Page 49 of Love On The Horizon

Saturday, October 26 - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Sam and Rob were sitting in the Bluefin Bistro. It had once again been designated as a debarkation lounge for suite passengers, so they were patiently waiting to be told they could leave.

The last two weeks had been both wonderful and trying. The first few days were especially difficult. Rob missed Ben so much, but Sam was a trooper and kept him from getting lost in his head.

Sam and Rob had enjoyed an amazing cruise. They had fun exploring a few ports in Spain and then spent a lot of time reading and sunbathing on the balcony of their suite. They ate well at all of the ship’s restaurants and drank often—so many drinks. But they had fun, and with Sam steadying Rob, his heart didn’t hurt at all.

Ben and Rob texted several times each day and had even broken down and chatted via FaceTime twice. They were still trying to come up with a plan to get together but hadn’t finalized anything yet. Ben had been extremely busy as soon as he got back to LA.

With Amanda’s help, they had crafted an announcement that Ben posted on Twitter and Instagram with a photo of himself and Rob. It caused a flurry of questions but was generally well-received with only a few negative comments in the media. Between that and the interviews about the upcoming movie, life for Ben had been hectic.

Ben had told Rob when it would happen, so Rob had texted and then spoke with his brother and sister. Both Geoff and Megan were a bit surprised, but happy for Rob and completely supportive.Life was good.

It looked like Ben would be heading to New York in a few weeks to meet with some folks about appearing in a new play, so he and Rob had made tentative plans to get together then either in New York, Massachusetts, or both.

One morning, Rob and Sam were sitting on a bench in Seaside Cove when Melissa, from the Tuscania excursion, walked up to him and showed him the photo Ben had posted on Instagram.

“I thought there was something going on between the two of you,” she said, smiling. “But you were both so coy about it all. Anyway, I’m really happy for you both and screw anyone who doesn’t like it. Everyone deserves to be happy.”

Rob was a bit gob-smacked by that but managed to utter a sincere “thank you” before Melissa strolled away.

* * *

Rob was scanning the pick-up area outside of the cruise terminal for a driver waiting to take him and Sam to their hotel. He had received a confirmation email that morning, so it was just a matter of locating the driver.

“Rob, is that the driver?” Sam asked, pointing to a woman standing near a black SUV and holding a sign. “I think her sign says Asher. Rob glanced over and sure enough, that was his name on the sign. They quickly got the luggage into the back and were soon on their way to their hotel.

Rob really hated flying home the same day he got off a ship. He preferred to get a hotel for a day or two and make the vacation last just a little longer. So, he and Sam were spending the day in Fort Lauderdale. Sam would probably want to hang out by the pool this afternoon, and that was fine with him. They planned on having dinner at Giovanni’s that night—it was his favorite here—and they’d fly north the next afternoon.

They checked in and headed to their rooms. While they had sometimes shared a room in the past, Sam had insisted on her own room today.“I’ve just spent two weeks sharing a suite with you on a ship, Rob. I think I’d like my own space.”

Rob suspected that she was giving him some space since he was planning to FaceTime with Ben. Far be it from her to cockblock him if he had an opportunity for some sexy times.

He opened his suitcase and pulled out slacks and a shirt to hang up so that he’d have something to wear for dinner. He grabbed his swimsuit and tossed it on a nearby chair, figuring he’d put it on after lunch and sunbathe with Sam for a while.

He had just put his toiletry kit on the bathroom counter when he heard a knock on his door.

Sam probably wants to go and find lunch somewhere.

He opened the door. “Lunchtime alrea—”

There stood Ben, holding a single red rose and smiling brightly, “To new adventures.” He handed the rose to Rob, then stepped forward, enveloping Rob in a bear hug, kissing him deeply.

“What are you, um, how did…?” Rather than finish his thought, Rob kissed Ben back, and pulled him in tighter.

“I just couldn’t wait to see you again. And fuck anyone who says it’s too soon...I love you, Rob.”

“I love you too, Ben. So much.” Another minute or two passed. No talking, just lots of kissing. Finally Rob said, “I’m guessing Sam had something to do with this?”

“Yep, she and I have been texting for at least a week. I got in yesterday and I’ve been waiting for her message, so I knew what room you were in.”

“Looks like I owe her flowers too.”

“Already taken care of, sweetheart. She’ll get two dozen roses delivered to her at work on Monday.”

“Oh, you’re good,” Rob remarked, impressed.

“And I haven’t told you the best part yet. I hope you’re not mad, but I’m flying home with you tomorrow and we can hang out for a few days before I head to New York to meet with the director and producer I was telling you about.”

“Best. News. Ever.”

Just then Rob’s phone buzzed. He pulled it out of his pocket and saw a text from Sam.

You’re welcome. I’m gonna grab some lunch and then I’ll be at the pool. I’m sure you’ll be occupied for the afternoon but hoping we can still do dinner. I called Giovanni’s and changed the reservation already. Love U.

Rob laughed, showing the message to Ben. “Suddenly, I feel like I need a nap…or something,” Rob said, kissing Ben passionately.

“Or something indeed.”