Their ship of souls.

"Was it a good book?" Poppy was asked by her regular client.

She replied, " Well, yes. It was great. I enjoyed reading about over sixty males and females sailing off on cruise ships." Poppy was finishing off the senior lady's manicure.

"There, the receptionist will take the usual fee for your hair, eyelash tinting and hands done."

The rather large lady smiled in thanks, satisfied with her stylist, who said, "You look fabulous, as usual."

Poppy felt as is she was rapidly arriving at such an age, to retire from years of working for her boss, managing the junior staff, always keeping up to date with the very latest styles and techniques. Sure, she was popular with her steady clientele, but she had been checking prices for a range of relaxing cruises for her anticipated annual vacation. Some were quite within in her price range, so she started setting aside part of her monthly salary.

Poppy invited her sister to test their future leisure in their retirement age by travelling on a medium priced cruise ship. A travelling companion might be more fun. They were both single again, mature, as they quietly hoped either or both of them might meet someone.

Their day arrived at last. Poppy and Suzanne had looked forward to this. They set off to appreciate exotic locations aboard a floating hotel, where every person hoped their needs were met.

Apparently, as Poppy soon learnt, there was a growing demand for tours available for the baby boomers. Many cruise ships had wheelchair accessible gangways and staterooms, as necessary. On board there were excellent dining areas with sumptuous meals, bars and buffets, live entertainment, swimming pools and spas, masseurs, shopping facilities, films, planned activities, party nights, and appropriate excursions at each port.

Also provided were suitable medical facilities, and a doctor. Anyone who had pre-existing health conditions or not, needed to make allowances, and be aware of medical insurance necessities and physical requirements.

But it can all start at sixty on a cruise. Boy meets girl, both survivors with baggage. Is it an on board romance? Poppy wondered if any male over sixty would still love her tomorrow.

"Do they continue to meet after cruising? Is it all only 'ships in the night', and everyone has a great holiday?" She asked Suzanne as they accompanied some other well-groomed women to be seated at their table for their first dinner at sea. Suzanne had made a rescue plan, in case any male wanted an overnighter with either sister. At a certain time each each evening, these boomer gals had decided to be an escort back to their cabin for their beauty sleep.

Poppy was seated on our side of their dining table, while Suzanne was at the far end, soon chatting with some other ladies. Next to Poppy appeared a rather debonair man, Chaz.

Poppy was known to be the most blessed by the best in her family, as her family, as her figure and form meant she was the beauty on the family. As well as that, her spouse was regarded as the best there was. Unfortunately, he had passed some time before.

Poppy had been encouraged to add some suitable evening frocks nights, sailing into the tropical sunset. Her figure was still trim, her upset hair was blonde, suiting her pixie face, and her beautiful skin. Chaz could not helping noticing that her cleavage was well endowed. Of course, Poppy had also shopped for sensible under wiring in this sky blue chiffon low cut dress, totally enriching her intrigued blue eyes.

Under Suzanne's wary gaze, Chaz keenly commenced chatting up Poppy. They soon shared some pertinent vital personal information for future meetings. Chaz was relieved that this attractive lady chance had brought his way lived in the same city as he did, even on the same side of their town. It was far easier, let alone cost effective, to engage locally, instead of trying a long distance relationship.

Chaz told Poppy he was newly retired into his golden years. He had built his reputable career as a respected nurse and counselor. His success stories always quietly thanked him for his sage advice, for being the reason for their smiles. He had finally turned off his pager and work phone for the last time, hoping to explore beauty spots, which had always been one of his bucket list goals.

Chaz had set sail, never really daring to hope he could still turn on such a lady as Poppy. Poppy felt some hidden surging fantasy about this unexpectedly appealing, open-ended booty. She sat back after dinner, to laugh with Chaz at the cruise comedian, then sing along with quite a good crooner, all those tunes of their younger years.

Suzanne appeared from her pleasant evening playing cards with the grey ladies, to save Poppy from any shipboard sudden nonsense. She rapidly obtained Chaz' surname, resolving to check his credibility and story while online, with some trusted medical associates of her long divorced former spouse. As Poppy arose to accompany Suzanne, Chaz stood, clasped her hand, and pecked her cheek, saying, "It's been great to meet you, and you are fun." They quietly arranged to have lunch the next day in the dining room, at

1 pm.

Lunch the next pleasant day was spent sharing senior smiles, with a hint of their tomorrows. Poppy and her sister spent the afternoon receiving their massage, then sunning themselves. Chaz met them for dinner. Under Suzanne's watchful eye, Chaz and Poppy had so many smiles, applauding the later entertainment.

After the matinee, Suzanne had wandered for some other shipboard ladies for cards, while Chaz ordered a rather bottle of white wine, with two fresh glasses. He smiled, inviting, "Let's enjoy the sunset over the sea, and welcome the tropical moon. It's beautiful on deck."

Poppy was developing some magic of love, silent but enchanting. The possible couple stood, as the vivid image of the setting sun lit up in a spectacular display of pink and orange, when Chaz placed his arm around her. She wondered what his first kiss would be like, would she overcome this shyness?

Chaz was really a man of God, but he could not resist leaning in for their smooch. He did not disappoint Poppy's dream, still wondering where this would ever lead. Chaz was sending stars of his own, right as the evening star led the awesome night sky of stars, illuminating their bond.

"Can I contact you when arrive home?' Chaz asked, drawing a heart in her hand. Poppy agreed, as Suzanne found them on deck.

"Older ladies need our beauty sleep." She told Chaz firmly.

"Beauty is always in the eyes of the wine drinker. Our best years can be ahead of us, Poppy."

So those best years were, indeed, as Poppy and Chaz were destined to sail full steam ahead on their ship of souls.