The breeze from the climate control system cooled the heat waves. An incoming message appeared, accompanied by the caption "My sweet Hagit," obscuring my GPS. In one second, I would hear her caressing voice. In another half hour, I would hug the soft curves of her body. The melody of the old hit "Blue Velvet" was playing, waiting for me to press the button and get the call. I paused. Relishing for a few more moments the tune we both loved, feeling that life was showing me a bright face. I pressed "Accept" and a masculine, slightly belligerent voice suddenly obliterated the high and the romance that had permeated the car. "Charlie here..."

I did not understand at first why this man was using my sweetheart's cell phone. Maybe something had happened to her? A shiver went through me. Then he continued: "Hagit and I have been in love for several years. Forget about your cruise. And in general—get lost." I was shocked. I felt like hell. Suddenly, an elephant was sitting on my chest.