In 1985, a wealthy client of Rocky’s invited us to join him, his girlfriend, and another couple aboard his 120’ yacht, The Emerald K, for a week’s cruise in the Caribbean. What an experience it was snorkeling in the warm water off St. Croix, exploring the wave-washed caves of Virgin Gorda, shopping at every port, and formal dining on the ship every night. When we climbed on board after a swim in the ocean, a charming crew member would hose us off with warm water. Can you imagine? We were on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, living like the rich and famous and enjoying every moment.

Years later, my brother Bobby invited us to join him on another cruise adventure, not quite as exotic as the Emerald K. He needed to find two models for his first job assignment as a graphic designer, and who better to ask than his big sister and brother-in-law.

Cabot Cove Townhouses hired him to create a full-page magazine ad with a photo of two lovers setting sail to some .

With camera and props in tow, we headed to our destination. Bobby took photos of Rocky and me 'on deck' holding hands, and I couldn’t help but think of Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio in the 1997 movie Titanic.

As you can see, we dressed in nautical style. Rocky wore his white duck trousers and blue double-breasted blazer, and I wore a navy and white cable-knit sweater and pleated skirt (not really my style). The weather was nothing like our trip to the Caribbean; instead, the skies were gray, there was no gentle breeze nor billowing white clouds.

We were actually two miles from home, standing on an overpass at the Miller/Kelton exit (off I70) during rush hour. What looks like the ocean and sky (photoshop) is actually a concrete highway, fast-moving cars, semis, and crazy people honking at us. There wasn’t even a hint of sunshine, just a cold drizzle and a gusty wind. What appears to be a wooden railing is actually a metal rail that Rocky and Bobby wrapped in light brown contact paper to make it look like we’re on a yacht.

And the worst part - Rocky and I were not two lovers gazing into each other’s eyes that day. We were in the midst of a huge argument, and I wanted to kick him; the smiles plastered on our faces were 100% fake. The navy and white sweater I’m wearing was a gift from Bobby so that I would look the part. After having to stare into Rocky’s eyes for thirty minutes in freezing drizzle, Bobby finally got the shot he needed. Rocky and I ran back to our parked car, hopped in, turned up the heat, and sailed right back to Bexley.

I don’t remember what Rocky and I fought about that day, but we quickly made amends. Bobby moved on to his next assignment, it was the end of our modeling career,  and I never wore the sweater again.