Page 44 of Cruising with You

“Just you.”

Stepping in front of us, the interviewer shakes our hands then sits down on another chair that’s exactly like ours, but it’s angled a bit to face us more head-on.

“Alright, guys. I’m Jeff. Gem and Conner were great and already gave us a rundown of what to expect on the ship. We even showcased a few pictures of you guys swimming with dolphins.”

“Aww,” I gush, squeezing Gage’s bicep. “I miss JoJo!”

“With how big your grins were in the picture, I’m surprised you didn’t bring her home with you.”

“Unfortunately, our apartment doesn’t allow pets,” Gage interjects. “Maybe when we buy our own place.”

Grinning, Jeff takes a seat across from us. “Nowthatwould be a story I’d like to cover. For today, though, we kind of just want to focus on you two. How you met. What your future looks like together. You get the idea. You ready?”

My palms are sweaty, but instead of teasing me about it, Gage squeezes my hand. “Yeah. We’re ready whenever you are.”

“Perfect. Let’s dive right in.” Tuning to the man holding the giant camera, he says, “Hey, Joe, are we rolling?”

“Yeah,” the cameraman grunts. “We’re good to go in three. Two. One.” He points his sausage finger at us. Then Jeff dives right in.

“Hello, ladies and gentlemen, I am Jeff Ericson with CNTZ. Today we’re going to be diving into theWritten in the Stars Singles’ Cruiseand why it’s seen more success in one year than the top five dating sites combined. Here’s an up-close look at one of those success stories. This is Gage and Nora. Would you like to tell us how you two met?”

I look over at Gage and shrug one shoulder. “Well, it’s actually a funny story. We didn’t meet on the cruise.”

“What?” Jeff asks, playing the part of an intrigued interviewer like a champ.

Pulling our entwined hands into his lap, Gage explains, “Yeah. We met at a college football game right before. What was it, a month or so?”

“Yeah. Around a month or so, I think? We had seats next to each other, and he proposed.”

“Did he now?” Jeff gushes. “He proposed the first time you met?”

“He did. Obviously, he wasn’t serious. He wanted to toy with the crowd––and me,” I add with a grin. “But it definitely made a lasting impression. I can tell you that much.”

“So, you’re not engaged?”

I turn to Gage. “Nope. But we’re so blissfully happy that we wouldn’t change a thing, and we have the cruise to thank for that. Without the incredible workshops, and the amazing community and activities, I don’t think either of us would’ve been willing to take the plunge into a relationship.”

Gage waits for me to finish before interrupting, “Can I interject?”

I nod. “Of course.”

“First, the cruise is amazing, and if you’re single or are looking for a great couple’s vacation where you and your partner can reconnect, go buy tickets. Right now. Just do it. I promise it’s worth it. Second”––he gives me a pointed look––“you said we wouldn’t change a thing.”

Confused, I try to recount the conversation before shaking my head. “I’m sorry, what?”

“You said we’re blissfully happy and that we wouldn’t change a thing.”

“Oookay…?” I drag out the word before turning in my chair to face him fully. “Are you not blissfully happy?”

“Of course, I am.”

“But you would like to change something?”

“Why, yes. Yes, I would.”

My gaze darts to the interviewer, who’s just as lost as I am. “Umm…what would you like to change? And should we maybe have waited to talk about this when we weren’t in the middle of an interview that will be airing on national television?” I add, chuckling awkwardly.

“See, that’s the thing. I look back on our initial proposal, and I gotta say, I’m kind of a badass.”

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