750 Word - Single and Near Sixty

Note to Readers: Please be kind, this is a 750-word entry for the750 Word Project 2025.

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It was the first full day at sea, and the members of the "Single and Near Sixty" cruise were gathered in Neptune's lounge for a meet and greet.

Frank had found a table up and away from other members. The event reminded him of the cattle auction, all that was missing was the auctioneer.

"You're not mixing and mingling," Penny looked for his name tag, "Frank."

Frank looked at the attractive young woman standing in front of him, "Well, Penny, I'm really not much of a mixer or mingler."

"Any reason why not?" Penny was curious. Frank was an attractive older man, exactly the type of man that was perfect for these cruises.

He pointed towards the group of women circulating in Neptune's lounge, "They're like sharks, looking for fresh meat to feed on. They're looking for a trophy to drag home and display at the afternoon bridge club."

She looked at the group of women Frank was referring to. In her mind she agreed with his assessment. The women that were typically attracted to these cruises were looking for a man, and more often than not, financial security and companionship. For that security they would be more than free with giving out sex to corral an eligible male.

Some of the men were attempting to relive their glory days, chasing women and now with the help of Pfizer, having sex. For some of the men present their conquest might only be the second woman they had sex with.

"Mind if I sit?" Penny asked.

"Please," Frank responded, "Be my guest. At least I know you're not one of the sharks."

"Thanks," Penny was grateful to get off her feet.

She had entered the six-digit number from his name badge into her iPad Mini, retrieving his profile. She noted that he was a widower and had been so for six years.

It had been her experience, having worked these cruises for four years that most of the men were excited at the prospect of being pursued, and bedded by mature women who were still in their sexual prime. Once in international waters the onboard sales of the little blue pill skyrocketed, earning the cruises the "Viagra Vacation" nickname.

"So why are you here?" Penny was curious.

"My son and daughter thought it would do me good," Frank replied, a smile growing on his face. "They think I need to get out more and explore my options."

"I'm still a bit confused," Penny looked at Frank, "You're a good-looking man, you don't look your age, and you appear to be in good health." She meant what she had said, she thought Frank was very attractive.

Frank sat his drink down and studied Penny. "I'm not interested in Pickleball, and line dancing in the afternoon." He pointed at some of the other men in the lounge, "I don't dress like them, I don't own a golf shirt, golf clubs, or a golf cart. And I don't belong to AARP."

"What are your interests, Frank?"

"I have a motorcycle. I love to ride; it's something I've done for most of my life."

"Why not?" Frank thought to himself, "You've got nothing to lose,"

"I'm more attracted to younger women," Frank looked straight at Penny. "Women your age, Penny. I pursue attractive, young women."

Penny blushed, something about the way he looked at her made her knees weak.

"And do these women like being pursued?"

Frank nodded, "Yes, they do."

"Do you ever catch any of them?" Penny was sure she knew the answer. If Frank was chasing her, she would slow down just to make sure he caught her.

"I don't have to play games like these people, so I'm going to lay it out straight, Penny," Frank's voice was low as he reached over and held Penny's hand. "I don't see a ring on your finger so I'm going to assume you're single. I want to take you out to dinner, I want to take you out dancing until the nightclub closes, then take you back to my cabin and have sex with you on the balcony in the moonlight."

"Well, that was unexpected," Penny was trying to process her thoughts.

"At least you didn't stand up and slap me," Frank cracked a wry grin.

"Well, Frank, I'm good with the first two, dinner and dancing, for the third, can I wait to give you my answer?"

Frank nodded, "I can live with that. What time should I come and get you?"