Safe Harbor

Chapter 2-2

The crew went through drills from first aid to fire fighting. They were shown a DVD on the use of fire extinguishers and fire hoses.

A rep from the cruise line added, “Never be afraid to drag a fire hose in and use it. We can clean later. That’s far better than letting a fire get out of hand, which on a ship can be devastating.”

Back in the kitchen, where Solomon was the happiest, preparing to serve, there were reminders on the importance of proper food handling and cleanliness by the same stone-faced rep.

“We have one standard, not one that we parade before passengers, and another that we secretly do. The cruise industry is sadly known for making passengers ill. We are fully committed to keeping them, and our crew, healthy. Proper and frequent hand washing is required, as well as prescribed food handling and refrigeration. You will not get in trouble for reporting problems or adhering to protocol. We know crews on some lines are overworked and mistreated. I am a daughter of the founder. Our family supports crew members as part of our extended family. We will work you hard but reward you and give proper time off. There is a fitness center for you.” She kept a stoic face. “I hope, and my father hopes, you will use it.”

Solomon considered making some appearances in the gym. He and Mikhail used to work out, and Mikhail had a way of making it fun. He sighed. “After all those years, he’s back in my life. Damn.”

Jimmy teasingly poked Solomon. “She’s beautiful even when she doesn’t smile. Do you think she’ll marry me?”

“Of course. She’s clearly a masochist.” He chuckled and poked Jimmy back. “Have you asked your wife?”

“Oh, you’re growing a sense of humor. Good. Soon you’ll come into puberty.”

Jimmy and Solomon got along well. Jimmy rarely teased Solomon for his quiet and stoic ways and adherence to Jewish customs or about being gay. Jimmy even quit swearing in respect for Solomon.

The rep walked among the crew. “In a few days, it will be the first day of the Jewish holiday Hanukkah. We have a Rabbi on board, a passenger, who will hold a special worship session. As an exception, crew are welcome to join passengers. Remember to review your handbooks so you have a basic understand of this holiday and the others coming up: Christmas, Kwanzaa, and so on. We respect our passengers and each other.”

The meeting ended, and employees returned to assigned duties. Solomon double-checked the tables in his service area for the first dinner serving.

It was inevitable. In a corner of the kitchen, Solomon ran into Mikhail.

After a few moments of awkward silence, Mikhail extended his hand. “Shalom, Solomon. I hope you’re well.”

Anger washed over Solomon. “Schmuck. Stay away from me.” He slapped Mikhail’s hand away and turned his back.

“I wrote you one hundred apology notes. I’m sorry you carry so much pain. Maybe a rabbi can help.”

Solomon ignored him.

Mikhail didn’t let it go. “The Bible doesn’t teach us to carry hate.”

“It doesn’t teach back stabbing, either.”

Solomon stormed out. He took deep breaths to calm himself and said a quick prayer. He took his job seriously and had to be exuberant for the passengers. He tried to push from his mind the years of history with Mikhail, starting when they were ten. At fourteen, they got jobs as busboys together and kept their friendship despite going to different high schools. They went to the same college,

He prayed. Dear God, scratch him from my memory.