Free First Mates by Cecelia Dowdy Page B

much of each other.”
    â€œWhy?” Deion gazed at his brother, seemingly eager for more details.
    â€œOh, it’s complicated. I thought things were fine until a few minutes ago.”
    Deion sat and scooted his chair toward Winston. “What happened a few minutes ago? Did you see this woman after the cruise docked? I got the idea to scare you after I sat here and waited for you for over an hour. I was wondering where you were.”
    â€œYou’re easily the nosiest man I’ve ever known. I’ll tell you all about Rainy another time. Right now I’m tired, and I want to go to bed. Even eating two pieces of cake and milk isn’t going to help me stay awake tonight.”
    Deion leaned back into the chair. “I’m not leaving until you give me some more details, brother. Like did you at least get some action?”
    Winston glared at his brother. “What do you mean?”
    â€œYou know what I mean.” He stood and leaned against the counter, gyrating his hips. “I’m talking about some sexual action. That way if you all stop speaking, at least you got something out of it.”
    Winston hung his head, gazing at the chocolate crumbs lining his plate. “I wish you would listen to what I’ve been telling you.”
    â€œTelling me? You’re talking about that Christian stuff? Since Pam died, you’ve been a drag. I thought this cruise would snap you out of that funk.”
    Winston stood and looked his brother in the eye. “I’m serious about it. Since I’ve dedicated my life toChrist, I’m doing my best not to go back to my old ways.” He folded his arms. “I never lived the life of a saint, but you know for the most part that I’ve never been a promiscuous man. That’s more your style.”
    â€œYeah, I know, I know. But since you’ve been hurting and all, I figured you might meet a young lady on the cruise who’d help you forget your problems.”
    He placed his hand on Deion’s shoulder. “I did. But having a good time with a woman doesn’t always involve sleeping with her. You go to church sometimes. Don’t you ever listen to the preacher?”
    â€œYeah, but you know how church folks are. They listen on Sunday, but do what they want the rest of the week.”
    â€œI used to be that way, but not anymore. I was active in the church after college, but I didn’t openly admit my vow to Christ until after Pam’s death.”
    â€œDoes this woman you met share your beliefs?” Deion picked up Rainy’s picture as he awaited Winston’s response.
    â€œYeah. I told her that I was a Christian, but I didn’t tell her that I was just baptized six months ago.”
    He shrugged his broad shoulders. “Why not? What difference does it make?”
    â€œIt shouldn’t make a difference, but sometimes people who have been Christians a long time question the stability of new Christians. I’ve seen it happen. She knows about my problem with alcohol, and I don’t want her to think I’m not strong enough in my faith to resist the urge to drink.”
    Deion shrugged again. “I don’t get it. Why should you even care what she thinks? You don’t even know if you’ll be seeing her again. You just said so.”
    â€œThat’s enough about Rainy. It’s time for you to leave. I’m tired.”
    â€œI can take a hint.” He returned the picture to the counter before pulling Winston into a hug. “You had a good time on the cruise, though, right?”
    Winston nodded as Deion released him. “And…are you sure you’re okay with everything else?” Deion’s hazel eyes were full of warmth and compassion as he gazed at his brother.
    â€œYeah, man, I’m fine. Now get out of here so I can get some sleep.” He pushed his brother out the door.
    He donned his ripped T-shirt and hole-filled shorts before dropping