“Oh just getting changed into something more suitable for the talent competition I’ve entered us in!”
“What talent competition?”
“Oh it’s just an informal little talent competition held below decks.” Christopher explained digging through his roughly packed bag, “Not just for guests either, some of the crew participate as well. They hold one at the start of every voyage.”
“What? That doesn’t interest me at all.”
“But they’re giving away prizes. Massages and dinners and stuff. Maybe something special you could do for your spouse. I thought you’d want to make up for being separated.” He said as he pulled a Hawaiian shirt over his broad chest.
“I can just pay for a massages.”
“Sure but think how much more romantic and meaningful it will be when your lover finds out you went out of your way to fight for a gift instead of just buying one.” He responded buttoning up his shirt. “And I heard there's a mystery prize at the end that can’t be bought, think of how special that would make the gift.”
He was making a lot of sense. This would definitely earn me some good husband points.
“And what would my talent be then?”
“You use to have that stage magic hobby when we were kids didn’t you?” he asked fitting a pair or worn out boxer briefs over snugly over his dangling monster. “Put on a fancy suit and make something disappear or shrink or whatever.”
“Hmm I guess I could bust out an old card trick or two.”
“Great! It’s settled then.” Christopher finally pulled some jeans over his bulging underwear “Now get changed and lets go.”
-
I had decided to wear my three piece suit. I was hoping having a little extra style would impress the judge. Also the jacket had long sleeves which would help during my tricks.
As we waited back stage I saw Christopher happily chatting with the old bearded man who had given us consent forms to sign for insurance reasons. I was a bit too nervous to make small talk and instead opted to fiddle with my bow-tie making sure it was straight. I watched the old man walk off and my brother came over to talk to me.
“That was the judge, nice guy.”
“Did you find anything out about how they’re running the contest?” I asked, eager for some inside information.
“Nah mostly just made small talk, told me about his kids and of course I had to mention my darling nephews.”
Just then we were interrupted as a loud voice echoed through the speaker system.
“All right welcome crew and guests to the Cast Off Talent Show, are you all ready to see some big talent tonight!?” the voice boomed, I looked at who was speaking on stage, it was a man wearing an obnoxious shirt and sunglasses, “All right then! As usual my name is Hoyt and I’ll be your host for this evening. Judging our contest and making sure everything is above aboard (figuratively speaking of course) is Mr Jay. Now without further ado let’s bring on our contestants!”
Four other men, my brother and I were ushered onto the stage and positioned in a lineup facing the crowd.
“Okay, contestant number one,” Hoyt the Host approached a grizzled man on the left side of the line, “Tell us a little about yourself!”
“I’m Theo, I’m work in the engine room, and this is my fifth time competing, and I’ve won something every time.”
“All right well lets see if you can keep that streak going,” Hoyt said “Cast off and let’s see your talent!”