From time to time, there would be a specialty theme cruise that was booked. 'Hawaiian Luau', 'Mardi Gras', various holiday themes etc.. It would be a break in the monotony, a different menu and a more festive crowd.
One of my favourites was 'Monte Carlo' Night. They would bring in a roulette wheel, a poker table, a blackjack table the whole works. And all this would really showcase 'Blackie' because he could really cut loose.
Blackie was one of the rudest, lewdest people I knew with the filthiest of minds. And he was Mrs. Branaugh's son from a previous marraige. Blackie was in his thirties but looked like he was about 18 and used this wherever he could. Flattering older ladies for bigger tips or trying to get in the pants of random youngsters of dubious legality.
'Monte Carlo' Night was where he really shone.
"Poker in the Front; Liqour in the Rear." was his mantra for those evenings, chanting it to any and every guest.
Blackie would normally keep himself in check, only making the most vulgar comments when absolutely necessary, but on those nights, when the alcohol was flowing as freely as the money, he would really pull out the stops. I was always amazed at the lack of lawsuits in the face of his more aggregious behavior, whether from guests or co-workers.
One day he turned to me after some snarky, borderline kiddie-porn comment and asked me, "I still pass for 18, do you think I will ever get old?"
I thought for a moment then replied, "Blackie, out there somewhere in an attic or locked room in a dusty old home, I am sure that there is painting of you that is all sorts of fucked up."
Blackie gave me an inquisitive look and waited a bit for an explanation. When the answer was not forthcoming, he gave a little, uneasy chuckle and went on his way. Captain Bob had been in hearing range and asked what I had meant by the comment. I told Bob that at the moment Blackie had made his last quip, it had stuck me that Blackie was in fact Dorian Gray and no one would ever be able to convince me otherwise.
I sometimes wonder if Blackie ever caught my reference. I often wonder if he ever/will ever meet with the same fate as Wilde's character.
