Chapter 8
CHAPTER 8
Suddenly Single—What a Trip!
T rip Tip Question:
Dear Trixie,
Sandy here again. I’m seated at a table for two in the dining room, and dining alone feels a bit awkward in general. Long story short, I’m not a fan. Any tips on how to enjoy my meals and perhaps even meet new people?
Sincerely, Dining Dilemma Sandy
Dear Dining Dilemma Sandy,
I’ve got some great news. Dining alone can be delightful but with the right mindset. First, don’t hesitate to chitchat with your neighbors. Feel free to compliment their meal choice or ask about their day’s adventures. Cruises are actually a great place to make new friends.
Another option is to bring along a good book or journal. Not only is it great company, but you’d be surprised that it’s a great conversation starter, too! And it’s a good way to keep you entertained between courses.
My final suggestion is that if you’re really not feeling it, you can always request a change.Ask the ma?tre d' if you can join a larger table. They’re usually happy to accommodate and seat you with other solo travelers or friendly groups.
Bon appétit and enjoy the company, whether it’s a book or new friends!
XOXO Trixie
Family Group Chat:
Trixie: Hey everyone! Just wanted to say Ransom and his daughter Emerson are joining our family group chat. I just added them! Welcome aboard!
Not only did I finish both of my sweet and savory breakfast offerings, but I went back to the buffet and snapped up another chocolate croissant to make up for the one Elodie ate—okay, so the half that she ate. But believe me, with the way I’m feeling, I could have inhaled a dozen of them.
I did a quick change and just met Bess and Nettie on the gangway where we’re about to take off for tropical pastures. It’s hot and humid, yet the crystal waters are promising us some much needed refreshment.
Stepping off the Emerald Queen and onto the sunlit streets of Nassau feels like stepping into a living, breathing painting. Nassau, with its bustling streets, colorful colonial buildings, and friendly locals, has a way of making you fall in love with it instantly. The blend of history and natural beauty is every bit as enchanting as I hoped it would be.
The brine from the sea mingles with the scent of something delicious grilling in the distance, and the sounds of lively calypso music float through the air. Vendors line the streets, selling everything from fresh coconuts to handmade crafts. The pastel-colored buildings are reminiscent of a time gone by, and they add a special charm to this Bahamian paradise.
“Look at that view,” I say as I follow Bess and Nettie on our new adventure.
Since I was busy with the class this morning, I entrusted the itinerary for the day to them.
Ransom texted and let me know he was busy with the port authority, and I knew he would be. But he did say he couldn’t wait to spend time with me later. Most likely to keep close watch over me in the event another body turns up. That seems to be my most prolific party trick at this point.
Speaking of text messages, I just shot a text to the group chat about a minute ago, and now my phone is going off like a popcorn machine.
Family Group Chat:
Abbey: Yay! Welcome to the group chat, Ransom and Emerson! So glad to have you both here officially!
Parker: About time! Welcome, Ransom and Emerson! You’ve already survived meeting us, so this should be easy, right? ??
Ransom: Thanks, Abbey and Parker! Glad to be here. And yes, Parker, I’m ready for anything this chat throws my way. ??
Emerson: Hi, Abbey and Parker! Excited to be part of the family chat!
Stanton: Oh great, another place for this guy to butt in.
Trixie: Stanton, please. Be civil. This is about family.
Abbey: Seriously, Dad. We like Ransom. He’s great for Mom.
Parker: Yeah, don’t ruin this. We’re all getting along well.
Stanton: Just saying. It’s getting crowded in here.
Ransom: I’m not here to replace anyone, Stanton. Just to support Trixie and be part of the family.
Emerson: We’re just here to get to know everyone better. And we’re looking forward to it, too.
Abbey: We know that, Ransom and Emerson. You’re both awesome. ??
Parker: Agreed. Welcome to the chaos, officially!
Stanton: Whatever. Just don’t expect me to play nice all the time.
Trixie: Can we keep this positive, please? Ransom, Emerson, thanks for being here!
Ransom: Thanks, Trixie. And thanks to you, too, Abbey and Parker. I’m excited to be part of this family.
Emerson: Same here! Can’t wait for family dinners and fun times.
Abbey: We’re happy to have you both! Can’t wait to see you both again. I can’t wait for family dinners either!
Parker: And game nights! Ransom, Emerson, you’re in for some epic Monopoly battles.
Ransom: We’re ready! Bring it on. ??
Stanton: Hope you’re ready for more than just Monopoly, Ransom. And fun fact: Trixie treats real US legal tender as if it were funny money too.
Trixie: Let’s keep it friendly, Stanton. This is a good thing.
Abbey: Totally. Welcome again, Ransom and Emerson! ??
Parker: We’re lucky to have you both.
Stanton: ??
And on that note, I put away my phone and turn my attention back to my favorite octogenarians at hand.
“So where are we headed?” I ask, almost afraid to find out. If I’ve learned anything about these two, it’s that they have their own appetites—and not just for food but adventure.
“We’re going to Paradise Island,” Nettie says with a grin. “Next stop, Cabbage Beach.”
“And a day of pure relaxation,” Bess adds. “I, for one, cannot wait.”
I tick my head wistfully to the side. “It’s like you read my mind.”
We board the ferry to Paradise Island, and on the way over the ride offers stunning views of Nassau’s harbor. The water is a mesmerizing shade of turquoise, and the gentle breeze feels heavenly on my face. As we approach Paradise Island, the grandeur of Atlantis Resort looms in the distance and it’s a stark contrast to the serene beaches we’re heading toward.
Soon enough, we disembark and make our way to Cabbage Beach, a stretch of pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters. We find a beach rental stand and secure three blue and white striped sand chairs and a matching large umbrella. The attendant sets them up for us in a perfect spot, giving us a prime view of the ocean which is just steps away.
I can already feel the sun’s rays working their magic as we grab our drinks from a nearby beach bar—virgin pina coladas all around. Nettie wanted the hard stuff, but since Bess and I couldn’t promise she’d make it back to the ship if she got loaded, she acquiesced. Stopping at one isn’t exactly Nettie’s MO. It’s not mine either, but that generally has to do with lava cake.
“This is the life,” I say, settling into my chair.
“I couldn’t agree more.” Bess raises her glass. “Cheers to a day of relaxation!”
“And to solving mysteries,” Nettie chimes in.
We take a sip of our drinks and they’re a cool, refreshing contrast to the beating hot sun.
But the refreshment doesn’t seem to last long. That conversation with Ransom and those accusations from Quinn are still far too fresh in my mind.
“I’ve been thinking—” I begin as I look to both Bess and Nettie, who happen to be seated on either side of me. “Maybe Quinn is right about all of these homicides we’ve been having. Maybe this is all somehow my fault. I mean, the only way to truly test her theory is for me to leave the ship.”
Bess nearly chokes on her drink. “Over my dead body! You’re not going anywhere.”
“Yeah, Trix,” Nettie says in an alarmingly firm tone that I’ve never heard before. “If you even think about taking off, we’ll throw you into the deep end of the ocean ourselves. The three of us put the T in teamwork, remember?”
More like the T in terror, turmoil, or even plain old trouble.
“But what if Quinn is right?” I say, glaring out at the water as if it were Quinn herself. “What if the passengers would be safer without me around?”
“Hogwash,” Bess says, waving off my concern. “You’re not responsible for what happened. And besides, we need you to help solve this case.”
“Exactly,” Nettie adds. “We’re in this together. And I don’t care what Quinn says. You’re staying put. That woman has a lot of nerve,” Nettie growls. “I vote you off her next , Toots.”
The three of us share a mournful laugh. Okay, so my laugh was mournful, and both Bess and Nettie cackled far too loud as if they were rooting me on in that department.
“Well, I haven’t taken anyone off this planet yet,” I say. “And I’m not starting now. Quinn is safe as far as I’m concerned. But as for the Grim Reaper, well, he seems to have a mind of his own.”
Bess knocks her drink to mine. “I vote we toss the Grim Reaper out of our minds and enjoy this day. We’re on the beach in the Bahamas. To Trixie staying with us forever.” Bess hikes her glass with the toast.
“ Forever ,” Nettie shouts as the three of us touch our pina coladas to one another.
I only wish I was as convinced that I should stay.
We spend the next few hours lounging in the sun, sipping our drinks, and chatting about everything and nothing. The sound of the waves and the warm sun on my skin are soothing, and for a while, I almost forget about the toxic turmoil back on the ship.
“Who’s up for a swim?” Nettie asks, standing and stretching.
“I’m in,” Bess says. “Trixie?”
“Let’s do this,” I say as Bess helps me up.
We make our way to the shoreline as the cool waves lap at our feet. I dive right in, letting the refreshing water wash away any last remnants of tension. We splash around, laughing and enjoying ourselves, and for one brief moment, all of my worries are temporarily forgotten.
But then Lucy Taylor’s face comes back to me and that cloud of guilt is right back with it.
Maybe Bess and Nettie are right. Maybe I am needed here if only to keep them from throwing me into the ocean.
But Lucy deserves justice, and if I’m not going to be investigating this case, I may as well help Ransom from the sidelines.
And that’s exactly what I plan on doing next.
Armchair detective, here I come.