Chapter 5
“Liz is having a meltdown.”
“A meltdown or throwing a tantrum?” Gloria asked.
“Danielle called it a meltdown,” Millie said.
“Ten bucks says it involves bingo. I knew all along she wasn’t hanging out in the library.”
“I have to say I had my doubts as well. I can’t remember the last time your sister cracked open a book,” Ruth joked.
“Only if it’s a catalog selling high-end merchandise,” Lucy laughed.
“You know what positive I see about Liz?” Millie didn’t wait for them to answer. “She hasn’t changed after all these years.”
“Except for the fact that she now has a rich hubby who spoils her rotten.” Gloria rose to her feet. “We had better find out what kind of trouble she’s gotten herself into.”
Moving at a brisk clip, the women strolled to the specialty coffee shop. One of the more popular spots, the upper atrium offered a bird’s-eye view of the lower decks. From their vantage point, Millie noticed Felix standing on the stage, microphone in hand. “Bingo.”
“You spotted Liz and Danielle?”
“No. Bingo. You were right. Felix is hosting music bingo.”
Margaret leaned over the railing, peering down. “I don’t see any sort of crowd gathering.”
Millie spun in a slow circle. “Over there by the railing.” She hustled across the hall with her cousin and friends close behind.
As they drew closer, Millie noticed not only Danielle and Liz, but also Oscar.
Liz, her cheeks bright red, waved a bingo card in his face. “…rip-off I’ve ever seen.”
Millie tapped her on the shoulder. “What’s going on?”
“These bingo games are a racket. I figured I would buy a few cards and at least win one game.”
“A few?” Gloria flicked the corner of a card, one of dozens covering every square inch of the cocktail tables Liz had lined up along the wall.
“Well…maybe more than a few.”
“Your bingo addiction is out of control. Just because you bought more cards than you can reasonably keep track of doesn’t mean you’ll automatically win.”
“Look around.” Millie made a sweeping motion with her arm. “Most everyone you see is also playing bingo. Based on the number of cards you purchased, your odds are better but by no means guaranteed.”
“I want to win the Effy silver pendant,” Liz pouted.
“You need to give bingo a break, at least for the rest of today.” Gloria grasped her sister’s arm while Lucy began scooping up the cards. “Let’s go have a nice dinner and relax in our sweet suite. We haven’t even finished unpacking.”
“I agree,” Millie said. “We have bingo every single day with some fabulous prizes—cash, cruises, more jewelry.”
“Millie and Gloria are right,” Danielle added. “It’s a numbers game. I’m sure you’ll eventually win.”
For a second it appeared she would resist, but Gloria wasn’t giving up. She held tightly to Liz’s arm and guided her to the walkway. “I was checking out the Blue Seas’ dinner menu. They have some fabulous dishes. Maybe Millie can squeeze in a few moments to join us.”
“I think I can sneak away to grab a quick bite.”
The women reached the entrance to the main dining room. The hostess at the station picked up a handful of menus and led them to the back of the restaurant.
“No ocean view table?” Liz wrinkled her nose. “I thought suite status included premium seating in the dining room.”
“It includes preferred premium seating based on availability,” Millie corrected. “Unfortunately, the dining room is busy and all the tables with a view are taken.”
Liz grumbled under her breath.
Her sister shot her a warning look.
“I’m just annoyed.” She plopped down in the chair, the frown firmly in place while the hostess unfolded her dinner napkin and placed it in her lap.
“Grumpy lumps aren’t allowed,” Dot joked.
“We only allow happy passengers on board.” Millie took the seat between Liz and Gloria, thinking a buffer might be best based on her cousin’s current mood.
“I’ll get over my crankiness.” Liz forced a smile. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” the hostess replied. “Enjoy your meal.”
Their server arrived. She did a double take when she noticed the ship’s cruise director seated at the table. “Miss Millie,” Lisette beamed. “What a surprise to see you.”
Millie introduced her family and friends. “I thought I would grab a bite to eat and hang out until my next hosting event.”
Liz brightened. “Bingo?”
A collective round of groans ensued.
“Kidding. I was kidding.”
“Actually, I’m hosting silent disco this evening.”
It was Lucy’s turn to perk up. “What is silent disco?”
“Dancing to tunes on headphones with different stations to choose from.” Millie attempted to explain which only seemed to confuse them. “Tell you what…show up at ten thirty tonight in the atrium, bring your dancing shoes and plan to boogey down.”
“I think it sounds like fun.” Ruth clapped her hands. “I’m in.”
“Me too,” Lucy said.
“I could stand to burn off the calories I’m about to consume,” Margaret said.
“If Gloria goes, so will I,” Dot said.
Gloria gave her friends a double thumbs up. “Let’s dance the night away.” She turned to Liz. “What about you?”
“I don’t think I brought a pair of suitable dancing shoes.”
“Then dance barefoot.” Millie assured them it would be a highlight of the voyage.
“Are you ready to order?” Lisette asked.
“My gracious, yes.” Millie perused the offerings. “I’ll take a cup of French onion soup and the mushroom risotto for my main course.”
“I like the way you’re thinking.” Gloria shut her menu. “Make it two.”
“Three’s the charm,” Lucy said. “Can’t go wrong with onion soup and risotto.”
Millie waited for Lisette to jot down the rest of the orders, collect the menus and hurry off. “What are your plans for Bimini?”
“The beach,” Liz said. “I need to start working on my tan.”
Millie cleared her throat.
“What is it?” Gloria asked.
“I have some bad news. Forecasters are calling for rain.”
“Great. This vacation is turning into a disaster. I can’t win at bingo and now I won’t get to go to the beach.”
“I have an idea.” Millie tugged her cell phone from her pocket and tapped the screen.
Liz leaned in. “What are you doing?”
“Working on a backup plan.” She playfully blocked her screen. “A surprise.”
“I like surprises,” Dot said.
Millie grew quiet, her brows knitting as she focused on the prompts. “All set.”
“For what?” Gloria asked.
“You’ll have to wait until tomorrow. Let’s meet on the dock at nine sharp. We’re not going to let a little liquid sunshine rain on our parade.”