The Cruise Game - 18+

Part 1: Setting Sail - The Game Begins

Foreword:

This piece of writing started off as an experiment in AI assisted 'choose your own game' scripting but quickly developed into an intricate story-driven game with an unusual plot. The format reflects this, with narrative storytelling parts that are dotted continually with prompts that are shown in cursive, and with the protagonist - the nineteen year old Dale - who is referred to both in the third person and in the second as the plot follows the CYOA format. The story revolves around a secret game of teasing that three older women (Anita, Tasha and Sabine) decide to play to make their cruise more interesting at the expense of the unknowing protagonist, who happens to be the boyfriend that Anita's daughter Olivia recently dumped after a long relationship - and whose invitation to join the cruise didn't get revoked...

I hope you enjoy it and will serialise the first parts of it based on whether it appeals to readers, so let me know if you want to see more!
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1: Setting Sail – The Game Begins

The sun is high as Dale steps onto the luxurious cruise liner, the scent of sea salt in the air and the promise of adventure buzzing beneath his skin. A three-week Mediterranean voyage, stopping in places like Santorini, Capri, and the French Riviera—it's the kind of trip people dream about.

As he steps onto the deck, his ex's mother, Anita Denvers, gives him a soft smile. She's dressed in an elegant white sundress, her toned legs peeking through the slit as the wind tousles her dark hair. Dale has always known her as warm but reserved, someone who carries a quiet, mature beauty.

Her sister, Tasha, is the complete opposite—curvy, confident, and vibrant, already wearing a daring red bikini under her sheer cover-up. She gives him a playful wink as she sips a mimosa, her sunglasses hiding her eyes.

And then there's their friend Sabine—tall, statuesque, and effortlessly chic in a silk wrap dress that hints at her long legs and tanned skin. She watches Dale with a knowing smirk, her fingers idly toying with her wedding ring.

As they set sail, Tasha clinks her glass against Anita's and Sabine's, saying with a mischievous grin, "To a summer of indulgence, ladies."

Dale looks around as the other passengers are also milling around as the ship leaves harbour holding their own welcome drinks. He's a little unsure of himself as he'd only met Olivia's mum and aunt a few times while he dated her and fears they still think of him as a young boy though he's a grown man. He also looks at the husbands: Tasha's husband Sergio has a camera and is engrossed in snapping pictures of the harbour while Sabine's husband Dario is on his phone talking business. His ex-girlfriend Olivia, Anita's daughter, is a little way off from them, chatting with another girl friend of hers - she's made it clear that she's not happy that Dale still got invited to this trip though they broke up, and doesn't want him cramping her style. He decides to play it politely, thanking Anita again for her generous invitation and smiling politely so he can be introduced to Sabine too. He then goes on asking them casually what they plan to do most of during the cruise and at the first port of call.

Anita gives you a small, appreciative smile as you thank her. "It's good to have you here, Dale," she says, her voice warm but measured. She gestures toward Sabine. "This is Sabine—she's a friend of mine from work."

Sabine turns her attention to you fully now, her smirk deepening as she extends her hand. "Ah, so you're the young man I've heard about," she says in a teasing tone. Her grip is firm, her fingers lingering just a little longer than necessary. "Your reputation precedes you."

Tasha, sipping her mimosa, gives a little chuckle. "He's being polite, Sabine. He wants to know what we plan to do with ourselves on this trip."

Sabine raises an eyebrow, glancing between Anita and Tasha before her lips curve into a knowing smile. "Oh, I think we'll find ways to enjoy ourselves."

Anita, perhaps sensing the undertone, clears her throat and keeps things neutral. "I'm looking forward to some relaxation," she says. "The spa, reading by the pool. It's been a while since I really unplugged from everything."

Tasha smirks. "Oh, come now, Anita. You can relax at home. We're here for a bit of excitement." She turns to you. "Dale, do you dance? There's a Latin night at the main deck tonight, and I expect you to show me at least one move."

Sabine laughs softly, tilting her head. "I'd like to see that."

Anita shakes her head with a small smile. "Don't let them bully you, Dale."

Meanwhile, you glance over at Sergio and Dario—Tasha's husband is still absorbed in his camera, clicking away at the coastline, while Sabine's husband is pacing near the railing, deep in a business call. Olivia, some distance away, pointedly ignores the exchange, still chatting with her friend.

Dale is still a little incredulous at his being there and isn't really aware yet of the women's undertones; he just feels grateful that he's here with them. He resolves to try to find time to chat with each one individually at some point but for now feels the need to be polite to them all. "I dance a little bit, so maybe will practice watching some YouTube videos until tonight, Mrs.Rowland!" he tells Tasha, calling her formally by Sergio's surname to show how respectful he is. Then he adds with a smile to Anita, "I'm okay to be bullied on this holiday so long as it's one of you three, no worries! Reading by the pool and spa sounds great Mrs.Denvers! I've brought a couple of books along if you'd like to borrow one."

Tasha nearly chokes on her mimosa, bursting into laughter at "Mrs. Rowland". She leans in, patting your cheek lightly in amusement. "Oh, you're adorable, Dale," she teases. "Let's see if you still call me that after a few cocktails tonight."

Sabine smirks, clearly entertained, while Anita gives you a soft smile, seeming pleased by your polite demeanor. "That's very sweet of you, Dale," she says when you offer your books. "I might take you up on that if I finish what I brought."

Tasha, still amused, nudges Sabine. "Mrs. Denvers, can you believe this one? Such a gentleman."

Sabine just tilts her head at you. "We'll see how long that lasts," she muses.

Just then, a chime echoes through the ship's speakers, announcing that rooms are now ready for passengers to check in. Anita straightens, brushing a hand over her dress. "We should go find ours," she says. "Dale, I believe you're in the cabin next to Olivia and me?"

Tasha raises an eyebrow. "Ooh, close quarters," she teases.

Anita rolls her eyes at her sister, while Sabine just chuckles. "Shall we?"

As the group makes their way toward the upper decks where the premium suites are located, Dale takes in more of the ship's details. Couples in vacation mode, groups of younger tourists, and even some families with children all filter through the hallways, their excitement buzzing in the air.

As they get there, Tasha leans against her door and sighs dramatically. "I call dibs on poolside drinks once we're settled in."

Sabine stretches languidly. "Maybe even a massage."

Anita unlocks her door, smiling lightly at you before glancing toward Olivia's room. "I'll see you at dinner, Dale," she says warmly.

Tasha winks at you. "Don't get lost on the way to the dance floor, Mr. Diggler."

He's curious to whether he can hear anything from the cabin next door and tries to place a glass to the wall and his ear. Then he showers and changes and decides to explore the ship a bit....