Page 11 of Bumping into You

“What?” I ask.

“Vivian reached out to me earlier, and her plus one, Tammy, brought a plus one.”

“A plus one for the plus one? Who does that?” I ask.

“It’s Tammy’s fiancé, I believe.”

I sigh in frustration. Why can’t people just plan ahead? Why dopeople have to do things last minute like this? Don’t they know it messes with people’s plans? “Well, that certainly would’ve been great to know beforehand.”

“You’d be surprised at how many people add a friend or two to their cruises. It’s a fun place to be,” says Courtney.

“Is there any problem with the additional plus one?” I ask Courtney.

“No, we’ve already taken care of it. Except I’m not sure if the fiancé will be going to any of the wedding events?”

“Well, since I just found out about him, I’m not sure either. For now, let’s add him to only the activities that Vivian and Tammy are attending. That won’t be an issue, will it?” Internally, I’m seething at how Vivian and Tammy could do this when I confirmed with Vivian a week ago about her plus one—just one plus one, I might add. These complicated last-minute changes could all be avoided if people just communicated.

“Nope, another person won’t be an issue. I’ll make a few adjustments. Just have Vivian or Tammy contact guest services when they get onboard, and we will get the fiancé added.”

“Thanks,” I say. “Oh, and something else I should mention: my parents will be checking in a little later than we planned.”

“Is everything alright?”

“Yes, they hit some traffic but should make it right before the ship sets out.”

“Do you know where they are? Maybe I can offer an alternate route to help them make up some time?” Courtney suggests.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ve got it handled.”

“Alrighty then, looks like everything is in order. Each person will get a notification in their app for the preselected shows, activities, and port excursions.”

“Perfect.” I look down at my list. “Now, could you show me where the wedding will take place? I’ve seen pictures online, but it’s just better if I see it in person.”

“Of course,” says, Courtney. “Right this way.”

Over the next four hours, I tour all the locations for the wedding and related events, go over all the details, and confirm each and every activity Holly and Greg picked out for the cruise. My list is checked off for the day.

“You all have a fun-packed nine nights ahead of you,” says Courtney as we wrap things up. “If anything comes up, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.” She hands me her card, gives a little wave, and heads off.

Looking down at my phone, I notice it’s just under two hours until the ship is set to depart. My parents are still not here yet.

I need a drink.Just as the thought hits me, my stomach growls. Maybe I’ll get some food first. Alcohol on an empty stomach is never a good idea.

In the elevator, I press the button for the sixteenth floor to head up to the Duke’s Diner for a quick bite to eat. I check my itinerary. We have dinner in the main dining room tonight at seven o’clock with the whole group, but I’ll meet up with just the wedding party at the Imperial Bar for some drinks around three o’clock. I better eat now before three o’clock rolls around or I’m needed somewhere else.

I grab a plate of food and fill my coffee mug before finding an empty table with a view facing out to the ocean.

My phone pings and I glance down, hoping to see an update from Mom, but it’s Vivian.

Vivian

Hi G, you know how I brought a friend, Tammy, as my plus one for the wedding?

Gwen

Yes. . .

I know where this is going.

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