I was standing on the deck of a Carnival Cruise ship, looking out at the ocean and what appeared to be the edge of the earth. Christopher Columbus must have seen a view like this when he thought the world was flat and took off on a voyage to what became America.

The smell of the sea took me back to my childhood and summer trips to Gulfport, Mississippi. I imagined walking on the beach with sand between my toes, the taste of salt in the air, and the sounds from the ocean. I was so young and innocent then. As with most good things, those times came to an end.

My husband, Raphael, died about a month ago. This cruise was a way to get my mind off things—it was the suggestion of friends and family. Raphael's death was such a shock to everyone but me. The thought was to not make his death obvious, so I'd play a grieving widow and reap the benefits from it. He'd said that he would always take care of me, but I figured I could enjoy his money more if he wasn't around. So I made sure that I would fulfill my wishes through his. That's a wife's duty, isn't it? That's what I have been told anyway.

I was so lost in my thoughts that a stranger had walked up behind me, unnoticed. "How are doing, beautiful?" he asked. "Why are you out here all alone?"

I'm sure a look of pure shock came over my face. "I'm doing fine, thank you. But the question should be, how long have you been standing back there watching me?"

"I just came out to catch some of this evening air. I haven't been out here long at all. Do you mind if I join you Miss?"

"Well, I guess not, since you are here. You can keep me company."

"That's what I'm talking about. How is everything with you, Miss Lady?"

"I'm doing fine. I was so caught up in my thoughts and this spectacular view that I had forgotten that I was here at all."

"I can see how that may happen. If you had a choice to be anything out there—air, land, or sea—what would you choose?"

"I would have to say a dolphin. They are such beautiful creatures, full of life and adventure. It takes a lot of courage to come out of the water like they do, not knowing if there is danger, once they are from under the cover of the sea."

"You are very intriguing. I would like to offer you an invitation to dinner Miss. That is, if you're not busy later on this evening. This ship has some of the best chefs in the world on board."

"You don't know my name, yet you ask me out to dinner."

"That is something we can discuss then. I don't feel any need to be in a hurry. That's if you decide to join me later."

"It doesn't take us having dinner for my name to be given. You can just ask me. You don't know if I have been accompanied by someone or not. I may have a husband or boyfriend on board, awaiting my return."

"You are right. This is what I do know so far. Naturally, it doesn't take dinner to accomplish such a task, but there is a lot more than your name that I would like to get to know. What I do know as of right now, sweetheart, is that you boarded the ship alone. Someone as beautiful as you is hard to miss. I was standing on the deck when you came aboard. You either meant to carry your own baggage aboard, or you have a man but not a gentleman."

"I was thinking you were all smooth words. That just went out the window. Is that offer for dinner still available?"

"Why wouldn't it be? It's not like I have anything to do this evening."

"Let's step inside and grab a bite. This is not a date; we are just having a friendly dinner. If you would care to, let's meet in the dining area in forty-five minutes to an hour. That will give me a chance to freshen up a bit."

"I have waited this long to meet a woman like you. I can wait a little while longer."

I considered what to wear as I walked back to the room. Whatever I decided, I wanted it to look airbrushed on me. Nothing revealing; I liked the classy but sassy look, leaving something for the imagination. My fire-engine-red Prada evening gown would do the trick.

I stepped into the room with my "Swag on a Million" theme song playing in my mind. "I'm Sprung" by T-Pain has kept me focused when I have a goal in mind and need some motivation. Music has always been great. I can find a song for any occasion, no matter how I look at it.

As I'd expected, all eyes were on me for a moment. That was all that was needed—the dress alone or the fact that the dress and the woman in it were two bad mothers. I knew I would be brought up in a future conversation or two by someone.

He walked across the room to greet me with a beautiful flower arrangement in his hand. The lighting here made him look better than I thought. I hoped that my interest in him wasn't as noticeable as his interest in me. I could tell that this unnamed stranger wanted me by the look in his eyes.

"Just when I didn't think anyone could become more beautiful, you just show up and show out."

"Thanks. You fill out that suit very well yourself, mister. Have you been waiting here long?"

"Nah, just a few ticks. Now that we are here, I believe a proper introduction is needed. My name is Marcus. What is yours?"

"Tameka is my government name. Are you happy now, or do you want a Social Security number too?" I joked.

"You can have that one. I like that in a woman. A sense of humor goes a long way in any type of relationship. A good joke can be an ice breaker. Lord knows that life is too short to walk around mad all the time."

The hostess showed us to our table. And like a gentleman Marcus pulled my chair out for me. In my mind I was thinking how right he was, I don't let what other people do to destroy my vibe. Stress kills and I want let what the next person do to shorting my time here on earth.

At that moment, I was thinking, He has no idea how short his life can be. "I may have a joke or two. I do enjoy making people smile, though. That's if I can, anyway. Now that we are on a first-name basis, do you want to tell me a little bit about yourself?"

He went on to explain where he was born and raised, where he now lived, and what he did for a living. The waitress approached our table as Marcus was beginning to tell me about his past marriage. The waitress asked Marcus if he would be having his usual.

I understand waitresses have to be nice. But this is a little too nice for a first time meet with them two. The waitress and Marcus had some small talk before he could focus on me. I gave the waitress my order once she looked my way and asked me, "What will you be having this evening?" I couldn't wait for her to leave. So I could find out what was up with those two.

"Marcus, I couldn't help but notice that you and our waitress are on a first-name basis. What is the business with that? The waitress isn't trying to get her bid in, not while I'm sitting here, surely? I'm no hood rat, but I will go there, especially if I feel disrespected. And I'm feeling that way. So please, sir, enlighten me before I have put her in her place."

"My associates and I have used this cruise line for some years now. Our company comes aboard for parties, and we send some of our clients here to vacation. But anything other than that, I would have to say, no, it's not like we have slept together or anything, if that's what you want to know. She and I have known each other for some time now."

"I can dig that. I just don't like disrespectful females. Do you know what I mean?"

"I dig. I like the fact you ask things before you...