3. Jamie

The line to get on the ship isn't the dire issue Teddy thought it would be, and we're walking up the plank in a matter of minutes after we had our passports checked and security wristbands on.

"Doesn't walking the plank lead to death by drowning?"

"You didn't even open the cruise terminology link I sent you," Teddy mutters and I chuckle to myself. I opened it, and read it, but my brain was busy remembering legal terms for a test and I'd forgotten all the boat lingo. I can imagine him rolling his eyes at me, though I don't look since we arrived at the entrance. "It's not a plank."

"He's right, it's a gangway," a short man with dark skin draws our attention. He is wearing a sparkly, blue, one-piece outfit, showing off a whole lot of black chest hair and a name tag reading: Magic, Host.

"Are you the host of a magic show on board?"

"Ha, no. Though some say I work magic for our guests," he winks at me and grins wide. "Magic is my name, hosting is my game."

Teddy is full of curiosity, "Your parents named you Magic?"

"No, I had the honor of picking this name for myself," Magic winks again, then looks us up and down. "I think I saw you two at one of my local favorites, Mi Casa?"

"We just ate lunch there, so maybe you did," I wink back.

"You're fun," Magic giggles and his eyes light up. "Oh, I simply must have you join me for the on-board game show?"

Teddy and I meet eyes and his say: please, no. So I answer for both of us, "We'll have to see how we're feeling and if we get up to something else that day."

"It's on night three, while we're at sea," Magic adds, trying to win us over. There are people lined up behind us, though, and he seems to notice he is holding everyone up. "I'll keep you as back ups and find you if needed?"

"Sure, Magic," I shrug as he gestures to let us pass onto the ship.

"Enjoy your stay!"

Teddy follows me and whispers a thanks as we look for the signs to find our inner cabin. I could have sprung for a sea view, but my frugal friend wouldn't let me.

"No, problem." I lead us along an outer walkway, noticing a riot of colors on every surface. From balloons to tablecloths, nothing is muted. "I'm loving how bright and colorful this ship is."

"Very Caribbean," Teddy nods.

We pass other guests on the way, though most seem to be duos of men like us. At least half of everyone we see is my parents" age or older.

"I hope it's not all retirees and men on this cruise." I nudge Teddy so he turns towards our room number on a plaque. "Bet it's mostly older folks who think they need to board earlier."

Teddy snorts as we stop at our door, "Are you calling me old?"

"If the shoe fits." Holding my wristband up to the lock, it flashes and turns green for us to enter. Our bags are inside waiting for us. "Nice of them to schlep these up here for us."

"Very good service," Teddy agrees. He's used to our trips to cheap Mexican motels where there is no valet or elevators.

Taking his bag to the sleek, built-in dresser, I throw myself on one of the beds to watch Teddy unpack. "We're not partying frat boys, now. We deserve better."

"I am looking forward to a more relaxed, and less alcohol focused, vacation."

"Drinks and food included, so drink as much or as little as you want," I tell him, getting up to use the attached bathroom. It's all white marble and would be hard to fit us both at the same time. There's built in soap, shampoo, and conditioner, just like I thought, as well as sunscreen on the sink counter.

"You're not going to unpack?" Teddy calls out.

"I'm getting hungry again," I wash my hands and re-enter the room to lean on the wall. "When do you think they'll start serving food?"

"Well, it's three-thirty now," Teddy checks his smartwatch that I got him last Chrismukkah. We always celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah at some point during December, and last year I ignored his twenty dollar limit by saying it was on sale. A man should be able to buy his best friend nice things. "We depart at four-thirty, so probably an hour."

"Ugh," I groan. "Let's go see?"

"Sure, just let me put on more sunscreen," Teddy disappears into the restroom while I scan the QR code on the dresser surface.

"Mazel," I pump my fist in the air at my luck, finding the listings for restaurants, bars, and what is open easily. "The ship has a bar with light snacks open on the main deck."

"Perfect. I'm ready." Teddy comes out with white cream smeared over his nose like my great-uncle, Alan.

Reaching out, I use my thumb to rub the extra sunscreen into his skin, "Don't forget your hat."

That earns me a Teddy eye-roll but he gets his hat and we head out. Every pathway seems to lead towards the main deck, and we find it without any trouble. One person eyes me up and down in obvious appreciation, and I don't care if he"s a dude.

"See, my hat is sexy," I tilt my head towards the guy and Teddy catches on.

"Or he's wondering why you paired a fedora with boat shoes."

Grabbing Teddy around the neck, we tussle and almost run into a couple of women. They're in bikinis with sarongs and I do my own perusal of appreciation, but they barely even glance my way.

"Look, the bar isn't too busy," Teddy points out and I shake off the hit to my ego as I follow him.

The trip isn't about hooking up, it's about relaxing with my buddy. I order two drinks called "The Freaky Tiki," because they sound properly tropical with rum and pineapple juice, but also because I'm betting they'll arrive with umbrellas.

The bartender is in a similar outfit to the host who greeted us. A glittery, one-piece jumpsuit with the front open, and a whole lot of flair. This person is more androgynous, though, and their name-tag reads: Alex. They mix our drinks and chat up a pair of older guys at the end of the bar before adding a bunch of fancy toppings and bringing them our way.

"Your Freaky Tiki fruity cocktails, boys," Alex deposits the glasses before us and I take in the layers of color and extra fruit.

"I don't even need a snack with all the extras," I chuckle.

"I'm a snack, if you need one," Alex says and winks at me.

Teddy scrunches his face and grabs the glass in front of him, "This crew sure likes to wink."

"A little odd, to be sure," I nod and guide us to some loungers under a rainbow-colored umbrella off to the side.

We sip our drinks as I munch on the cherries and pineapple, taking in our surroundings. There is even more color on the deck, and the sky is a bright, cerulean blue. It's picturesque, and sets the tone for a great trip.

"How's your drink, sugar-dick?"

Teddy coughs on his straw and the older couple from the bar overhears, laughing at my friend's expense. One has a full white beard and looks a little like Santa on holiday, while the other one is younger than I first thought, maybe in his forties.

"You two are cute, how long have you been together?" The white-haired one asks.

We talk to them about being roommates in college and they share that they"ve been married five years. My dad loved the idea of me taking Teddy on a cruise, because he said I could meet people from all over and make connections.

The Kleins, as they introduced themselves, are the first one we've made, and I shake both their hands before they bid their goodbyes. "Great to meet you both. Happy Pride!"

The men walk off and I blink as my brain processes.

"Did he just say–?" Teddy starts but doesn't finish his question.

Rainbows everywhere, lots of people in same-sex pairs, men flirting with me… "Yeah. He did."

"Do you think it's just because today is June first?"

"Hold on," I get out my phone and open the browser where I'd found the ship's accommodations. At the very top, there is an icon for events with a rainbow. I tap on it and see things like Drag Brunch and Cock Island dance party. "Shit."

Teddy leans in to read over my shoulder and curses under his breath. "Did you book us on a Pride cruise, Jamie?"

"I guess I did."