He offers me a better room, but with a catch

“Mr. Charles,” the housekeeper addressed me. He takes me to a quieter part of the hallway to speak to me. I detect some discretion in his doing so. “I have been informed of your status, and it has come to my attention from another passenger who has asked if there are others who are doing what you plan to do onboard. Just so you are aware, but you are not the only person who wishes to take such pills on the cruise. As the head of housekeeping, I’d like to make you aware of an offer we’d like to make. You may continue staying in your assigned cabin and enjoy the cruise on your terms, or we can have you reassigned to a much larger room. The catch is, you’ll be staying with the passenger I just mentioned. What do you say?”

He gives me a moment to consider. I can stay in the cabin that is assigned to myself and Nathan and live with the basic amenities that are on offer for a regular passenger like me. Or I can essentially be upgraded to a larger suite but share it with an unknown passenger. And to add, this person will know that I am using X-Change on the cruise. I wouldn’t know their identity or their intentions until I met them in person. It is sort of a deal breaker, but I find a thrill in the offer.

“I think I will take the offer, Sir,” I tell him. He nods and hands me back my papers. He has someone take my luggage and we follow him to the elevator bank, riding it up to a higher deck. Along the way, the head housekeeper, whose name is Jeffrey, mentions that the passenger is currently onboard, but hasn’t made their way to the suite. Whoever they are, they have arranged with the staff that they present the offer and whoever takes it would be escorted to the suite to have them acquainted with the arrangements and the provided services. Since I’ve been upgraded to a Loft Suite, restrictions on higher-tiered amenities and resources have been lifted. Jeffrey also mentions that the particular suite I’ve been reassigned to usually goes for five grand per night.

Once we have ridden up to the particular deck, I’m presented with a hallway where all of the doors, double doors if I may add, are spaced far apart and there are only about twelve sets of doors on this deck. I’m escorted towards the center of the ship the housekeepers allow me to enter. Once inside, I’m greeted with a large living space, with some stairs that ascend to a second floor that overlooks the first. Large windows allow the natural light to enter, and I discover that the view from this suite overlooks the main pool area as well as a courtyard several decks below. My luggage is set aside and Jeffrey lists out the services available to me.

“Mr. Charles, and I assume later on, you would be Ms. Charlene,” he starts, familiarizing himself with my separate identities. I nod in approval. “Having been reassigned to the Loft Suite, the whole ship is your oyster. With this suite, we can provide in-room dining and beverages for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I am personally one phone call away, just ask for me by name. I shall leave you now, so you can prepare yourself for our client. I suggest staying here until they arrive, so you can meet them in person and get acquainted. Surely their bags will arrive before them.” He gestures his farewell and leaves me alone in the suite.

I waste no time and retrieve the bottle of Pink Basics from my luggage. I also decide what kind of outfit I would wear. Knowing that the client has enough money to stay in such a suite for a week or so, I assume they would be more receptive to someone wearing appropriate attire. I chose a two-piece dress that consists of a short-sleeve top tied at the front and a long skirt with slips for my legs. I also decided to wear a set of strappy wedges in a color that goes with the dress, which is colored white and has several palm fronds as decoration. Of course, with it being summer and our destination to a tropical region, I put on a two-piece bikini underneath this dress. So, if the chance arises that I’d been going for a dip in a pool, I’d be ready.

I find the lavish bathroom and pop a Basic, changing me from a male with a lanky build to a stunning brunette with a thin shape, like a model. I twirl my hair, feeling comfortable as Charlene. I make haste getting into my outfit and shoes and to complete it, I do my makeup, choosing a minimalist look. Returning to the living space, I walk about, feeling the sway of my hips in the dress, my hair flopping about. I feel comfortable enough to walk out onto the balcony that overlooks the pool area. By now, it has been three or so hours since the gangways have been opened. Already, a dance party has erupted, signaling the initial festivities before the boat leaves the port. There are people on lounge chairs, taking in the sun, wonderful bodies in the pool, and cool beverages being served at the numerous bars.

Somehow, I feel eyes looking up at this goddess on this elevated balcony and for some reason, I feel inclined to walk the length of it, feeling the warm breeze ripple my skirt and hair about. I don’t dare to look down at those beholding me. What if someone down there is the client Jeffrey had talked about? If that was the case, then I was already giving them a preview of their cabin mate, knowing that the goddess was a man on X-Change.

I retreat back into the suite, walking to the phone and picking it up. I do not have to dial anything, as there is what I believe is a concierge on the other line. I ask for Jeffrey, whom the concierge immediately transfers me to. I request a cool drink. Moments later, he arrived with a pina colada, but also what I believe is the bags for my cabin mate. In the hallway, I somehow catch the face of Nathan, but when I do a double take, I find no sign of him. Did he follow me? Can he even be up here?

A refreshing sip takes my mind off thoughts of my former cabin mate. He’s probably wondering where I went or will eventually find out I’m not in the cabin when he makes his return there. I take my drink to the couch, where I spend an hour or two watching TV. I settled on a channel that was a live broadcast of festivities onboard. And who do I see getting an exclusive interview? My ex-girlfriend, Stephanie!

I changed the channel to one that shows movies back-to-back. The new Tomb Raider film begins, and I am sort of amazed that this younger Lara Croft somewhat looks like me. My thoughts drift to what my client would be like. They are obviously rich or have a job that can provide the means to stay in this Loft Suite. Is the client a man or a woman? And are they here alone or do they have a friend tagging along?

After the movie is over, I finish my drink. Not long after, I hear the door to the suite open and with it, what sounds like a conversation happening. I can already tell it’s not Jeffrey, as his Jamaican accent is unmistakable by now. I decide I will be a good guest and meet the client as they come in. I get to my feet and head towards the foyer.