Soul Ship...a Love Story about Soulmates

By Tina Lee

Soul ship is a love story that you cannot put down. Taken from a woman's personal life and made into a fiction story. Includes mystery, love, soul mates, danger, and ROMANCE that is soft yet erotically intense... and a cruise ship theme from New York to Bermuda.
Meet Jim Neely a charismatic yet fading past famous quarterback, a key player in this saga of how lives entwine onboard a love boat type setting. Speaking of real life heroes ;) Daniel Wright The handsome and dashing Redford look alike that sweeps Cara Brighton off her feet and into his life. Read how Jim Neely and Daniel affect Cara's life and SO MANY OTHERS due to their FATE aboard this ship. SOUL SHIP another book that we did not want to have end, yet it left us breathless... and wanting more of this authors talented writing. You will find yourself being each person in this book ! Lives that we have all lived put into one book that is a ~ YOU CAN'T PUT THIS DOWN! One persons love story that you will not want to have end ~

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Apr 8, 2011
• ISBN: 9781257484379

Book preview

SHIP

CHAPTER ONE

Pffff, so what do you know? asked Jim Neely, the famous and fading ex-football jock. He turned his six-foot four frame towards her with a cocky jerk and an intimidating look, trying to make her feel stupid. Cara stood her ground and stared him down, thinking to herself, "Who the heck does this guy think he is? He chooses a career that left him barely able to walk, and he thinks that I'm stupid, just because I don't know anything about him or football. She shot back at him, Oh Jim, you're so damn egotistical! If I'd have known you twenty years ago, I bet I would have hated your guts."

The phone inside the house rang. Leaving past memories beside the pool and jumping up, she ran into the house. Grabbing the phone off the hook, she puffed, Hello!

Hi Cara, it’s Marge from Alabaster Cruises. I'm calling to let you know that the assignment in Alaska has been canceled, but we still need you! Can you go to Bermuda?

The sun felt intensely warm on her skin. Letting the bikini straps fall off of her shoulders, exposing her white skin, Cara said, Bermuda. Yes! That would be just fine with me. A few months in the tropics and out on the high seas would be an invited change. Sure I'll happily take Bermuda in June. I'd better start a tan to take with me also. Exposing her slender figure to the sun, she laid back and smiled about thoughts of Bermuda.

Bags that were previously packed for Alaskan weather would obviously have to be revamped now. Skimpy summer tops and shorts were more like her choice of attire anyway. Cara reflected her decision to take the job on the ship. She was anxious to leave. The hour was getting closer and her boyfriend David was not taking the parting very well. He made that a point of the whole weekend while with her.

Cara craved to have a comfortable lifestyle and find her perfect man: her soulmate. She knew that he existed. She had seen him many times when she would close her eyes, and try to find his presence. He would be tall, handsome, with beautiful blondish brown hair that shimmered in the sun, and bedroom blue eyes that could romance a woman from across the seas. She had known for the last few years that when she first saw him she would know it within her soul. She would recognize his eyes. The Gypsy had told her so, and the Gypsy had been right about so many other things. How could HE not happen too?

Cara's heart yearned to travel and meet people. Having experienced, at the early age of 22, a relationship with one of America's most famous bachelors, she knew the real essence of men. What they were really about. She had also dated many men who were happy just to feast their eyes upon her face—men who had not expected a brilliant mind behind the beauty. She had seen the world through her own deep brown eyes and other people’s eyes as well. Dining with sheiks and being romanced by men of the world, her tastes were expensive and her expectations high!

Because the position required being away from home for three months, Cara's life was about to take on a sudden new twist that would change her fate forever. Smiling, she stuffed her black high-heel pumps into her bag. There would definitely be occasions to dress up, so she would need these! Cara had even bought a new evening dress, just in case there was someone special she would like to make the right impression on. Maybe he was tall, blonde, and blue eyed. She fantasized, as the suitcase’s zipper went zippp...!

David's eyes began to well with tears as he pulled over to the side of the road and stopped the car. He needed to tell her how much he was going to miss her, even as tears rolled down his cheeks.

Cara, I don't want you to leave me even if it is only for three months. This hit her right in the heart. She loved him very much and cared even more, yet this was not the man who was her mirror image. Inside her heart and soul she knew that David was not him; the man she had often envisioned in her mind. She felt almost guilty and very unsure of what to do at the moment. A part of her wanted to run as far and as fast as it could, and another was torn to stay with him.

Finally, after a few minutes, David pulled himself together and got back onto the road. Not wanting to make her feel uncomfortable, he drove without saying anything more during the ride to her house.

Today was Friday. Tomorrow she would be on the plane flying to New York, to meet the ship. She would be working on the Soul of America. Cara sat and thought about what it might look like, as they drove back to her house.

Was this going to be a Love Boat? What kind of people would she be meeting, and what would her coworkers be like? She was a very talented lady and this time she would be applying her administrative assistant skills on the job. When she first felt the desire to travel on a cruise ship, being an assistant was the first concept that came to mind as a perfect position aboard. She felt much honored to have this job. Twenty-five applicants had applied, with only six being hired. Yes, she was sure that she wanted this job. Cara wanted to travel and meet people.

Cara became more restless as the plane landed in New York. She had not slept a wink on the Red Eye flight, and was coughed-on all the way there by a sick woman behind her.

The plane wheels clanked as they came down to contact the ground. Thump, bump. With nervous knots in her stomach and excitement in her eyes, she undid her seat belt. "I'll let the other people get off the plane. I’ll just relax while they bustle with the bags stored overhead," she thought to herself. The airport appeared smaller through the small oval window. It was massive though, as people ran here and there.

Outside the plane, bags were loaded onto carts as she spotted hers. She laughed as the bag carrier fought with its weight. It was big, black, and probably the heaviest one on the cart. Her suitcase had been snuck through the scales while the ticket agent smiled. It was 15 lbs. too heavy but they let it through anyway. Cara leaned towards her and whispered, It'll be a three month stay on the ship and I’ll need my nice dresses too! They laughed together, being that they both liked nice things for the right moment, the statement was understood.

Not noticing that the passengers had cleared off the plane, she was still sitting and daydreaming as the flight attendant caught her attention, Do you need help with your bags up there? You looked heavy into that thought you were having.

Cara looked up from the window and smiled, Thanks, but I can get it. Down the isle of the plane she walked, full of anticipation about New York and the new job. The airport was packed with people from all over the world. She was surely in New York. She had to be! This was the craziest airport she had ever seen.

Noise surrounded her, as she caught bits and pieces of conversations here and there. But they lost some of my things when my bag came open, a young girl cried to her mother. I don't want to go down the moving stairs! They scare me, cried a six-year-old boy, as his mother tried to assure him that he would be all right. No luck, he screamed at the top of his lungs. As his loud cry bellowed out, the mother gave in. She took the long walk down the stairs to baggage claim. A very long walk, but this young man was not going to budge.

A tall, dark-haired executive-looking male eyed her. He smiled as she stepped onto the escalator just in front of him, his eyes undressing her. No. This was not him. Definitely not the man her soul sought. She flipped her long hair behind her, as she snubbed his carnal desires, broadcast so loud, her ears were almost whirring. Her radar was strong this morning, as she read the people’s faces. They stood in lines, tired and moaning in their minds. Thoughts of, "Why isn't this line moving any faster? rang out, and Wow, look at those legs and butt," as an eighty-year-old teenager watched a girl young enough to be his great-granddaughter.

A woman who had had one too many, OK, three too many, fell onto her. The drunken woman fell over the rope and knocked Cara's bag off the little handcart that she had brought to carry her bags with. She rolled her eyes, while the lady flailed her legs in the air. The woman's sunglasses sat sideways on her face. Her lipstick smeared sideways and upward, while she tried to apologize in nothing but slurs.

Cara let out a laugh. She had to laugh! Not even on the ground fifteen minutes in New York, and already the chaos was beginning. Surely not an omen she hoped, while she extended a hand to the lady with sideways glasses, who was still trying to get out of the circle of bags she had landed on. The woman could barely stand on her feet.

Cara put her bags back onto the small undersized cart. Now she had to find a bus to Long Island. The cheapest one that she could find would do, even if it meant having a longer ride to the ship terminal.

As she stepped outside, the mugginess of the air hit her. Ugh, she muttered to herself, while trying to flag down the Long Island terminal shuttle. The brakes squeaked loudly in her ear as the bus stopped in front of her.

Long Island? the bus driver yelled over the loud rumble of other buses pulling from the curb.

She smiled and said, "Yes. How much?

Thirteen dollars to be exact!" he shot back, in his fast New York accent. Her bags were loaded under the shuttle bus. The driver jumped up the stairs and turned to collect her fare, then shifted into gear and pulled out.

As Cara Lynn looked around the airport, she wondered where all the skyscrapers that she had heard about were.

Observing the passengers on the shuttle intently, she decided this group of people was gathered from all around the world. The freeways were rough and bumpy, and the heat was beginning to wear on her. Food! That was it, she needed food.

Not eating much on the flight, her stomach started to growl. The man next to her shot a strange glance as he heard it grumble. She put her eyes down and looked away.

Feeling no need for karmic involvement with any of these people, she figured it was best that they all just kept on going to where they were headed. She just wanted to make the ship to Bermuda.

Cara asked the bus driver how close he was going to get to the cruise ship terminal on Long Island. Last stop is about six miles ma'am, but you can catch the number 2290 bus. It'll stop about one block from there. She looked out at the cars on the freeway. The people drove like they were on the Autobahn, with no speed limits.

Turn signals, hell no, those were for rural folks. No time for politeness on this stretch of road.

Skyscrapers began to appear as they crossed the bridge into downtown New York, looking big and massive, just as she had seen on television. As the shuttle began to pull onto the downtown city streets she looked up. That was the only way to view skyscrapers from this distance. Cara wondered how people could go that high in a building and still feel safe. It scared her to just think about doing it.

Not much traffic right now. It was 7:30 am, and the smell of coffee penetrated the city air, amidst loud horns and the occasional yell across the street. This was not the type of traffic she had seen on television and in movies of New York. Where were all the cabs?

Cara asked the bus driver about the empty streets. Just starting to get up and out around here. Come about nine, the streets'll be filled. People will be bustling around like the rats that live underground. The only difference is they’re in the sewer and we’re in the streets. The people round here still act like rats though. Been doing this route for twenty years now—I know when each homeless person has moved on from their alley, and where the biggest drug deals go down. Yes, ma'am! Welcome to New York!

With that statement, he pulled the brakes, and said, Last stop! This is it!

Cara pulled five bucks from her wallet. She got off the shuttle and laid it in his hand as he stood her bag cart upright. Thanks, and here’s to another twenty years for you. Keep up the great attitude! Cara admired a man who could drive a bus in this city and still be doing it twenty years later, smiling, and helping out with information at the same time.

Cara walked into the Terminal where the ships were docked. She was awed at the first sight of the Soul of America. Nearly 600 feet long, and as tall as an eleven-story building, all 37,584 tons of its white and blue surface glimmered in the morning light. Walking into the terminal, she felt the top deck of the ship looming above her head. "What a beauty!" she thought to herself. Approaching the crew’s boarding plank, she noticed the variety of nationalities the crew was made up of. These people also seemed to be from all over the world!

A handsome and muscular man approached her, and said in an accent, May I help you, miss? You look a little lost and confused. He had a thick Jamaican accent, causing his words came out together as if they were one long word.

She smiled at him, "Yes, maybe you can help me. I’m supposed to board today for the administrative assistant position. I'm supposed to be assisting the Staff Captain. Let me try and find my letter of introduction. I think it's here is my purse. Here it is. It says that I’m to report to a Mr. Daniel Wright. Staff captain of the Soul of America. I guess this is the right ship."

"Yes Miss, this is the dependable and trustworthy crew of the Soul of America. He waved his hand in an upward motion towards the plank and said, All lovely ladies step right this way. Yes, that means you, miss, with all your pretty blond curls. Right this way. I will take you to Daniel's office."

As she walked down the ship’s corridors it seemed so much bigger from the inside. Once inside the ship, she felt as if it was a world all of its own. The young man introduced himself as he escorted her up to the bridge deck. Name's Charles. I come from Jamaica. And you?

California. The San Francisco Bay Area. Born and raised up country in the northern area.

Charles pulled open the large oak door, motioning her inside. Sitting at the front desk in the big office, was a young redhead. She looked up and smiled.

Hi. My name's Tracy and you must be the new assistant?

Cara smiled and answered, Yes. Pleased to meet you. My name is Cara Brighton. Cara liked the decor of the office. It felt homey and lived in, yet was also very lavish.

Tracy jumped up and extended her hand, Welcome aboard! Have you been on any other ships?

No, this is my first.

Charles smiled at Cara, and said, Well, you’ll be in good hands here with the staff, so I'll just get back to my duties. Cara thanked him as he disappeared out the big oak doors.

Tracy informed Cara that she would be training her this week and that she would depart ship the next Sunday when they got back from Bermuda. Tracy disappeared behind another set of large doors for a few minutes, and then bounced back.

I’ll show you to your cabin and help you get settled in. Follow me.

Tracy had a bounce in her step as she walked. Maybe it was the effect that the ship had on her. Cara sure hoped so, because she could sure use a bounce in her step like that one.

Tracy handed Cara a brass key. I'll let you do the honors of opening your door. Make yourself at home, and get yourself settled in first. Lunch will be served in two hours, so you can meet me back at the office, and I'll show you where the staff lounge is. After lunch I'll show you around the ship so that you can get acquainted with some of the other people working here.

Cara stepped into her small and modest cabin, looked around and laughed. Not much room here. Hope I didn't bring too many things.

Tracy let out a laugh also. I thought they were too small when I first got here, but you'll learn to adjust well. You’re only going to be here for three months right?

Yes, three months is what my contract says.

OK, Cara, you'll be fine. I’d better get back before Daniel realizes how long I've been gone. We don't need him sending a search party out after me, which is about his style. You'll meet Daniel after lunch and you'll see he’s a very serious man. Also a clock-watcher, but once he gets to know you, you'll swear that you could not find a better Staff Captain to work with. See you around twelve back at the office. If you need me, the phone’s right there on the wall. Just dial extension 7700, and you'll be able to reach me.

Cara smiled as she watched Tracy disappear down the small hallway around the corner. She was sure that she was going to like this job.

CHAPTER TWO

The luggage had already been brought to her room. Cara heard whistling coming from a nearby room. She stuck her head out the door, looking right at a short, muscular man in uniform waving a rag and singing to himself. He threw the rag over his shoulder as he turned around. Walking towards Cara’s direction, he asked, All your bags in order, ma'am?

Yes. Who brought them here for me?

The pleasure was mine. Name's Turbin. At your service as cabin steward. Extending his large hand to shake he smiled at her.

Hello, I'm Cara from California, pleased to make your acquaintance.

Holler if you need anything, little lady. I'll be sure to try and make you feel right at home.

Turbin went back down the hallway to finish his last cabin for the morning. He began singing again in his Caribbean accent. Something about a pretty lady from California, with the most golden hair he'd ever seen.

Cara smiled to herself as she sat on her bed. These were going to be some pretty friendly people to work with, she thought.

Being both tired and excited at the same time, she wanted to get settled in. She was also anxious