Moving Forward - 52. Chapter 52 (13.1)

They took a brief nap, sleeping just long enough to feel refreshed before the mile hike back with the others. It had been an idyllic afternoon, and everyone was in good spirits and looking forward to the evening.

When they entered their cabin, Marshall and Lee found an envelope waiting for them from the ship’s first officer, who had slipped it beneath the door.

“We’re not in trouble, are we?” Marshall frowned as Lee slit the envelope, pulled out the contents and scanned them.

“No, not in the least,” Lee reassured him. “The cruise line is apologizing for the trouble you and Dustin had with that passenger, hope that you’re well, and they’ve invited us to sit at the captain’s table tonight.”

Marshall’s eyes grew wide. “The captain’s table? Seriously? Isn’t that like a big honor?”

Lee nodded. “Yeah, I’d say so. It’s up to you. Do you want me to say we’ll come? They’d like us to RSVP as soon as possible.”

“Wow.” Marshall was impressed, and his estimation of the cruise line went up even higher. He’d never thought to blame them for what happened, that was all on Cody. But it was really nice of them to want to make things right. “Would you mind if we went?” They hadn’t exactly firmed up their plans for dinner yet. Besides, it wouldn’t be as though they wouldn’t be together, ‘cause they would. It sounded like an occasion to remember, one among many on this cruise.

“Of course I don’t mind. It’ll be fun. And the food will be good.” Lee grinned. “Then I’ll call them and say yes.”

As Lee reached for the house phone, Marshall frowned and Lee froze, looking at him with concern. “What’s wrong?”

“I just remembered. We didn’t bring anything really fancy, did we? I mean, in the way of clothes. Nothing good enough to sit at the captain’s table.” He didn’t want to embarrass Lee or himself in front of the others by looking out of place. Still, it would have been fun.

“Not to worry, I got you covered. If that’s all you’re worried about?”

Marshall nodded, and Lee placed the call to confirm they’d be there. Marshall couldn’t help but wonder what Lee had in mind.

He became even more curious when Lee placed another call, this time to Denver, speaking in a low voice. All Marshall could make out was ‘meet you there in a few minutes’.

Lee checked his watch. “We should have time to have dinner, do a little swimming, and then get in some dancing. If you’re still up to it by then.” He maintained a straight face, but Marshall knew good and well Lee was teasing him.

“That’ll be the day when I can’t last as long as you, old man,” he joked in return. “So where we going now?”

“You’re going with me, of course. That’s all you need to know until we get there. Comprende?”

“Loud and clear,” Marshall said. “Ready whenever you are.”

Marshall had no clue where they were going, or what their purpose in going was, but he trusted Lee implicitly. They ended up on the deck where he’d noticed a few shops were located. Marshall hadn’t paid much attention to those until now. It looked like one of them carried men’s clothing. Not surprising on a gay cruise.

Just as they reached the shop, Denver and Dustin walked up.

“Hail, hail, the gang’s all here!” Denver quipped. Dustin looked as clueless as Marshall felt.

“What are we doing here?” Marshall asked.

“Well, since we’re all dining at the captain’s table tonight, I thought we should look our best, and Denver agreed, so this is on us.” Lee grinned at Marshall. “Let’s go find something nice to wear, shall we?”

He took Marshall’s hand in his and led him into the store, Denver and Dustin following.