuous. She was short with dark hair cropped tight around her head and the darkest brown eyes. I could see no tan lines on either of them. The short one had big breasts with huge areolas and nipples that sure got my attention. My erection had gone away but watching these gals make out was bringing it back.

As I mentioned earlier, it wasn't all good news. I saw this woman that must have been around seventy with leathery dugs hanging down to her belly button. He legs were splayed wide open and I turned away -- afraid of what I might see. Damn scary stuff!

There was this man that was slightly overweight -- damn, I guess I don't have to be politically correct on a nude beach ... this guy was way past obese. He was standing up and his belly sagged over his genital area, covering whatever he had there. Thankfully, I never found out.

But, surprisingly, the thing that impressed me the most and for the first time gave me a sense of what nudity was all about: over at the far end of the beach were two families, one with two kids and one with four. The couples looked to be in their mid-thirties and the kids ranged from toddlers to teenagers. They were so natural about being nude that it seemed it was nothing special. They were just two families out enjoying the sun and water. Of all the images that stuck with me, the one that lasted for years was the homey family scene -- and the remembrances were in no way erotic.

After I'd been there about twenty minutes I watched a large group of people come out from the dressing room together. There must have been at least seven couples. They didn't seem to have any problem walking around nude. They mostly looked to be in their twenties or thirties.

One woman looked to be in her late forties and didn't seem to fit with the rest of the group. She had her towel wrapped around her body and seemed rather distraught, while everyone else seemed to be carefree. Of course, this drew my attention. The group didn't sit too far from me and I could hear most of their conversation.

I picked up on a couple of names. The older woman's name was Linda and the man she was with, who seemed much younger, was Barry. The two of them stepped to the side and were arguing.

"Barry, I'm not comfortable here. I don't want all these people seeing me naked," said Linda.

Barry responded by saying, "For Pete's sake, Linda. These are my friends. You don't see anyone else acting like they're better than anyone else. Just enjoy yourself."

"I'm not saying I'm better than anyone else. I just feel embarrassed. These women are all younger than I am ... just look at their bodies. I'm just not comfortable being nude," replied Linda.

"Well, you're just going to have to get over it. We're all here together to have fun and you're not going to ruin it for everyone," I heard Barry say.

Another woman named Judy walked over to talk to Linda and she seemed to put her more at ease. She still wasn't happy but went along. Barry went behind her and pulled her towel off of her. She yelled at him and put her arms across her breasts. She was actually built kind of nice. She was a tad overweight and her boobs sagged a little but I would think that would be expected for a woman in her forties.

I heard Judy ask her to go in the water. They ran through the white sand. I guess Linda thought she could hide a little better in the water. I watched them for a while and then decided to try the water myself. My erection had gone down enough so I didn't look ridiculous. Actually, it was semi hard and made me look bigger than I would have been soft. A few ladies smiled at me when I went past them. Too bad they were there with other men.

I was just enjoying the water when I heard Linda tell one of the other guys to watch his hands. Apparently, a man other than Barry was feeling her up in the water. The man just laughed and swam over to one of the other women who seemed more open to his advances.

I watched as Judy came over to talk to Linda.

"Linda, what's going on?" asked Judy.

"Brad came over and put his hands on my tits and I told him to stop or I'd tell Barry. I might have come out here nude but that doesn't give every man the right to try to feel me up," replied Linda.

"Linda," spoke Judy. "I just met you here today. Do you know what our group is?"

"What do you mean, Judy?" asked Linda.

"We're a swingers group. We all came on this cruise, and of course swinging is the reason we are here. You know, swap partners and all. That's why Brad felt you up. Didn't you know? Didn't Barry tell you about it when he asked you to come on this cruise?" asked Judy.

"God, no! He just said that a group of his friends were going on a cruise and asked me if I would be interested in going. Oh, God, what am I going to do? I'm so stupid. I thought Barry really liked me. I'm not a swinger and I don't want to be one," cried Linda.

"After my marriage was over I dated a nice older man named George. We got along good -- it was different and I enjoyed it. I wanted to experiment more and George and I went out with another couple. It wasn't what I expected at all; I hated it. I don't want to discuss it now but I'm not a swinger and don't intend to be.